[bella_blue]

I keep hearing and reading that it's good for a dog's digestive system to fast them for one day (or so) out of the month. Does anyone here do this, and if so, what are the pros and cons of doing this?

 

[Sennin]

Do you have links that show a medical/health benefit's to doing this? Ive seen a few members talk about it.

 

[kogeki]

I've read that this is beneficial to them but I can't remember why. I know it happens in the wild alot because they cant always find food.

 

[bella_blue]

Do you have links that show a medical/health benefit's to doing this? Ive seen a few members talk about it.

Here's one: http://www.quikonnex.com/channel/item/14605

Fasting is one of the best ways of detoxifying the body and stimulating healing. When energy is not being used up on digestive processes, the body can concentrate on repair, renewal and fighting disease. Fasting is particularly effective in healing infections, fevers, skin problems and digestive disorders. Animals in the wild will naturally fast when they are ill and so will many domestic pets. Regular fasting of healthy animals will bring enormous health benefits and help to boost their immune systems and keep their bodies free of harmful toxins. Some animals do this naturally on a weekly basis and you may wish to try introducing regular short fast.

A lot of things I've been reading about fasting are in regards to a raw diet. A lot of people fast their dogs once a week when they feed raw. I'm trying to find out if this is also beneficial for a dog that eats kibble.

 

[Bremner53]

I still do it, I had my dogs on RAW and I did it twice a month. I still do it on Kibble. I do it twice a month. Its supposed to be really good for them. So their bodies can get back on track and detox. Its a really LONG day though, they are constantly looking for food.

 

[My3Blullys]

So when you fast them you go a day without feeding right?

 

[HausMommy]

Yes Champ

We fast Haus about once a month. He acts like we're trying to kill him. :?

 

[Kasco]

I don't believe that fasting your dog detoxes him any more than you fasting would detox you. Just MO. I just don't buy it, that's all.

 

[HausMommy]

We do it with Haus to give him a day to clear out his bowels completely.

 

[Lisa]

I fast my dogs on occassion. A good time to do it is if your dogs are having a case of the runs or got into something they maybe shouldn't have. Alot of pet owners over feed their dogs anyways....so a day without eating would probably do alot of dogs good. Maybe I should try that approach with myself....lol. If only it was that easy.

 

[bella_blue]

Maybe I should try that approach with myself....lol. If only it was that easy.

Same here!! I know dogs' digestive and metabolic systems are much different than peoples', I can't help but think about how bad *I* feel after going just a few hours without eating.

 

[Kasco]

I fast my dogs on occassion. A good time to do it is if your dogs are having a case of the runs or got into something they maybe shouldn't have. Alot of pet owners over feed their dogs anyways....so a day without eating would probably do alot of dogs good. Maybe I should try that approach with myself....lol. If only it was that easy.

But, do you feel like it has a "detoxifying effect"? What is your purpose for doing it?

 

[Lisa]

I think in a way it does but I don't know if there is any scientific basis to it or not. I know if my dogs are having digestive woes, continuing to feed them only makes the problem worse so if I see any signs of this I fast them for a day. It works every time. I sometimes skip a meal right before I go do my tracking training. Food drive is very important for this so a hungry dog usually works better than one that isn't all that hungry. Sometimes I will give my dogs a raw marrow bone instead of a meal.

 

[HausMommy]

I think in a way it does but I don't know if there is any scientific basis to it or not. I know if my dogs are having digestive woes, continuing to feed them only makes the problem worse so if I see any signs of this I fast them for a day. It works every time. I sometimes skip a meal right before I go do my tracking training. Food drive is very important for this so a hungry dog usually works better than one that isn't all that hungry. Sometimes I will give my dogs a raw marrow bone instead of a meal.

Same thing with Haus. If he has an upset stomach, or the runs, feeding him more only serves to worsen the problem. Allowing him to fast for a day helps every time(so far).

 

[Sennin]

I agree with lisa on fasting them if having digestive problems, or keeping their food drive high when working them...but I dont buy into the once a week fast just for detoxifying's sake.

Then again, Im not a big believer in holistic treatments.

 

[Kasco]

I think in a way it does but I don't know if there is any scientific basis to it or not. I know if my dogs are having digestive woes, continuing to feed them only makes the problem worse so if I see any signs of this I fast them for a day. It works every time. I sometimes skip a meal right before I go do my tracking training. Food drive is very important for this so a hungry dog usually works better than one that isn't all that hungry. Sometimes I will give my dogs a raw marrow bone instead of a meal.

Makes sense.

 

[Beetle]

I fast my dogs on occassion. A good time to do it is if your dogs are having a case of the runs or got into something they maybe shouldn't have. Alot of pet owners over feed their dogs anyways....so a day without eating would probably do alot of dogs good. Maybe I should try that approach with myself....lol. If only it was that easy.

I do the same if there's an issue, but I don't fast them on a regular basis. Occasionally I'll give them less than normal, if it seems like they've been pigging out lately, but they eat everyday.

 

[ObiWan]

you should only fast your dog if he/she only eats fresh meet............this should be done once weekly (thats what i've been told) although i have never done it

it has something to do with clearing out the bowels, and help prevent worms

 

[Lisa]

you should only fast your dog if he/she only eats fresh meet............this should be done once weekly (thats what i've been told) although i have never done it

it has something to do with clearing out the bowels, and help prevent worms

Dogs don't get worms from fresh meat, if that's what you are saying.