6 Signs Your Dog’s Digestive Problems Are Signaling the Need for a Species-Appropriate Diet

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That pile of yellow foam your dog leaves on the carpet at 5 a.m. has a name: bilious vomiting. And while it might seem like a random inconvenience, it’s actually your dog’s digestive system waving a red flag. The same applies to the telltale stomach rumblings hours after dinner, the unpredictable stool quality, and the compulsive grass-grazing sessions that leave you genuinely perplexed.

These symptoms are routinely dismissed under the catch-all diagnosis of “sensitive stomach.” But longitudinal research from the University of Helsinki’s DogRisk group suggests a more fundamental problem: Many chronic digestive issues stem from a mismatch between what dogs consume and what millions of years of evolution designed them to process. We Feed Raw offers a species-appropriate solution that works with canine biology rather than against it.

The We Feed Raw Proposition

• USDA human-grade meats with zero fillers or preservatives

• PhD-formulated recipes meeting AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition

• High Pressure Processing (HPP) that ensures safety without cooking and losing nutrients

• Improved digestion reported by 87% of customers after switching

• Frozen Raw Patties and convenient Freeze-Dried Nuggets

• Flexible subscription options with free shipping always

The Symptoms That Point to a Dietary Mismatch

Early Morning Yellow Foam

When dogs vomit yellow foam on an empty stomach, it typically means bile has accumulated because their previous meal took too long to process. According to research published in the Journal of Animal Science, raw diets demonstrate significantly higher digestibility compared to extruded kibble. This means dogs can absorb more nutrients efficiently, potentially reducing the time their stomachs sit empty between meals.

When digestion drags on, your dog’s stomach sits empty for prolonged periods, allowing bile to irritate the stomach lining. We Feed Raw meals align with how dogs naturally process food, which may help reduce those early-morning (unpleasant) surprises.

Unpredictable Stool

If your dog’s bathroom habits are unpredictable, the culprit is often poor digestibility. When a dog’s system struggles to break down ingredients, you see the evidence in loose, frequent, or unusually smelly stools. According to We Feed Raw customer surveys, 87% of owners reported improved digestion after switching, and 96% noticed smaller, firmer, less smelly poops.

Raw, minimally processed ingredients retain their natural structure, making nutrients easier for the canine digestive system to absorb. When more nutrition gets absorbed, less waste passes through. Win-win!

Excessive Flatulence

Flatulence in dogs often signals that proteins aren’t being fully broken down. A 2021 study published in PMC found that thermal processing during kibble production can reduce protein quality and amino acid availability compared to raw meat.

When undigested proteins reach the large intestine, bacteria ferment them, producing gas. Species-appropriate dog food that preserves protein integrity through minimal processing may help reduce this fermentation. We Feed Raw uses High Pressure Processing (HPP) to ensure food safety while keeping nutrients intact.

Compulsive Grass Grazing

While occasional grass nibbling is normal, dogs that compulsively seek out grass after meals may be attempting to soothe digestive discomfort. Raw diets preserve naturally occurring enzymes and are easier to digest, which may reduce the gut irritation that drives this behavior.

Freeze-Dried Nuggets preserve natural enzymes through gentle dehydration rather than heat treatment. Made with 85% meat and organs, plus 15% non-GMO fruits and vegetables, these meals provide nutrition that aligns with canine digestive biology.

The So-Called Picky Eater

Dogs labeled as “picky eaters” are sometimes simply responding to food that doesn’t appeal to their natural preferences. Research from the University of Helsinki found that dogs fed non-processed, meat-based diets during puppyhood had a lower risk of developing chronic digestive issues later in life.

We Feed Raw customer reviews consistently mention dramatic changes in mealtime behavior. According to surveys, 86% of owners report increased mealtime excitement after switching. Dogs that once ignored their bowls suddenly become enthusiastic eaters when offered food that matches their biological expectations.

Post-Meal Stomach Rumbles

Those rumbly tummies hours after eating often indicate that food is moving through the digestive tract without being fully processed. This commonly happens when diets contain grain fillers and plant proteins that dogs aren’t optimized to digest efficiently.

A comparative study found that fresh diets led to lower defecation frequency and improved fecal characteristics compared to extruded kibble, suggesting more complete nutrient absorption.

A Better Approach to Digestive Health

Understanding that these symptoms reflect dietary mismatch rather than inherent sensitivity changes the conversation entirely. Instead of managing symptoms with specialty kibbles, addressing the root cause means providing nutrition that works with canine biology.

We Feed Raw meals are formulated by PhD nutrition experts to be complete and balanced per AAFCO standards. Every recipe uses USDA human-grade meats and organs sourced from trusted farms in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. The brand offers five frozen protein options, including three true single-protein recipes (beef, chicken, and turkey), as well as freeze-dried recipes for added convenience.

For those concerned about raw food safety, HPP provides FDA-approved pathogen reduction without cooking. With over 20 million meals delivered, the brand has established itself as a trusted name in species-appropriate nutrition.

New customers are encouraged to try a customized meal plan or ease in via the Essential Box without a subscription commitment. Free shipping is included on all orders, and plans can be paused, changed, or canceled anytime.

Give your dog nutrition designed for their biology. See the difference species-appropriate food can make.

Create Your Pup’s Perfect Plan

Morgan Clark

Since 2007 Morgan has helped clients put their best digital footprints forward. After obtaining her Masters degree in 2019, Morgan became managing partner of a small digital marketing agency. In her spare time she is a passionate epicurean, avid reader, loves to explore beautiful backroads and historic properties across Kentucky, listens to live music at every opportunity, serves two local nonprofits, and relishes every moment spent with her husband, three daughters, and two sweet fur babies.

Since 2007 Morgan has helped clients put their best digital footprints forward. After obtaining her Masters degree in 2019, Morgan became managing partner of a small digital marketing agency. In her spare time she is a passionate epicurean, avid reader, loves to explore beautiful backroads and historic properties across Kentucky, listens to live music at every opportunity, serves two local nonprofits, and relishes every moment spent with her husband, three daughters, and two sweet fur babies.