There is an old saying that “a clean blood supply ensures a healthy body” — and there is certainly wisdom in recognising the important role the body's natural elimination and detoxification processes play in maintaining health.
The body is constantly processing and eliminating metabolic waste through organs such as the liver, kidneys, digestive tract, lungs and skin. These systems work together to process substances the body no longer needs and maintain balance within the body.
Our animals are exposed to many substances throughout their lives, including environmental pollutants, pesticides, herbicides, household chemicals, processed foods, preservatives and medications. While the body is remarkably well equipped to deal with many of these exposures, supporting the organs responsible for elimination can be an important part of a holistic approach to health.
Rather than thinking of detoxification as simply “removing toxins”, it can be more useful to think of it as supporting the body's natural processes of digestion, elimination, liver function and cellular renewal.
Benefits of Supporting Natural Detoxification in Dogs
There are many reasons why your dog may benefit from supporting their natural detoxification processes, including:
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Supporting the body's natural elimination of metabolic waste
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Supporting healthy liver and kidney function
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Supporting healthy skin and coat
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Helping maintain normal digestive function
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Supporting healthy bowel movements and regular elimination
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Supporting healthy immune function
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Supporting the body's natural inflammatory response
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Supporting overall vitality and wellbeing
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Helping the body transition from a highly processed diet to a more natural diet
What About Fasting for Dogs?
Fasting has traditionally been used in natural health practices as a way of giving the digestive system a period of rest. Many animals will naturally eat less or temporarily refuse food when they are unwell.
However, fasting is not appropriate for every dog, and longer fasts should not be undertaken without professional guidance.
A healthy adult dog may occasionally go a short period without food without any problem, provided they are otherwise well, hydrated and maintaining normal energy levels. Puppies, elderly or underweight dogs, pregnant or nursing dogs and dogs with underlying health conditions may have very different nutritional requirements.
Fasting should never be used as a substitute for veterinary care when a dog is unwell.
How to Give a Healthy Adult Dog a Short Fast
For a healthy adult dog, a short period without food may be appropriate in some circumstances. Some dogs naturally skip a meal from time to time, particularly during hot weather or when their digestive system needs a little rest.
Rather than making fasting a rigid weekly routine, it is generally better to pay attention to the individual animal and their appetite, body condition, energy levels and overall health.
During a short fast, make sure fresh water is available at all times and keep activity gentle. Walks, fresh air, sunshine, rest and plenty of affection can make the experience positive rather than something stressful.
If your dog is reluctant to eat, do not force food. However, persistent loss of appetite should always be taken seriously, particularly when accompanied by vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, pain, fever or other changes in behaviour.
Supporting Your Dog During a Short Fast
If undertaking a short fast with a healthy adult dog, there are several simple ways you can support their general wellbeing:
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Provide fresh, clean drinking water at all times
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Allow access to fresh air and sunshine
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Keep exercise gentle and appropriate
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Allow plenty of time for rest
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Groom regularly to support circulation and skin health
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Keep your dog comfortable and avoid extremes of heat or cold
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Give them plenty of affection and attention
Avoid introducing unnecessary supplements or treatments simply because your dog is fasting. If your dog regularly takes medication or has an existing health condition, speak with your veterinarian or appropriately qualified animal health practitioner before changing their diet or fasting.
How to Prepare Your Dog for a Short Fast
If you are intentionally giving a healthy adult dog a short digestive rest, you may find it easier to begin by offering lighter meals beforehand.
For example, meals may include:
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Lightly cooked vegetables
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Small amounts of lean meat or fish
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Meat or bone broth
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Soaked rolled oats with a small amount of natural food
There is no need to force a special pre-fast diet. If your dog becomes suddenly unwell or stops eating, do not deliberately extend the fast — seek appropriate professional advice instead.
What to Feed Your Dog After a Short Fast
If your dog is returning to food after a short fast, start with a small, easily digested meal rather than immediately giving a large meal.
You could offer lightly cooked vegetables with a little meat or a suitable broth, or another simple natural food that your dog already tolerates well.
Organic Dehydrated Bone Broth can also be used to make a nourishing broth.
Small meals are generally preferable to one large meal when reintroducing food.
Vegetable Broth for Dogs
A simple vegetable broth can be made using vegetables such as:
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Carrot
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Celery
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Zucchini
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Broccoli
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Cauliflower
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Cabbage
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Parsley
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Squash
Simmer the vegetables in water and strain before offering the broth lukewarm.
Do not add salt, stock cubes, onion, garlic or other ingredients that may be unsuitable for dogs.
Breaking the Fast
If your dog has gone without food for a short period, food should be reintroduced gradually rather than immediately offering a large meal.
Start with a small portion of a simple food your dog is accustomed to tolerating. If they remain comfortable, you can gradually return to their normal diet over the following meals.
This can also be an opportunity to transition from a highly processed diet towards a more natural diet. However, dietary changes are best made gradually rather than combining a prolonged fast with a sudden major change in food.
Suitable options may include:
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Steamed vegetables
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Finely minced vegetables
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Lightly cooked vegetables with a little meat or broth
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A small amount of natural yoghurt if your dog tolerates dairy
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Soaked oats or barley flakes in appropriate amounts
Once your dog is eating comfortably again, gradually return to their normal balanced diet.
For dogs being transitioned to a natural diet, this may include appropriate raw or cooked meat, meaty bones where suitable, vegetables and other whole foods, along with appropriate nutritional supplementation where required.
Supporting Healthy Bowel Function
Regular bowel movements are an important part of normal elimination. If your dog becomes constipated, it is worth addressing rather than assuming that constipation is simply part of a detoxification process.
Gentle options that may be useful include:
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Colopet — a magnesium supplement. Use as directed.
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Psyllium Husks — a source of soluble fibre that can help support healthy bowel function when given with adequate water.
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Slippery Elm — traditionally used to soothe and support the digestive tract.
Always introduce these according to the individual animal's needs and ensure adequate water intake.
Natural Foods and Herbs for Detoxification Support
There are also many herbs and nutritional foods traditionally used to support the body's natural detoxification pathways.
Chlorophyll-rich green foods such as green barley, alfalfa and spirulina can be incorporated into the diet as part of a broader nutritional approach.
Our Supa Greens blend combines several nutrient-rich green foods in one convenient formula.
Herbal detoxification programs can also be used in some circumstances, but these should be individually tailored. Herbs are biologically active and are not automatically suitable for every animal, particularly those taking medication or with existing health conditions.
When Not to Fast Your Dog
Fasting should not be undertaken casually in dogs who are unwell, underweight or nutritionally compromised.
Do not deliberately fast a dog with conditions such as:
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Diabetes
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Pancreatitis
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Significant kidney or liver disease
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Cancer or other serious illness
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Malnutrition or poor body condition
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Pregnancy or lactation
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Rapid weight loss
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Certain gastrointestinal conditions
Puppies and growing dogs also have different nutritional requirements and should not be routinely fasted.
If your dog is vomiting, has diarrhoea, is lethargic, has a fever, appears painful or refuses food, do not assume that this means they need a detox or fast. Loss of appetite can be an important sign that something is wrong and professional advice should be sought.
Likewise, medication should never be stopped simply because you are undertaking a fast.