Constipation?

Does your dog or cat struggle with constipation? At WildTails, based in Tonyrefail, Porth, we’re all about feeding dogs a natural, species-appropriate diet while ensuring their digestive health stays on track. If your furry friend is struggling with constipation, we have gentler, natural alternatives to keep their gut happy and healthy.

Why feeding freshly frozen raw meals can help with constipation

Dogs and cats are biologically designed to thrive on a natural, raw diet that provides the right balance of moisture, protein, and essential nutrients. When dogs are fed processed foods instead of raw, they often miss out on these vital elements, which can lead to digestive issues, including constipation.

Many processed diets, like kibble, are low in moisture and high in fillers such as grains, starches, and synthetic additives, which can be difficult to digest. Additionally, processed foods often lack the enzymes and natural probiotics found in raw meat, which play a key role in keeping the gut healthy and supporting regular bowel movement to avoid constipation.

By switching to a raw diet, rich in fresh meat, natural fibre, and proper hydration, you can help ensure your dog’s digestive system functions optimally, reducing the risk of constipation and promoting overall gut health.

Already feeding raw and seeing signs of constipation? 

Firstly, if you have just moved your dog from a highly processed diet like kibble to raw, you may find that your dog’s poo changes from big brown piles of poo to something much smaller and firmer. Also the poo may reflect the colour of the raw food you have been feeding. For example, dark meats like Beef and Lamb produce an almost black poo, while light meats like Chicken, Goose or Duck produce a very light poo.  It is perfectly normal for your dog to take a little longer to pass these smaller, firmer and more natural poos.  This is actually helpful in maintaining healthy anal glands and avoiding constipation. After all, this is the natural way of eating.

Lower Bone Content for Better Digestion

Some raw packs (often the cheapest ones) just have meat and 20% bone.  For many dogs, this high percentage of bone, if fed continuously, can be too much and can lead to constipation.   

Most vet supported raw feeding models follow the 80.10.10 ratio (80% meat, 10% bone, 10% offal, such as liver, heart and kidney), but if your dog is really struggling to go to the toilet, reducing bone content further may help. 

Opt for raw meals with reduced or no bone—such as:

✅ Green tripe – A natural probiotic, full of digestive enzymes and gut-friendly bacteria.

✅ White fish with tripe – Easy to digest and packed with essential nutrients without bone.

✅ Complete and Balanced Meals – These still contain meat, bone and offal but also 15-20% of the meal will be vegetables, herbs and superfoods.  Therefore, the percentage of bone will automatically drop below 10%.  Our balanced meals have been formulated by vets and nutritionists and are extremely convenient.  They often come in their own resealable containers and are the quickest, easiest and least messy way to feed your dog a raw diet. Wild Tails supply Complete and Balanced raw meals from Nutriment Raw, Naked Dog Raw and from Dougie’s Superfood Range.

At Wild Tails, we stock a range of low-bone, boneless and, as mentioned, Complete raw meals to support your dog’s digestion.

Calcium Alternatives to Replace Bone

We treat every dog… and cat as individuals.  Occasionally, we need to look at calcium rich replacements for bone.  Fortunately, there are excellent natural supplements that provide the necessary minerals without the risk of constipation:

🦌 Antler powder – A natural source of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Antler powder can also reduce cholesterol. 

🥚 Eggshell powder – A gentle, digestible calcium alternative, perfect for sensitive stomachs.

Both antler powder and eggshell powder can be mixed into your pet’s food and are available at Wild Tails, providing your dog with all the benefits without the risk of digestive blockages.

Supporting Your Dog’s Digestion Naturally

If you wish to keep to your dog’s favourite 80/10/10 formula raw meals you can still help keep your dog’s digestive system running smoothly without moving to Complete Raw Meals:

🌿 Fibre-rich additions – Adding a little pureed pumpkin or leafy greens can help promote regular bowel movements.  For convenience, powdered pre-prepared supplements are available at Wild Tails which allow you to turn 80/10/10 formula raw meals in Complete Raw Meals.  Just spoon into the bowl.  This method allows you to have more control over how much vegetables, herbs and superfoods your pet eats and it often works out cheaper than Complete Raw Meals.

💧 Hydration – Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water and, if needed, try adding bone broth to meals for extra moisture. Several different bone broths are available at Wild Tails which provide great joint support, can ease hip dysplasia and can improve gut health.

🐕 Exercise – Daily movement helps stimulate digestion and prevent sluggish bowels.

Visit Wild Tails in Tonyrefail, Porth!

If your dog is struggling with constipation, we’ve got everything you need to adjust their raw diet and keep their gut healthy. Pop into our shop in Tonyrefail, Porth, or get in touch—we’re always happy to help!

Find us in-store or message us today for expert advice on raw feeding and digestion-friendly options. Your dog’s health starts with the right diet—let’s get their tail wagging again!

 📍 Find us at: WildTails

20 High St, Tonyrefail, Porth CF39 8PG

📞 Call us: 07729 266457

🌍 Visit our website: www.wild-tails.com

🐶 🐾 Shop our natural range & get expert advice today!