Hi. What kind of intestinal disease? My dog has been having intestinal issues and we’re going crazy trying to understand what is happening. He add abdominal and chest fluid and almost died, we were told lymphoma. I feel like it’s something emotionally or diet related, especially since they have not found cancer cells in the fluid or the biopsy taken. No vomiting, rare diarrhea… he had a hard change of dog food before the crisis and he didn’t poop in over a week. But he is lethargic and sometimes skips meals which is so rare for him. Any information you can share is greatly appreciated.

Your vet is correct that most rice has some amount of arsenic, depending on where it’s grown along and how much/how often it’s given. Small dogs need to limit types of food because of this. Conversely dogs usually love cooked sweet potato it has lots of vitamins and minerals too. Lots of fiber for all types of elimination problems! Pumpkin is great too!

What your vet said is true, for dogs and people. Rice needs to be soaked overnight and rinsed thoroughly to remove the phytic acid that can be problematic for our digestive system. Also, do not salt the rice that you are feeding your dog.

My dog has an intestinal disease….he cannot have dog food….he is on a high protein, low fat diet….he almost died 3 years ago from this disease and has been on a rice, pasta and turkey, chicken diet ever since….he is now 14 years old and when he is feeling well…still acts like a puppy.