If you feed your fur baby a raw diet, you’ve probably heard it all — glowing testimonials, raised eyebrows, and at least one person who’s very convinced you’re either doing the best thing ever… or the worst.
The truth, as usual, lives somewhere in the middle.
A lot of pet parents choose raw because it feels more ingredient-forward and simple: recognizable proteins, fewer mysteries, and the ability to control what’s going into the bowl. Some pet parents also report that their little ones seem to do really well on it, with highlights like more enthusiasm at mealtime and more predictable digestion once they’re fully transitioned.
Now for the part nobody loves talking about over dinner: raw diets do change the rules a little, especially when it comes to your pet’s digestive system and parasite exposure. And that’s where a little extra gut support can go a long way.
How Raw Diets Can Increase Parasite Exposure
Choosing this style of feeding can be a great move. It can also be the kind of move that rewards being a little… type-A about sourcing and handling.
Without a heat step, anything present in the source protein has a better chance of making it to the bowl. So if parasites (or their eggs) are in the mix, they’re more likely to survive depending on factors like:
- where the meat is sourced
- how it’s stored and prepared
- whether pets scavenge outdoors or hunt
- shared environments in multi-pet households (bowls, yards, litter boxes, close contact)
Once they’re swallowed, the intestinal tract is where many parasites set up shop.
Common Intestinal Parasites Pets Encounter
These parasites are just like your old college roommate — they turn wherever they go into their personal space where they feed, multiply and mess with everything around them.
Some of the usual suspects include:
- Roundworms – super common and easy to pick up from contaminated soil or poop; can cause a pot-bellied look in younger pets and contribute to poor weight gain
- Hookworms – tiny but ruthless; they latch onto the intestinal lining and can lead to blood loss, weakness, or anemia (especially in puppies)
- Tapeworms often linked to fleas or hunting; can contribute to weight changes and cause irritation around the rear
- Whipworms – live in the large intestine and can be stubborn; often linked to recurring large-bowel diarrhea and irritation
-
Protozoa like Giardia – microscopic organisms pets can pick up from contaminated water or environments; often associated with intermittent diarrhea
The only difference is they’re not obvious about it… at least not at first.
Early Signs of Intestinal Imbalance Pet Parents Often Overlook
If you’re ready to start playing detective, here are some clues to keep an eye out for:
- inconsistent or loose stools
- bloating or excess gas
- increased appetite paired with weight loss
- dull coat or skin changes
- intermittent diarrhea
- scooting or excessive licking of the rear
If a few of these signs repeatedly show up more often than Nick Lachey lands another Netflix gig, it’s usually a sign that something is interfering with your pet’s normal digestion.
Why Intestinal Parasites Are Worth Taking Seriously
Intestinal parasites don’t just hang out quietly and then leave on their own. Once they’ve settled in, they can compete for nutrients, irritate the intestinal lining, and make digestion work harder than it should. Over time, that can show up as pets who struggle to maintain weight, seem constantly hungry without thriving, or bounce between “mostly fine” and “something’s off.”
And it’s not just a pet-only issue. Some intestinal parasites found in dogs and cats are zoonotic, meaning people can be exposed too. Not from cuddling on the couch, but from the everyday stuff: cleaning up stool, scooping litter boxes, gardening in the yard, or touching surfaces that picked up microscopic residue and then touching your mouth without thinking about it.
That doesn’t mean raw feeding is unsafe or that parasites are inevitable. It just means parasite exposure is one of those background risks that’s easier to manage proactively than untangle after the fact, especially in homes with kids, multiple pets, or animals that spend a lot of time outdoors.
How to Support Your Pet’s Gut on a Raw Diet
If you feed raw, the goal isn’t to panic over every weird poop, it’s to have a simple routine in place that supports digestion day to day, plus a targeted option for times when exposure risk is higher.
Here’s an easy two-part approach that covers both.
Daily digestive support with Arrowleaf Pet Intesti Care
If Intesti Care had a job title, it would be “daily gut backup.” Arrowleaf Pet Intesti Care is designed to support everyday digestive health and help maintain a balanced intestinal environment, which is especially helpful for raw-fed pets (and pets whose idea of “edible” is… flexible).
Its ingredients are traditionally used to support digestive comfort and function:
- Slippery elm helps soothe the digestive tract
- Pumpkin seed is commonly included in digestive wellness routines
- Thyme and ginger support digestion and gut balance
- Diatomaceous earth is often used to help keep the intestinal environment less welcoming
Think of Intesti Care as your baseline — the support you keep in rotation to help digestion stay steady.
Targeted parasite support with Arrowleaf Pet D Wormer
Even with a solid daily routine, there are times when pet parents want to level up their plan.
Arrowleaf Pet D Wormer is an herbal formula traditionally used to help expel intestinal parasites and support digestion during cleansing. It’s best suited for:
- Higher-risk exposure periods (more outdoor time, scavenging/hunting, travel)
- Seasonal parasite routines (warm-weather months, camping, dog parks)
- When patterns show up (repeat digestive changes, scooting, appetite/weight mismatch)
If Intesti Care is your daily gut routine, D Wormer is for when the clues start pointing in one direction.
Smart Raw Feeding Habits that Help Reduce Risk
Gut support supplements will do a lot of heavy lifting, but sloppy habits can sabotage your efforts.
Try to stay on top of:
- proper food handling and sanitation
- cleaning bowls and prep surfaces thoroughly
- regular fecal testing, especially for raw-fed pets
- monitoring stool quality, appetite, and weight
If digestive symptoms persist or worsen, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian.
The Takeaway
Raw feeding can absolutely work for a lot of dogs and cats. The key is treating gut support and parasite prevention as part of the routine, not a last-minute scramble.
Keep digestion steady, stay consistent with the basics, and when something feels worth addressing, have a targeted option ready to go.