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4 responses to “Ask The Vet”

1. 

   SM

   September 2, 2025

   Hi Dr.! We’re currently introducing some veg and meat into our dogs diet (still predominantly kibble). For meat, we’re alternating between boiled chicken livers or boiled turkey breast. Would you however recommend that dogs eat cooked meat or raw?

   Reply
   1. 

      Dr, Stylianos

      September 2, 2025

      
      Hi SM,
      
      Thank you for your question.
      
      For dogs, the ideal diet depends on the dog’s age, condition and whether there are any comorbidities or other health concerns. There is no conclusive evidence supporting that feeding raw, cooked or kibble diets provide any specific benefits for a healthy dog. However, for a dog with specific dietary requirements such as IBD, food allergies, or food sensitivities, the sitaution changes. We have seen definite improvement in these dogs when they avoid ingredients that cause flare-ups or allergic reactions.
      
      When introducing extra foods, especially vegetables, I advise doing so one at a time. Start with a minimal amount for the first couple of days, then a moderate amount for another couple of days, and finally a normal amount, which should be around 30% of the meal. Do this for a week and monitor for any adverse reactions. if there are no reactions, that food is considered safe to include in the diet.
      
      I am a big fan of variety in a dog’s diet. They should have a variety of foods, including different types of meats. This can be achieved by you adding that variety or by feeding a good-quality kibble that has a mix of ingredients to provide this variety.
      
      Regarding fresh food, whether to feed raw or cooked is a common question I get. Again, we have seen no studies suggesting any benefits for raw food diets. However, we have seen cases of very aggressive gastroenteritis when raw food is given. While this does not happen every time. Raw food definitely carries a risk of being compromised.
      
      I hope this helps! If there’s anything else you need, don’t hesitate to ask — we’re here for you and your furry friend.
      

      Reply
2. 

   Crystal Bates

   September 14, 2025

   Hi I have 2 buns one Holland lop aka Batman and one mini lop aka Yoshi. So I get so upset bc my babies don’t eat enough hay and it’s not bc I don’t try to feed it to them they just would rather eat greens and treats. And if I stop giving greens and treats they don’t seem to eat at all. Well I think my mini lop has stasis bc I haven’t seen him poop in a little bit. But please help how do I get them to eat more hay??!!!

   Reply
   1. 

      Dr. Stylianos

      September 15, 2025

      Hi Crystal!

      Unfortunately, most bunnies will prefer more nutritious things like treats and vegetables instead of hay. To manage this, only offer 10-20% of their diet as extra foods besides hay. They should be offered just enough to eat a little, but remain hungry enough to eat hay. This is a general rule.

      Some bunnies, especially well-loved pets, have a tendency for dental disease, which could be a reason for them not eating enough hay. They need to be checked by a veterinarian to determine if dental disease is present. If not, they should be happy to eat hay. A good experiment is to offer only hay and observe what happens. If they do not eat the hay, it is definitely something to worry about.

      Hay, grass, and forage are all useful for dental trimming and are a source of high-quality fiber; this should constitute 80% of their diet. It is a good idea to try different kinds of hay. Any type of hay is suitable except for alfalfa hay, which, while great for growing bunnies, should not be the sole source for those over 8-9 months old as it contains too many oxalates that can cause issues. You can also try giving them fresh grass and various kinds of forage, such as dandelions, carrot tops, and strawberry tops. Minimize treats and juicy vegetables. Herbs like dill, mint, and oregano can also be used to make hay taste better.

      I hope this answers your questions. If you have any further questions. I’m happy to help 😊

      Regards,

      DR. Stelios

      Reply