frequent, pastey to loose BMs

Question
We rescued a lab mix in August.  Initially we were feeding her Eagle Pack Holistic Select lamb & rice.  She was having 7+ large BM's per day--very soft, not watery.  We have changed her diet to Frohmm's Gold and the movements have gotten more watery and mucousy, approx. 4-5 per day, smaller volume.  We have tried acidophillus mixed with oatmeal.  Her coat is shiney, activity level good (highly excitable)
We are at a loss as to what we should feed her to slow down her bowels.  Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
Thanks, Cathy

Answer
Hi Cathy,

I have been down with a cold for a few days, so I apologize for the lateness of this reply.

My first reaction to the situation you describe is to recommend a  thorough veterinary assessment. Water, mucusy stool when using these high quality foods is often a sign of an undetected problem - something simple, such as a parasite, or perhaps more preoblematic, such as IBD.

In any case I would feel better making suggestions once I know you have ruled out a health condition. In any case, oatmeal would not be something I'd add for any dog exhibiting bowel problems, I would perhaps try the popular canned pumpkin remedy(a Tbsp or two of canned pumpkin filling added to each meal, be sure to purchase the plain canned pumpkin and not spicy pie filling) and probiotics can work, but may also exacerbate the problem depending on what strains you're using.

In the short term I might try resting the bowel for a day or two with a diet of 2/3 well cooked white rice and 1/3 plain skinless boiled chicken; but this is not a solution, just a remedy for the immediate symptoms. I'd have that vet check and  go from there. Do you have a history on this dog?  If she is excitable that *could* play a role,and it could also be allergy; but you can't assume anything until you rule out worms, IBD, coccidia etc first.

Let me know how this goes,
Catherine