Best Dog Food for Firm Stools and Healthy Digestion

Having occasional loose stools is nothing unusual in dogs. Every dog experiences this once in a while.

Most animal nutritionists agree that a high-protein, high-fiber, and low-fat dry dog food is ideal in bringing about firm stools in your furry friend. Searching for the best dog food for firm stools is a must if your beloved pet often encounter such runny episodes.

There are many different causes for loose stool in canines like a simple change in diet or rancid food consumption. But there are also more serious origins that require strict medical attention.

In this article, we will focus on how a dog’s diet can help firm up a dog’s stool, and which dog food brands are best for this purpose.

The best dog food for firming up stools is made with natural ingredients known to aid in digestion and densify a dog’s loose stool. Some are enhanced with prebiotics and probiotics that are excellent for the digestive system.

Pumpkin is a known fiber-rich food that can help in various digestive issues including diarrhea. Beef or lamb tripe is another ingredient that’s believed to help in digestion because of its natural probiotics load.    

Prebiotics foods added to the dog food formulas are also credited for supporting the digestive system and firming up a dog’s stool.

Among the common prebiotics in dog food are peas, legumes, lentils, oats, barley, broccoli, soybeans, chicory roots, and berries.

Some premium dog food brands also fortify the recipe with probiotics to support gut health in dogs among other health gains. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that strengthen the immune system and help digest food.

The Best Dog Food for Firm Stools

To identify the best dog food for firm stools, we have reviewed the ingredients deck of some of the most notable dog food brands in the market. We also examined their protein-fat-fiber contents as well as online customer reviews.

And since dry dog food is preferred for firm stools over most wet food, we’ve gathered the top 10 best food brands to help solidify loose stools, plus recommended dog treats and supplements that can help produce firm stools in dogs.

 

1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch

Guaranteed Analysis:

After reviewing dozens of dog food options, we found chicken recipe from Blue Buffalo as the best dog food for firm stools.

This kibble is the total package when it comes to the qualities we’re looking for in dog food to address loose stool issues. 

First of all, the 30% minimum crude protein in this formula guarantees a high-protein load needed by all dogs, with or without health problems.

But a high-protein diet is considered ideal to firm up a dog’s stool. Moreover, this grain-free recipe has a low-fat content of no more than 13%, which is another requisite, and a 10% fiber volume that’s higher than most dry formulas. 

Real chicken meat and chicken meal are the main sources of proteins, while the carbs and fibers mostly come from green peas.

And then there’s the wealthy supply of probiotics, along with prebiotics foods like dried chicory root, blueberries, cranberries, and barley grass. What more can you ask for?

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2. Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Rice Bran, Whole Grain Brown Rice

Guaranteed Analysis:

A close second on this list is the Lamb and Brown Rice recipe from Nutro.

Made with incredible natural ingredients led by deboned lamb and chicken meal as main protein sources, this best dog food for firm stools presents a high-fiber load of 11%, the highest on our top 10 list. It also has 24% minimum crude protein, and the lowest fat content on the list with a max of only 10%. 

Pet owners also love the many healthful natural ingredients including prebiotics like whole-grain barley, split peas, and beet pulp.

Moreover, this recipe includes dried pumpkin, a high-fiber fruit that’s known to boost gut health and firm up stool. 

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3. Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Smoked Salmon with Ancient Grains

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Quinoa, Pumpkin, Buckwheat, Dried Eggs

Guaranteed Analysis:

Coming in a strong third is a product from Earthborn Holistic, another prime quality diet.

Smoked salmon is the first ingredient, which is a highly delectable and nutritious protein source that’s also rich in omega fatty acids. The use of ancient grains like quinoa and an array of superfoods is what we love best about this dog food. 

But that’s not all. Pumpkin is high up on the ingredients list, third to be exact, which assures a generous load of this high-fiber and vitamin A-rich fruit. The fiber volume is pretty high at 9.5% max. This formula is also enriched with probiotics.

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4. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Chicken & Salmon Formula 

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas, Dried Peas, Oat Groats

Guaranteed Analysis:

One of the best dog foods for firm stools is surely Natural Balance’s Fat Dogs formula, which is a low-calorie kibble with an excellent blend of protein and fiber.

Chicken meal and salmon meal are the chief sources of high-quality protein in this dog food, plus a wealthy source of prebiotic fiber like garbanzo beans, green peas, oats groats, barley, and beet pulp for a high 7.5% fiber mix.

Salmon oil is added for the extra omega fatty acids that are vital for a dog’s healthy skin. This dry food is also teeming with essential nutrients for a healthy dog.

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5. Wellness Small Breed Healthy Weight Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe 

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Oatmeal, Rice

Guaranteed Analysis:

Enriched with probiotics for digestive system support, Wellness’ turkey and brown rice formula specially made for small breed dogs is undeniably one of the best dog foods for firm stools.

Its protein load of 28% mostly comes from real turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal. The ample 6% fiber comes from a mixture of impressive natural ingredients and prebiotics like barley, oats, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples.

This dry dog food has a low fat content of only 11% max, which is again ideal to make solid stools. Dog parents will also likely find the small kibble perfect for their small breed dogs.

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6. ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains LID Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Lamb Liver

Guaranteed Analysis:

Prominent premium dog food brand Acana offers this special diet that’s formulated to boost a dog’s digestive system.

This single animal protein source formula gets its 27% minimum protein from real lamb meat, lamb meal, and lamb liver, with lamb cartilage, lamb fat, and natural flavor also from lamb.

It also has lamb tripe, which is a welcome addition for healthy digestion in canines. The 6% fiber content is derived from wholesome grains like whole oats. And it has whole pumpkin for the extra boost to the digestive tract. 

For total pet owners’ satisfaction, this food is formulated with probiotics for added nutritional value and to encourage a healthy poop in your pups, landing it in our list of best dog food formulas for better digestion.

And, it has no artificial preservatives or artificial flavors. This dry dog food however comes with a premium price tag as well.

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7. Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Oats, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Corn

Guaranteed Analysis:

Surely one of the best dog food options with lush nutritional benefits, this grain inclusive dog food from Hills is no stranger to the list of best dog’s food.

This savory smoked salmon recipe is made with high quality protein from real salmon and chicken meal for a 20% protein punch and bounteous omega fatty acids fit for a healthy dog.

The carbs and fibers are provided by a solid line up of plant-based foods for natural balance, including some prebiotics, such as cracked pearled barley, pumpkin, oats, brown rice, flaxseed, dried beet pulp and dried pecan shells.

Probiotics are part of the formula for that much-needed digestive health enhancement and reinforcement to achieve firm dog's stools. And of course, this premium kibble is without artificial flavors and artificial colors.

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8. Freshpet Vital Benefits Digestive Health

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Egg, Ground Oats, Rice Bran

Guaranteed Analysis:

This is a premium choice designed to support your dog’s digestive wellness while providing a fresh, wholesome meal. This nutrient-rich recipe features gently steamed chicken as the primary ingredient, delivering high-quality protein to help maintain muscle health.

Paired with fiber-rich pumpkin and brown rice, it promotes smooth digestion and supports a healthy gut. The inclusion of prebiotics ensures the nourishment of beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing overall digestive efficiency.

Every ingredient in this formula is carefully selected for its natural, stomach-friendly properties. Fresh spinach and carrots contribute essential vitamins and antioxidants, while flaxseed offers omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health.

This food is free from artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products, making it a clean, easily digestible option even for dogs with sensitive tummies.

By focusing on real, fresh ingredients, it ensures your pet receives the nutrition they need for a happy, comfortable and active life.

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9. ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard)

Guaranteed Analysis:

Now we’ve also singled out the best dog food for firm stools for older dogs and that’s Orijen’s senior grain-free recipe.

Since senior dogs have been with dog parents for so long, they deserve to be given the best life possible in their remaining years, and there’s no better way than to serve them the best dog food available. 

Although clearly pricey, this grain-free dog food is bursting with flavor and nutrition from high-quality protein and natural ingredients.

It has an astounding 38% crude protein from real chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, turkey giblets, chicken liver, whole herring, and eggs for a stellar roster of animal sources. 

Add to the formula an equally impressive bunch of prebiotic fiber such as whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole green peas, whole green lentils, whole navy beans, whole chickpeas, and lentil fiber. Oh, and it has a substantial supply of pumpkin too to boost the dog’s gut and support a healthy poop. 

If that’s not great enough, this dry food is surely fortified with antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals from superfoods like butternut squash, collard greens, apples, pears, and cranberries for natural balance.

And apart from the generous 8% fiber, this recipe also contains probiotics to help soothe dogs’ sensitive stomachs.

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10. Holistic Select Salmon, Anchovy & Sardine Meal Recipe (Best for Puppies)

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Anchovy and Sardine Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal

Guaranteed Analysis:

For puppies and young dogs, we found Holistic Select’s grain-free salmon, anchovy, and sardine meal as the best for firm stools.

With adequate 29% proteins to help build muscles of these fast-growing pups, along with just 14% fats and a sufficient 5.5% fiber, this delicious recipe should be a real delight for your furry friend. 

The animal proteins are all novel, led by real salmon and anchovy and sardine meal, which should prevent allergic reactions in dogs. These fish ingredients also offer enough omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.

The plentiful essential nutrients and antioxidants in this grain-free dog food will definitely boost your dog’s overall health and maintain a natural balance in their digestive health.

Its probiotics can help rid the digestive tract of harmful bacteria, and contribute to achieving firm stools.

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The Best Dog Treats, Toppers, and Supplements for Firm Stool

1. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder

This product is high in most veterinarians’ list of probiotics supplements for dogs suffering from diarrhea, have a sensitive stomach, and loose stool.

This tasty powder is meant to maintain good intestinal microflora for a strong and healthy digestive system. It has live microorganisms and antioxidants that are highly beneficial to dogs of all life stages and sizes.

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2. PetHonesty Digestive Probiotics Duck Flavored Soft Chews

Here’s another exceptional digestive probiotics supplement to help your furry friend achieve solid stools and ease his sensitive stomach.

These soft chews have pumpkin, enzymes, and an avalanche of probiotics to augment the dog’s digestive health and reach maximum nutrient absorption.

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3. Nutramax Proviable-DC Capsules

Yet another amazing supplement full of live probiotics is Proviable, which dog owners are sure to admire.

These healthy capsules also have prebiotics that sustains the growth of the good bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract. With a steady supply of this supplement, your pooch should be on his way to a healthy poop.

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4. Zesty Paws Core Elements Probiotic Bites

Mixing nutrition with pleasure is what Zesty Paws did with its pumpkin-flavored soft chews.

Made with six strains of probiotics for gut health and the immune system, this supplement can also serve as a delightful treat to your furry friend, and at the same time relieve her of her sensitive stomach and loose stool.

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5. Nummy Tum-Tum Pure Organic Pumpkin

Almost guaranteed to obtain a firm stool in your pup, this canned pumpkin dog food is a step towards the right direction of digestive health. Pure, organic pumpkin from trustworthy U.S. farms is the only ingredient in this diet.

Mind you, pumpkin is not just known to support healthy digestion but also the dog’s overall health due to its plethora of gainful nutrients including vitamins A, C, and E, iron, and folate.

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6. Diggin' Your Dog Firm Up! Pumpkin Supplement

With 40% fiber, this incredible supplement is highly effective in arriving at a firm stool in your dogs.

Made with only pumpkin and apple fiber sourced from the USA, this powder is also great for transitioning to new dog food.

It is grain-free and has no artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, or artificial colors.

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7. K9 Natural Lamb Green Tripe Booster

If you’re looking for an extraordinary dog food topper for your four-legged kids, K9 Natural Lamb Green Tripe Booster is a must-try.

Made with 100% grass-fed New Zealand lamb green tripe, this high-protein, grain-free, and gluten-free freeze-dried topper is a spectacular supplement to your dog’s regular meal.

Green tripe has natural live microorganisms that support healthy digestion in your pups, and in the process, keep firm stools. It’s also very tasty that it can entice even finicky dogs.

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8. Ziwi Air-Dried Lamb Green Tripe Dog Chews

Want a chock-full of proteins dog treat? Look no further as Ziwi presents this 73% protein-packed dog chew.

Air-dried with all the natural goodness of lamb green tripe, these appetizing chews can serve as topping to a regular dog’s diet or as rewards for good behavior. 

Tripe is also naturally beneficial to your dog’s digestive tract and can aid in obtaining a firm stool. Tripe as a protein source is not known to cause allergic reactions or food sensitivities in dogs so go ahead and give Fido his valuable proteins.

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9. Halo Beef Protein Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper

Still another healthy booster is Halo Freeze-Dried Raw Protein Topper.

Made with real beef and beef parts, including beef tripe, this grain-free delectable shredded topper is a great addition to your furry friend’s regular diet.

It can help attract picky pups with its rich beefy flavor and also aid in their digestive health.

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10. Vetnique Labs Glandex Peanut Butter Flavored Soft Chews

These pumpkin-heavy and probiotics-infused peanut butter soft chews from Vetnique Labs are sure to supplement your best dog food for firm stools and also give your tail-wagging pets much satisfaction and joy.

This supplement is formulated specifically for sensitive stomachs in dogs and to encourage solid stools. It also offers other health gains including digestive tract natural balance and immune system health.

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What Causes Loose Stools in Dogs?

Diarrhea and loose stools are common health issues in dogs. But your pup’s loose stool doesn’t necessarily indicate diarrhea.

Sometimes, a simple shift in dog food can cause soft stool as your furry friend’s digestive system adjusts to the new diet. Loose stools caused by diarrhea are more liquid than soft.

Diarrhea is usually caused by the consumption of toxic and unhealthy food like rancid food, while soft stools are normally the product of a poor-quality diet, insufficient fiber, too much fat, or food sensitivities.

The ideal dog poop is neither too soft nor hard. It must be firm enough that it doesn’t leave any smudges, but not hard and dry. Hard and dry stool indicates constipation, which is just as bad as diarrhea.

Probable Causes of Diarrhea

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are 12 common causes for loose stools:

Change in diet

It normally takes a few days for a dog’s gut system to adapt to new proteins, for instance, if you shift from beef to lamb. The best way to transition to the new food is to gradually change the proportion of old food and new food.

Food intolerance

Some dogs have food intolerances that cause their poo to become loose. The most common food intolerance is lactose intolerance caused by milk, yoghurt, and other dairy products.

Allergies

Some dog allergies may also provoke the digestive tract and result in loose stool.

Parasites

Various parasites like roundworms and hookworms can also cause loose stools in dogs with a poor immune system.

Dietary indiscretion

When dogs consume garbage, spoiled food, dead animals, and other inedible objects, their digestive system will react negatively. This is typical of formerly feral dogs turned dog rescue. 

Poisonous substances or plants

The gut system will try to reject these harmful substances resulting to diarrhea.

Virus infections

Parvovirus, distemper and coronavirus are among the common viruses that can cause diarrhea and loose stools.

Bacterial infections

Various bacteria such as Salmonella and E. Coli can also cause diarrhea.

Illnesses

Kidney and liver disease, colitis, and cancer can disrupt the digestive system and cause loose stool and diarrhea.

Antibiotics and other medications

Some medications also cause the digestive system to react adversely.

Stress or emotional upset

Yes, stress and anxiety can also cause unfavorable reactions from your dog’s digestive system.

Additionally, some vets also link overfeeding as a cause for loose stool. They say a usual indication of overfeeding other than the physical appearance of your dog is a firm stool in the morning that gets softer later in the day.

When To Visit The Veterinarian?

Loose stools are not necessarily causes for concern. But if your pup’s poop does not firm up after 48 hours, a visit to the vet may be best for proper diagnosis.

Another more serious symptom is when your dog’s poop has blood. Though there’s no need to panic, as it can be pretty normal sometimes, blood in your dog’s poop may also signal something that needs medical attention.

If aside from having loose stools your dog also loses appetite or stops eating normally, she may be ill with something or hurting. It’s best to see the vet in this case.

A drop in your dog’s energy level accompanied by loose stool may also hint at a health issue that is best checked by the local vet.

Apart from loose poops and frequent defecating, vomiting is also a possible symptom of an illness that weakens the dog’s digestive system.

Fever is another possible origin of diarrhea and soft feces. Especially for older dogs, a visit to the animal hospital is recommended.

If your furry friend has a sore or sensitive belly, it could be a sign of an illness that needs immediate attention from the vet.

Finally, if your pooch has a blackish poop, it may be due to a number of unfavorable reasons including serious dog illnesses. Black stools warrant an immediate visit to the vet for diagnosis.

 

Are Small Breed Dogs More Prone To Digestive Issues?

All dogs, including small breed dogs, can experience different digestive issues. Most of the common causes of diarrhea and loose poos are not exclusive to any particular dog breed or size.

It’s imperative for pet owners to always give their furry kids the proper nutrition and high-quality dry dog food, regardless of size, breed, or age.

However, some experts believe that small breed dogs are in more need of complete and balanced nutrition because they don’t have as much reserves as larger dog breeds.

Small breed dogs need to eat regularly so their blood sugar does not drop. Aside from a complete diet, it’s ideal to give them wet dog food or canned food too.

Experts add that feeding dogs human food is one of the most common causes of digestive issues in dogs.

What To Look For?

If it’s apparent that a change in your dog’s diet is unavoidable to achieve a healthy poop, then there are really dozens of options to choose from.

But it’s absolutely paramount for dog parents to carefully check the label before deciding to feed it to their pups.

Here are some of the most important details to look for in the best dog food for firm stools:

High Quality and Natural Ingredients

There’s no substitute to a dog food with high quality and natural ingredients. Unfortunately, there are several dog food brands that use inferior ingredients in their products to keep the costs at a minimum.

Poor quality diets may lead to more expenses in the long run due to food-induced illnesses. Always check the ingredients deck and other information pertaining to the particular dog food that you’re considering before buying it.

High in Fiber

A high-fiber diet is ideal to firm up a dog’s stool. The fibers absorb the fluids in the feces to solidify it. Fibers have other health benefits too for your dogs.

But too much fiber can also cause digestive problems. Some fruits and veggies like pumpkin are known to help attain firm stools because of their rich fibers.

High in Protein, Low in Fat

Vets also recommend a high-protein and low-fat diet for firm stools in dogs. The protein load can help firm up the stool, while too much fat can cause loose poop.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Choose dog foods that contain probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Lactobacillus Casei are good bacteria that support the digestive tract and protect it from bad bacteria.

Prebiotics are fibers that feed the good bacteria. This prebiotic fiber is supplied by whole foods like oats, green peas, legumes, bananas, and berries.

Complete and Balanced Nutrition

Another prime consideration in selecting dog food is the nutrient content. Make sure that you get your pups dog foods with sufficient essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to better protect them from various illnesses.

Vitamins A, C, E, and various B’s are all vital to a dog’s overall health, and so are several other minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium. Omega fatty acids are also fundamental needs for dogs for healthy skin and coat, heart, and immune system.

No Food Allergens

If your dog’s loose stool is a result of an allergic reaction to food, pick a diet that doesn’t contain common dog food allergens like chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, grains, wheat, and soy.

Limited Ingredients

Limited Ingredient Diets are best if your pup has food sensitivities, which may have caused the soft stools.

Grain-free food may also be a good option, although some grains are good for firming up stool because of their rich fibers. So a diet being grain-free is not a requirement for firm stool. 

Free of Artificial Preservatives, Flavors, and Colors

Select dog foods with all-natural ingredients. Some artificial ingredients commonly used in cheap brands pose some health hazards to dogs.

Manufactured in Countries with High Safety and Quality Standards

The best dog foods are made by pet food manufacturers that use high-quality ingredients and follow strict safety and quality standards in the dog food industry.

These products are usually made and sourced in countries with very high quality standards in food manufacturing like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and some European countries.

Bottomline

There are many possible causes for loose stool in dogs. A diet change is one of the most common causes.

If you change the protein source of your dog food, gradually transition your dog for about a week. This will help his digestive system to adapt to the new protein and produce a healthy stool.

Always provide clean water near your dog’s meal. Excess water is not the reason for your pup’s soft stool.

Choose the best dog foods for your pups using the guidelines we provided in this article. If your dogs still have loose stools after 48 hours, better consult the vet.