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Low Residue Dog Food: Gentle Nutrition for a Happier, Healthier Pup!

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Mary Nielsen

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Low Residue Dog Food

Aside from all of the different brands and manufacturers, there are many different types of dog food out there and there are probably some you’ve never heard of.

You’re probably familiar with Limited Ingredient Diets (LIDs), formulas made with a limited number of ingredients and designed for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities, but have you ever heard of low residue dog foods?

This type of food is designed for dogs with certain digestive health issues. Keep reading to learn more about what low residue dog food is, what issues it can resolve, and how to choose one.

What is Low Residue Dog Food?

When you’re shopping around for a new food, there are a number of different things to look for. Most importantly, you want to choose a product that is properly balanced to meet your dog’s nutritional needs and made with high-quality ingredients.

None of this matters, however, unless the product is easily digestible for your dog. Certain ingredients are harder to digest than others – this primarily includes plant-based foods like grains, especially corn and wheat.

These ingredients may not be completely broken down by your dog’s digestive system which means that all of that excess has to be excreted in the form of feces.

The more digestible your dog’s diet is, the smaller and more compact his stools will be because his body is able to digest and absorb most of what he eats. This is the idea behind a low residue diet for dogs.

A diet like this is beneficial for dogs with certain intestinal or digestive health problems such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) – it may also help with issues like diarrhea and vomiting.

Some low residue recipes even contain medicinal ingredients for the treatment of specific digestive diseases.

Top Brands of Low Residue Dog Foods

If your dog suffers from frequent diarrhea or vomiting, you should check with your vet to see if he might have some kind of underlying digestive health problem. For dogs that have digestive issues, a low residue diet is an excellent option.

These diets are usually intended for short-term use until your dog’s symptoms are resolved, though dogs that suffer from frequent digestive health issues may benefit from a low residue product food as their staple diet.

If you think that a low residue dog food might be right for your dog, try one of our top four recommended brands reviewed below:

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1. Dr. Tim’s Kinesis Grain-Free Formula Dry

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Dried White Potatoes, Dried Field Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Low Residue Dog Food: Gentle Nutrition for a Happier, Healthier Pup! 1
Boasting with 87% animal protein content, this recipe will surely fuel all the energy needed by Fido on a daily basis. It is a well-rounded formula that is designed to suit every stage of life: from puppyhood to sunset years.

A brand of premium all-natural pet foods, Dr. Tim’s is known for producing specialized pet food formulas, especially for active and working breeds. In addition to these specialty formulas, the brand also offers a recipe that is designed for optimal digestibility – it is the Dr. Tim’s Kinesis recipe.

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This formula contains 87% protein from animal ingredients with grain-free carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, and probiotics for healthy digestion. Metabolically balanced for dogs that are sedentary up to moderately active, this recipe is free from corn, wheat, and soy as well as artificial additives.

It features chicken meal as the main ingredient with carbohydrate support from dried white potatoes and dried field peas. Chicken fat provides concentrated energy and essential fatty acids while vitamin supplements and chelated minerals help to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

Overall, this recipe contains 32% crude protein, 18% crude fat, and just 4.5% crude fiber.

What We Like

  • Veterinarian formulated
  • Metabolically balanced
  • 87% proteins derived from animal sources
  • Probiotics, prebiotics and antioxidants added
  • EPA and DHA to enhance mental clarity

What We Don't Like

  • $30 price increase

2. American Journey L.I.D. Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Pea Starch, Sweet Potatoes

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Low Residue Dog Food: Gentle Nutrition for a Happier, Healthier Pup! 2
With savory real deboned salmon that will greet your pup every meal time, giving them 22% of protein meal. This recipe is made to be as healthy as possible with no grains or any by-product ingredients.

Dog parents who are grain-free enthusiasts will love the Salmon version of American Journey’s LID. Savory real deboned salmon will greet your pup with every bite, giving your pet a protein-rich diet, with protein making up 22% of the meal.

Made with easily digestible carbohydrates like peas and sweet potatoes, this grain-free kibble is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.

The brand didn’t just stop at protein. the company also added nourishing ingredients such as omega fatty acids for healthy coat and skin, calcium for strong bones, zinc for thyroid and immune function, Vitamin E for healthy muscles, and a whole lot more nutrients and minerals for a complete and balanced diet.

This recipe is made to be as healthy as possible with no grain or by-product ingredients. There are no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors to cause food sensitivities, either.

What We Like

  • Limited ingredient recipe
  • Suitable for sensitive pets
  • Real, deboned salmon is main ingredient
  • With DHA to support eyes and brain
  • Rich in Omegas for better fur and skin

What We Don't Like

  • Change in formulation
  • Some developed allergic reactions

3. CANIDAE Pure Goodness Real Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Low Residue Dog Food: Gentle Nutrition for a Happier, Healthier Pup! 3
Made with responsibly sourced ingredients that is both nutrient-rich and delectable. Made from farm-raised duck plus organic veggies and antioxidant-rich fruits, this kibble will enhance his overall system.

This is a premium grain-free formula designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food sensitivities.

Crafted with limited ingredients, this recipe features real duck as the first ingredient, delivering a high-quality protein source that supports lean muscles and overall health.

Complemented by nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, this formula provides an easily digestible source of carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Free from grains, corn, wheat and soy, it avoids common allergens while being fortified with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to promote healthy digestion, a strong immune system and a shiny coat.

Proudly made in Canidae’s Texas facility, every batch reflects the brand's commitment to quality and sustainability. The carefully sourced ingredients and small-batch production ensure freshness and nutritional integrity in every bite.

Whether your dog is a picky eater or has dietary restrictions, this product offers a wholesome, balanced and delicious option you can trust.

What We Like

  • Grain free formula
  • Real duck is main protein
  • Uses sustainable packaging
  • Responsibly sourced ingredients
  • Zero artificial preservatives, flavors or colors

What We Don't Like

  • Causes digestive upset in some

4. Natural Balance Health Protection Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Peas

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Low Residue Dog Food: Gentle Nutrition for a Happier, Healthier Pup! 4
Specifically crafted to be gentle on the tummy by using highly digestible ingredients with a dash of prebiotics and natural fibers to boost and help the digestive sytem.

This pet food company is known for producing high-quality pet foods designed in keeping with sound scientific principles and nutritional truths.

This brand offers a collection of original recipes but most of their products are limited ingredient diets or formulas designed for optimal digestibility. This kibble in particular is designed to support your dog’s healthy digestion, skin & coat, bones & joints, teeth and overall immunity.

It features fresh chicken and chicken meal as the top two ingredients, followed by digestible brown rice. Overall, this formula contains 24% crude protein, 12% crude fat, and just 5% crude fiber.

It contains plenty of healthy fats in the form of chicken fat and salmon oil as well as beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and dried fermentation products as probiotic support. This recipe is complete and balanced for dogs in all life stages.

What We Like

  • Easily digestible recipe
  • Suitable for all adult breeds
  • Prebiotics to support gut health
  • Helps maintain stool quality
  • Vit. E, selenium and zinc added

What We Don't Like

  • Always out of stock

5. Go! Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Duck Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: De-Boned Duck, Duck Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Lentils

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Low Residue Dog Food: Gentle Nutrition for a Happier, Healthier Pup! 5
A limited ingredient recipe especially made for dogs with sensitive tummy health and it provides the added benefit of supporting your pet’s healthy skin and coat. Chock full of chelated minerals as well as plenty of antioxidants.

The Sensitivity + Shine formula is one of three formulas that make up the Go! line of Petcurean pet foods. This formula is designed specifically for dogs with sensitive digestive systems and it provides the added benefit of supporting your dog’s healthy skin and coat.

This product in particular features premium-quality duck as the single source of animal protein with carbohydrate support from grain-free ingredients like peas, tapioca, and lentils.

You’ll also be glad to know that this recipe contains chelated minerals as well as plenty of antioxidants for healthy immunity.

Overall, it contains 24% crude protein, 12% crude fat, and just 4.5% crude fiber. This recipe is complete and balanced for dogs in all life stages and it is free from artificial additives.

What We Like

  • Grain + gluten free recipe
  • Limited Ingredient formula
  • Uses only premium-quality duck
  • Ideal for dogs with sensitive dietary needs
  • Formulated by pet nutrition experts

What We Don't Like

  • $15 price increase
  • Different color and size from previous batches

6. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Support

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Peas

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Low Residue Dog Food: Gentle Nutrition for a Happier, Healthier Pup! 6
A veterinary diet kibble that is comprised of easy to digest ingredients plus prebiotics and natural fibers to support your pet's sensitive tummy health.

Blue Buffalo is one of the top brands in the natural pet food industry so you can count on all of their products to offer excellent quality and balanced nutrition.

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While many veterinary diets are made with low-quality ingredients, this recipe is a great product for dogs with digestive issues.

This formula is made with easily digestible ingredients and supplemented with prebiotic fibers to help keep your dog’s GI tract healthy. It contains 24% crude protein, 12% crude fat, and just 5% crude fiber.

This recipe features both deboned chicken and chicken meal as the primary ingredients with oatmeal, brown rice, peas, and potatoes for carbohydrate support. These are considered very digestible carbohydrates for dogs and they contribute some healthy nutrients as well.

Overall, this recipe is loaded with high-quality, easily digestible ingredients to meet your dog’s nutritional needs without upsetting his digestive system.

What We Like

  • Easily digestible ingredients
  • Precise blend of antioxidants
  • Zero corn, wheat or soy
  • No poultry by-product meals
  • Prebiotic fibers to boost GI flora

What We Don't Like

  • Needs Vet authorization
  • Not appealing scent

7. Taste of the Wild Pine Forest Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Low Residue Dog Food: Gentle Nutrition for a Happier, Healthier Pup! 7
A tasty combination of lamb meal, venison, and garbanzo beans for a completely unique meal that’s protein-rich and full of highly-digestible energy.

Dogs with food sensitivities might find this red meat formulation more to their liking. It’s a tasty combination of venison, lamb meal, and garbanzo beans for a distinct meal that’s full of protein and highly-digestible energy.

The crude protein is helped along with the addition of ocean fish meal, bringing it to a minimum 28%.

The crude fiber content here is 5.5% — higher than most recipes in the Grain-Free range. The moisture content remains the same at 10% maximum, the crude fat is at 15% minimum, the

Omega-3 fatty acid is .3% minimum, and the Omega-6 fatty acid is at 2.8% minimum.

The caloric content is the lowest in the Grain-Free range with 337 kcal only per cup.

What We Like

  • Highly digestible protein
  • Boasts wild game flavor
  • Filled with probiotics and prebiotic fiber
  • Well-rounded, nutrient-packed recipe
  • Perfect balance of omega fatty acids

What We Don't Like

  • Out of stock
  • Contains egg product
Low Residue Dog Food: Gentle Nutrition for a Happier, Healthier Pup! 8

Tips for Choosing a Low Residue Recipe

Shopping for a low residue dog food is like shopping for any other kind of food – you need to take the time to read the information provided on the label in order to determine whether it is a good choice for your dog.

Start by checking for the AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy to make sure that the product is complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage. This statement will also tell you whether the product is intended as a staple diet or for supplementary feeding.

Next, take a look at the guaranteed analysis to ensure that the food exceeds your dog’s minimum requirements for protein and fat. You’ll also want to take a look at the crude fiber content to make sure it is as low as possible.

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The general recommendation for is no more than 5% crude fiber but a low residue recipe might be lower in crude fiber than a traditional dry food. You’ll want to make sure that the product includes some fiber, but not so much that it will interfere with your dog’s healthy digestion.

More importantly, however, is the type of fiber used in the product and the ingredients from which it comes.

This brings us to the next area of the pet food label you should be focusing on – the list of ingredients. On pet food packages, these lists are arranged in descending order by volume, so the ingredients at the top of the list are the ones used in the highest quantity.

low residue

This being the case, you want to see a high-quality source of animal protein at the very top of the list. If the product you’re looking at starts with a carbohydrate (especially a grain), it is likely that the fiber content of the product will be too high for your dog.

Low residue recipes tend to be higher in protein with moderate to high fat content when compared to other recipes. Aside from quality animal proteins like poultry, meat, fish and eggs, a low residue recipe should contain other easily digestible ingredients like cooked vegetables, healthy fats, and beneficial additives.

If your dog suffers from digestive health problems, your vet might recommend a low residue dog food. Before you shell out for a veterinary formula sold at your vet’s office, take the time to explore your options.

With a little research and some legwork on your part, you can find a high-quality recipe that will serve your dog’s needs for a low residue diet. If you need help getting started in your search, try one of the top four recommended brands reviewed above.

What Is a Low-Residue Dog Food?

Low-residue dog food is designed to give the bowel a break. Typically, it contains very little fiber with some other restrictions. It’s supposed to help to reduce the volume of your dog’s poop and make it smell a lot better.

Does My Dog Need Low-Residue Dog Food?

If your dog’s stools are becoming too much or too frequent, your vet will usually recommend low-residue dog food.

What Are The Benefits of Low Residue Dog Food?

It improves pancreas health; it’s great for diarrhea and constipation; it improves your dog’s colon health; gets rid of flatulence.

What Other Foods Can Your Dog Eat On A Low-Residue Diet?

In addition to this low residue dog food, there are some other foods you can include in your dog’s diet to help with the situation. You can include veggies. Veggies such as tomatoes, carrots, and green beans are great at improving digestibility. Also, if your dog loves a treat, you can also try low-fiber fruits. They make very delicious treats and even more importantly, they digest easily. You can feed them with bananas, melon, avocado, pumpkin, or other sugarless canned fruits.

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