Is your lovely dog suffering from stomach upsets and diarrhea? If yes, it might be an indicator that something is wrong with their health.
However, even if the issue is not a serious one, no pooch should have to endure persistent and recurring runny stools.
The good news is that you can address the problem using the right diet. The leading cause of the upset stomachs and loose stool in pooches is the food they eat.
They might be suffering from food sensitivities, allergies, or unbalanced nutrition.
Therefore, when you notice the loose stool problem, the first action should be getting the right diet.
Keep reading to discover the best dog food for firm stools and pick the perfect option for your canine.
Table of Contents
The Best Dog Food for Firm Stools Are …
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Dog Food |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 4. Rachel Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Formula |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 5. Zignature Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 6. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 7. Natural Balance L.I.D Limited Ingredients Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 8. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 9. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food |  | Check Current Price |
1. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Dog Food — Best Dry Dog Food For Loose Stools
One of the most recommended dog foods for firm stool, which also takes the first position in our list, is Pacific Stream Dog Food from Taste of The Wild.
The food is formulated with high-protein content enriched with all essential nutrients not just for a good digestive system, but whole-body health.
Taste of the Wild prepared this food using novel proteins with real smoked salmon as the first ingredient.
Additionally, it contains ocean fish meal, peas, salmon meal, and sweet potatoes, which are very easy to digest.
So, whether your loose dog stool is caused by sensitivity or other stomach issues, this tasty food is one of the best options to slow and finally knock the problem down.
The food is also loaded with fiber content from potatoes and sweet potatoes to help with good bowel movement and firming the stool.
Taste of the Wild went further and included probiotics that support a healthy gastrointestinal system.
You will also like the food because it acts fast, getting you back to your lovely doggie.
Specs
- Proteins: 25% (minimum)
- Fat: 15% (minimum)
- Fiber: 3% (maximum)
- Moisture: 10% (maximum)
- Total microorganism: 80,000,000 CFU/lb (minimum)
Pros
- Loaded with high-quality proteins
- Formulated with easy-to-digest ingredients
- Enriched with probiotics
- Contains taurine for healthy brain, eyes, and heart cells
- Balanced well with vitamins and essential minerals for whole-body health
Cons
- Some dogs get bored with the food after a short while
2. I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
I and Love and You has cut a name for its high-quality pet foods, such as this Super Food Poultry Palooza Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.
It is a lovely poultry recipe prepared with turkey as the first ingredient, plus chicken meal, and chicken as the primary sources of proteins.
The turkey-chicken flavor is also awesome, and even your pickiest doggies will love every bite.
To help firm the stool of your dog faster, the food also contains a combination of nutrient-rich and high-fiber veggies and fruits, including carrots, apples, chickpeas, and lentils.
The fibers help to make digestion more effective, ensuring your dog absorbs most of the water to make the stool firm.
Another notable thing about this food is that it is grain-free, meaning that it is a great option for sensitive canines.
Approximately 60% of the ingredients used on the food are animal proteins and oils in a ratio that is considerably high in the pet food industry.
Furthermore, the carbohydrates used in the food have a low glycemic index to help power your doggie without risking the development of obesity.
Specs
- Proteins: 34% (minimum)
- Fat: 15% (minimum)
- Fiber: 5% (maximum)
- Moisture: 10% (maximum)
Pros
- High-protein, grain-free kibble with turkey as the first ingredient
- Enriched with omega fatty acids for healthy skin
- Prepared with loads of probiotics and prebiotics to ease your canine’s tummy issues
- Has superfoods like turmeric and flaxseeds that supply essential nutrients
- Free from grains and artificial preservatives
- Recommended for dogs of all breeds
Cons
- Not suitable for young dogs
3. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Food
Like our first two dog foods on our list, this Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Food from Hill’s Science is another go-to option to address stomach issues.
It is a savory chicken recipe prepared with no grains, colors, flavors, or preservatives that can cause allergic reactions.
Every ingredient used to prepare the food is gentle on the stomach, allowing your dog to take up most of the nutrients.
The food is prepared with real chicken as the first ingredient, while brewer’s rice, chicken meal, and yellow peas follow in that order, respectively.
In addition to high protein content, the food is rich in probiotics and crude fibers that help to promote healthy digestion and further firm the stool.
Vets also recommend this food because it is rich in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamins, especially Vitamin E, for a lustrous coat.
Furthermore, the vitamins work with the minerals, and amino acids to strengthen your dog’s immune system.
Therefore, as the food firms up your doggie’s stool, you are sure to make fewer trips to the vet.
Specs
- Proteins: 21% (minimum)
- Fat: 12% (minimum)
- Fiber: 4% (maximum)
- Moisture: 10% (maximum)
Pros
- Prebiotic fibers that support the digestive health of your canine
- The ingredients used to prepare the food are easily digestible
- Made using natural ingredients that are easy to digest
- Enriched with vitamins, minerals and omega fatty acids for whole-body health
- Recommended for all dog breeds
Cons
- Contains a lot of grains
4. Rachel Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Formula
If you are looking for the best doggie food for firm stool on a budget, this Nutrish Limited Ingredient Formula from Rachael Ray might be the answer.
Rachael Ray used only six ingredients, which are pretty simple to digest and help your canine overcome the diarrhea problem.
It also contains a rich blend of probiotics for a healthy gut and is free from artificial preservatives that cause sensitivities in canines.
The number one ingredient used to prepare this food is lamb, which helps supply quality proteins and amino acids that your dog needs for lean muscle development.
The proteins from lamb are combined with carbs from brown rice and chicken fat, making it an all-round tasty formula for your doggie.
To make the food more effective, it is enriched with essential minerals and vitamins, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 that make it a top recommendation for promoting a healthy immune system.
Other enrichments that make this dog food stand out include zinc, and alpha-linolenic acid that promote healthy skin.
Specs
- Proteins: 20% (minimum)
- Fat: 13% (minimum)
- Fiber: 4% (maximum)
- Moisture: 10% (maximum)
Pros
- Affordable
- Contains lamb meal as the first ingredient
- Made without common allergens such as wheat or soy
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals that your dog needs for whole-body health
- Formulated with probiotics and fibers that promote a healthy gut
- Good for both small and large dog breeds
Cons
- High phosphorus content that can result in urinary health issues
5. Zignature Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
For people who have many dogs in different life stages, the idea of feeding them with different foods can be challenging.
However, Zignature has solved the problem using this Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.
The food contains all-natural ingredients that are rich in the nutrients that your doggie needs to firm their stool and live a healthy and happy life.
The food is made using farm-raised lamb as the first ingredient that supplies the proteins that your canine needs to thrive.
Lamb meat is also a rich source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, and Selenium that go a long way into strengthening your dog’s systems, such as the immune system.
Furthermore, the food is enriched with essential minerals that help to strengthen muscles, ligaments, bones, and teeth.
This food is increasingly becoming popular because it does not contain ingredients that can result in allergic reactions.
For example, it is free from corn, dairy, chicken, and wheat, making it a great option for both adults and puppies with sensitivities.
Specs
- Proteins: 28% (minimum)
- Fat: 15% (minimum)
- Fiber: 4% (maximum)
- Moisture: 10% (maximum)
- L-carnitine: 40 mg/kg (minimum)
Pros
- A grain-free and limited ingredient food formulated with lamb as the sole source of protein
- Prepared with GMO-free and grass-fed lamb
- Rich in essential minerals and vitamins
- Loads of omega fatty acids, taurine, and L-Carnitine
- Suitable for both young and adult dogs
Cons
- Expensive
6. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
Allergies and runny stool in dogs go together, and that is why Wellness prepared this Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Food to decimate the problems.
The food provides a perfect balance of proteins, crude fat, and calories, in small-sized kibbles that make it a perfect pick for small breeds.
To overcome the problem of sensitivities, Wellness kept the ingredients used in this food limited and simple.
With salmon as the first ingredient and carbs from salmon meal and potatoes, your doggie will find it pretty easy to digest and absorb, leaving the stool firm.
To make the food more effective, especially for sensitive dogs, it is free from meat by-products, corn, soy, or artificial flavors.
This food is also loaded with omega fatty acids from flaxseed and canola oil to help keep the skin healthy and coat more attractive.
Furthermore, it also contains ample vitamins, which go a long way into strengthening the immune system and protecting the dog from common diseases.
Specs
- Proteins: 29% (minimum)
- Fat: 14% (minimum)
- Fiber: 5% (maximum)
- Moisture: 10% (maximum)
Pros
- Prepared with well-balanced proteins and calories for small breeds
- Loaded with fatty acids to strengthen skin and keep the hair attractive
- Contains probiotics and prebiotics to promote a healthy digestive system
- Free from meat-by products, soy, and other artificial flavors
- Enriched with vitamins and essential minerals for whole-body health
Cons
- Only formulated for small dog breeds
7. Natural Balance L.I.D Limited Ingredients Dry Dog Food
Natural Balance is one of the respected brands out there because of its focus on formulating quality pet foods, and this L.I.D Limited Ingredients Dry Food is a testimony.
The food is prepared with farm-raised duck as the first ingredient and other hand-picked ingredients that will not cause sensitivities or worsen digestive system issues.
If you have picky doggies, they are likely to find the duck flavor irresistible. With duck as the single-protein source and potato as the sole veggie for carbohydrate supply, your dog will easily digest them, absorb most nutrients, and firm their stool.
To help keep the intestines of your doggie healthier and firm their stool faster, the food is also loaded with probiotics.
Even if the problem of the loose stool has persisted for some time, this food might be all that you need to address it.
Specs
- Proteins: 24% (minimum)
- Fat: 10% (minimum)
- Fiber : 4% (maximum)
- Moisture: 10% (maximum)
Pros
- Contains limited ingredients that your dog can digest easily
- Low fat and high fiber contents to help firm the stool faster
- Loaded with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and beautiful coat
- Contains taurine for healthy brain and eye cells
- Enriched with essential minerals and vitamins for whole-body health
Cons
- Not recommended for large dog breeds
8. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula
When looking for dog food to address the problem of loose stool, you should consider top-rated diets, and one of the best options is this Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula from Blue Buffalo.
The meal is very delicious and contains turkey as the sole source of animal protein. The food is also free from common allergens, such as dairy and artificial preservatives, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
If the problem of diarrhea is caused by poor health, this food will also come in handy because it is prepared with ingredients that promote whole-body health.
The most notable of these ingredients are the BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits, which is a combination of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals selected by expert animal nutritionists.
With these ingredients, this food is one of the best options for clearing harmful radicals from your pooch’s body and strengthening their immune system.
Specs
- Proteins: 20% (minimum)
- Fat: 12% (minimum)
- Fiber: 6% (maximum)
- Moisture: 10% (maximum)
Pros
- High-quality ingredients with deboned turkey as the first ingredient
- All ingredients are easy to digest
- Free from allergic ingredients such as soy, dairy, and eggs
- Enriched with useful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for whole-body health
- All-natural ingredients with no preservatives
Cons
- Pricey
- Not good if your dog is sensitive to beef
9. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food
The last dog food for firm stool to make our list is this Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food from Purina Pro Plan.
It is a premium food plan prepared with everything that your dog needs to thrive. The food contains nutrient-rich salmon to supply your dog with all the amino acids it needs for healthy cell development.
The proteins are easy to digest, allowing your dog to extract most of the nutrients and firm the stool.
Another outstanding thing about this food is that it is rich in prebiotic fibers that serve two purposes; helping promote good health of the digestive system and enhancing water absorption from the gut.
The effect is firm stool and a happier doggie. We liked this food because it is rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that help to strengthen the immune system of your pooch.
This implies that in addition to helping firm your dog’s stool, the food will also strengthen the dog’s ability to fight diseases.
Pros
- Prepared with nutrient-rich salmon
- Enriched with omega fatty acids
- Loaded with probiotics that help to promote good health of the digestive system
- Free from corn, soy, flavors or artificial colors
- Good for all dog breeds
Cons
- Expensive
Buying Guide
The enthralling world of canine pals can easily become confusing when you try to single out a single product because there are so many to choose from.
In this guide, we will tell you how to identify the best food to firm your doggie’s stool.
What Causes Loose Stool In Dogs?
If you give your dog a poor diet, it can result in parasitic attacks that further cause loose stool. Also, the problem can result from food allergies.
Although most allergic reactions affect the nose, eyes, and skin, they can also affect the digestive tract system.
Here is a list of additional causes of loose stool in pooches:
Dietary Changes
If you have recently shifted to a new type of food, your dog’s digestive system might take some time before getting used to it, resulting in loose stool.
Poor Food Choices
If your dog strays and eats trash from your neighbor’s leftover or dirty food from a stranger, there is a risk of suffering from loose stool.
Eating Poisonous Materials
If your doggie takes something poisonous, such as toxic plants or insecticides, there is a likelihood of suffering from stomach upsets and loose stool.
Ailments
When your dog has health problems, especially those that relate to the digestive system, they are likely to suffer from diarrhea.
Medication
Because some medications are known to induce diarrhea, it is important to ensure you strictly follow the vet’s prescription.
Emotional Upsets
Like humans, dogs can suffer from anxiety, stress, and depression. In some cases, emotional problems have been associated with constipation and loose stool.
What To Look For When Purchasing Dog Food For Firm Stool
When you notice that your doggie is suffering from loose stool, it is important to take urgent action.
In most of the cases, you can address the problem using the right food. So, here is an outline of what to look for when buying dog food for firm stool.
Natural Ingredients
The secret to a happy and healthy pooch is feeding him with food made using natural ingredients.
So, go for high-quality dog foods, especially those that contain meat as the first ingredient.
Other helpful natural ingredients are fruits and veggies, but they should be in smaller quantities compared to real meat.
Artificial ingredients in dog foods are known to cause allergies, stomach sensitivities, and intensify the problem of runny stool.
Fiber Ingredients
When you book your dog for a checkup, the vet will tell you to look for foods that contain high fiber content.
Fiber is very important because it promotes the absorption of excess water from your doggie’s digestive system, resulting in firmer stools.
High fiber content also helps to promote better digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.
Probiotics
The digestive system of a dog contains many kinds of helpful bacteria that help with food digestion.
Food rich in probiotics adds these useful bacteria, resulting in a healthy gastrointestinal tract. The overall effect is a healthy digestive system and firm stool.
Low-Fat Content
Fats are complex and not easy to digest, especially when ingested in large quantities.
Therefore, you should look for a dog food that is prepared using low or average fat quantities. The rule of the thumb is selecting food with no more than 20% fat content.
Go for No or Quality Grains
One thing that you need to appreciate is that if your dog was living in the wild, it would largely be relying on meat from prey.
If you can, consider going for no grain dog food to help firm your doggie’s stool fast. However, most of the brands contain some grains that are used to supply additional carbohydrates.
In such cases, you should avoid dog foods that are formulated using low-quality grains such as corn, wheat, or fillers.
Vitamins and Minerals
As we mentioned earlier, stomach issues and loose stool can be caused by diseases. In such cases, you need to strengthen your doggie’s ability to fight these diseases.
So, look for food that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system.
Enough supply of minerals to your dog is also crucial in strengthening their bones, ligaments, and teeth.
The minerals work with proteins to help make your dog a happy and playful athlete.
Note that the minerals in your food, especially phosphorus and magnesium, should be carefully balanced because high quantities can result in bladder stones.
Other Enrichments
In addition to the above ingredients, the food you select should also be rich in taurine that helps in the development of eye and brain cells.
Final Thoughts
While your canine pal cannot verbally say what they are feeling, you can easily determine what is happening inside by checking their stool.
A loose stool is the last thing you want to see, and if you do, the first course of action should be selecting the best pooch food to firm their stool.
The diets we have reviewed above are top recommendations by vets and pet owners speak well of them. So, you can trust them to firm the stool of your doggie and make him happy again.
While we stand with the best dog food for firm stools in our reviews above (they are remarkable in every way), the Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Dog Food is the most outstanding.
It contains high-quality proteins and carefully balanced ingredients that will not only firm your doggie’s stool but also promote their whole-body health.
