Best Dog Food For Firm Stools in 2023
An upset stomach and loose stools are signs of something being wrong with your beloved fur friend. It does not have to be serious, but no pup should have to walk around with frequent diarrhea, a rumbling sound in their tummy, stomach cramps or runny stool. If this is something you have experienced with your pups, then you have probably asked yourself the following question – how do I firm up my dog’s stool? The answer is often simpler than what many dog owners think.
The most common reason for stomach problems in dogs is the food they consume. They could have a food sensitivity, an allergy or suffer from the lack of a certain nutrient, so the first thing you want to do is to get your fluffy bestie the right dog foods to firm up stool.
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Our team has spent hours researching products to find the best dog food for firm stools, read our in-depth reviews below. Learn more about our 10 point inspection checklist.
Best Dog Food For Firm Stools
1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
The best dog food for firm stools is potentially Hill’s kibble for dogs with a sensitive digestive system. It is one of the foods that harden stool thanks to its intestine-friendly ingredients and gentle recipe. As if that wasn’t enough – Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food also promotes healthy skin and coat.
This diet dog food has prebiotic fiber to calm the stomach. It also aids in maintaining a properly functioning metabolism, which will make your pup’s bathroom breaks a lot more pleasant for everyone. While it is one of the foods that firm up a stool, Hill’s Science Diet is also so much more, and it offers your pup all the nutrition they need.
Why We Like It – What earns this dog food for firmer stools its spot at the top is the many benefits that come with it. Not only do you get food that will help your pup’s digestion, but you also get a product that is easy to find in most pet stores and online that comes at an affordable price.
Related review: Dog Food for Anal Gland Problems and Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 382 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 21.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 12.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ Easily-digestible ingredients for improved nutrient absorption
+ Vitamin-E and Omega 6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin
+ Recommended by veterinarians
+ Prebiotic fiber for a balanced gut microbiome
+ Promotes digestive health and skin nourishment
Cons:
– Not recommended for puppies, pregnant, or nursing dogs
– Tasty big kibble size is not ideal for dogs with small mouths
Alternative Option: Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Salmon & Rice Formula
Purina Pro Plan brings you one of the best dog food to solve your pup’s stool problem. With natural prebiotic fiber, this formula aids your dog’s digestive health by nourishing a specific intestinal bacteria with natural prebiotic fiber. No more smelly runs and nasty diarrhea if you change your dog’s diet to Purina’s Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Salmon & Rice Formula.
This food for firm stools also has Salmon with high-quality protein as the first ingredient to supply your pooch with essential amino acids for optimal health. Your fur baby will definitely love the crunchy kibble and tasty flavor of this dog food that will leave them wanting more. Moreover, it’s also fortified with Guaranteed Live Probiotics to support your dog’s immune and digestive health.
Get the Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Salmon & Rice Formula, and you and your vet are in for a fantastic surprise. Taking this diet will show impressive results in your dog’s shiny skin and healthy coat. Omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin A makes this possible for your pup’s skin nourishment.
2. ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
When trying to figure out what foods firm up stools, you want to be looking at high-quality dog food. A brand that is almost always mentioned as one of the best and most nutritious dog food producers is Acana due to its premium ingredients. It is an option worth considering if you are looking for the best dog food for less poop.
Acana has a total of 60% grass-fed lamb (mix of raw and dried). While, the other 40% consists of vegetables, fruit, and other natural ingredients, and it has gluten, potato, or grains. Few dog food products compare, and its gentle composition and easily digested ingredients make it ideal for firming up stool.
Why We Like It – Saying you don’t like Acana would be like saying you don’t like to eat healthy, nutritious, and delicious food yourself, as it is one of the best dog food brands in the world. This product has a single protein source, making it easier to digest for sensitive stomachs – also firming up dog stools.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3370 kcal/kg, 371 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 31% min |
| Crude Fat | 17% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5% max |
| Moisture | 12% max |
Pros:
+ 60% protein from a single source
+ No artificial ingredients
+ Promotes healthy digestive system
+ Grain, potato, and gluten-free
+ Complete nutrition for picky eaters or food-sensitive dogs
+ Supports immune system function with essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
Cons:
– High carb content
Alternative Option: Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey and Potato Recipe
Does your fur baby have a sensitive stomach? Well, you and your baby no longer have to worry about diarrhea and loose stools. Because Blue Buffalo’s limited ingredient recipe is here to make your problems go away. This pet food has exclusive lifesource bits rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and satisfy their nutritional needs.
The #1 ingredient is real turkey for a high-quality protein source that supplies your pooch with essential amino acids aiding their life development. Another thing to worry less about is food allergies because this specific diet doesn’t contain chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Pet owners claim that this is one of the best dog food for firm stools. After changing their food to Blue Buffalo Limited Ingredient, this diet has significantly helped their dogs’ bowel movements and prevent digestive issues.
3. Fromm Family Foods Gold Nutritionals Adult Dry Dog Food
With fresh lamb, chicken, duck, real cheese, and whole eggs – this Fromm dog food makes sure your dog has all the nutrients needed to grow up strong and worry-free. The lean meat sources are gentle on the gut, promoting healthy digestion with minimal nutritional waste. The more nutrients your dog’s body can process, the less waste there will be, just like Fromm, one of the best dog foods to reduce pooping and an excellent option for choosing stool firming foods. Learn more through Fromm dog food reviews.
Why We Like It – Dog foods that produce less waste can be a great help for dogs with frequent stomach upset, and this is affordable dog food for firm stools that your dog is likely to love!
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,923kcal/kg or 408kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 24.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 16.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.5% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ For adult dogs all sizes
+ Contains real Wisconsin cheddar
+ Chicken cartilage with natural glucosamine
+ Good kibble size also for small dogs
+ Naturally formulated with fresh duck, chicken, lamb, whole eggs, and real cheese
Cons:
– Not suitable for dogs with egg and dairy allergy
4. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food
With Taste of Wild, diarrhea will no longer be an issue, as it is packed with fiber, protein, probiotics, and antioxidants. Smoked salmon is the main ingredient in this kibble, and it is made exclusively with natural components by a family-owned business in the United States. The best dry dog food for loose stools is easy to digest and does not irritate the sensitive GI tract. Taste of the Wild is designed to build up the dog’s resistance from the inside and out.
You are likely to notice healthier skin and coat, more energy, better teeth, and a bigger appetite. It is one of the foods to harden stool that has been proven to actually make a difference.
Why We Like It – If you have ever wondered how to firm up dog stool, the simple answer is to make sure your dog eats the right type of food. Taste of the Wild is known for its high-quality ingredients. Its products are carefully manufactured to provide dogs with easily digested food for optimal nutritional intake.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,600 kcal/kg, 360 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 25.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 15.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ High-quality protein content from wild salmon
+ Free from egg and egg products
+ Dried chicory root to produce probiotics for easy digestion
+ Rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
+ With added vitamins and minerals from fruits and superfoods
+ Formulated without grain, corn, wheat, artificial flavors, or artificial colors
Cons:
– Not all dogs are suitable for a grain-free diet
– A bit pricey
5. “I and love and you” Nude Food, Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
A grain-free creation with non-GMO protein and produce, made in the U.S, and packed with prebiotics and probiotics. You think that’s it? It’s also a balanced diet for all life stages and rich in protein, thanks to a high content of real turkey and other low-glycemic ingredients. What else could you want for your dog? “I and love and you” is the best dog food for a loose stool if you are also looking for dog food that is cheap and made with love and care. With this “I and Love and You” dog food, less poop is likely to become a reality, thanks to all the binding ingredients to help get the metabolism back on track.
Why We Like It – You can almost feel the love that has gone into the making of this product. It can help firm up dog stool simply thanks to its high-quality energy content and ingredients such as coconut oil and pumpkin. Pumpkin is one of several binding foods for dogs. Because it helps bind together the stomach content and protect the digestive tract as food waste moves through the dog’s body.
See some other grain-free dog foods for puppies.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,522 kcal/kg, 354 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 34.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 15.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ Real meat as the #1 ingredients with 34% high protein
+ Non-GMO ingredients, grain-free recipe
+ Farm-raised turkey meat for protein
+ Contain superfoods like coconut oil, flaxseeds, and turmeric
+ With digestive enzymes that promote a healthy digestive system
+ Includes omega fatty acids for skin and coat nutrition
Cons:
– A bit pricey
– With pea starch
6. Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Stomach problems in dogs are often caused by food sensitivities and/or an inadequate diet. This product is made with limited ingredients to suit a dog whose metabolism needs a little help. It is a dog food to firm up the stool, thanks to a quality protein from one single source (which helps avoid triggering an already irritated gut). More than that, it has fiber from real vegetables, a natural source of antioxidants, and added vitamins and minerals.
Producing food that hardens poop is really a question of simple science, where quality ingredients play a crucial role, and Wellness has achieved this with this delicious and nutritious recipe.
Why We Like It – It is a simple product with few ingredients, but their secret lies in choosing those ingredients exceptionally well. This dog food is mild yet packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a likely answer to the question of how to firm up dog poop without having to turn to medication or other extremes.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,487 kcal/kg or 446 kcal/cup ME |
| Crude Protein | 25.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 12.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 11.0% max |
Pros:
+ Salmon as a single protein source and high fiber from real vegetables
+ Poultry-free and no dairy, egg, or wheat gluten
+ Easily-digestible carbohydrates
+ No artificial additives or fillers
+ Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
+ Great for dogs with sensitive skin and sensitive stomach
Cons:
– Kibbles are not ideal for small breed dogs
7. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
“How to harden dog’s stool” is a search phrase used surprisingly often online, and Natural Balance Dog Food has its own answer to the question! Their limited ingredient formula with potato and duck is tasty that even most picky eaters will be won over. It’s also enriched with vitamins and minerals, full of healthy fibers and digestive enzymes to help the stomach and intestines do their job. It comes in three varieties for adult dogs, puppies, and small breed dogs.
An upset stomach is sometimes a result of the dog eating too fast and not chewing the food properly. Providing a small dog with adequately sized kibble – they are more likely to chew it before swallowing, which aids the digestive process.
Why We Like It – By offering a product designed for small breed dogs, Natural Balance solves one issue which often contributes to digestive issues! It is an excellent option among available foods that firm stool, especially for small dogs and puppies.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3431 kcal/kg, 375 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 24.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 10.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ Helps support the digestive system
+ With mild duck and potatoes
+ Complete and balanced nutrition
+ Available in smaller kibble size
+ No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
+ DHA fatty acids for development of the central nervous system and retinal function
Cons:
– A little bit pricey
8. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe
The Instinct Limited Ingredient dog food that firms up stools has only one protein (meat) source and one vegetable. This natural ingredient caters to those dog owners who have a pup with a sensitive tummy on their hands. When a dog has a sensitive stomach, it is essential to try and limit what they eat to only what their bodies can handle. It becomes a lot easier with a kibble like this, where the ingredient list is kept short. Nature’s Variety is a dog food that reduces loose poop by stabilizing the stomach and intestines while also providing your pup with energy to last a whole day.
Why We Like It: When the manufacturer behind ‘Instinct’ says something – you listen. Simply because they have a spot-free track record of providing dogs with high-quality dog food products, and this kibble is no exception. Lamb is very gentle on the digestive tracks, and it is a strong contender for the best dog food for firm stools.
Think your dog has an allergy? Try one of these hypoallergenic dog foods.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 4,126 kcal/kg, 469 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 26.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 18.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.5% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ Easily-digested turkey with essential amino acids
+ Great for food-sensitive dogs
+ Free from grains, egg, fish, chicken, beef, or fillers
+ Natural Omega fatty acids and antioxidants for skin, coat, and immune health
+ No artificial preservatives
Cons:
– Not recommended for dogs with pea allergy
9. Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Dry Dog Food
Rachael Ray is known for only cooking with the best ingredients available. She has made it her trademark to use protein and produce that she would use in her own kitchen. This low poop dog food has juicy lamb as its main ingredient. It is then followed by 5 different nutritious items on the ingredient list.
Nutrish Just 6 Natural Dry Dog Food is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, which you always want to look for in dog food for firm stools. It is cooked and made with top-quality ingredients in the United States.
Why We Like It – Our pups deserve the best, and it is nice to find dog food where the creator is on the same page regarding quality ingredients. It has no unnecessary fillers or artificial additives and is therefore extra kind to sensitive puppy stomachs. Whether you are trying to figure out how to harden loose stool or if you are trying to find the right dog food for firm stools – this makes a suitable option.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,379 kcal/kg, 321 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 20.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 13.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ Lamb meal is the #1 ingredient
+ Suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds
+ Made with 6 natural ingredients plus vitamins and minerals
+ Free from poultry by-products
+ No wheat, soy, corn, or gluten
+ No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
Cons:
– Not all dogs can adjust well to the new formula
– Contains chicken fat
Dog Food for Firm Stools Buyer’s Guide
The wonderful world of dog food can quickly become a lot less superb when you try to find the right product for your furry pals, as it can easily get confusing! There are so many different ones to choose from, and for the untrained eye, it can be near impossible to separate the good stuff from what is not so great. Due to this, many dogs end up presenting signs of digestive issues, as they are simply not fed what is right for them.
A few dog food products are made to suit pups with rumbling tummies to help them get rid of runny stool, possible vomiting, and stomach aches. You should always talk to your veterinarian to rule out any more serious health issues if your dog has frequent diarrhea (such as a worm infection), but if food is ruled to be the issue – it is time to switch to a better option.
What to Look for When Buying Dog Food for Firm Stools
If you want to look for only the best food for your pup, look for these ingredients to promote a well-conditioned digestive system.
Natural Ingredients
The key to a happy and healthy dog is nutritious dog food made with natural ingredients. Imagine if you, as a dog owner, would eat your breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a fast-food restaurant – all year round! It is the same as if a dog would be fed only a low-quality kibble. Instead, make sure you read the ingredients list and look for real meat products listed first (no animal by-products), followed by natural fruit and vegetables.
Artificial ingredients can and will often irritate sensitive pup stomachs and can contribute to runny stools! Stay away from any artificial color, flavor, and preservatives! As a rule, if the kibble has bright colors like red and green, it is probably caused by an artificial color additive.
Probiotics & Prebiotics
The first thing you need to know is that probiotics and prebiotics are two different things, but they are both beneficial for dog foods that firm up stools. An easy way to put it is that prebiotics takes care of the good bacteria in the dog’s intestines. Prebiotics nourish and “feed” the good bacterias, while probiotics – on the other hand – are the bacteria that prebiotics looks after. Prebiotics are in most cases added to dog food, while probiotics should come naturally from the ingredients.
There is some debate on whether prebiotics is genuinely beneficial for dogs with stomach issues, but probiotics surely are. For us humans, most know that yogurt has probiotics, and perhaps we were told to eat yogurt to stay healthy when we were younger. The same applies to dogs. To ensure your pup’s digestion works as it should – double-check that the dog food you are buying has probiotics to aid the metabolism and protect the intestines.
Grain-Free
Going grain-free or sticking with healthy grains is a personal choice, but there are indications that dogs may do better on a diet more closely shaped after what their ancestors ate. Many low-quality dog foods use fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, which aren’t necessarily bad. Still, they also don’t contribute much (if anything) when it comes to nutrition.
Foods that solidify stool are those that provide your fur friend with the nutrition he or she needs. Even though there are quality grain dog foods as well – you might want to stay away from grain just to be on the safe side.
Best dog food for a puppy with loose stools?
A great option for puppies is Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food – Potato & Duck Formula. They offer both puppy dog food, one for adults, and a small dog breed kibble. This means that you can start your puppy off right with food made for puppies with sensitive stomachs and switch to the adult variety once the time comes. The benefit here is that you won’t have to change brands as the puppy grows older, which can help sensitive doggy stomachs.
Best dog food for a senior dog with diarrhea?
First, you need to rule out any other underlying issues, especially if diarrhea has started seemingly for no reason. Have a talk with your trusted veterinarian. If he or she thinks a new gentler senior dog food is the way to go – consider trying ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food. It has a total of 60% lean protein and is made with only natural ingredients. What’s more incredible is that it help firm up your senior pup’s stool while also providing them with the nutrition they need to age with grace.
How to know if it is the right food for my dog?
If your dog continuously struggles with an upset tummy, diarrhea, and loose stools, it is worth considering that you might not be feeding them the right food. It does not have to be about quality, as not all high-quality dog food works for every dog, and it might be more of a question of what is in the food you are feeding.
Try switching to dog food with limited ingredients – preferably natural – and see a difference. Keep in mind that you might not notice a change right away, so give it some time before deeming the food unfit. Also, always consult your veterinarian if the symptoms persist or if you feel concerned.
Conclusion
Dog’s are family too, and we should always look out for our family – furry or not – to make sure they have what they need to feel good physically and mentally. An upset stomach and runny stool are no fun, and dogs (in particular) are very good at hiding signs of discomfort. By providing a quality kibble; made with natural ingredients and lean meat products, you reduce the risk of irritating your pup’s sensitive GI tract.
There is dog food that makes dogs poop less, preventing it from coming out loose. The pet foods mentioned in this article are all high-quality items likely to aid healthy digestion. It’s up to you to figure out which one is the best one for your pup that will agree with them both in flavor and nutrition.
Expert Tip
Avoid feeding your dog table scraps, as food cooked for humans usually contains condiments that are highly likely to irritate the canine stomach. Find the right dog food and stick to it.
Did You Know?
Nature is full of foods to solidify stool, and one of them is a pumpkin! Add some canned pumpkin to your dog’s diet when they suffer from diarrhea or pick a dog food product with pumpkin as one of its ingredients.
