Bad stools can be a sign of disease, stress or evidence that certain foods are not right for your dog. The good news is that there are easy ways to improve your dog's digestion. A straightforward switch to a wheat-free food is number one on the list to improve your pooch's poo. The best dog food for firm stools in the UK comprises of a range of kibble that has added fibre and probiotics to bulk out your dog's stools and improve their gut health.
A quality poo is firm, not too wet, not too dry, doesn't smell and is textured. Overly dry stools are a sign of dehydration or slow intestinal movement. At the other extreme, if your dog is passing brown liquid soup instead of stools - that's diarrhoea which is evidence of digestive unease. It needs attention because if the upset continues for several days it will lead to malnutrition. The solution could be as simple as switching your pooch to a hypoallergenic food for sensitive dogs. It's important to consider the wellbeing of your pet; being poorly is miserable but if they're also not absorbing nutrients and feeling sated when they eat, your pet is going to feel wiped out - and that's a crappy existence.
Best dog food for firm stools at a glance
• Best dry grain-free dog food: James Wellbeloved, Grain-Free Dry Adult Dog Food - view on Amazon UK
• Best grain-free dog food with probiotics: Pooch and Mutt, Health and Digestion Dry Food - view on Pooch and Mutt
• Best hypoallergenic dog food: Pooch and Mutt, Adult Complete Superfood - view on Pooch and Mutt
Sometimes, when you switch your pet's diet from adult to senior dog food it can make their stools a bit soft. So a supplement like Pro-fibre can be beneficial for bulking out their stools. Additionally, a probiotic supplement in a paste, powder or pellet form can greatly improve the gut health of your pet. Pro-Kolin and Fortiflora are recommended by vets. We've included a little breakdown of these supplements in this guide too.
Dog food is an enormous topic, with a host of expert-endorsed specialist diets. Jump to the FAQs at the end of this article for more guidance on getting your dog's digestive health in top form. But for now, we've rounded up a range of dry dog food and grain-free dog food that contains the right formulation to give dog stools a bit of bulk and gut-soothing probiotics to quell their dicky digestion. Finally, if you are making a significant change to your dog's diet you must seek advice from your vet.
Best dog food for firm stools
Best dry grain-free dog food
James Wellbeloved's adult turkey and veg dog food are packed full of goodies for your pooch. These include yucca extract for less smelly poos and linseed which is a great source of Omega 3. Not only will your pup's stomach be settled, but its skin and coat will glow with vitality. This dry food is made with high-quality protein, the turkey will help keep your dog fuller for longer.
Customer review: "We have been giving our dog this food for over a year now and he has been fit and well. Tried a lot of alternatives but he had an upset stomach from the other types of food. As a rescue dog, we had no idea about his diet before we got him. This bag (10kg) lasts us a little over a month. (Our dog weighs 21.9kg) Our dog loves the turkey and vegetable bag. I'm sure if he could speak (or type) he would tell you that he really enjoys it. We also take it out with us to help train him when he meets other dogs and it has worked really well. Great food, good results."
Pros
- Good value
- Effective
Cons
- No variation in flavour
Best grain-free dog food with probiotics
www.poochandmutt.co.uk
Made to help your dog with its digestive health, we love this “Health and Digestion” salmon recipe from Pooch and Mutt. This dry dog food is brimming with prebiotics and probiotics, which gives your dog the best gut and digestive health. This improves its stool quality and flatulence, too.
Customer review: "Always buy this as my dog eats it all and loves it. Helps his tummy as he gets diarrhoea and this stops it."
Pros
- Aids digestion, stools and flatulence
- Packed with probiotics and prebiotics
- Easy to transition from regular food
Cons
- Not wet food
Best hypoallergenic dog food
www.poochandmutt.co.uk
Treat difficult digestion with this grain-free recipe from Pooch and Mutt. It contains high meat content and lots of nutritious vegetables, including kale and spinach. With all of these fresh ingredients, this superfood is high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is great for general health, immunity, skin, coat and joint support. In addition, camomile will help maintain a calm and happy pooch. This complete food contains yucca which helps to reduce the odour of smelly poo, probiotics aid healthy digestion, while Omega 3 and Zinc add a sheen to their coat.
Customer review: “My border collie loves this food. As it is high chicken and low-fat, I have been recommended to give him some oil with it to help dry skin.”
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and supplemented
- Vet recommended
- Omega and antioxidant-rich
Cons
- Customers reported dogs were fussy about the taste
Best grain-free dog food for sensitive stomachs
www.lilyskitchen.co.uk
From B-Corp-certified Lily's Kitchen, we recommend this adult dry food that contains lamb and potatoes, alongside plenty of nutritious ingredients, helpful botanicals and added joint and digestive support. Does your pup love a Shepherd's Pie? Well, we couldn't recommend this recipe more. It's delicious, healthy and great for doggy diets.
Customer review: "My two-year-old Boston Terrier is VERY fussy. Wet food and fresh chicken gave her wind and runny stools. I tried all dry foods because of her sensitive stomach and she would not eat them. Then I found Lily's Kitchen… she is now on this dry food diet only. She eats it very well and has solid stools and her energy level has tripled. Can't wait for her to try the other flavours."
Pros
- Added bone and joint support
- Prebiotics for healthy digestion
- Low in fat - great for a doggie diet
Cons
- Wet food may be preferred
Best for bulk buy
www.petsathome.com
Wagg's brilliant complete, sensitive food contains a tasty doggy staple: chicken and rice. Not only is this wheat-free for gluten-free pups, but it contains no added, dairy, soya or artificial colours. Plus, it offers immune alongside digestive support with an added Vitamin E – and reduces odours. This is a favourite of ours and it’s made in the UK.
Customer review: "My dog seems very settled on this food she gets an upset stomach a lot and so far this food is working great."
Pros
- Wheat-free
- Affordable
- Offers immune and digestive support
Cons
- Made in a factory that handles wheat
Best hypoallergenic food for older dogs
Specially crafted for senior dogs who are sensitive to cereals, James Wellbeloved has taken a sprinkle of nature's nourishing ingredients and combined them with sustainably sourced fish for a delicious meal. Coming in a 10kg bag, this fish and veg dry food has proved a lifesaver for many dogs around the country, settling lots of tummies. With prebiotics and antioxidants, as well as glucosamine, this meal contains vital nutrients to support your senior pooch. These recipes have been formulated with no artificial flavours, colours, preservatives, grain, cereal, gluten, beef or soy.
Customer review: "This food is a godsend for my dog, he has allergies to everything this food - this definitely helps. The key point is the food helps your dog - don't swap and change with other products that might be cheaper because it will cost you more in vet bills in the long run. The fish flavour definitely smells fishy."
Pros
- Sustainably sourced, predominately ocean white fish
- With glucosamine - believed to help support joint mobility
Cons
- Pungent smell
Best affordable sensitive dry food
A superb bulk buy option that is rich in vitamins, this 15kg bag of Harringtons Complete gives you 150 x 100g servings for around 20p per serving. Healthy and nutritious, the kibble contains 26 per cent turkey and added Omega 6 and 3 oils for a glossy coat. Additionally, it'll keep your dog nice and regular with beet pulp to support stool quality and digestive transit, and prebiotics to maintain healthy digestion. With excellent ingredients at an affordable price, Harringtons is bursting with goodness.
Customer review: "This is because they have a higher level of protein than most other brands but the price is really good. More protein means my dog doesn't have to eat loads to be full - this is a great benefit to me as it means less poo to pick up. On the subject of poo, I know this is good food for my dog as unlike other brands I have used when he is eating Harringtons his poos are shiny and of good consistency."
Pros
- Value for money
- Effective
Cons
- Try your dog on a small sample of this before buying in bulk as it might not suit them
Best subscription service for firm stools
Tested
butternutbox.com
Butternut Box is a leading subscription brand, whose fresh recipes are made from human-quality meat and vegetables, gently cooked to create the right balance of vitamins and minerals for your dog. As part of the service, you have to give them information about your dog's breed, calorie needs, age and lifestyle. Butternut Box dog food is classed as 'All Life Stages' which means it's appropriate food to feed your puppy as they develop. Just let them know their age and weight as they grow. Butternut Box is perfect for dogs with loose stools because of its high fibre and easily digestible ingredients.
Our review: "I signed up to Butternut Box when my miniature dachshund Waffle, who was about 9 months old at the time, started to turn her nose up at the dry Royal Canin kibble that I had been feeding her since she was a little puppy. Even though she did graze on her kibble, I knew she needed more and she was a little underweight so I knew she needed something different, especially as she would gulp down every single type of human food we gave her. With that in mind, I tried a few wet foods, but she didn't touch them either. My friend then recommended Butternut Box (they tend to offer codes to new customers) so I got a discount on her first order. Getting the delivery was honestly so exciting, she even got a little bandana and welcome pack! The pack then suggested warming her new food up a little in the microwave to make it smell exciting and she gulped it down and has done ever since. I've never seen her wag her tail so much and her coat is so smooth and shiny, there is no doubt in my mind that she isn't getting everything she needs in her food. I would say it is pricey, though, and if I owned a larger dog, I would definitely struggle to afford it. It currently costs me about £44 a month."
Pros
- No nasties whatsoever
- Can be personalised to your dog
- Customer service is great
Cons
- Need freezer space
Best canned dog food for firm stools
www.lilyskitchen.co.uk
Lily's Kitchen Recovery Recipe is a gentle recipe for poorly dogs who need soothing and nutritious food to get their appetite and health back on track. Made from just fresh chicken, potatoes and banana (for soothing and restorative potassium and magnesium) this mild and palatable wet dog food is perfect for the elderly, post-op or dogs suffering from pancreatitis and kidney problems. It's easy to chew and has some natural probiotics from yeast to help kickstart a healthy digestive system. With 95 calories per 100g it provides a convenient quality meal in a can.
Customer review: "My dog had a spate of sickness and diarrhoea. This food was palatable for her and easy to digest and she loved it. Turned her nose up at everything else at the time."
Pros
- Convenient
- All-natural
- Easy to chew and digest
Cons
- The simplicity of the ingredients could be easily replicated at home at less cost
Additional supplements for firm dog stools
Best probiotic dog supplement for a firm stool
www.poochandmutt.co.uk
Power to the condiments! This Pooch + Mutt Bionic Biotic would pair perfectly with any wet food you put down in your pooch's bowl. Easy to administer, this probiotic supplement will reduce itching and scratching, help coat growth and healthy skin, promote soil stool and aid healthy digestion. How awesome does that sound? This supplement is an all-in-one powerhouse, containing chicory root, fish oil, vitamin E and antioxidants. It's tailored to be an all-rounder.
Customer Review: "Dog stools are so much better and he no longer leaves his food for hours. Eats it as soon as it’s put down for him. Will definitely buy again."
Pros
- Hypoallergenic recipe
- Antioxidant-rich
- Sprinkle on their food
Cons
- Suited to wet food only
Best probiotic supplement for dogs
FortiFlora for dogs is an effective probiotic dog supplement, in a powder that you sprinkle on your dog’s food. It's formulated for the dietary management of dogs with diarrhoea. Additionally, it can also help reduce gas in dogs and supports digestive health. Each sachet contains live microorganisms that help promote beneficial intestinal microflora. Seek your vet's advice before administering a probiotic supplement.
Customer review: "My five-month-old border collie had suffered dicky insides for weeks after he had gastroenteritis. He constantly had diarrhoea till his vet advised Purina Fortiflora. It has made a big difference to his well-being so far after three weeks. Expensive to buy every month but if it continues to help him have normal motions it will be worth it."
Pros
- Reduces symptoms
- Extremely well reviewed
Cons
- Check with vet before purchase
Best fibre supplement for dogs
Pro-fibre is a supplement that can help conditions such as constipation and improve stool bulk which in turn allows for the normal expressing of a dog's anal glands. Pro-fibre is a beef-flavoured pellet that contains quality sources of fibre, including psyllium and sugar beet pulp. It contains 45 per cent fibre to help bulk stools out. Additionally, Pro-fibre contains the probiotics fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and acacia (gum arabic) to help populate the gut with beneficial bacteria and improve your dog's digestive health.
Customer review: "One of my dogs has a very sensitive stomach. He had diarrhoea for two weeks, the vet gave us Pro-Kolin paste and Fortiflora powder and both only half worked. I got this as a last attempt before taking him back to the vets. This firmed his stools perfectly and he enjoys the pellets in his food. No loose or even soft stools for over two weeks now. Great product and good value. I highly recommend."
Pros
- Effective
- Bestselling probiotic supplement for dogs
Cons
- Large pellets
Best treatment for loose stools
If your dog is suffering with loose stools, Pro-Kolin is a very effective treatment that's recommended by vets. Administer the tasty paste with a syringe, with 15ml, 30ml and 60ml available, depending on the size of your dog. Pro-Kolin contains probiotics to calm the gut down and restore the balance of good bacteria. Additionally, the formula contains binding agents to firm up stools and psyllium to absorb excess water in the digestive system.
Customer review: "24 hours of use and his poo was completely back to normal, with no more gurgling tummy or bloating. He also loves the taste and gets giddy if he sees it coming out of the cupboard. Being a sloppy eater, I’ve found it easier to pop it on a small plate rather than offer it from the syringe."
Pros
- Vets recommend it
- Helps with flatulence
Cons
- Consistency of fluid is runny
Verdict: What is the best food for dogs with loose stools?
Our top pick is the Pooch and Mutt, Health and Digestion Dry Food, which is brimming with prebiotics and probiotics, giving your dog the best gut and digestive health.
FAQs
What is the cause of my dog's stomach upset?
Quite simply, your dog might have munched on something that it wasn’t supposed to. Changes in the colour and consistency of your dog's stools can be a sign of disease, sensitivity or anxiety. To figure out what is triggering your dog’s tricky tummy be sure to collaborate with your vet. If the cause of the upset is not a stress or environmental factor, then it could well be a food intolerance. A list of the common culprits that can cause trouble for dogs include:
• Soy
• Carbohydrates (such as wheat)
• Meats (such as beef, lamb, chicken and turkey)
• Dairy products (such as eggs and milk)
• Fish
• Veggies
• Other novel proteins (such as duck, venison and rabbit)
We suggest eliminating or isolating certain ingredients. It’s a little trial and error, but you'll soon understand which food is the trigger. Once you know what gives your dog a bad tummy, you can steer clear of it much easier. Also, avoid your dog from consuming toxic foods such as onions, avocados and grapes. For some clarity, consult our dog feeding guide at Take a Break.
What should I do if my dog has diarrhoea?
In the short term, let their tummy settle down and skip a meal or two. Like a human, your dog will be feeling a bit green around the gills, so will need to rest.
Leave them plenty of fresh, filtered water to drink. Your dog will need to replenish their hydration levels.
Give them an easy-to-digest meal, such as rice and chicken, in a small portion. Putting plain rice into their snazzy food bowl will help to stabilise your dog's stools.
Investing in food or supplements that contain probiotics is one way of improving the microflora in your dog's intestines. Avoid fatty foods and opt for high-quality meat and fibre. You can increase your dog's fibre intake by adding vegetables to their diet or by giving them a fibre supplement. Psyllium is a fibre that's available as a supplement and promotes firm stools.
Blue Cross has comprehensive guidance on the causes of diarrhoea and how to treat mild cases at home. There are some symptoms you definitely shouldn’t ignore and if you spot any of these you must visit your vet:
• Blood in poo
• Unplanned weight loss
• Lethargy
• Signs of abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Unsettled stomach for more than three days
What is grain free dog food?
Essentially, grain-free dog food excludes any sort of grain. This is not to be confused with gluten-free dog food, which omits wheat. Typically, grains are carbohydrates, like wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn and rice. These give our pets energy alongside the usual ingredients, pet food manufacturers will include other carbohydrates to make sure the meal is still balanced, delicious and nutritious.
There are differing opinions about grain-free dog food. Most vets are aware of certain risks with excluding grain from a dog’s diet, some of which can be a cause for concern. When it comes to the question of grain-free diets, veterinarians recommend that dogs should be fed a grain-inclusive diet unless there is a reason that makes it unsuitable.
Make sure to chat with your vet. You will likely need a diagnosis before you consider this diet.
Is scrambled egg good for dogs with diarrhoea?
Scrambled eggs may help dogs with diarrhoea, says Whole Dog Journal. After all, dogs love scrambled eggs. They add: "Don't add milk or cheese, in case your dog is sensitive to dairy products."
What if my dog has loose stools acting normally?
If your dog has had a little tummy trouble, but isn't acting out of the ordinary, there may not be any need to panic. Just keep an eye on your pooch's bowel movements for peace of mind.
Can dry dog food cause loose stools?
Any drastic change in food can cause stool problems. It's best to gradually introduce a new recipe if you can. But, dry food is not necessarily bad for your pooch. Having said that, cheaper dog food can be ultra-processed with additives that are not often very digestible. They could irritate your dog's stomach.
Finding the best dog food brand may be tough - but, sticking to complete, nutritious, hypoallergic food with high protein is your best bet. If your dog is particularly sick, you can try opting for something plain and restorative like Lily's Kitchen Recovery Recipe.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.