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What dog food or ingredients can help firm up my dog's loose stools?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Male | unneutered | 10 months and 6 days old | 15 lbs

Which foods are better for firming stools ? I currently feed my dog grandma lucys artisan venison which has mainly potatoes, carrots, banana, pumpkin and other fruits and veggies to go with venison. I wonder if quinoa would be better than potatoes and carrots combination, or should I try another protein. I have already tried plenty of kibble options. I am looking for advice on ingredients

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 3rd, 2018

The ingredients in the diet you are currently feeding are fine and quinoa would not be more beneficial than potatoes or carrots unless there was a known issue with them.

I see Luca's stool in the pictures and they are definitely loose. It also appears that he is straining to defecate. Without knowing more, I'm suspicious that there is a problem in the colon causing him to have diarrhea. This could be an infection, or an inflammatory bowel disease.

Infection is a common cause of diarrhea in younger dogs. Either way, it's best to have him evaluated by your vet, because I'm not sure that a diet change will help his current condition. A vet can test his stool ( make sure to take a fresh sample with you) and possibly do other testing to help identify the cause. Once the cause of this is identified, the correct treatment and diet can be advised.

You can help him get through this by feeding bland food (boneless chicken and rice is good). Feed small portions (1/2 cup or less) three times a day. You can also add probiotics to the food (can get this at the pet store), which has demonstrated some efficacy for improving diarrhea. Ensure fresh, clean water is always available.

I hope this helps and Luca gets better soon.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 7th, 2017

    Hello, sorry to hear about Chester's GI issues. It sounds like your veterinarian may be treating him for inflammatory bowel disease which seems to respond to a hydrolyzed protein limited ingredient diet and potentially antibiotics if the power he was taking was Tylan Powder.

    You can theoretically try another brand of hydrolyzed protein limited ingredient diet and see if his stools maintain its form, however, the risk is that Chester may develop loose stools again.

    I would buy a small bag of the new dog food you wish to try so that if his stools become abnormal on this diet you don't have to waste a lot of food or money.

    Hope this helps and best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 16th, 2019

    I recommend to speak with your veterinarian about a fecal culture, a diet trial with a hydrolyzed protein diet, and testing his pancreatic enzyme levels. If he has not been tested for protozoal parasites, I recommend to have this done as well. Think back to if you conducted a proper food trial. During this time when Otis is eating the new diet, he should not have eaten any other treats or even flavored Pet toothpaste. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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