Top Best Dog Food for Firm Stools

One of the dogs' most common health problems is diarrhea or loose stool.

It's safe to say that every dog will suffer from diarrhea at some point in their lives.

Finding the best dog food for firm stools is necessary if your pup consistently deals with this problem.

Dog Foods for Firm Stools

When your canine companion comes down with this condition, you'll know just the right food to reach for.

If your dog has loose stool, in most cases, it's likely nothing serious, according to vets.

He probably just ate something that didn't agree with his digestive system.

It may also be a symptom of an allergic reaction to food or food items, medications like antibiotics, the environment, bacteria, or maybe even just a sign that he's a little stressed out.

Finding the best dog food for firm stools can be of great help.

Your veterinarian can guide you in the right direction, but you'll also have to do some research on your own.

We've done the hard work for you and narrowed it down to the top firm stool dog food brands:

Dog Food for Firm Stools Price Quality Rating
Acana Singles Lamb and Apple Dog Food $$$ A- 4.2/5
Fromm Gold Holistic Adult Dry Dog Food $$ B+ 4.5/5
“I and love and you” Nude Food Poultry Palooza Food $$ A+ 4.3/5
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein Food $$ B 4.3/5
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Food $$ B 4.5/5
Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Food $$$ B- 4.3/5
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Food $$$ A 4.6/5

* For more information, prices, and details, Click on the best dog food for firm stools. Scroll below to read the reviews

Before You Switch to Dog Food Firm Stool

Diarrhea is one of the dog body's ways of removing toxins, but diarrhea can signify something much more severe.

If this is the case, the condition will be prolonged, and soft stool won't be the only symptom that you'll notice.

Other symptoms are rare, but more severe cases can include:

What can you do to help your pup if this happens?

The first thing that a responsible pet owner will do is seek the advice of a veterinarian.

This is especially important if the loose stool continues for more than 24-48 hours.

If you notice that your dog has loose stool, you don't need to jump into panic mode immediately.

Keep a close eye on his bathroom activity, and take him outside to do his business more frequently than usual.

If you notice the stool progressively getting firmer throughout his following few bowel movements, you have nothing to worry about.

Noticing loose stool and getting progressively more flexible, it's time for concern.

If your pet just ate something that he shouldn't have, this condition should pass in about 24 hours.

If there is something more serious going on, the bout of diarrhea will last longer, and you may need an upset stomach treatment.

Aside from switching to the best dog food for firm stools, you'll also need to have your dog fast for 12-24 hours.

Feeding him is pointless at this time because his digestive tract will force the food through his body without absorbing all of the nutrients.

It could also stress his GI tract even more, causing the condition to get worse.

You'll also need to ensure that your dog stays hydrated.

Ensure that he always has fresh drinking water available, and monitor him to ensure he's regularly drinking.

Once the fasting period has ended, you shouldn't go back to your dog's regular diet and feeding schedule right away.

Feed the best dog food for firm stools in small portions throughout the day.

Instead of two large helpings per day, split the food into 4-6 smaller servings.

This will be easier on Fido's digestive tract.

What is the Best Dog Food for Firm Stools? (top 7 nutritious firm stool dog food brands)

1Acana Singles Lamb and Apple Food

Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb and Apple Formula Dry Dog Food 25 lb Acana Lamb & Apple Singles dog food offers a grain-free, limited-ingredient option for dogs with stool problems. This Formula is prepared using 50% grass-fed lamb meat and 50% fruits and vegetables with zinc as the only supplement.

Half is raw and fresh from the 50% lamb meat, organs, and cartilage. This diet is exceptionally compatible with the biological build of dogs.

Ingredients: Lamb meal, deboned lamb, green lentils, red lentils, lamb liver, apples, lamb fat, green peas, yellow peas, canola oil, algae, garbanzo beans, pumpkin, carrots, lamb tripe, lamb kidney, freeze-dried lamb liver, kelp, chicory root, ginger root, peppermint leaf, lemon balm, mixed tocopherols (preservative), dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product. (zinc proteinate added as supplement)

It contains good levels of both insoluble and soluble fiber (moderate to slow fermentable) from botanical ingredients, such as apples, squash, pumpkin, carrots, and berries.

This helps bulk up and form firmer stools in dogs.

The infusion of freeze-dried meat to Acana Singles Lamb and Apple Dog Food improves dogs' acceptance.

Since it is grain-free and uses a single-animal protein source, it is also an excellent choice for dogs with allergies.

This best dog food for firm stools is formulated using the WholePrey ratio, which makes it possible for Acana to produce dog food that's almost devoid of supplements (except for zinc).

We know that this quality is tough to come by – especially at its price point – thus, it has gained a top rank on our list.

PROS:

  • Grain-free, limited-ingredient Formula
  • Made with 50% grass-fed lamb meat and 50% fruits and vegetables
  • Of the 50% lamb meat, organs, and cartilage, half is raw and fresh
  • Contains good levels of both insoluble and soluble fiber
CONS:

  • It's not common, but there are a few reviews that state the dog had an allergic reaction to this food
  • Some unhappy dog owners found that this food gave their bad pet breath

best dog food for firm stoolsMost helpful review about this best dog food for firm stools: “LOVE this dog food. I saw a radical difference in my dogs energy, their feces became a lot more consistent and firm, and their breath is fresher as well as a super soft coat. I will never feed them anything but…”

 

2Fromm Gold Holistic Adult Food

Fromm Adult Gold Premium Dry Dog Food - Chicken Recipe - 15 lb Fromm Gold adult dog food packs nutrient-rich ingredients that fully support a holistic and complete diet for your pet's overall well-being. It is proudly made in the USA and contains premium ingredients, such as duck, chicken, chicken meal, whole eggs, brown rice, and Wisconsin cheese.

It has good sources of fiber, like lettuce, alfalfa meal, celery, flaxseed, and barley, which help improve fecal formation and consistency.

Prebiotic fiber (e.g., chicory root) and probiotics prevent constipation and improve gut health.

Ingredients: Duck, Chicken Meal, Chicken, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Fat, Lamb, Potatoes, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Whole Egg, Salmon Oil, Cheese, Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Alfalfa Meal, Carrots, Lettuce, Celery, Chicken Cartilage, Monocalcium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, L-Tryptophan, Taurine, Chicory Root Extract, Calcium Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Sodium Selenite, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Vitamins, Minerals, Probiotics

Ingredients are minimally processed and carefully prepared in small batches to preserve their natural taste and nutritional value as much as possible.

The kibbles of Fromm Gold Holistic Adult Dry Dog Food are roughly square and about the equivalent size of 2 peas.

Nonetheless, they're easy even for small dogs to chew.

Healthier bowel movement is just one of the expected benefits of this Formula.

It's also good for maintaining healthy skin and a glossy coat, reducing the chance of intestinal worms, and keeping allergies at bay for dogs allergic to wheat, corn, or soy.

PROS:

  • Ingredients fully support a holistic and complete diet
  • Made in the USA
  • Prebiotic fiber and probiotics improve gut health
  • Ingredients are minimally processed and carefully prepared in small batches
CONS:

  • Not grain-free
  • While they were impressed with the food quality, some reviewers were disappointed with the high cost.

best dog food for firm stoolsMost helpful review about this best dog food for firm stools: “It's a little pricey, but well worth it, in my opinion. When I took Skittles in for her annual shots and check-up, my vetinarian asked what I was feeding her, because he said he said she was very healthy and…”

 

3 “I and love and you” Nude Food Poultry Palooza Grain-Free Food

"I and love and you" Nude Superfood Dry Dog Food - Grain Free Kibble, Prebiotics & Probiotics, Turkey + Chicken, 23-Pound Your dog will love this Nude Foodstuff from “I and Love You.” This particular recipe (Poultry Palooza) has a turkey meal, chicken meal, and chicken as protein sources. It also contains a medley of high-fiber and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, including sweet potatoes, garbanzos, lentils, apples, carrots, flaxseeds, pumpkin, and chickpeas.

Ingredients: turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, garbanzo beans, pea starch, dried yellow peas, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), red lentils, sweet potatoes, chicken, dried carrots, ground miscanthus grass, natural flavors, whole ground flaxseed, potassium chloride, chicken liver, fish oil, olive oil, calcium carbonate, zucchini squash, apples, pumpkin, coconut oil, inulin, salt, choline chloride, turmeric, Yucca schidigera extract, zinc sulfate, vitamin E supplement, iron amino acid chelate, ferrous sulfate, niacin supplement, zinc amino acid chelate, copper sulfate, manganese amino acid chelate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, manganous oxide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, sodium selenite, biotin, copper amino acid chelate, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, calcium Iodate, folic acid, hydrolyzed chicken liver, yeast culture, dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, dried Aspergillus niger fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract

As all Nude Food recipes are, Poultry Palooza is grain-free, which makes it an excellent option for grain-sensitive dogs.

About 60% of its ingredients are animal protein and oils, a considerably high ratio in this industry.

The carbohydrates used in “I and love and you” Nude Food Poultry Palooza Grain-Free Dry Dog Food are low in glycemic index, high in fiber content, and rich in natural vitamins and nutrients.

Some of these multi-tasking fibers (flaxseed, for instance) join up with fish oil and vitamin E to keep your dog's skin and coat flawlessly healthy and beautiful.

"I and love and you" Nude Superfood Dry Dog Food - Grain Free Kibble, Prebiotics & Probiotics, Turkey + Chicken, 23-Pound Apart from these benefits, this Formula also ranks high as a very effective GI support diet. Proper balance in soluble and insoluble fiber makes for properly absorbed nutrients, a healthy digestive system, and nicely formed stools.

PROS:

  • Grain-free
  • About 60% of the ingredients are animal protein and oils
  • Carbohydrates are low in glycemic index, high in fiber content, and rich in natural vitamins and nutrients
CONS:

  • The pungent smell of this food put off some reviewers
  • As with most pet food products, there are some reviews stating this food made the dog's digestive issues worse

best dog food for firm stoolsMost helpful review about this best dog food for firm stools: “I wanted to write a review because I am so SO impressed with this food. My dachshund/beagle mix has been on Wellness most of his life. He seems to have a problem with poultry and it's really hard to…”

 

4Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein Natural Food

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food with Smoke-Flavored Salmon 28lb Taste of the Wild's Pacific Stream recipe is formulated with protein- and omega-rich salmon, ocean fish meal, salmon meal, and smoked salmon. It is grain-free and utilizes fresh fruits and vegetables for their natural nutrients, carbohydrates, and fiber content.

A vital ingredient – potato fiber – helps maintain a healthy digestive tract and improves bowel movement.

Lentil, which contains high levels of insoluble fiber, contributes significantly to firmer stools.

Ingredients: Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, canola oil, salmon meal, smoked salmon, potato fiber, natural flavor, choline chloride, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces cerevesiae fermentation solubles, dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid

TOTW keeps it all balanced.

The tomatoes, blueberries, and raspberries in the ingredients list help ward off the oxidative effects of free radicals in the environment.

Optimum ratios of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are present in the taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food and prebiotic fiber and probiotics.

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food with Smoke-Flavored Salmon 28lb These antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and probiotics in the digestive system have a combined effect of strengthening the immune system.

This is unsurprising because about 70% of the immune cells are in the GI system. The bottom line couldn't get any clearer than this – a dog with healthy guts is a healthy dog.

PROS:

  • Grain-free
  • Includes prebiotic fiber and probiotics
  • Real salmon is the #1 ingredient
  • No corn, wheat, fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors/colors
CONS:

  • Be careful when ordering online, as some buyers say that the product purchased online was not the same as the one purchased at their local pet store
  • Reviewers complained about quality control issues with this food

best dog food for firm stoolsMost helpful review about this best dog food for firm stools: “Photo comparing kibble size of Puppy Formula and Canine Formula. I couldn't find this information anywhere so I ordered a bag of each to find out…”

5 Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Food

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken Recipe, 30 lb. Bag Hill's Science Diet's dry formula for adult dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin is the least expensive item on this list, which is quite surprising because Hill's is a premium brand in the dog food industry. Using less-than-premium ingredients in this chicken meal and barley recipe decreased the price while still providing clinically tested dry food for dogs with sensitivities.

Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea Protein, Pork Fat, Soybean Oil, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Lactic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Iodized Salt, Flaxseed, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Oat Fiber, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas

High on the list in this recipe are brewer's rice, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, barley, and pea protein.

Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food contains high-fiber ingredients like beet pulp, flaxseed, oat fiber, apples, broccoli, carrots, cranberries, and green peas.

We'd also like to note that these same ingredients provide vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken Recipe, 30 lb. BagDogs that frequently suffered from diarrhea and constant vomiting or were previously gassy have responded positively to this best dog food for firm stools. Runny stool usually turns to normal consistency (barring any serious diseases that may cause diarrhea) in just two days.

PROS:

  • The least expensive product on this list
  • Contains high-fiber ingredients
  • Vitamin C & E are added to aid in immune system function
  • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
CONS:

  • Includes less-than-premium ingredients like chicken meal and barley
  • A few reviewers noted that this food was beneficial for their dogs' allergy symptoms but caused digestive issues to get worse.

best dog food for firm stoolsMost helpful review about this best dog food for firm stools: “My dog loves this food. When I feed him this, he licks the his bowl clean. He has never liked a food this much and he feels so much better since he started on the diet. He does have joint aches and pains so…”

 

6Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Food

Wellness Natural Pet Food Wellness Simple Natural Limited-Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Easy to Digest for Sensitive Stomachs, Supports Skin & Coat (Turkey and Potato, 26-Pound Bag) Wellness Simple LID salmon and potato formula keep its ingredients simple in attaining wellness and better bowel management for small breed dogs. It contains easily digestible ingredients for optimum absorption of nutrients.

The animal protein source is salmon and salmon meal.

The other ingredients are peas, potatoes, tomato pomace, canola oil, flaxseed, chicory root, vitamin and mineral supplements, and probiotics.

Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Ground Potatoes, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Fish Flavor, Chicory Root Extract, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Biotin, Folic Acid], Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate], Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Taurine, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract

The crude fiber content of this dog food is one of the highest on this list, which you may want to check when shopping for formulas that would work for digestive issues.

The ingredients are limited or fewer than usual in Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food, so fewer items will be available.

If you have an allergic dog, you know how important this feature is.

Wellness Natural Pet Food Wellness Simple Natural Limited-Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Easy to Digest for Sensitive Stomachs, Supports Skin & Coat (Turkey and Potato, 26-Pound Bag) Allergies and runny stools often go together, so this recipe fits the bill perfectly. The kibbles are small-sized, which is perfect for small breeds. Keep in mind that this food is made for small breeds only and offers the ideal balance of protein, fat, and calories to meet the needs of these dogs.

PROS:

  • Contains easily digestible ingredients for the optimum absorption of nutrients
  • Crude fiber content is one of the highest on this list
  • Formulated to be easily digestible
CONS:

  • Only formulated for small breed dogs
  • Some reviews question the quality control of this dog food

best dog food for firm stoolsMost helpful review about this best dog food for firm stools: “I am very happy with the Wellness simple grain-free salmon & potato formula dry dog food. We have a black labrador retriever with a very sensitive stomach. We have been feeding this formula to our dog…”

7Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Food, Potato & Duck Formula

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe, 22 Pound (Pack of 1) Natural Balance LID potato and duck formula – is specially formulated for small breed dogs with digestion and sensitivity issues. It's also very effective in resolving stool consistency issues, which is not surprising since stool is the end-product of digestion.

Ingredients: Potatoes, Duck Meal, Duck, Dried Potato Products, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Flaxseed, Potato Protein, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Salt, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E supplement, Niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, Vitamin A supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin D3 supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Folic acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 supplement), Taurine, Minerals (ZINC PROTEINATE, ZINC SULFATE, FERROUS SULFATE, IRON PROTEINATE, COPPER SULFATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, MANGANESE SULFATE, MANGANESE PROTEINATE, CALCIUM IODATE, SODIUM SELENITE), Citric Acid (preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Rosemary Extract

This best dog food for firm stools is an excellent option for avoiding allergy-triggering ingredients.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food, Potato & Duck Formula contains a single animal protein source (duck) and a single vegetable carbohydrate source (potato).

Duck is not as commonly used in dog food as chicken and beef are, so there's less chance of duck being an allergen.

Allergies and food sensitivities often manifest as loose stool, so it's a good idea to look into the possibility of an allergy.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe, 22 Pound (Pack of 1) Dogs' stool in this diet usually firms up in as short as two days. You'd also find smaller poop, which is expected with no-filler food. Because of firmer and smaller poop, the prospect of picking them up daily has become less revolting and, in fact, a lot easier.

PROS:

  • Specially formulated for small breed dogs with digestion and sensitivity issues
  • Grain-free
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
  • Contains a single-animal protein source (duck) and a single-vegetable carbohydrate source (potato)
CONS:

  • Only formulated for small breed dogs
  • Be careful when ordering online, as some buyers say that the product purchased online differs from the one purchased at their local pet store.

best dog food for firm stoolsMost helpful review about this best dog food for firm stools: “Max has had problems with diarrhea since he was a puppy. I tried everything. I finally tried this food and braced myself for the diarrhea which I expected from even a slow transition to a new food. The results were…”

Best Dog Food for Firm Stools: Key Takeaways

  • After the vomiting stops and the stool returns to normal, keep your dog on a bland diet for two to three days.
  • Diets that are bland assist in quelling the internal revolt in your woofer's bowels and tummy.
  • Low-fiber, bland meals delay the formation of stools, reducing the frequency of toilet trips and alleviating diarrhea.
  • You might observe your dog losing interest in food and showing less thirst if they're experiencing digestive discomfort.

Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here.

Diana currently lives and works in London, UK and she's been an animal lover and dog owner since she was a child. After graduating high school, she focused on getting her degree in English to become a writer with a focus on animals, pets and dogs.