Dog kibble often causes diarrhea due to sudden diet changes, food allergies/sensitivities, or ingredients the digestive system cannot process. Common triggers include new protein sources (e.g., switching from chicken to beef), high fat content, fillers, or a rapid transition from another food. Slow, week-long transitions and identifying sensitive ingredients are key solutions.

Can kibble give my dog diarrhea?

Common Causes of Kibble-Induced Diarrhea

When a dog consumes a food they are allergic to, it can trigger an immune response, resulting in gastrointestinal upset. Low-Quality Ingredients Not all kibble is created equal.

Should I change my dog's food if he keeps having diarrhea?

This is not the time to change your dog's diet. You must allow his intestinal tract to become normal again. If your pet's stool is not improving or has improved after 2-3 days of a bland diet, please call the hospital to request a sick appointment with your doctor.

Why is my dog's food all of a sudden giving him diarrhea?

Sudden Food Changes

Switching your dog's food too quickly can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, resulting in digestive upset. Even high-quality foods can cause problems if the transition isn't done gradually. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies may be especially affected.

Why does kibble upset my dog's stomach?

Kibble Contains Fillers and Byproducts

Grain fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, which some dogs struggle to digest. Meat byproducts that provide low-quality and sometimes unknown protein sources. Artificial additives and preservatives, which can trigger sensitivities and digestive upset.

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What is the best kibble for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

For sensitive stomachs, the best dog foods are easily digestible, often featuring limited ingredients, novel proteins (like salmon, lamb, or turkey), and added prebiotics/probiotics, with top brands often cited as Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach, and Royal Canin Digestive Care, but always check with your vet to find the right fit for your dog.
 

What is the 90/10 rule for dogs?

The 90/10 rule for dogs primarily means that 90% of their calories should come from a complete and balanced dog food, while treats, chews, and table scraps make up no more than the remaining 10% of daily caloric intake to prevent nutritional imbalance and obesity. Some training contexts also use the rule for behavior, meaning 90% of the time you're practicing a command (like a solid "stay") and 10% of the time you're rewarding it, or for leash walks, 90% structured heel, 10% sniff time.

What dog food will not give my dog diarrhea?

Hill's Science Diet: Offers a range of sensitive stomach formulas that are highly digestible and gentle on the digestive system. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal: Specially formulated to support digestive health, this brand includes prebiotics, probiotics, and easily digestible ingredients.

What are common signs of food intolerance in dogs?

Symptoms of food intolerance in dogs

• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Tummy pain (causing things like abnormal stretching or standing with an arched back)
• Loss of appetite.
• Lack of energy or lethargy.
• Gas (flatulence)
• Red or itchy skin, especially around back end, face, groin and between front legs and body (axilla)
• Hair loss.

How long does it last in dogs when they get diarrhea from food?

If loose stool lasts more than two days, call the vet

“Many cases of diarrhea in dogs and cats are mild and self-limiting,” says Dr. Meredith Miller, associate clinical professor of small animal medicine.

Can adding water to dry dog food cause diarrhea?

Potential Risks of Adding Water to Dry Dog Food

Gastrointestinal Upset: Sensitive dogs may develop loose stools or diarrhea when changes are made too quickly. Bacterial Growth in Moist Food: Leftover moist kibble can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

What are signs of a sensitive stomach in dogs?

Dogs with sensitive stomachs suffer from a wide range of symptoms. They may display a lack of appetite, have excessive stomach growling or gas, or swallow and lick their lips excessively. More serious symptoms can also occur, like nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, decreased mobility, and fever.

Should you withhold food if a dog has diarrhea?

Yes, you can often withhold food from an adult dog with mild diarrhea for 12-24 hours to let their digestive system rest, but never withhold water, as hydration is crucial; after fasting, reintroduce food with a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice in small, frequent meals, and contact your vet if diarrhea persists, your dog is a puppy, or they seem lethargic. 

Is kibble making dogs sick?

An important reason why kibble is bad for dogs is glycotoxins. In short, both dry and wet dog food is making our dogs sick, especially as they get older. And the main reason is to do with the same compounds in highly-processed human foods that make us sick too.

What dog breed has the most food allergies?

Breeds predisposed to developing allergies include Chinese Shar-Peis, Wirehaired Fox Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Scottish Terriers, Shih Tzus, and West Highland White Terriers.

How long does it take for a food intolerance to show up in dogs?

Symptoms usually begin within a few hours of eating the food that your dog is intolerant to but it's important to note that symptoms can be delayed by up to 48 hours and last for hours or even days, making the offending food especially difficult to pinpoint.

What are the first signs of stomach upset in dogs?

Common Symptoms of Digestive Upset

Vomiting and diarrhea are perhaps the most noticeable signs of a gastrointestinal issue, but pet owners should also watch for symptoms such as decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort, excessive drooling, or changes in stool consistency and color.

What food will firm up dog poop?

To firm up dog stools, add fiber-rich foods like plain canned pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or cooked carrots, which absorb water and add bulk, or try a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice for easily digestible protein and starch; probiotics and psyllium husk also help regulate gut health, but always consult your vet for persistent issues.
 

Can dry kibble cause diarrhea in dogs?

Far and away the most common cause of diarrhoea in dogs is wheat gluten (most dry food, dog treats, bread, pasta, biscuits, etc). But there are a number of other causes too. If your dog is suffering recurring diarrhoea then it's likely you're making some simple mistakes diet-wise.

What is the best dog food brand for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

For sensitive stomachs, the best dog foods are easily digestible, often featuring limited ingredients, novel proteins (like salmon, lamb, or turkey), and added prebiotics/probiotics, with top brands often cited as Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach, and Royal Canin Digestive Care, but always check with your vet to find the right fit for your dog.
 

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

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