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Last Updated on November 7, 2023
Is your dog suffering from diarrhea? Or are you having trouble cleaning your dog’s soft poo? Do not worry, you have the same problem as most dog owners do. Dog Loose Stool can be pretty messy, and many owners want to have food that has dog stool hardener in them. Not only that, if a dog’s stool is loose, then it is a sign of infection. Do note that a healthy dog’s stool should be firm, a little moist and also will a mild odor.
There are various ways to which you can assist your dog with this, and one of them is to feed them with certain food that can help to firm up the dog loose stool. Some natural food contains natural Dog Stool Hardener, while some kibbles contain Dog Stool Hardener to help firm up your dog’s stool. We will be reviewing some of the natural Dog Stool Hardeners as well as food that contains them in this article. But before that, it is important for you to know the difference between diarrhea and soft stool before you rectify the problem if any.
Difference Between Soft Stool And Diarrhea
We are not going to show you any graphics, but essentially the main difference is the form of the stool itself. If the stool appears to be a watery mess without any form, then it has to be diarrhea. Similarly, if the stool appears to have a form, but is squishy when you try to pick it up, then your dog has soft stool. In both cases, you can apply the dog stool hardener techniques.
Another difference is that you will be able to pick up the soft stool, while it is near impossible to pick up the remnants of the dog’s diarrhea. If it is the latter, then you might want to send your dog to the vet as soon as possible. This is because diarrhea is a clear indication of your dog’s poor health, while the soft stool can be attributed to the dog’s diet.
Understanding the Need for Stool Hardeners
Soft or loose stools in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary issues, food intolerances, infections, or underlying medical conditions. If your dog is experiencing this problem, it’s essential to address it promptly. Stool hardeners can come to the rescue, helping your pet regain regular and firm bowel movements.
Soft stools can often be a sign of dietary imbalances, and in such cases, switching to a high-quality dog food can make a significant difference. Food intolerances or allergies can lead to soft stools, and identifying the specific allergen and eliminating it from your dog’s diet is crucial. Infections, such as parasitic infestations, can also disrupt your dog’s digestive system. In such cases, stool hardeners can offer temporary relief while addressing the root cause.
Benefits of Using Stool Hardener Products
1. Improved Digestive Health
Stool hardener products are formulated to enhance your dog’s digestive health. They can help normalize bowel movements and reduce discomfort.
An example of a product that offers improved digestive health is Brand A’s Stool Hardener. This product contains a blend of natural ingredients that support the digestive system by regulating peristalsis, the involuntary muscle contractions that move stool through the intestines. By promoting regular bowel movements, your dog will experience less discomfort and strain.
2. Convenience and Ease
Using stool hardeners is a simple and convenient way to address the issue. Most products are easy to administer, making it a hassle-free solution for both you and your pet.
Brand B’s Digestive Health Supplement is a prime example of a convenient solution. This supplement comes in the form of tasty chewable tablets, making it easy to give to your dog. It’s a user-friendly option that ensures your dog receives the necessary support without any stress or inconvenience.
3. Preventing Dehydration
Soft stools can lead to dehydration in dogs. Stool hardeners can help prevent this by promoting healthier digestion and reducing the risk of fluid loss.
Brand C’s All-Natural Stool Fortifier is a prime example of a product designed to prevent dehydration. This fortifier not only hardens stools but also includes ingredients that aid in maintaining the right balance of fluids in your dog’s body. By using this product, you can ensure your furry friend stays well-hydrated even during bouts of loose stools.
Dog Stool Hardener Tips and Tricks
There are various ways at which you can harden the dog’s stool. You can find the information below.
Feed Less
First and foremost, overfeeding of your dog can result in them having loose stool. One way to harden up the stool is to feed less of the food to firm it up. This only applies if your dog has undergone stress due to various factors. Do not feed your dog for up to 1 day, and feed him about half of his normal portion thereafter.
Feed Food That Firm Up Stool
If you really must give your dog a treat, then you can feed them pure canned pumpkin for dogs. This is because the food contains the necessary dietary fiber that helps to firm up the stool, acting as a natural stool hardener for dogs. All you have to do is to add a small amount to your dog’s food and let nature do its job. Usually, for small breeds like Chihuahuas, you can add 1 to 2 teaspoons for them. For larger dogs, 1 to 2 tablespoons will be good.
Feed Food That Is Bland
It is perfectly alright to stop your dogs from eating kibbles when they are having loose stool. Feed them a chicken and rice meal as it helps to sooth the intestinal tract. This meal is balanced in protein and carbohydrates, making it perfect for your dog when they have loose stool.
Also, allergic reactions to certain food can cause loose stool in dogs too. Do visit the vet to check if your dog is having an allergic reaction to any food.
If all of the above fails, then perhaps you would need to change your dog’s diet, or simply find kibbles with stool hardener for dogs.
Change Food To Harden Stool
In this section, we will be recommending some of the highly rated food by dog owners whose dog has loose stool.
Nutri Source Grain Free – Lamb
This bag of food helps to harden your dog’s loose stool. It is grain-free, and the first ingredient is Lamb. This is highly recommended by an owner who had an old dog who had diarrhea ever since she was rescued. Eventually, after consuming this grain-free food, the diarrhea stopped. It is reported that the dog’s stool is firmer, and she is also pooping lesser, which is ideal for most pet owners. As an added bonus, the coat apparently became shinier too. It can be a good dog stool hardener for your dog.
Pros: Grain-free. Guarantees firmer stool.
Our Rating: [usr 4.8]
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Salmon & Potato Natural Dry Dog Food
This is the top choice for owners whose dog has loose stool. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is specially made for hypersensitivity inclined grown-up puppies or grown-up mutts with sustenance sensitivities, or even dogs who have ingredient intolerances. Its formulas revolve around a single source of protein with fillers. There is no corn not dairy in this product, which can be the cause of loose stool too. The price of this product can be much cheaper than the premium products out there, but at the same time, it has an edge over them due to its high-quality ingredients. It is a must-have if you are looking for dog food with stool hardeners to help with your dog’s loose stool.
Pros: Top choice for owners whose dog has loose stool. Specially made for hypersensitive dogs.
Our Rating: [usr 4.9]
Zignature Lamb Dry Dog Food
Another favorite by most owners for dogs with loose stool and other allergic problems. This bag of kibbles is made with high-quality ingredients that are specially formulated for those with ingredient intolerances. Even though the ingredients are limited, it still can provide well-balanced diets to your dog. The limited ingredients help to ensure that your dog is free from ingredients that can trigger an allergic reaction, and they also help to act as stool hardener for dogs. It is grain free, gluten free, and it does not contain chicken, dairy products or eggs. It is suitable for dogs in all life stages too.
Pros: Good for dogs who have multiple allergic problems.
Our Rating: [usr 4.8]
There is a supplement that your dog can take to help it firm up the stool.
Solid Gold SeaMeal Kelp-Based Overall Wellness & Nutritional Supplement Powder for Dogs, All Ages, All Sizes
While not really necessary, it will be good if you give your dog supplements as some dog food might not have the sufficient nutrients for your dog. This supplement by Solid Gold SeaMeal. It is a good dog stool hardener and is a nutritional supplement for all dog breeds, and of all ages too. It contains 60 trace minerals, 12 vitamins, 22 amino acids, digestive enzymes, and flaxseed meal, and the fatty acids help to make your dog’s fur shiny too.
Pros: Good source of minerals for your dog.
Our Rating: [usr 4.7]
Seacure 180 Capsules
This is a supplement by Seacure. It helps to fight against dog diarrhea. A powdered supplement made of ocean whitefish, the Proper Nutrition Seacure is a pre-digested dietary protein supplement that is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
This supplement also helps to improve your dog’s overall health, as well as firming up their stool. You will never need to worry about loose stool or your dog having diarrhea if they consume this supplement
Feed your dog this supplement, and you will have a healthier dog!
Pros: Powdered form. Good source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Our Rating: [usr 4.8]
Natural Remedies for Stool Hardening
In addition to commercial stool hardener products, there are also natural remedies that can help firm up your dog’s stools. These remedies are often gentle on your pet’s system and can be used as a preventive measure or as a complementary treatment.
1. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is rich in fiber and can aid in solidifying your dog’s stools. A tablespoon of plain, canned pumpkin can work wonders in regulating their digestive system.
Pumpkin puree is a fiber-rich natural remedy that can help with stool hardening. It’s easy to prepare – simply feed your dog a small amount of plain, canned pumpkin. The fiber content in pumpkin can absorb excess moisture in the intestines, resulting in firmer stools.
2. Plain Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics that can promote a healthy gut. Feeding your dog a small amount of plain yogurt can help maintain the balance of good bacteria in their digestive tract.
Plain yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. These probiotics help maintain a balanced gut flora, which can improve digestion and reduce the likelihood of loose stools. Feeding your dog a small portion of plain yogurt as an occasional treat can be an excellent natural remedy.
3. Rice Water
Cooked white rice can be a soothing and binding option for dogs with soft stools. Offering them rice water – the water left after boiling rice – can help in firming up their bowel movements.
Rice water is a gentle and soothing remedy for dogs with soft stools. It’s prepared by boiling white rice, and the water left after cooking can be given to your dog. The starches released during cooking can help bind loose stools, providing relief and promoting firmer bowel movements.
If you would want to know on additional tips on how to harden dog stool, then you will need to read on to this section.
Additional Tips On How To Harden Dog Stool
Sometimes, the tips given above might not be sufficient in hardening the dog stool. Hence, we have updated this article to provide you with additional tips on how to harden dog stool.
Providing Probiotics to your dog
In a previous article, we talked about some of the best dog probiotics. These probiotics help to provide to your dog’s gut a healthy dose of natural bacteria. These bacteria can counteract some of the bad bacteria in your dog’s stomach. With a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria, your dog’s loose stool problem will soon be solved. The main bacteria that your dog will need is called the Enterococcus faecium. When you purchase the dog probiotic, do ensure that it comes in sachets. To use the probiotic, mix one sachet of probiotic to your dog’s food once per day.
Use High-Quality Food That Is High In Fiber
In our second tip on how to harden dog stool, you should always try to use high-quality food that is high in fiber. If you are unable to find a good packet of dog food that is high in fiber, you can always add natural fibers to it. Foods that are high in fiber include pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Psyllium husk is a type of soluble fiber that can also be added to a dog’s food to help firm up their stool.
Fibers are important as it helps to absorb fluid in your dog’s system. It is commonly known that fiber does help to harden dog stool, and is one of the best forms of natural stool hardener for dogs. The fiber is able to dry up diarrhea in your dog’s system and expulse it as a soft stool. In addition to how to harden dog stool by using fiber, you will be glad to know that fiber does help to make your dog feel fuller for longer periods of time, hence reducing your dog’s calorie intake.
As a general guideline, ensure that the crude fiber content is about 10%. For natural stool hardener for dogs, you can always add oat or wheat bran to your dog’s food too. The best form of natural stool hardener for dogs, and by far our best tips on how to harden dog stool, is to add raw fruit and vegetables into your dog’s diet.
Always Use Fresh Water
On the last tip on how to harden dog stool, you should be very mindful that your dog should drink fresh water at all times. One of the major causes of diarrhea in dogs is that they can be drinking water that is not fresh at all. As a general guideline, do attempt to wash and clean your dog’s drinking bowl at least three times a week. Also, replace the water with a fresh supply every day too. For a good drinking bowl review, perhaps you can read more about the Heyrex Torus Water Bowl For Dogs.
FAQ about hardening dog’s stool
Before you go, here are some of the common questions that people would ask when it comes to hardening the dog’s stool. Some of the pointers may have already been covered prior!
1. What can I feed my dog to firm up their stool?
There are a few different options to consider when trying to firm up a dog’s stool. Adding more fiber to their diet, such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and green beans, can help. Psyllium husk is a type of soluble fiber that can also be added to a dog’s food to help firm up their stool. Some dog food brands also formulated specifically for dogs with digestive issues, they usually contain higher levels of fiber and probiotics, which can help firm up the stool.
2. How do probiotics help with a dog’s digestion?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help improve the balance of bacteria in a dog’s gut. This can lead to better digestion and firmer stools. Probiotics can be found in certain types of food or supplements, such as yogurt or capsules.
3. Is it safe to give my dog supplements to firm up their stool?
It is generally considered safe to give a dog supplement to firm up their stool. However, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before giving a dog any supplements, as certain health conditions can make certain treatments inappropriate.
4. Are there any side effects of adding fiber to a dog’s diet?
Some dogs may experience gas or bloating if too much fiber is added to their diet too quickly. It’s important to make any dietary changes gradually to help your dog adjust.
5. Can a change in diet help with my dog’s diarrhea?
In some cases, a change in diet can help with a dog’s diarrhea. However, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the diarrhea and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
6. Can certain medical conditions cause chronic soft stool in dogs?
Yes, certain medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can cause chronic diarrhea in dogs.
7. How can I tell if my dog’s loose stool is a symptom of an underlying health issue?
If your dog’s loose stool persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss or blood in the stool, it may be a symptom of an underlying health issue, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.
8. Are there any over-the-counter stool hardeners for dogs?
There are some over-the-counter supplements that can be used to firm up a dog’s stool, such as psyllium husk or probiotics. However, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before giving a dog any supplements.
9. Can I use pumpkin puree as a stool hardener for my dog?
Pumpkin puree can be a good source of fiber to help firm up a dog’s stool. It can be added to a dog’s food in small amounts.
10. How long does it take for a dietary change to affect my dog’s stool consistency?
The time it takes for a dietary change to affect a dog’s stool consistency can vary depending on the individual dog and the dietary change that has been made. It may take a few days or a few weeks for the full effect to be seen. It’s important to monitor your dog’s stool and make any adjustments as needed.
Conclusion
I hope that after reading the above pointers, you will know more about how to harden dog stool. As a side note, if you are having problems picking up your dog’s stool, do consider using Dog Pooper Scooper, and you can read our reviews for the best dog pooper scooper for grass. In addition, if you want additional notes on thing that you can feed your dog with to firm up his stool, you can read this article.
