Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea? Common Causes and What to Feed
- Ryan Rothon
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Digestive problems are one of the most common health issues dog owners face. If your dog suddenly has diarrhea, it can be worrying, but in many cases the cause is relatively minor and temporary.
Understanding why diarrhea happens and knowing what to feed your dog during digestive upset can help them recover faster and prevent the issue from happening again.
In this guide, we’ll look at the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs and how diet plays an important role in digestive health.
1. Sudden Changes in Diet
One of the most frequent causes of diarrhea is switching dog food too quickly.
Dogs have sensitive digestive systems that rely on stable gut bacteria. When a new food is introduced suddenly, the digestive system may struggle to adjust, leading to loose stools or diarrhea.
To avoid this, always transition to a new food gradually over 7–10 days, slowly increasing the new food while reducing the old one.
2. Poor Quality Ingredients in Dog Food
Some dog foods contain ingredients that are harder for dogs to digest, including:
low-quality meat by-products
excessive fillers such as corn or wheat
artificial additives and preservatives
highly processed ingredients
These ingredients can irritate the digestive system and reduce overall digestibility.
Foods made with simple, natural ingredients are generally easier for dogs to tolerate.
3. Food Intolerances or Sensitivities
Just like people, some dogs are sensitive to certain ingredients.
Common triggers include:
beef
dairy
wheat
soy
certain proteins
Food intolerances often show up as recurring digestive issues such as diarrhea, loose stools, gas, or stomach discomfort.
If digestive problems occur frequently, switching to a simpler diet with fewer ingredients can often help.
4. Eating Something They Shouldn’t
Dogs are naturally curious and will often eat things that aren’t part of their normal diet.
Common examples include:
spoiled food
garbage or compost
table scraps
unfamiliar treats
grass or plants
These can irritate the digestive tract and cause temporary diarrhea.
5. Stress or Environmental Changes
Stress can also affect a dog’s digestive system.
Some triggers include:
moving house
travel
changes in routine
new pets in the house
boarding kennels/time in a new environment without the familiar faces!
Dogs experiencing stress sometimes develop short-term digestive issues until they adjust.
6. Parasites or Illness
If diarrhea lasts more than 24–48 hours, it may be caused by an underlying health issue.
Possible causes:
intestinal parasites
bacterial infections
viruses
underlying illness
If your dog shows other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, blood in stool, or loss of appetite, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian.
7. What Should You Feed a Dog With Diarrhea?
When a dog has digestive upset, the goal is to feed foods that are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.
Common approaches include:
feeding smaller meals
choosing simple ingredients
avoiding rich or fatty foods
allowing the digestive system time to settle
Some owners temporarily feed bland diets such as chicken and rice, but it’s also important to transition back to a balanced, nutritionally complete dog food once the stomach has recovered.
8. Why Digestibility Matters
Highly digestible dog food can make a significant difference for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Foods that are easier to break down help the digestive system absorb nutrients efficiently and produce firmer stools.
Some dog owners choose foods made with gently processed ingredients and simpler recipes, which can be easier for many dogs to tolerate compared to heavily processed options.
Why not give Gentle a try? We use a unique cold pressed method that preserves nutrients and creates an easy to digest food with top quality ingredients.
Supporting Long-Term Digestive Health
If your dog regularly experiences digestive issues, it may be worth reviewing their diet.
Look for foods that offer:
clearly listed ingredients
balanced nutrition
gentle processing methods
high digestibility
Choosing a food that supports digestive health can help reduce stomach upset and keep your dog feeling their best.
To learn more about dog nutrition (including the foods to prioritise and those to avoid) check out this article To understand dry dog food and whether it is harming your dog, check out this article.
Comments