What To Give Dogs For Diarrhea: 7 Best Products
by Carol Bryant
Updated on May 30, 2024
Any pet parent who sees their dog suffer from loose stools wants them to feel better immediately. Knowing what to give dogs for diarrhea means choosing the right products for fast relief. That’s where things get tricky – you always want to select the appropriate product designed for dogs in conjunction with your pet’s medical provider.
Of the top 10 reasons pets visit the veterinarian’s office [1], stomach issues rank in the top three. You should always consult your veterinarian if your dog has sudden diarrhea, if blood is involved, or if the loose stools do not improve within a day.
In this article, we’ll address products that may help with diarrhea treatment in dogs and improve their overall digestive health. Dogs, like people, have different needs and what may work for one dog may not be as helpful in another. For this reason, we’re sharing a variety of products to choose from.
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Our List
- Great Poop Probiotic for Dogs
- Honest Paws Pre+ Probiotics Supplement for Dogs
- Native Pet Organic Pumpkin Fiber for Dogs
- Solid Gold Chicken Bone Broth
- Diggin’ Your Dog Firm Up! Pumpkin Super Dog & Cat Supplement
- VetriScience Fast Balance GI Paste
- Nutri-Vet Anti-Diarrhea Medication
7 Best Products For Dog Diarrhea
Great Poop Probiotic For Dogs
This high-fiber supplement for dogs can help to firm up your dog’s stool and keep your dog regular, limiting the chance of mucus and diarrhea. These yummy, chicken-flavored chews contain probiotics, Omega 3, and digestive enzymes to support healthy digestion in dogs. Plus, they are made in the USA and don’t contain any artificial flavors or colorings.
Highlights
- Complete all-in-one formula to form a high fiber solution for gut and immune health
- Firmer, well-formed poops mean less straining and discomfort to defecate
- Contains beneficial bacteria in a handy chewable form
- Two billion powerful CFUs (colony-forming units) for proper gut balance
- American-made without corn, soy, artificial preservatives, or flavoring
- 120 chicken-flavored chews per container which can last months
Things to Consider
- May take a few days to see desired results
- Only available in a chewable version
Honest Paws Pre+ Probiotics Supplement for Dogs
Get 15% off your order with code VETSTREET at Honest Paws
When colitis strikes, your dog’s gut goes out of balance. Honest Paws knows a healthy gut leads to a healthy dog. Improve his immune system and digestive well-being with a product that combines probiotics and prebiotics to ward off harmful bacteria and stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. The easy-to-use powder formula is pre-packaged so you can blend it easily into your dog’s daily meals. The pre-measured packets make sure your dog gets the proper dosage every time.
Highlights
- Made in the United States for peace of mind
- Contains no soy, corn, dairy, gluten, or xylitol
- Contains Solarplast, an extract of organic spinach that contains antioxidants and other enzymes beneficial to dogs
- The custom formula is pre-measured and pre-packaged for easy administration
- Helps support your dog’s immune system and overall gut health
Things to Consider
- Also available in pumpkin flavor
- Only available in powder format
Native Pet Organic Pumpkin Fiber for Dogs
Another pumpkin powerhouse, this fiber powder is very easy to use. Just mix it with water and create a delicious (and healthy!) pumpkin puree. This is a nice alternative to buying canned pumpkin. It has a longer shelf life and can be used as needed, where canned pumpkin will need to be tossed soon after opening. This formula contains only three organic ingredients and will help to combat diarrhea and loose stools.
Highlights
- Only three simple, organic ingredients
- Most customers see results in 2 to 4 days
- Can be mixed with water or sprinkled over food
- Average shelf life is 22 months
Things to Consider
- It’s slightly pricey for an 8oz can. But, like we said, it lasts a long time
- Some pet owners said it was a bit clumpy when mixed with water
Solid Gold Chicken Bone Broth
Bone broth can be good for dogs with diarrhea because it’s hydrating, easy on the stomach, and can provide nutrients.
An excellent source of naturally occurring collagen, this human-grade chicken bone broth meal topper is worth its weight in gold. The recipe features carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, sesame seed oil, lavender and chamomile. Not only does this slow-simmered bone broth from Solid Gold win dogs over with taste, it also promotes gut health and hydration. Serve at room temperature or gently warm, then pour over your dog’s dry food for a welcome nutritional boost.
Highlights
- Human-grade meal topper for dogs of all ages
- Made with chicken bone broth, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, sesame seed oil, lavender, and chamomile
- Comes in 8-oz. pouches
- Can be served at room temperature or gently warmed
- Made in the USA
- Also available in beef with turmeric or turkey with pumpkin and ginger recipes
Things to Consider
- Shake well before serving
- Serve ¼ cup bone broth per 25 pounds of body weight
- Refrigerate after opening and use within 7 days
Diggin’ Your Dog Firm Up! Pumpkin Super Dog & Cat Supplement
This limited ingredient packet of goodness is completely grown, harvested, made, and packaged in the United States. In addition to fiber support, it serves as a anti-diarrheal supplement when your dog needs it most. Simply add water, mix, and serve fresh from the BPA-free bag. With only two ingredients – pumpkin and apple fiber – pet parents will feel good serving this to their dogs.
Highlights
- Can be fed wet or dry
- Contains 40 percent fiber maximum
- Easy to transport for times of digestive upset during travel
- Proudly made in the USA
- Follow the easy feeding instructions provided on the packaging
Things to Consider
- Can be used daily or as needed
- Talk to your veterinarian if you wish to serve this long term
VetriScience Fast Balance GI Paste
This easy-to-administer unflavored paste from VetriScience Laboratories is fast acting and rich in a specialized yeast extract for GI support. Simply dial the tube to the desired dosage and dispense gently into your dog’s mouth. Some dogs may prefer licking it from the tube. Made for dogs of all sizes, this product carries the NASC seal of approval.
Highlights
- Manufactured in the USA
- Ideal for diarrhea, GI stress, or digestive upset
- Convenient paste form to ease your dog’s tummy
- Suitable for dogs (and cats) of all ages
- Easily stores in a cool, dry place when not in use
Things to Consider
- Some dogs may not be fond of the type of adminstration
- Amount and frequency to dispense depends on your dog’s weight
Nutri-Vet Anti-Diarrhea Medication
Sometimes, it’s easiest to just give your dog a liquid supplement to help stop diarrhea. This product from Nutri Vet uses kaolin and pectin as its active ingredients. It is given orally following the easy instructions on every bottle. Made in the USA for when diarrhea occurs, this formula is designed for dogs of all sizes and ages to help slow the passage of stool.
Highlights
- Dosage amount depends on your dog’s weight
- Does not need to be refrigerated
- Can be mixed with food or water according to manufacturer’s instructions
- Nicely priced
Things to Consider
- Some dogs may not be fond of the method of administration orally
Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?
While people and dogs can be affected by diarrhea, how we process food differs. While people can chew and use their salivary enzymes to break down food, dogs don’t process food this way. A dog’s mouth and jaws tear, crush, and grind food, but they don’t actually chew it. Amazing, right?
However, the enzymes in a dog’s saliva kill bacteria, which is why dogs tend to eat things that would really make a human sick as a, well, you know.
Stomach acid in a dog’s body is much stronger than a human’s, enabling dogs to digest food like it entered their mouths – intact.
Whenever a dog’s digestive system goes out of balance, well-formed poops that generally take about 10 hours to form and be excreted can be compromised. Your dog’s diarrhea may be from:
- A new diet or changing the diet too quickly
- Eating from the garbage or eating too much greasy food, inappropriate food, etc.
- Parasites such as worms
- Irritable bowel disease
- Ingesting poison or a foreign object
- Cancer
- Stress or anxiety
- Viruses like parvo or distemper
- Side effects to medications or home remedies
While what is causing your dog’s loose stools may not be immediately obvious, it is imperative that you get to the bottom of things as soon as possible.
Seeking Veterinary Guidance: When To Get Help For A Dog With Diarrhea
While mild cases of diarrhea tend to resolve themselves, this isn’t always the case. When your dog has diarrhea, anything they ingest moves much too quickly through their digestive system. As a result, excess water comes out along with waste, and diarrhea results.
“If a pet stops eating, is lethargic, the diarrhea is black or tarry in quality, there is associated vomiting, or the diarrhea doesn’t resolve in 48-72 hours, then veterinary care should be sought,” says Dr. Meredith Miller, associate clinical professor of small animal medicine at Cornell’s Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. [2]
Dogs with diarrhea can dehydrate quickly, so getting a medical professional involved is always a good idea. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work, x-rays, fecal tests, intravenous hydration, medications, and a special diet after gut rest.
Your veterinarian may ask if your dog strains to defecate, has accidents indoors, is gassy, lethargic, vomits, or shows signs of an appetite. These are all symptoms commonly associated with diarrhea in dogs.
What To Give Dogs for Diarrhea
Never give your dog any human medications unless directed by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter diarrhea treatments can harm your dog or may interact with other medications or supplements they take.
As disgusting as it might seem, you always want to take the time to examine your dog’s bowel movements. If it is watery, has no texture, and looks like a flat puddle, this indicates diarrhea. Knowing what is normal and baseline for your dog is helpful so that you are ready to act when abnormal happens.
There are several different categories of over-the-counter or online products to help alleviate your dog’s digestive health and improve their bowel movements.
These include:
- Probiotics
- Pumpkin products with fiber
- Powders with herbs
- Anti-diarrheal liquid
- Pastes
Like people, your dog may prefer one method, such as a chewable probiotic, while another dog does better with a pumpkin puree product.
What To Look For In Dog Anti-Diarrheal Products
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Look at how long the company has been in business and what other reviews are saying before you purchase.
Safety and Seals of Approval
Some products receive the NASC seal of approval. Always be sure the company has a good safety record and that any and all side effects are listed on the container.
Veterinary Recommendations and Approval
Run it by your veterinarian before adding any new products to your dog’s regimen. Many products are veterinarian created or approved, but it’s always a good idea to talk to your dog’s medical team.
Clear Dosage Instructions
Follow the recommended any and all dosage instructions provided.
Always consider your dog’s needs and preferences when selecting a product. Some products may not be as cost effective for your budget, but consider what your dog needs that may help you save money on veterinary bills in the long run.
Sources
[1] https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/news/top-10-reasons-why-pets-see-a-veterinarian/
