Can Wet Food Cause Diarrhea in Dogs and What You Need to Know

As a dog owner, you want to give your furry friend the best possible diet to keep them healthy and happy. Wet food can be a great option, but it's not without its risks. According to our research, dogs fed wet food are more likely to experience diarrhea than those on dry food.

The main culprit behind wet food diarrhea is the high moisture content, which can cause stomach upset in some dogs. In fact, studies have shown that dogs fed wet food have a higher incidence of gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea.

Some dogs are more prone to diarrhea from wet food than others. For example, puppies and senior dogs may be more sensitive to the high moisture content in wet food and experience diarrhea as a result.

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Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet changes, eating garbage or spoiled food, stress or anxiety, and ingesting toxins or poisons.

One of the most common causes of diarrhea is a change in diet, which can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. This can happen if your dog is introduced to new food too quickly, or if they eat too much or eat garbage.

Some common symptoms of diarrhea in dogs include loose feces, trace of mucous in feces, and trace of fresh blood in the feces. In mild cases, your dog's appetite shouldn't be affected, but in more serious cases, they may exhibit lethargy, vomiting, and painful tummy.

If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, it's essential to monitor their behavior and watch for signs of dehydration, such as anxiously needing to go outside quickly, having bowel movements in the house, and straining.

Here are some common causes of diarrhea in dogs:

By recognizing the causes and symptoms of diarrhea, you can take steps to prevent it and ensure your dog receives proper care if they do experience it.

Your veterinarian will need to know your dog's medical history and a detailed list of what they eat or might have eaten to diagnose diarrhea due to diet changes.

A stool sample will be used in a fecal exam to look for internal parasites that can cause diarrhea in dogs.

Your veterinarian may also recommend a urinalysis, complete blood count, and biochemistry panel to rule out other illnesses or conditions.

If your dog has chronic diarrhea, fluid therapy may be needed to stop dehydration from occurring, and anti-diarrhea medication may be prescribed.

In some cases, food may need to be withheld for at least 24 hours, and a bland diet can be given after 24 hours if there is no more diarrhea.

If your dog has an allergy or intolerance to an ingredient in their food, their diet will need to be permanently altered to avoid the problematic ingredient.

To diagnose the cause of your dog's diarrhea, your veterinarian will need a stool sample, which can be collected by you or your vet. Your dog's medical history and a detailed list of what they eat or might have eaten will also be required.

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A fecal exam will be conducted to check for internal parasites that can cause diarrhea in dogs. Your veterinarian may also recommend a urinalysis, complete blood count, and biochemistry panel to rule out other illnesses or conditions.

Your vet will conduct a hands-on physical examination, palpating your dog's abdomen, checking their vitals, and taking their temperature. They'll need to know how quickly the signs came on and if there were any changes in the environment.

Your veterinarian will then use the test results and physical examination to narrow down the cause of your dog's diarrhea to their diet. This can be due to overeating, intolerance, or allergy, or a change in food.

If your dog has diarrhea, it's essential to keep them hydrated by giving them small amounts of water frequently.

For mild cases of diarrhea, fasting for 12-24 hours can help your dog recover.

A bland diet of plain-cooked white rice with a little chicken and some canned plain pumpkin can also help soothe your dog's upset tummy.

Natural yogurt, probiotics, peeled boiled potatoes, cottage cheese, egg with no oil added, and specially formulated dog foods can also help alleviate diarrhea symptoms.

Anti-diarrhea medication may be prescribed by your vet, especially if your dog is experiencing severe diarrhea.

If your dog has an allergy or intolerance to an ingredient in their food, their diet will need to be permanently altered to avoid the problematic ingredient.

In cases of diarrhea due to sudden diet changes, changing back to the previous diet can help control symptoms and resolve the issue within 24-48 hours.

Fluid therapy may be necessary to prevent dehydration, especially in cases of chronic diarrhea.

Your vet may recommend a food trial with a limited ingredient diet for 6 weeks to treat food allergies.

In severe cases, medical management such as antidiarrheals and anti-emetics may be needed to fully control gastrointestinal disturbances.

A fecal sample will need to be given to your vet to rule out internal parasites as a cause of diarrhea.

Your vet will also conduct a physical examination, including palpating your dog's abdomen, checking their vitals, and taking their temperature.

A urinalysis, complete blood count, and biochemistry panel may also be recommended to rule out other illnesses or conditions.

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Preventing diarrhea in dogs is crucial, and it's often as simple as making new diet changes gradually. This allows the gastrointestinal system to adjust and produce necessary enzymes suitable for digesting the newly-introduced diet.

A week-long transition period is usually enough to prevent vomiting and diarrhea from occurring, but some dogs with sensitive stomachs may require a longer transition. The key is to gradually introduce the new diet, starting with 25% new diet and 75% old diet for the first two days.

By following this gradual transition process, you can significantly reduce the risk of adverse food reactions and prevent signs of diarrhea and vomiting in dogs.

To manage diarrhea in your dog, make sure they stay hydrated by drinking regularly. Dehydration is a common issue with diarrhea.

Probiotics can help dogs with diarrhea by introducing good bacteria into the gut. They can be obtained from veterinary clinics and reputable pet stores, usually in the form of a paste or powder.

If your dog is displaying other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, or lack of appetite, it's best to see your veterinarian. They can provide professional advice and treatment.

Making new diet changes gradually can help prevent diarrhea. Avoid leaving out leftover food or sharp objects, as they can cause digestive issues.

Keeping your dog's vaccinations and parasite treatment up to date is essential for their overall health. This will help prevent diarrhea caused by infections and parasites.

Feeding a complete and balanced diet with high-quality ingredients can also help prevent diarrhea. A limited ingredient list can be beneficial for dogs with food allergies.

Preventing adverse food reactions in dogs is crucial to maintaining their overall health and well-being. By gradually transitioning their diet, you can significantly reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea.

A week-long gradual diet transition is often enough to prevent these issues, with a 25% new diet and 75% old diet on days 1-2, 50% new diet and 50% old diet on days 3-4, 75% new diet and 25% old diet on days 5-6, and 100% new diet on day 7.

Some dogs may require a longer transition period, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. If you notice any adverse reactions during the transition, it's best to slow down the process and give your dog's digestive system more time to adjust.

Transitioning your pet to a new food is a crucial step in preventing adverse food reactions and gastrointestinal issues. This process should be done gradually, over the course of 1-2 weeks.

Mixing in the new food with the old food is necessary, whether you're changing from puppy/kitten food to adult food or switching brands of foods during their lifetime. This is true even if it's the same brand but a different formula or protein source.

Taking one to two weeks to transition will help both your pet's taste buds and their tummy adapt to the new diet. The slow transition allows the gastrointestinal system to adjust and produce necessary enzymes suitable for digesting the newly-introduced diet.

Proper change in diet usually follows a week-long transition, with a gradual increase in the new diet and a decrease in the old diet. For example, days 1-2 involve 25% new diet and 75% old diet, days 3-4 involve 50% new diet and 50% old diet, and so on.

Some dogs may require a longer transition period, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. In these cases, extending the change over 2 weeks will usually ensure a smoother transition.

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