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Best Foods for Golden Retriever with Diarrhea
Ours tried everything on the planet, from pumpkin, salmon, and sweet potato, chicken or beef, and rice, eliminating grains, to successfully finding kangaroo meat. It was expensive, but it worked. Lots of trial and error. These were all suggestions from our vet; they know your dog best. Best of luck.
Author: Maureen A.
Likes: 0
Try giving him a spoonful of canned pumpkin. We give our senior chocolate lab a spoonful everyday and it does pretty well at keeping her stools a little firm. You might also want to make their food yourself. We also do that, so we know she’s getting good nutrition, and not the bad things you get in processed dog food. First rule of thumb is DO NOT put anything raised or sourced from China into either yourself or your animals!!! If you make your own food, make sure you check for that!! USA only!! Consult your veterinarian about the foods they should be eating and what ingredients to avoid. Something I read just a few weeks ago talked about giving dogs raw meats such as liver, turkey hearts, beef kidneys, etc. Apparently, these kinds of things are very healthy and nutritious for them. Again, speak to your vet….
Author: Tim C.
Likes: 10
I used Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach because mine had that problem, and stopped all table foods
Author: Tammy W.
Likes: 0
Chicken and rice. I fed my golden Purina Pro Complete Essentials
Author: Sharon B.
Likes: 0
Mine was like that now on James Wellbeloved turkey and rice dry, he loves it. Usually, give him boiled chicken and rice when he gets it, then slowly introduce his own food. Had an allergy test done, which wasn’t cheap, but he has a long list of food, etc., he is allergic to, including beef.
Author: Meriel C.
Likes: 0
My three all had issues. One was allergic to chicken and rice, and the other two were diagnosed with IBD/colitis and put on hypoallergenic food. If it keeps happening, I would go to the vet for testing because it could be bacteria, Giardia, something stuck in there, worms, or an allergy. If it comes and goes, then try Pro Kolin and a probiotic like Nutra Flora. Chappie also works wonders.
Author: Stephen P.
Likes: 1
My 8-year-old had a problem with diarrhea after he got a vaccination when he was a puppy. The vaccination was to prevent parasites if he went swimming in the lake or river. After trying many different dog foods, Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin took care of his problem, and we haven’t had any issues since.
Author: Debbie A.
Likes: 0
One of my Goldens started this last fall, and my vet put him on Hill’s gastrointestinal Biome, probiotics, and a prescription powder. We tried everything before this. One of my other Goldens had it since he was a pup; probiotics stopped it.
Author: Terry Collier T.
Likes: 1
Our 9-year-old was the same last year; it was non-stop, all sorts of tests and scans. Nothing was found. He is now on Royal Canin hypoallergenic dry food (nothing else at all, no treats at all. We use these as treats too). And touch wood, since last August, he has been fine. So I recommend.
Author: June M.
Likes: 1
I feel your pain. Mine has a bad tummy as well. Have tried natural, but now she is on an anti-diarrhea med from the Vet. It works, but when she has bouts, we limit her food to chicken and rice. Currently tho, I am weaning her off chicken….Please let me know what you find ….so sad for our pups ….My friend loves Ollie. I am currently using Honest Kitchen dry food, which I prepare, and definitely pumpkin.
Author: Susan G.
Likes: 0
I give my girl Fortaflora. She had terrible diarrhea. She never has it. I also give her baby food pumpkin.
Author: Susan T.
Likes: 0
That’s probably why he is having diarrhea. When you try new foods, you never want to do an aromatic switch. You do 25%new with old for a few days and very slowly increase over a week or more if needed, depending on the dog’s stomach. Every dog is different. Stick with one food. At this point, you want to mix a tablespoon of pumpkin purée into the food you give to help the dog’s stomach. Doing a food switch too fast can make a dog very sick
Author: Natasha V.
Likes: 0
Pumpkin i give mine a tablespoon every day on top of her food. She has never had a problem since I started doing this. Boiling hamburger and white rice for a couple of days will get rid of it. The vet had me do this
Author: Cindy Munson R.
Likes: 0
Our golden ended up having an allergy to chicken. We feed him a dog food brand called Zignature, and he’s done really well on it
Author: Nicole W.
Likes: 0
My Golden always had chronic loose stool. After ruling out parasites and food allergies, we switched him to Hill’s GI Biome dog food, and it’s been a game-changer! This is a prescription dog food that you need to get through your veterinarian.
Author: Kirsten Claussen H.
Likes: 0
Acana Pork and Squash. My golden had the same issues as well as allergies. Problem solved when I started her on this food
Author: Linda D.
Likes: 0
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach works for mine
Author: Paige G.
Likes: 0
Both of my Goldens have always been on Victor (high energy), never had any issues, one is 10 mos and 15 mos….they love it
Author: June C.
Likes: 0
You need to find out what’s causing the problem. Rice and boiled ground beef to get it under control. A good brand of food is Nutrisource. Made in the USA and no recalls.
Author: Michael C.
Likes: 0
Science Diet ID. It’s a prescription food. No more diarrhea.
Author: Joanne T.
Likes: 0
Frequently Asked Questions About Foods for Golden Retrievers with Diarrhea
1. What is the best food for a Golden Retriever with diarrhea?
The best food is something gentle and easy to digest, such as boiled chicken and rice or a sensitive stomach formula. Many owners also find success with prescription or hypoallergenic diets.
2. Why does my Golden Retriever keep having diarrhea?
Recurring diarrhea can be caused by food allergies, infections, parasites, or digestive conditions. In some cases, it may also be due to sudden diet changes.
3. Can pumpkin help with diarrhea in dogs?
Yes, plain canned pumpkin can help firm up stools due to its fiber content and is commonly recommended for dogs with digestive issues.
4. Is chicken and rice good for a dog with diarrhea?
Yes, a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice is often used to help settle the stomach and allow the digestive system to recover.
5. Should I switch to a sensitive stomach dog food?
Sensitive stomach formulas can be beneficial because they are designed to be easier to digest and may help reduce recurring digestive issues.
6. Can food allergies cause diarrhea in Golden Retrievers?
Yes, some Golden Retrievers may be allergic or sensitive to certain proteins or ingredients, which can lead to chronic diarrhea.
7. Are probiotics helpful for dogs with diarrhea?
Probiotics can support gut health by restoring beneficial bacteria, which may help improve digestion and reduce diarrhea.
8. How do I transition my dog to a new food?
Transition slowly over several days by mixing the new food with the current food in increasing amounts to avoid worsening digestive upset.
9. Should I stop feeding my dog during diarrhea?
In some cases, a short break from food may help rest the digestive system, but always ensure your dog stays hydrated and consult your vet if unsure.
10. When should I take my Golden Retriever to the vet?
If diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days or is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or weight loss, it’s important to seek veterinary care.
11. How can I prevent diarrhea in my Golden Retriever?
Maintaining a consistent diet, avoiding sudden food changes, and feeding high-quality ingredients can help reduce the risk of digestive issues.
A Better Feeding Plan for Golden Retrievers with Diarrhea
Managing diarrhea in your Golden Retriever starts with choosing gentle, easy-to-digest foods and maintaining a consistent feeding routine. Simple options like bland diets or specialized formulas can help calm the digestive system while you identify the root cause. Since every dog is different, it may take some trial and adjustment to find what works best. With patience and guidance from your veterinarian, you can support your dog’s gut health, reduce digestive issues, and help them feel comfortable and healthy again.
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