9 Best Dog Foods for Less Poop – 2024 Reviews & Guide

Those who’ve never owned a dog might think searching for dog food that produces less, well, poop is a silly idea. If you find yourself taking your dog out a dozen times per day, though, you’ll quickly find yourself at your wit’s end!

Of course, keep in mind that your dog’s bathroom habits could be a sign of a health issue. Before switching food, schedule a visit to the vet to see if anything else is going on.

With that said, the food your dog eats can affect their bowel movements. Just like our bathroom habits change with our fiber intake and other dietary factors, the same is true for your beloved pooch. So, if you’re tired of constantly scooping poop and carrying doggie bags everywhere you go, we’ve put together reviews of the best dog food for less poop.

 

A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2024

The 9 Best Dog Foods for Less Poop

1. The Farmer’s Dog – Best Overall

The Farmer’s Dog offers a healthier alternative to conventional kibble, which can lead to fewer bathroom breaks for your canine companion. The first ingredients in their chicken recipe are human-grade, USDA-approved chicken and chicken liver, followed by whole vegetables that surpass industry standards.

This gently, low-cooked food is prepared in USDA-approved kitchens, which preserves the nutrients and texture of the ingredients. Being a subscription service, The Farmer’s Dog is delivered to your doorstep meaning you’ll never have to worry about having to serve your dog a traditional low-quality food in a pinch and potentially upsetting their tummy. The delivery schedule is also customizable to meet the needs of your pup.

The food arrives frozen and must stay that way until you’re ready to serve it. The only downfall is that it costs a bit more than something you’d pick up at your local pet store but the nutritional value and convenience make it worth every penny.

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2. Royal Canin Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

While we all want the absolute best for our dogs, especially when it concerns their health, the budget also comes into play. Based on our reviews, the Royal Canin Dry Dog Food is the best budget pick. This formula includes Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both of which help support your dog’s skin and coat health.

This dry dog food comes in two different versions, one for adult dogs and one for seniors. The formula is specially adapted for indoor small breeds and their unique caloric and nutritional needs. Since this food is designed for smaller dogs, the kibble pieces are quite small. Perhaps most importantly, this formula uses only easily digestible proteins which have a direct impact on your dog’s bowel movement frequency and odor.

Unfortunately, many dogs turn their nose at the flavor. Also, if you prefer buying your dry dog food in bulk, you might have a hard time finding bigger bags of this variety.

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3. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription

In our opinion, Ollie is a convenient fresh subscription.

There are four different recipes that you can choose from, and they are pre-portioned meals for your dog. When you sign up for Ollie, you will be asked about any food allergies or sensitivities that your dog has and their activity level and weight, then a meal plan will be built that’s perfect for your dog. This type of streamlined meal planning can lead to less waste and thus, less poop.

It’s this attention to detail, ease of feeding, and best possible quality that earns Ollie its position as the best dog food for less poop. You’ll be spending a bit more, but your dog will also be getting the best of the best.

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4. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

If your dog’s stomach reels at the sight of most dog foods, then Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food could be a good option. This kibble is formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin — it’s fairly common for dogs to develop skin irritation when something in their diet doesn’t agree with them.

This dog food includes plenty of prebiotic fiber, which helps your pup maintain a healthy and efficient gut microbiome. It also has a generous serving of vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids, which both help keep your dog’s skin and fur looking their best.

The kibble pieces of this food are medium-sized, too big for some toys and small breeds. Like any specialty diet, some dogs see great results while others see no improvement at all. Also, while this food offers relief for many dogs with sensitive stomachs, few are in love with the chicken flavor.

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5. Nulo Grain-Free Dog Food

Sometimes, feeding your dog the absolute best means spending a little bit more. This is the case with the Nulo Grain Free Dog Food. While this dry food is a higher-end option for Fido, it offers an all-natural formula and several different flavors to choose from. Also, unlike many popular dog foods, this formula is entirely made in the United States.

This grain-free dog food is high in protein while being quite low in carbs. While this food features smaller kibble pieces, the formula is appropriate for all dog breeds and sizes. It also features Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthier skin and fur.

While this formula soothes many dogs’ stomachs, it has also caused vomiting and diarrhea in some dogs. When adding this food to your dog’s current diet, be sure to introduce it slowly and watch for stomach upset. The smaller kibble size is also a problem for fast eaters, so you may need to invest in a slow-feeding bowl, as well.

Since this is a grain-free dog food, it’s also important to note the recent studies surrounding grain-free diets and the development of heart disease. While results are currently inconclusive and further research is necessary, make sure you’re fully informed before deciding to feed your dog an entirely grain-free diet. If you prefer to stick with grains, take a look at our favorite dog foods with grains here.

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6. Wag Amazon Brand Dry Dog Food

The Wag Amazon Brand Dry Dog Food is another formula entirely made in the United States. This food boasts a recipe with 35 percent protein and no added grain, with several different flavors available to suit your dog’s specific tastes. Each flavor includes a healthy balance of meat, vegetables, salmon oil, and flaxseed oil for Omega fatty acids and DHA.

One of the hardest things about caring for a dog with stomach issues is not knowing whether food will suit them or not. If you’re concerned about buying brand new food, you can try out a trial-sized bag of this formula before committing to a full-sized one.

For some reason, this kibble seems to turn to powder quite easily. You’ll need to store this food carefully to prevent much of it from turning into crumbs. Also, this kibble features very small pieces. While all breeds can technically eat this food, larger dogs might struggle with the small size.

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7. Honest Kitchen E2 Turkey Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen E2 Grain Turkey Dog Food is a unique take on normal dog food. Instead of kibble or wet food in a can, it comes as a dehydrated formula that you mix with water to create a soft, appetizing pâté. While this food takes up far less space than canned food, it retains the same amount of nutrition for your four-legged friend.

Honest Kitchen follows the FDA’s regulations for human-grade food, so you can feel confident feeding this formula to your dog. It is also made in the United States. This food is great for all life stages and breeds, including dogs who have trouble chewing dry food.

Since this food is dehydrated and must be mixed with water, it adds an extra step to feeding your dog. Also, owners of picky eaters might have a hard time getting their dogs to eat this food.

Of course, it’s important to note that this is a grain-free food. If you’re going to feed only this food, remember to take the recent studies on heart disease into account.

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8. Natural Balance Diets Dry Dog Food

The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for owners looking to feed from a single animal protein source. This food comes in a range of different formulas, including a variety of protein and fiber sources to choose from, so you can find something to fit your dog’s taste buds.

Because this food uses limited ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives, it’s a great option for dogs who struggle with upset stomachs. While the fiber content might bulk up your dog’s bowel movements, it will also make them healthier and more regular.

Although the dog food itself is made in the United States, some ingredients are imported from China. The small kibble sizes can also be a challenge for larger dogs and fast eaters.

Again, this is a grain-free dog food and includes ingredients listed as potential causes of heart disease by the FDA.

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9. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

The Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is another unique alternative to traditional kibble. This food features an air-dried blend of limited ingredients, including meat, organs, and bones. Notably, this formula leaves out potentially problematic ingredients like peas, legumes, and potatoes.

Ziwi uses meat ingredients from ethical and sustainable sources, so you can feel comfortable feeding your dog the meat protein they need to stay healthy and happy. Because this food is air-dried and takes up far less volume than traditional food, it claims to significantly reduce your dog’s stool volume.

Sadly, because of the nature of this food, it tends to turn to powder if not handled gently. It is also on the more expensive side for how much food you get in a bag, even if it is nutritionally dense. Not a great option for picky eaters.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Foods for Less Poop

When your dog poops more frequently, they could be absorbing less nutrients. To ensure they are reaping the most reward from their diet, it’s crucial to get the best quality dish possible. Let’s learn more about what causes frequent pooping and what to look for when shopping for new dog food.

Understand What Causes Frequent Pooping

If you know that your dog needs to poop less, you probably have already been on track with your veterinarian. However, if you’re trying to take care of the problem yourself, and you need clarification as to what could cause this issue, here are a few culprits, but it’s best to talk with your vet about exactly what is causing your dog to poop a lot if you’re unsure.

Allergies

If your dog suffers from food allergies, it can cause their system to work on overdrive, which can, in turn, create all sorts of digestive issues, including diarrhea. It can sometimes be very difficult to understand what’s causing the allergic reaction in your dog, so it’s important to work alongside your veterinarian to start the elimination process.

Digestive Disorders

Dogs can have a laundry list of digestive disorders, just like humans. If your dog has been diagnosed with a disorder, you can use this information to choose a diet that will alleviate a lot of the side effects, including frequent pooping.

High Fiber Diets

Fiber is a completely essential thing to have in your dog’s diet, but too much fiber can cause issues like loose stool. If your dog is sensitive to the fiber content in their diet, you can get a lower-fiber dog food to curb the reaction.

Aspects of an Appropriate Diet

So, what are the criteria you’re looking for when shopping for new dog food? There are several aspects to consider.

Nutrition

Nutrition is the most critical aspect when buying dog food. Do a quick sweep over the ingredients to ensure the recipe lacks nothing vital. If you need to know what to look for or you need to look for specific ingredients or supplements based on any health conditions your dog has, ask your vet for recommendations.

Quality

Quality is a crucial element when selecting dog food. After all, pet nutrition is incredibly important as it sets the foundation for your pet’s health. You can find affordable options that are still completely healthy, so make sure to shop around instead of getting the cheapest option you can find. If you need help selecting high-quality food, always ask your veterinarian for tips or suggestions.

Safety

Safety might not cross your mind when you’re thinking about what kind of dog food you want to buy your dog, but it’s still an essential aspect. Check recalls and any discrepancies from the company, such as lawsuits.

Sourcing

Being able to source your dog’s pet food ingredients should be relatively easy, permitting you to buy from the right company. Quality companies are always very transparent with the ingredients they use, so you can rest easy about the quality of the ingredients.

Reputation

We can’t stress enough how important it is to buy from a dog food company that stands by their products. Always make sure you read other customers’ reviews and comments about the company so you can gauge how they interact with real-life consumers.

Final Verdict – Choosing the Best Dog Food for Less Poop

If you feel like there’s no end to your dog’s potty breaks, then switching to a low-volume or sensitive stomach dog food formula could be the solution you seek.

Our top choice for the best dog food for less poop is The Farmer’s Dog, which uses human-grade meat, low-cooked and easy on your pet’s stomach. It is also conveniently delivered right to your doorstep so it saves you the hassle of prep time.

However, if your dog needs something easier to digest that doesn’t break the bank, the Royal Canin Dry Dog Food is our budget pick for the best dog food to reduce pooping. You can find this formula in an adult or senior dog version, and each variety includes kibble pieces designed for small breeds. It can also help maintain your dog’s weight, especially if they spend most of their time indoors.

Finding the perfect food for your pup might take some trial and error, but we hope our reviews have provided you with a good place to start your search!

We hope that you manage to find the best dog food for less poop. Good luck!

If you have an excessive pooper, make sure you are prepared: 

• Best Poop Bags
• Best Biodegradable Poop Bags

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Featured Image Credit: Ermolaev Alexander, Shutterstock