5 Homemade Recipes to Help Fix Your Doggo’s Diarrhoea / Loose Stool

Are you worried about your doggo’s loose stools and upset tummies? Well, I completely understand your situation. Been there, done that.

Your dog’s stool consistency is a matter of cleanliness and an essential indicator of their well-being. So if you seek a solution to firm up your dog’s stools, look no further!

At first, I was worried this guide would be boring, given the amount of information I have to share on this topic based on my personal experience with Jeff. So, I decided to make this a two-part series. 

The first article discussed the best dog food products in the UK to help firm up your stool. And this one is for our readers who prefer things homemade. Here’s everything you must know about making dog food for diarrhoea at home.

What ingredients make a recipe ideal for diarrhoea in dogs?

Specific foods and ingredients can help firm up their stools and promote digestive health when dealing with diarrhoea in dogs.

 The key is to focus on easily digestible and gentle ingredients that won’t further irritate their stomach. Here are some essential components to consider when formulating a recipe for diarrhoea:

1. Lean Proteins: Opt for lean protein sources like skinless chicken, turkey, or white fish. These are less likely to cause digestive issues and provide essential amino acids for muscle repair.
2. Digestible Carbohydrates: Choose easily digestible carbohydrates such as cooked rice or sweet potatoes. These can help bind the stool and provide a source of energy.
3. Fibre: Roughage is very important for firming your dog’s stool. Include soluble fibre sources like canned pumpkin or cooked carrots. Fibre adds bulk to the stool and aids in maintaining regular bowel movements.
4. Probiotics: Consider adding a probiotic supplement or incorporating fermented foods like plain yoghurt into the recipe. Probiotics promote a healthy gut microbiome and aid in digestion.
5. Hydration: Ensure your dog stays well-hydrated by always providing fresh water. You can also include moisture-rich ingredients like low-sodium chicken broth or bone broth in their meals.

Following these guidelines, you can create a homemade recipe that helps address diarrhoea and supports the transition to firmer stools.

Recipe 1: Chicken and Rice Stew for Firm Stools

A. Ingredients

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup water
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

B. Preparation & Cooking

1. Bring water to a boil and add the chicken breast until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.
2. Add the rice, chicken broth, and water to the same pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
3. While the rice is cooking, shred the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
4. Once the rice is cooked, add the shredded chicken, diced carrot, chopped green beans, pumpkin puree, and olive oil to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Continue cooking the mixture on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together and the vegetables to soften.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and let the stew cool before serving.

Recipe 2: Turkey and Sweet Potato Mash for Firm Stools

A. Ingredients

• 500g ground turkey
• 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green peas
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup water

B. Preparation & Cooking

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Add the sweet potatoes, carrots, and water in the same skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes and carrots are tender.
3. Add the green peas to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until they are heated through.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. Transfer the cooked turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots, green peas, and parsley to a food processor or blender. Pulse or blend until the mixture combines well and has a mashed consistency.
6. Let the turkey and sweet potato mash cool completely before serving.

Read More: How to be an eco-friendly dog owner in the UK?

Recipe 3: Vegetarian Recipe: Pumpkin Yogurt Bites for Firm Stools

A. Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup plain yoghurt (unsweetened and preferably non-dairy for dogs with lactose intolerance)
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional for added sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

B. Preparation & Cooking

1. Combine the canned pumpkin puree, plain yoghurt, coconut flour, honey, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Place the mixture in the refrigerator and let it chill for about 30 minutes to firm up slightly.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Once the mixture has chilled, use a spoon or a cookie scoop to portion small bite-sized amounts onto the prepared baking sheet. You can shape them into small balls or use a silicone mould for fun shapes.
5. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the pumpkin yoghurt bites freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.
6. Once frozen, transfer the pumpkin yoghurt bites to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag for storage.

Recipe 4: Bland Rice and Lean Meat Stew for Sensitive Tummies

A. Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups white rice
• ¾ lb (400 grams) extra-lean ground beef or chicken

B. Preparation & Cooking

1. Cook the white rice according to the instructions on the package. Make sure to cook it without any added spices or seasonings.
2. In a separate pan, cook the extra-lean ground beef or chicken over medium heat until fully cooked. Ensure that no additional fats or oils are added during the cooking process.
3. Once both the rice and meat are cooked, combine them in a mixing bowl.
4. Use a fork or spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces and mix it thoroughly with the rice.
5. Let the mixture cool completely before serving it to your dog.

Recipe 5: Vegan Recipe: Zucchini and Lentil Stew for Firm Stools

A. Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (cooked)
• 2 medium-sized zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional for added anti-inflammatory benefits)

B. Preparation & Cooking

1. In a large pot, heat the coconut oil (if using) over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped zucchini, carrots, and sweet potatoes to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring it to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the cooked lentils and peas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat them through.
6. If using turmeric powder, sprinkle it into the stew and stir well to incorporate.
7. Remove the pot from heat and let the stew cool completely.
8. Once cooled, you can serve it as is or blend it using an immersion blender or a food processor for a smoother consistency.

What affects your dog’s stool consistency?

Diet plays a significant role in determining your doggo’s stool consistency, as your dog’s food directly affects digestion. A well-balanced diet with high-quality ingredients promotes optimal stool formation.

Quick Tip: Ingredients that are easily digestible, rich in fibre, and low in fat can contribute to firmer stools. Additionally, adequate hydration is essential to maintain healthy bowel movements.

Read More: Beginner’s Guide to Mushy Stool in Dogs: How to Make it Firm?

Pro Tips for Preparing Homemade Dog Food

Preparing homemade dog food can be a rewarding experience that gives you full control over your pup’s diet. To ensure you’re providing balanced and nutritious meals, consider the following tips:

1. Consult with a Veterinarian: They can provide guidance specific to your dog’s nutritional needs and any health conditions they may have.

2. Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Select fresh ingredients for your dog’s meals. Opt for lean proteins, whole grains, and various fruits and vegetables to provide a well-rounded nutritional profile.

3. Maintain Balance: Aim for a balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

4. Portion Control: Determine your dog’s appropriate portion size based on age, weight, and activity level. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and digestive issues.

5. Monitor Stool Quality: Look for firmness, consistency, and regularity signs. If any issues arise, adjust the recipe or consult your veterinarian.

Which additional factors help with getting firm stool in dogs?

In addition to a well-formulated homemade diet, there are a few extra strategies you can employ to promote firm stools in your furry friend:

• Regular exercise helps stimulate the digestive system and promotes healthy bowel movements.
• Ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Add moisture-rich ingredients like bone broth to their meals to increase hydration levels.
• Probiotics can aid in restoring and maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria, contributing to firmer stools. Consult your veterinarian about adding a probiotic supplement to your dog’s diet.

How to properly transition your dog to a new diet?

Transitioning your dog to new dog food is an important process that should be approached carefully. As I said earlier, a sudden change in diet can disrupt the delicate balance of your dog’s digestive system.

Here’s how to do it correctly:

A. Gradual Transition: Mix a small amount of the new dog food with the current food, gradually increasing the proportion over several days.

B. Monitor Stool Quality: As you transition your dog to the new food, observe their stool quality closely. Note any changes in consistency, colour, or frequency.

C. Seek Professional Guidance: It’s essential to seek guidance from your veterinarian. They can provide personalised recommendations based on your dog’s needs and help you navigate digestive issues.

Remember, each dog is unique, and finding the right dog food to promote firm stools may require some trial and error. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is homemade dog food better for firm stools than commercial dog food?

Generally speaking, homemade dog food can benefit firm stools as it gives you control over the ingredients and their quality. Homemade dog food can promote healthy digestion and firm stools by selecting appropriate ingredients and ensuring balanced nutrition.

2. Can I use any recipe to achieve firm stools in my dog?

Not all homemade dog food recipes are designed for firm stools. For firm stools, it’s important to focus on recipes that include ingredients known to promote healthy digestion, such as lean proteins, soluble fibre, and easily digestible carbohydrates.

3. How long does it take to see the effects of homemade dog food on stool consistency?

The time it takes to see the effects may vary depending on your dog’s digestive system and recipe. Monitoring your dog’s stool quality over a few weeks is recommended to assess any changes and make adjustments.

4. Are any risks associated with homemade dog food for firm stools?

While homemade dog food can be generally beneficial, it’s important to ensure that the recipes provide complete and balanced nutrition for your dog. Consultation with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist is recommended to meet your dog’s specific dietary needs.

5. Can I substitute ingredients in the recommended recipes?

It’s generally best to follow the recipes as closely as possible to maintain the nutritional balance. However, minor substitutions can be made if your dog has specific dietary restrictions or allergies. Consult with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist for guidance on appropriate ingredient substitutions.