Ask a Vet: What Can I Give My Dog for Constipation?

To add moisture, you have several options. You can use wet dog food as a topper for dry food or gradually change to feeding 100% wet food. 

Alternatively, add lean and bland human foods that are high in moisture. You can try vegetables like grated cucumber, cooked green beans, baby food strained carrots or peas, or plain unsweetened applesauce (no xylitol, though as it’s toxic to dogs!).

2. High Fiber Food Toppers

Added dietary fiber will draw liquid into the stool as it passes through the colon. This has the effect of bulking up and moistening feces so they’re easier to pass. 

Unsweetened canned pumpkin is a popular food used to add fiber to a dog’s diet. Most dogs like the sweet taste and it has a respectable fiber content that should help relieve constipation. Just be careful with how much you give your dog as it could cause excessive gas or even diarrhea if fed in large amounts. I have my clients start with about a tablespoon of canned pumpkin per 10 pounds of body weight up to about ½ cup total. 

Also, watch out for the calorie content. It could cause weight gain if you give it very often. You can cut back on the dry food ration just a little to balance out the addition of pumpkin. 

3. High Fiber Dog Food

There are a few different kinds of commercial dog foods that are higher in fiber than standard adult dog food. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Fit & Healthy Dry or Wet Dog Food is one that you can find in your grocery store. Change to the new food gradually over a period of 7-10 days to avoid gastrointestinal upset.  

4. Probiotic Supplements

Abnormal bowel habits are often a sign of disturbances in the friendly bacteria and fungus that normally live in a dog’s gut.

A good probiotic may help dogs with all sorts of bowel abnormalities. I have an entire article about probiotics for dogs, but I’ll tell you here the probiotic I prescribe most often is Proviable DC.