Looking closely at your dog’s poop can reveal a lot about their health and well-being. Since cleaning up after our dog’s is a daily task, we also tend to see exactly what we’re scooping up. Low-residue dog food formulas are usually always metabolized during digestion and broken down and used by the dog’s system.
Low-residue dog food diets have different benefits and drawbacks, while some formulas are customized for specific illnesses. A low-fiber diet will help your pet access the nutrients he needs efficiently with a slow gut transit time for the food to pass through and can help reduce more normal stool with less volume.
Low-residue diets can help with IBD, vomiting bouts, and diarrhea and can also be used during recovery from a virus or illness. This is because low-residue diets place less stress on the organs and can be easily digested. However, if your dog suffers from chronic diseases like kidney or liver disease, he may also benefit from a low-residue diet.
Here’s the takeaway:
Overall best
- Pros
- Balanced and complete
- Dog crate with two doors: one in the front and one on the side.
- Human-grade recipe with no GMO ingredients
- Large array of formulas to choose from
- Gently dehydrated to preserve nutrients
- No feed-grade by-products
- Easy to digest
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Cons
- New packaging needed
There’s a lot to like about every single Honest Kitchen recipe. This low-fiber chicken recipe has over 9,000 positive reviews and features 4% fiber. With Honest Kitchen, you have the option of grain-free or grain-inclusive formulas. All recipes are hormone and antibiotic-free, and this recipe helps and eases digestive issues in dogs.
We found it hard to match the quality ingredients in all Honest Kitchen recipes, like free-range chicken, organic oats, carrots, and bananas. Each recipe is produced in a human food facility where our whole food ingredients are gently dehydrated for maximum flavor, nutrient retention, and Digestion.
This is complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs and puppies of all breeds and sizes, including large-breed puppies and adult mothers (gestation/lactation). There are never any preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy. This is one of our best picks for low-fiber canine diets.
Features
- Dehydrated dog food for all life stages
- Over 9,000 positive recipes
- Suitable for active pups
- Free-range organic chicken as the first ingredient
- Whole grain recipe
- 4% fiber content, protein at 24.5, fat at 14% 485 kcal per cup
- Contains no preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy.
- Crafted with organic
- Pros
- No grains, potatoes, or legumes
- Superfood blend with New Zealand Green lipped mussels
- Free range beef
- Features cold-washed green tripe and organic kelp
- Peak Prey recipe
- Includes meat, organs, and bone
- Crafted with all-natural holistic ingredients
- Made in New Zealand
- Cons
- Pricier than other brands but worth it
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a grain-free, low-carb dog food that uses whole-prey ratios to provide high-quality nutrition. This formula features 3% fiber and is available in six recipes. It features over 4,400 positive reviews, and all the ingredients come from New Zealand. There are no added carbohydrates, fillers, grains, or sugars. This brand also offers single protein recipes and multiple free-range protein formulas.
Ziwi Peak has limited ingredients, which means no grains, potatoes, or peas. It’s also made with a 10% superfood boost for digestive health and joint support. Top this air-dried dog food with your current low-residue to add flavor and nutrients! This recipe is suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. The ingredients support digestion, healthy skin and coat, joint health, reduce inflammation, and promote heart and brain health.
Features
- Beef formula (single protein)
- Gently air dried
- Low-residue dog food
- 3% fiber
- Z Boost Superfoods
- Suitable for all life stages
- Six recipe options
- Four size options
- Over 4,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- Affordable
- A Purina pet food product
- Easily digestible and easy on the stomach
- Features Fish oil—rich in EPA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids that helps support healthy joints and mobility.
- Low residue diet
- Nourishes the beneficial bacteria found in your dog's intestine
- It helps to eliminate gassiness and itching
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Cons
- No included fruits and veggies
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food with Probiotics for Dogs, Salmon & Rice Formula is formulated to help maintain your dog’s digestive system. This formula contains natural prebiotic fiber that nourishes specific intestinal bacteria for optimum digestion.
It also contains omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to support healthy joints and mobility. Antioxidants ensure a healthy immune system, while the salmon and oatmeal are highly digestible and gentle on the digestive system.
This formula features 4% fiber and protein at 26% and includes sunflower oil rich in omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. The fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids for joint health and mobility. This formula has over 21,900 positive reviews. Purina Pro Plan contains no corn, wheat, or soy. This formula has no artificial colors or flavors and no poultry by-product meals.
Features
- Salmon and rice formula
- 4% fiber
- Oatmeal for easy digestion
- Real salmon is the first ingredient
- Includes omega-6 for healthy skin and coat
- Crafted with natural prebiotic fiber
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Over 21,900 positive reviews
- Pros
- No antibiotics or added growth hormones
- No grains, gluten, fillers, or soy ingredients
- No meat meals or rendered by-products
- Animal Welfare Certified
- Complete and balanced
- Good transition chart
- Dogs love the taste
- Cons
- Needs refrigeration
FreshPet Grain-free Chicken Recipe for Dogs is a nutritious food for your pet. This product is made with ethically and responsibly sourced ingredients, and it is certified humanely raised and vegetarian-fed chicken.
This formula has no antibiotics or added growth hormones, and it is also complete and balanced for small, medium, and large adult dogs. Fiber is at 1.5%, protein is at 17%, and fat is at 10%. This formula features whole grains to support optimal digestion and includes chicken liver, carrots, eggs, and spinach.
Features
- Crafted with natural chicken and antioxidant-rich vegetables
- First ingredient: vegetarian-fed chicken
- Gently cooked to retain the essential nutrients
- Low residue diet
- Fiber at 1.5%, protein at 17%, and fat at 10%
- Affordable
- Verified non-GMO ingredients
- Pros
- No corn, wheat, or poultry by-product meal
- Formulated for all breeds and life stages
- Low residue diet for dogs
- Balanced and complete
- Includes nutrient-dense carbohydrates
- Suitable for dogs with digestive issues
- Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste
If your dog has a sensitive stomach and you’re looking for a grain-free diet that is easy to digest, Nature’s Recipe® Grain Free features protein at 27% and fiber at 4.5%. This low-residue formula is crafted with pumpkin, sweet potato, and chicken as its first ingredient.
Additionally, there’s natural glucosamine and chondroitin to help promote healthy joints. This is an easy-to-digest formula with no soy protein, corn, wheat, artificial flavors, or preservatives. This formula has over 11,000 positive reviews and is priced affordably.
Features
- Crafted with pumpkin and sweet potato
- Affordable
- Fiber at 4.5% & protein at 27%
- Over 11,000 positive reviews
- Easily digestible
- Chicken as the first ingredient
- An extensive array of recipes to choose from
- Pros
- Allows for firm stools
- Includes non-GMO ingredients
- Crafted with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for joint health
- Supports immunity
- Kibble is smaller in size and more porous for senior dogs
- Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste
This is a highly digestible, probiotic-coated dog kibble made with digestive enzymes, a blend of prebiotic fibers, and guaranteed probiotics to support gut health for overall well-being and vitality. The fiber content is at 4.5%, with protein at 26%.
This low-residue dog food promotes immune health and a healthy microbiome. It’s an easily digestible formula for senior dogs with digestive enzymes, a blend of prebiotic fibers, and guaranteed levels of probiotics. It’s also priced affordably and has chicken as its first ingredient.
Features
- Includes fiber-rich superfoods
- 4.5% fiber
- It contains wholesome grains from brown rice to help optimize nutrient absorption
- Crafted with pumpkin and papaya for optimal Digestion
- Easily digested
- Low-residue dog food
- Pros
- Easy to feed
- Affordable
- De-boned salmon is the first ingredient
- Includes omega-3 fatty acids to help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Features nutrient-dense ancient grains, rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste
GO! SOLUTIONS Digestion + Gut Health Salmon Recipe with Ancient Grains for Dogs supports healthy digestion and a healthy gut microbiome featuring unique, patented probiotic bacteria designed to survive the digestive tract. This recipe features crude fiber at 5% and protein at 24%/
With fiber-rich ancient grains and psyllium husk to support healthy stool, this recipe is made with premium quality salmon and vitamin- and antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies to support overall health and immune function.
The formula is palatable and easy to digest, with salmon as the single source of animal protein for amino acids to support muscle development and omega-3 fatty acids to help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. This affordable low-residue diet includes prebiotics from dried chicory root and a specialized three-yeast blend to support good digestion and a healthy gut microbiome.
Features
- Includes a patented probiotic bacteria
- Crafted with prebiotics from dried chicory root
- It contains fiber-rich ancient grains + psyllium husk to support healthy stool.
- Single-source protein formula
- Low residue diet for dogs
- Includes healthy fruits and vegetables
Looking closely at your dog’s poop can reveal a lot about their health and well-being. Since cleaning up after our dog’s is a daily task, we also tend to see exactly what we’re scooping up. Low-residue dog food formulas are usually always metabolized during digestion and broken down and used by the dog’s system.
Low-residue dog food diets have different benefits and drawbacks, while some formulas are customized for specific illnesses. A low-fiber diet will help your pet access the nutrients he needs efficiently with a slow gut transit time for the food to pass through and can help reduce more normal stool with less volume.
Low-residue diets can help with IBD, vomiting bouts, and diarrhea and can also be used during recovery from a virus or illness. This is because low-residue diets place less stress on the organs and can be easily digested. However, if your dog suffers from chronic diseases like kidney or liver disease, he may also benefit from a low-residue diet.
Digestion related illnesses
VetInfo adds that “The digestion-related illnesses such as diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, and poor liver function impair the digestive system’s ability to work at full capacity. As a result, sick dogs have difficulty processing normal dog food.”
Work with your veterinarian
The benefits of a low residue dog food help disease-affected digestive systems to process food. When your pup has recovered, he can go back to his usual dog food formula or, if your veterinarian advises, remain on a low-residue diet for the long term.
Low-residue dog food is not formulated to treat digestive issues in dogs but is used to give dogs their daily nutrient ingredients while they recover. That’s why it’s important to work together with your veterinarian when choosing low-residue dog food because there are numerous low-residue dog food formulas on the market today to choose from.
General health
You should contact your veterinarian if you notice changes in your dog’s stool. A low-residue or low-fiber diet can improve your dog’s general health. It can help to support pancreatic and colon health, improve digestion and reduce the amount of feces produced.
Pancreatitis and colitis
If your dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis or colitis or if your veterinarian recommends it for any other specific condition, a low-residue diet may be the key to helping them heal.
IBD
IBD is often hereditary but stems from an overreaction of the dog’s immune system to the good bacteria in her intestine. Tufts explains that IBD can mimic the presence of parasites, such as worms in the gastrointestinal tract, or cancers of various organs, including the colon.
Tufts explains that an accurate diagnosis is the most challenging part of dealing with IBD. “because stomach upset is non-specific. It can be any number of things. And there’s no test that pinpoints IBD specifically. You must exclude other things. Diagnosis can only be made after ruling out various conditions,” explains Dr. Stone via Tufts.
Tufts says that some dogs on low-fiber diets will experience bacterial overgrowth and, as a result, have recurring diarrhea. “It tends to happen with dog foods promoted as resulting in low-residue stools, meaning owners have to clean up less in the yard. But dogs with the problem must go on a higher-fiber diet, which their veterinarians can help their owners choose.”
If your pup has recurring bouts of vomiting, diarrhea, and gas, always consult with your veterinarian for a diagnosis first before switching diets. This is the perfect opportunity to access your pup’s nutrition plan.
Probiotics
Research shows the positive effects of probiotics when pets suffer from digestive issues. Probiotics can lower intestinal pH and is beneficial by boosting their numbers and reducing disease-causing pathogens.
In addition, it adds bacteria to the digestive tract and helps restore intestinal flora. Low-quality diets, together with regular use of antibiotics, can also cause havoc in the intestinal tract, and by using probiotics, you can help reset the population of healthy organisms.
They also are beneficial in addressing bacterial imbalance and enhancing the health of cells in the tissues of pets’ gastrointestinal tracts that produce digestive enzymes.
Probiotics can also help to regulate the immune system and help reduce inflammation. It can be found in some low-residue dog foods, but you may also want to consider giving your pup a probiotic supplement to help promote his digestive health.
Probiotics help support the body’s natural defense mechanisms, of which 72% live in the digestive tract. They may be helpful if your pup suffers from constipation, bloat, or diarrhea. Most can easily be mixed in with dog food or even yogurt and are affordable.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea or soft stools is the first sign that something is amiss. Although it doesn’t tell you exactly what’s wrong, the mildest indication will be a stool that is much softer than usual. It could be anything from a dietary indiscretion to something more serious.
If your dog has watery diarrhea, often with gas, it’s important to determine the cause and remedy it as soon as possible since something may be irritating his intestinal tract.
Switching to white rice and cottage cheese for a few days can help your dog feel better if it’s just a bout of diarrhea. If your pup doesn’t improve, he needs to see the vet.
Low-residue diets are also great for dogs suffering from chronic diarrhea and digestive issues. A low-residue diet helps to reduce the amount of stool produced and may also improve nutrient absorption, giving your pup’s digestive system a rest while he heals.
Constipation
Constipation in dogs usually comes about from a lack of moisture and fiber in your pup’s diet. You should ensure that your dog eats a high-quality diet that includes fresh whole food ingredients, fruits, and vegetables.
Other causes of constipation in dogs could stem from a growth in the digestive tract, a reaction to medications, ingestion of a foreign object, or an injury.
In the case of constipation, your veterinarian may recommend a low-residue diet for dogs to help move the stool through the intestines. A low-residue diet helps reduce fecal volume and can sometimes relieve constipation.
Low-residue dog food
Low-residue dog food is for dogs with intestinal and digestive health problems like inflammatory bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, and frequent vomiting.
The food can help support dogs with these problems in managing their symptoms. Low-residue dog food is designed to be low in indigestible fibers and easy-to-digest ingredients, which makes it easier for your pet’s digestive system to break down.
Additionally, many of the best low-residue dog foods are formulated with prebiotics and probiotics, which can help maintain the health of your pup’s digestive tract. Dogs need some fiber in their diet to encourage healthy Digestion. However, in low-residue foods, the fiber content should be restricted. Ideally, the formula should have at most 5% crude fiber.
When selecting a low-residue dog food for your pup, look for high-quality ingredients and make sure to read the label to ensure that it is free from fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives. Low residue or low fiber diets for dogs do the following:
- Allow for pancreas function support
- It helps with diarrhea or constipation
- Reduces stool frequency and volume
- Improves Digestion
- Promotes colon health
- It helps reduce excess gas
Soluble and insoluble fiber differences
Understanding the differences between both in your pet’s diet is key. The fiber in dog food should be primarily insoluble, as this type of fiber is able to move through the digestive tract quickly and reduce stool volume. Soluble fiber, on the other hand, absorbs water and can add bulk to your pet’s stool.
Fiber content of no more than 5%
If your low-residue dog food has less than 5% fiber, it will be easier for him to digest. Keep in mind, though, that this diet needs to be a high-quality diet and that poor nutrition can contribute to premature aging and degenerative conditions that can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health conditions.
Viscous and non-viscous fiber
Insoluble fibers are nonfermentable and non-viscous, whereas soluble fibers are fermentable and viscous. Feeding a balanced diet with both types of fiber can help promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal problems.
Fermentable fiber can be broken down into short-chain fatty acids and gas by bacteria in the colon. Non-viscous fiber includes broccoli, whole wheat, whole grain cereals, and other veggies.
Low-fiber diets are specially formulated to give your pup all the nutrition they need while being gentle on their digestive system. When switching to a low-residue diet, it’s essential to do so gradually. This will give your dog’s digestive system time to adjust and prevent stomach upset.
Once the switch has been made, monitor your pup closely for any signs of discomfort or changes in stool quality. If your dog is suffering from constipation, soluble fiber will help add moisture to your dog’s stools, making them softer and easier to excrete.
Most commercial pet food feature probiotics and enzymes that are heated and overly processed. This can leave your pup’s diet lacking essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Try to add probiotics that contain hundreds of synergistic natural plant chemicals and that also include prebiotics, inulin, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and fatty acids. All of these will help deliver layered therapeutic digestive health benefits. They will also help your dog utilize the vitamins and minerals in their dog food.
In addition, numerous low-residue dog foods will feature medicinal ingredients and supplements to help heal and get your pup’s digestive system back on track. But keep in mind that too little as too much fiber can cause problems, so it’s always best to work together with your veterinarian before changing formulas.
Here’s the takeaway:
Overall best
FAQ’s Best Low-Residue Dog Food
What makes dog food low residue?
Low-residue dog foods are formulated to contain fewer indigestible ingredients that can pass through the gastrointestinal tract and be eliminated as waste. These types of dog food formulas often include high-quality proteins like chicken, beef, or fish, with carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and oatmeal.
They also typically contain added prebiotics, probiotics to support digestive health, and fewer fillers, such as corn, wheat, or soy. Low-residue dog food typically contains less fiber than regular dog food and is often more easily digestible.
These foods are an excellent option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues, as they can provide the nutrition your pup needs without irritating their digestive system.
Additionally, these types of foods can help reduce the amount of stool your dog produces, making cleanup easier for you. When selecting a low-residue food for your pet, check the label and ingredients list for quality protein and carbohydrate sources. You should consult your veterinarian to find the best food for your pup’s dietary needs.
How long does a low-residue diet take to work?
A low-residue diet usually takes about two weeks to take effect in dogs. During this time, monitoring your dog’s digestion and stool production for any changes is important. If you notice an improvement in your pup’s digestive health after two weeks of the new diet, then the food may be working as expected.
However, if there is no improvement or your pup has digestive issues, it is best to consult your veterinarian for further advice. Additionally, making gradual changes to the diet can help you determine what food works best for your pup’s individual needs.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Pets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9ap104BZzo
Video credit: Mercola Healthy Pets
Final thoughts
Low-residue dog food diets have different benefits and drawbacks, while some formulas are customized for specific illnesses. A low-fiber diet will help your pup access the nutrients he needs efficiently with a slow gut transit time for the food to pass through and can help reduce more normal stool with less volume.
Always work with your veterinarian to create the best solution for your pup, whether it be a low-residue diet or another food option. It is essential to consider your pet’s nutritional needs when deciding on the best course of action. Certain illnesses and conditions require specialized diets that contain higher amounts of certain nutrients and fewer others.
While some dogs may need more protein, others may benefit from more fiber. Low-residue diets can help dogs with sensitive bellies, but it is important to recognize that certain health issues require more specific nutrition than this one-size-fits-all approach offers. Always consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action when it comes to feeding your pup.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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