Best Foods for a Golden Retriever with Diarrhea

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There are few things more challenging than a golden retriever with the runs! Managing your dog’s diarrhea can be a challenge, especially if you’re feeding the wrong food. We asked our Facebook Golden Retriever community the following question: “What’s the best food for a golden retriever that frequently has diarrhea?” We received hundreds of replies, and we have summarized some of the best answers below.

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’s time 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.

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Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach works for mine

Author: Paige G.

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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

Feeding Your Golden Retriever for Better Gut Health

Always consult your vet before making any health changes to your golden retriever’s diet, especially if they frequently suffer from diarrhea, as there may be other medical issues that need to be addressed.

RELATED: The Complete Dog Food Guide: Nutrition, Ingredients, Feeding & How to Choose

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