My pet has diarrhea occasionally. Is it due to the food I am feeding?

There are many different causes of diarrhea in dogs and cats. To list just a few, your pet’s diarrhea could be due to: internal parasites, infections, various health conditions, eating something out of the garbage, food sensitivity, or even stress or a change to your pet’s routine.

Since there are so many possible causes of diarrhea, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian if your pet is having consistent digestive upset, especially if it’s been happening for a while—and if your pet is ill or having severe diarrhea, they should see the veterinarian as soon as possible.

In an otherwise healthy pet, here are some things to consider about your pet’s food intake and how it affects their tummy.

  • Are you feeding an appropriate portion of food?

Portions should reflect your dog or cat’s current activity level, age, breed, and individual metabolism. When feeding a high quality diet like Fromm, you may need to feed less food than the brand that was previously fed, depending on its quality. A very common reason for soft stools or diarrhea is overfeeding a high quality diet.

  • Did your pet eat something that upset their stomach?

Certain treats or table scraps—especially rich or spicy foods—can upset a pet’s stomach. Also, pets may “sneak” food from the garbage or from the ground during their walks.

All of these could potentially cause diarrhea, so it’s best to find ways to avoid these “dietary indiscretions.”

  • Is your pet on the right food recipe for their needs?

Make sure your pet is receiving the right food for their species (i.e., dog or cat). Also, double check that your adult pet isn’t on a puppy or kitten food, since these rich recipes could cause an upset stomach.

  • Did you change pet foods recently?

In the future, do any food changes slowly. This helps to prevent stomach upset during the change.

Some pets are more sensitive than others and more prone to digestive upset. So, if your pet’s diarrhea is due to their diet, it may just take some trial and adjustment to find the best pet food recipe for their needs.

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