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9 Best Dog Foods for Less Poop in 2023 – Reviews & Guide

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By Nicole Cosgrove

australian shepherd dog eating

Those who’ve never owned a dog might think searching for dog food that produces less, well, poop is a silly idea. If you find yourself taking your dog out a dozen times per day, though, you’ll quickly find yourself at your wit’s end!

Of course, keep in mind that your dog’s bathroom habits could be a sign of a health issue. Before switching food, schedule a visit to the vet to see if anything else is going on.

With that said, the food your dog eats can affect their bowel movements. Just like our bathroom habits change with our fiber intake and other dietary factors, the same is true for your beloved pooch. So, if you’re tired of constantly scooping poop and carrying doggie bags everywhere you go, we’ve put together reviews of the best dog food for less poop for you to try.

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A Quick Look at our Favorites of 2023

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet
  • Veterinarian-recommended
  • Soothes stomach and skin irritation
  • Popular
  • easy-to-find brand
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Royal Canin Small Indoor Royal Canin Small Indoor
  • Formulated for small dogs
  • Supplemented with EPA and DHA
  • Noticeably effects bowel movements
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Ollie Fresh Dog Food Ollie Fresh Dog Food
  • Only the highest-quality ingredients
  • Multiple recipes
  • Specifically formulated for your pup
  • Nulo Grain Adult Nulo Grain Adult
  • Made in the United States
  • Range of Omega fatty acids
  • Low in carbs
  • Wag Amazon Brand Wag Amazon Brand
  • Variety of flavor options
  • Balanced formula
  • Available in a trial-sized bag
  • The 9 Best Dog Foods for Less Poop

    1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food – Best Overall

    Hills Science Diet 8839

    Check Price on Chewy

    If your dog’s stomach reels at the sight of most dog foods, then Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food should be your first go-to. This kibble is formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin — it’s fairly common for dogs to develop skin irritation when something in their diet doesn’t agree with them.

    This dog food includes plenty of prebiotic fiber, which helps your pup maintain a healthy and efficient gut microbiome. It also has a generous serving of vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids, which both help keep your dog’s skin and fur looking their best.

    The kibble pieces of this food are medium-sized, too big for some toys and small breeds. Like any specialty diet, some dogs see great results while others see no improvement at all. Also, while this food offers relief for many dogs with sensitive stomachs, few are in love with the chicken flavor.

    However, we still believe that this is one of the best dog foods for less poop.

    Pros
    • Veterinarian-recommended formula
    • Soothes stomach and skin irritation
    • Includes plenty of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats
    • Popular, easy-to-find brand
    Cons
    • Kibble might be too big for some dogs
    • Lackluster flavor options

    2. Royal Canin Dry Dog Food – Best Value

    Royal Canin 512904

    While we all want the absolute best for our dogs, especially when it concerns their health, the budget also comes into play. Based on our reviews, the Royal Canin Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for less poop for the money. This formula includes Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both of which help support your dog’s skin and coat health.

    This dry dog food comes in two different versions, one for adult dogs and one for seniors. The formula is specially adapted for indoor small breeds and their unique caloric and nutritional needs. Since this food is designed for smaller dogs, the kibble pieces are quite small. Perhaps most importantly, this formula uses only easily digestible proteins which have a direct impact on your dog’s bowel movement frequency and odor.

    Unfortunately, many dogs turn their nose at the flavor. Also, if you prefer buying your dry dog food in bulk, you might have a hard time finding bigger bags of this variety.

    Pros
    • Specially formulated for small, indoor dogs
    • Available in two different formulas
    • Supplemented with EPA and DHA
    • Noticeable effect on dog bowel movements
    Cons
    • Poor flavor
    • Difficult to buy in bulk

    3. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Premium Choice

    dalmatian enjoying ollie fresh chicken recipe dog food

    When you’re looking for the best possible dog food and don’t care about how much you’re spending, Ollie is the way to go. While it’s expensive, it’s also the best possible quality food for your dog.

    There are four different recipes that you can choose from, and they are pre-portioned meals for your dog. When you sign up for Ollie, you will be asked about any food allergies or sensitivities that your dog has and their activity level and weight, then a meal plan will be built that’s perfect for your dog. This type of streamlined meal planning can lead to less waste and thus, less poop.

    It’s this attention to detail, ease of feeding, and best possible quality that earns Ollie the nod as our premium choice. You’ll be spending more, but your dog will also be getting the best of the best.

    Pros
    • Only the highest-quality ingredients
    • Multiple recipes
    • Specifically formulated for your pup
    • Pre-portioned meals
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Nulo Grain-Free Dog Food

    Nulo Grain

    Sometimes, feeding your dog the absolute best means spending a little bit more. This is the case with the Nulo Grain Free Dog Food. While this dry food is a higher-end option for Fido, it offers an all-natural formula and several different flavors to choose from. Also, unlike many popular dog foods, this formula is entirely made in the United States.

    This grain-free dog food is high in protein while being quite low in carbs. While this food features smaller kibble pieces, the formula is appropriate for all dog breeds and sizes. It also features Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthier skin and fur.

    While this formula soothes many dogs’ stomachs, it has also caused vomiting and diarrhea in some dogs. When adding this food to your dog’s current diet, be sure to introduce it slowly and watch for stomach upset. The smaller kibble size is also a problem for fast eaters, so you may need to invest in a slow-feeding bowl, as well.

    Since this is a grain-free dog food, it’s also important to note the recent studies surrounding grain-free diets and the development of heart disease. While results are currently inconclusive and further research is necessary, make sure you’re fully informed before deciding to feed your dog an entirely grain-free diet.

    Pros
    • Made in the United States
    • Suitable for all sizes
    • Range of Omega fatty acids
    • Low in carbs
    Cons
    • Upsets some dog’s stomachs
    • Kibble size leads to fast eating
    • May be affected by the grain-free diet controversy

    Looking for food with grains? Click here


    5. Wag Amazon Brand Dry Dog Food

    Wag Amazon Brand

    The Wag Amazon Brand Dry Dog Food is another formula entirely made in the United States. This food boasts a recipe with 35 percent protein and no added grain, with several different flavors available to suit your dog’s specific tastes. Each flavor includes a healthy balance of meat, vegetables, salmon oil, and flaxseed oil for Omega fatty acids and DHA.

    One of the hardest things about caring for a dog with stomach issues is not knowing whether food will suit them or not. If you’re concerned about buying brand new food, you can try out a trial-sized bag of this formula before committing to a full-sized one.

    For some reason, this kibble seems to turn to powder quite easily. You’ll need to store this food carefully to prevent much of it from turning into crumbs. Also, this kibble features very small pieces. While all breeds can technically eat this food, larger dogs might struggle with the small size.

    Pros
    • Made in the United States
    • Variety of flavor options
    • Available in a trial-sized bag
    • A balanced formula of meat, vegetables, and healthy fats
    Cons
    • Includes some imported ingredients
    • Kibble breaks apart easily
    • Pieces are too small for some dogs

    Need to dispose of your dog’s poo? Click here to see the best ways!


    6. Honest Kitchen E2 Chicken Dog Food

    Honest Kitchen E2

    The Honest Kitchen E2 Grain Chicken Dog Food is a unique take on normal dog food. Instead of kibble or wet food in a can, it comes as a dehydrated formula that you mix with water to create a soft, appetizing pâté. While this food takes up far less space than canned food, it retains the same amount of nutrition for your four-legged friend.

    Honest Kitchen follows the FDA’s regulations for human-grade food, so you can feel confident feeding this formula to your dog. It is also made in the United States. This food is great for all life stages and breeds, including dogs who have trouble chewing dry food.

    Since this food is dehydrated and must be mixed with water, it adds an extra step to feeding your dog. Also, owners of picky eaters might have a hard time getting their dogs to eat this food.

    Of course, it’s important to note that this is a grain-free food. If you’re going to feed only this food, remember to take the recent studies on heart disease into account.

    Pros
    • Unique dehydrated formula
    • Good for all breeds and life stages
    • FDA-approved ingredients
    • Made in the United States without preservatives or GMOs
    Cons
    • Subject to grain-free controversy
    • Adds another step to mealtime
    • Not for picky eaters

    Why your dog is eating its poop


    7. Natural Balance Diets Dry Dog Food

    Natural Balance 42080

    The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for owners looking to feed from a single animal protein source. This food comes in a range of different formulas, including a variety of protein and fiber sources to choose from, so you can find something to fit your dog’s taste buds.

    Because this food uses limited ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives, it’s a great option for dogs who struggle with upset stomachs. While the fiber content might bulk up your dog’s bowel movements, it will also make them healthier and more regular.

    Although the dog food itself is made in the United States, some ingredients are imported from China. The small kibble sizes can also be a challenge for larger dogs and fast eaters.

    Again, this is a grain-free dog food and includes ingredients listed as potential causes of heart disease by the FDA.

    Pros
    • Limited ingredient formula
    • Balanced fiber and protein content
    • Single animal protein source
    Cons
    • Some ingredients imported from China
    • Small kibble may be a challenge for some dogs
    • Subject to grain-free diet concerns

    8. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

    Ziwi ZCDL1000PUC

    The Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is another unique alternative to traditional kibble. This food features an air-dried blend of limited ingredients, including meat, organs, and bones. Notably, this formula leaves out potentially problematic ingredients like peas, legumes, and potatoes.

    Ziwi uses meat ingredients from ethical and sustainable sources, so you can feel comfortable feeding your dog the meat protein they need to stay healthy and happy. Because this food is air-dried and takes up far less volume than traditional food, it claims to significantly reduce your dog’s stool volume.

    Sadly, because of the nature of this food, it tends to turn to powder if not handled gently. It is also on the more expensive side for how much food you get in a bag, even if it is nutritionally dense. Not a great option for picky eaters.

    Pros
    • Lower volume than traditional food
    • Limited ingredients and ethically sourced protein
    • Doubles as a kibble topper
    Cons
    • Tends to turn into a fine powder with handling
    • Expensive for the volume
    • Upsets some dogs’ stomachs

    If you have an excessive pooper, make sure you are prepared: 


    9. Whole Earth Farms Dry Dog Food

    Whole Earth Farms 85572

    For dogs who struggle to maintain their weight at a healthy level, the Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Dry Dog Food can help. This food is high in protein without including any artificial flavors, coloring, or preservatives in the mix.

    This kibble is made in the United States and includes multiple sources of protein. While some dogs with sensitive stomachs require single-source protein, others do just fine with this type of formula. It’s also fortified with additional vitamins and minerals for optimal health.

    If your main goal is weight loss, then switching to this food alone won’t be enough. Some dogs might experience an increased appetite and gain weight if allowed to eat as much as they want. Some dogs also dislike the taste of this food and experience digestive issues after switching to it.

    Of course, this is another grain-free option, so consider that when choosing a new dog food.

    Pros
    • Free of artificial ingredients and preservatives
    • Multiple sources of protein
    • Fortified with vitamins and minerals
    Cons
    • Subject to grain-free controversy
    • Weight loss isn’t guaranteed
    • Some dogs experience stomach upset
    • Not great for picky eaters

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    Final Verdict – Choosing the Best Dog Food for Less Poop

    If you feel like there’s no end to your dog’s potty breaks, then switching to a low-volume or sensitive stomach dog food formula could be the solution you seek.

    Our top choice for the best dog food for less poop is Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food. This formula is veterinarian-recommended, gentle on the stomach, and can help ease skin irritation, too. It also includes a good balance of fiber, vitamins, and Omega fatty acids for overall health. Plus, since Hill’s Science Diet is a popular brand, it’s easy to find pretty much anywhere.

    However, if your dog needs something easier to digest that doesn’t break the bank, the Royal Canin Dry Dog Food is our value pick for the best dog food to reduce pooping. You can find this formula in an adult or senior dog version, and each variety includes kibble pieces designed for small breeds. It can also help maintain your dog’s weight, especially if they spend most of their time indoors.

    Our premium pick is Ollie Fresh Dog Food since it uses only all-natural, fresh ingredients is high in protein, and is conveniently delivered to your door on a schedule of your choosing.

    Finding the perfect food for your pup might take some trial and error, but we hope our reviews have provided you with a good place to start your search!

    We hope that you manage to find the best dog food for less poop. Good luck!


    Featured Image Credit: Ermolaev Alexander, Shutterstock

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