Why is my dog getting diarrhea after eating his canned dog food?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Does canned dog food cause diarrhea?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 9th, 2016
Hello! It sounds as if you are dealing with some [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/article/diarrhea-in-dogs) in your dog! The not-so-simple answer to your question is…maybe. While the dog food itself may not be a direct cause of diarrhea, if the particular food is on recall (which you can look up on the [FDA website](https://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/safetyhealth/recallswithdrawals/)), then it could be suspect. Other things, such as[ food allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/food-allergies/), changes in food brand, or a sensitive stomach, are more likely to cause diarrhea in relation to a particular food. If you just started a new food, diarrhea can develop by [switching the food](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-transition-your-dog-or-cat-to-a-new-food/) too fast. Dogs are sensitive to changes in diet since they eat the same thing every day. A new food or new ingredient given suddenly can bring on bouts of diarrhea. Try mixing the old food in with the new food and slowly increasing the amount of new food you give while reducing the amount of the old food over the course of 7-9 days to help protect against bouts of diarrhea. [Food allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-allergies-vs-environmental-allergies-whats-the-difference) are a little more difficult to nail down, as it tend to occur due to a sensitivity to a particular ingredient in the food (like if your dog is allergic to chicken). If the diarrhea continues, this can be something to discuss with your vet, as it often takes a lot of diet changes and [food trials](https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-trials-for-allergies-in-pets-what-to-expect) to narrow down the problematic ingredient. Aside from the food, other causes such as [intestinal parasites](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-tell-if-your-pet-has-worms), toxins, or almost any disease can cause a dog to develop diarrhea. It is always worthwhile to get a stool sample checked by your vet to see if there is something else aside from the food that might be causing your dog's issue. Mild diarrhea can sometimes be [managed at home](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-treat-your-dogs-upset-stomach) by fasting then offering a bland diet of plain boiled chicken breast mixed with plain cooked white rice for 2-3 days or until symptoms resolve. Gradually switch back to the normal diet afterwards. If the diarrhea continues or gets worse over that period, if you see blood in the stool, or if any other signs develop (such as vomiting, lethargy or loss of appetite), then it is time to have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian. Dehydration is a real concern when pets have profuse diarrhea. Good luck, and I hope your dog starts to feel better soon!
38Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 30th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear about little Declan! Just to be clear, if you did the transition to the new food slowly over a few days and he was fine for say, 10-14 days, then suddenly got diarrhea, it is unlikely to be related to the food. (PS, few dogs actually are allergic to grain, it’s more likely to be the beef or chicken.) If you switched all of a sudden (one day merrick, next day candidae) two weeks ago and he’s still having diarrhea that could be the cause. Other things that cause diarrhea: eating something naughty (garbage, a toy, underwear, etc), eating a new treat or people food, intestinal worms, stress, excitement, others. Try a bland diet (half plain boiled/canned chicken half plain cooked white rice) for a few days and I expect the diarrhea to improve after 1-3 days. (Then transition back to her regular diet slowly over 3-5 days.) If at ANY time Declan is lethargic, vomiting, not wanting to eat, or you have other concerns, you need to go to the vet clinic right away to make sure it’s nothing more serious. Best of luck to you and Declan!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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