Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why does my dog have digestive issues, eat poop, and not gain weight?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hi my dog is german shpd 2 yrs old and i think he is suffering from ..gastrointestinal .problm very long time ...in my village i have no vet doctor..in 1 day he does 5 7 times stool in a day . When he does stool at the time he eat all the stool. And he also not gaining weight.. everybody sggst me royal canin ..royal canin is good if royal canin is good ...he removes all the problem in my dog

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 1st, 2017

Your dog could have EPI (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency). Without having a vet, it is going to be hard to diagnose and treat but feeding a grain free diet and adding a probiotic may help. If he has EPI than digestive enzyme supplementation would be needed.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 10th, 2017

    Probiotics and enzymes to help with digestion will not hurt and are certainly great to add to the diet. I like Purina Fortiflora for the probiotic and Prozyme for the enzymatic support. German shepherds are predisposed to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) which can cause weight loss. I would ensure you are on a high calorie diet to help establish weight gain. I would recommend putting him back on a puppy food that has more calories and higher fat / protein percentage to aid in weight gain. If Kohle continues to lose weight, I would recommend going to your veterinarian and having the Trypsin Like Immunoreactivity (TLI) test run to rule out EPI as a possible cause. I would also ensure that his stool is free of intestinal parasites and have his stool tested as well. A multivitamin would also be a good idea such as Pfizer Pet Tabs to ensure he is getting all of his vitamins and minerals.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 11th, 2018

    I'm sorry that your dog isn't doing well! Unfortunately without seeing him in person, there is no way I can accurately diagnose your dog's condition, and it's illegal for me to prescribe any medication as well. There is a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) that prevents the dog from digesting enzymes correctly leading to weight loss and diarrhea. He could also be suffering from intestinal worms. I would get him a deworming treatment if he's not up to date on his, and I recommend finding the closest vet even if it means taking a trip. EPI can only be diagnosed by a vet, and if it's something that he does have, the vet can discuss treatment for it as well as a diet plan. Good luck!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored