best human food to feed older dogs

11 Human Foods that Help Constipated Dogs Poop and Soften Stools Naturally

One day, you notice your pup hunched over and straining to poop. As he works to get the fecal matter out, he looks like hes in pain. This often happens when dogs are constipated. Fortunately, its not usually a serious condition, but if it continues, you should treat it to prevent other health problems.

When I got calls from my clients because their pups had gone days without pooping. Naturally, they were worried. I would explain that their dog likely had constipation and needed treatment. I would also offer some foods and tips they could use to help their dogs poop and to prevent future issues.

In this article, well look at 11 foods you can use to help your dog poop and other things you can do to encourage normal bowel movements. After that, Ill explain when its time to reach out to your veterinarian.

So, lets get started.

11 Foods that help dogs poop

When your dog is having difficulty pooping, you want to help him find relief as quickly as possible. Untreated constipation can cause conditions like hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse.

Thankfully, you can help move things along by giving him certain foods.

Pumpkin

The top recommended food for dogs that are constipated is pumpkin. This nutritious food is packed full of fiber and water. The particular type of fiber in pumpkin combines with water to form a viscous gel that soothes the gut and helps move feces through the colon.

You can feed your pup canned, unseasoned pumpkin(Not pie mix) or fresh, steamed pumpkin. For small dogs, start by adding about teaspoon to their food. If they tolerate it well, you can gradually increase the dose to 1-2 teaspoons if they need more fiber. If you have a larger dog, you can start with 1 or 2 teaspoons and gradually increase to 1-3 tablespoons if needed.

Cooked Green Beans

Green beans are full of fiber and vitamins that are healthy for your dog. And bonusmany dogs love them as a treat! By feeding green beans in moderation(no more than 10% of their daily diet) you can help their digestive system get moving.

You can serve steamed or cooked green beans to your pups food, or offer them as a special treat. Do not feed canned green beans because the sodium content is too high for your pooch.

Steamed Spinach

You can also increase your dogs fiber by feeding some spinach. This leafy, green vegetable is packed with iron, calcium, and fiber. The fiber adds bulk to your pals poop so its easier for his system to evacuate it.

Its best to feed steamed spinach because raw spinach is difficult for your pooch to digest. Do not boil this vegetable or you will lose many of the valuable nutrients.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that can help soothe the gut and promote digestive health. Because of the medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil, this substance has anti-inflammatory effects and helps to promote healthy microflora in the intestines. Some also believe the oil may help to lubricate the colon and make it easier for your dog to poop.

When giving coconut oil, start slow because some dogs have sensitivities to it. For small breeds, start at about teaspoon and slowly build up to 1-2 teaspoons if they tolerate it well. Larger breeds can have 1 teaspoon to start and increase to about 1 tablespoon if needed.

Wheat Bran

As a high-fiber food, wheat bran works in the same way as pumpkin. The fiber will help to get the gut moving so your dog can expel feces more easily.

You can give your pooch wheat bran by feeding him a few spoons with his food. Be careful to not overdo it; some dogs dont respond well to huge amounts of fiber.

Cultured Yogurt

If your pup can tolerate milk-based products, you can add some yogurt with active cultures of probiotic bacteria to her food to aid healthy digestion. Probiotics encourage a healthy microflora in the gut, and that can encourage normal poops.

Try adding a few spoonfuls of plain low-fat yogurt with active cultures to your pups food.

Ginger

If youve ever had some ginger ale to soothe an upset stomach, you know that this root can assist with proper digestion in humans. It also helps calm nausea and eases constipation symptoms in dogs.

To give your pup ginger, sprinkle a few dashes of ground ginger on his dog food. You can also mix about teaspoon of ground ginger with cup of unseasoned, low-sodium chicken broth to add to the food.

Psyllium

The main ingredient in Metamucil, powdered psyllium is an herb that helps stimulate normal bowel movements in humans and animals. Generally, this substance will have an effect in 12-72 hours.

Use powdered psyllium by sprinkling a small amount on your dogs food.

Sweet Potato

Similar to pumpkin, sweet potato is high in fiber and also contains valuable nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamins A, B6, and C. The rich fiber content can help get your pals gut moving. But be careful that you dont overfeed this tuber. Too much vitamin A can cause other health problems for your pup.

Only feed skinned and cooked sweet potatoes to your furbaby. Dice the potato and steam or boil it. Serve mashed or in small chunks with your pals food. Its best to start with small quantities to avoid overwhelming the gut with too much fiber.

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe is an amazing substance that helps ease inflammation and also has mild laxative effects. Help your pal get things moving by adding a small amount to his food or water. You can use about 1 teaspoon of juice for every 10 pounds of body weight.

Wet or Canned Dog Food

When you feed high-quality canned dog food, youre providing your dog with extra moisture. Dogs with constipation tend to have hard dry stools that dont move through the gut very well. By feeding canned food, you can help provide the moisture his system needs for better gut health.

Select a quality canned food thats high in fiber for your furbaby. You can either feed all wet food or a 50/50 mixture of canned and kibble. If youre using a new formula or brand of food, its best to transition your dog to the new diet over about a week to make sure his system tolerates it.

Other ways to help dogs poop

Adding ingredients to your dogs daily diet isnt the only thing you can do to help overcome and prevent constipation. Lets look at other ways to help your dog poop.

Supplements

There are natural supplements available that you can give your dog to help loosen overly firm stools. They often include probiotics like acidophilus and vegetable enzymes.

Treats/Chews

You can give your pooch treats that are high in fiber and contain helpful ingredients like pumpkin or sweet potato to help promote normal bowel movements.

Increase Your Dogs Exercise

Exercise does a dogs body good. By taking your pooch for longer or extra walks, you can help stimulate the gut. Activity promotes smooth muscle contractions that help to evacuate stool

Additionally, regular exercise helps prevent obesity in your pooch. Overweight dogs are more prone to constipation issues.

Use a Stool Softener

Also known as an emollient laxative, stool softeners increase water absorption into the large intestine. As a result, the stool is softer and easier for your pooch to pass. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations about dog-safe softeners.

Increase Your Dogs Water Intake

Feeding canned food isnt the only way to increase water intake for your pooch. You can also add water to his kibble to encourage him to ingest more fluids. Always provide your pal with copious fresh water.

Diet Modification

In the event that your poochs constipation isnt a fleeting concern and instead presents as a recurring digestive dilemma, reconsidering their food might be an advantageous step. Certain commercially available dog foods, such as low-residue options, are designed to assist in alleviating constipation. However, its crucial to remember that before any dietary alterations, a consult with your trusted veterinarian is imperative.

When should I consult with a vet?

When you notice signs of constipation such as scooting across the floor, straining to poop without much success, small feces possibly with mucus or crying out in pain, you should take action to try to help your pal poop. If symptoms dont resolve in 48 hours, or if your pup starts vomiting or acting agitated and uncomfortable, call your veterinarian immediately. There may be a more serious condition thats causing constipation.

Final Woof

Constipation can be a serious issue for dogs if you dont treat it. So, if you see signs that your dog is having trouble pooping, you should take action. There are various foods you can offer to Fido to help loosen hard stools. Many are high in fiber, and some provide anti-inflammatory properties or help to soothe the gut.

Besides adding certain foods to your pals diet, there are other ways to help your pup poop. For example, you can give your dog supplements and treats that add fiber and probiotics to his diet. There are also stool softeners that you can try with your veterinarians approval. If constipation lasts beyond a few days or your pooch is acting uncomfortable, contact your veterinarian.

One of the best things pet parents can do to help treat and prevent constipation in their furbabies is to provide lots of water. Keep fresh water available at all times. If your pooch is not drinking enough, try offering ice cubes or adding some sodium-free chicken or beef broth to the water to make it more desirable.

40 Vet-Reviewed Human Foods That Dogs Can Eat Safely

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

Its one of the simple joys of owning a dog: feeding it the same food that youre currently eating. However, you have to be careful with what you give your pup, as some human foods can be toxic for dogs.

Thats not what this list is about, though. This list is a celebration of all the foods that you have in your house that you can safely share with your pup. Lets dive in!

The 40 Human Foods That Dogs Can Safely Eat

1. Carrots

Carrots arent just for Bugs Bunnytheyre fantastic for your dog as well. It doesnt matter if you feed them to your pooch raw or cooked; theyre full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

They dont have many calories either, so you can feed your dog as many carrots as theyll eat. Better still, they can help clean off plaque from your dogs teeth while they crunch on them. We do recommend peeling them first, though.

2. Chicken

Chicken is fantastic for dogs, as its lean meat thats high in protein. Dogs love it too, so it makes a wonderful reward for when your pup has been an especially good dog.

If youre going to serve your dog chicken, though, its best to serve it plain. It doesnt much matter how you prepare it, but its best if you dont add any condiments or seasonings. Your dog wont miss themand they certainly wont miss the salt and other additives inside them. Never give your dog cooked chicken bones as they can break into sharp pieces injuring or perforating their mouth or digestive system.

3. Apples

Full of antioxidants and vitamin C, apples are a wonderful treat for your pet. Many dogs love how sweet they are too, so you shouldnt have to work too hard to get your pooch to wolf them down.

Apples are a great source of fiber as well, so they can help keep your dog regular. Just dont feed them rotten apples, though, as those can lead to alcohol poisoning. Also, do not allow them to eat the seeds or stems!

4. Peanut Butter

Its incredibly rare to find a dog that doesnt love peanut butter. It makes a great training reward, or you can just smear some of it on a chew toy to keep your dog occupied for hours.

Luckily, peanut butter can be good for dogsin moderation. Its full of protein and healthy fats, and it also has vitamins B and E. Buy the stuff that doesnt have added sugar, though, and make absolutely certain that it doesnt contain xylitol, which is toxic for pups.

5. Eggs

The next time that you get up and make yourself breakfast, consider frying up an egg for your dog as well. Eggs are full of protein, and they also contain virtually every important vitamin and mineral.

Dont give your pooch raw eggs, though, as they could carry salmonella. You can also mix up a fried egg with your dogs kibble to entice a picky dog.

6. Pork

Just like chicken, pork is full of protein, so its great for helping your dog build lean muscle. However, its a fatty meat, so only serve it to your pet in moderation, as it can cause inflammation or pancreatitis in large quantities.

Dont salt your pork before you serve it, and dont give your pup bacon or processed ham, as those are both full of sodium.

7. Salmon

Cooked salmon is one of the best foods that a dog (or a person) can eat. Its lean, full of protein, and stuffed to the gills with omega fatty acids. These antioxidants do everything from fighting inflammation to improving skin quality.

Never give your dog raw fish, though. Raw salmon may contain a parasite that causes salmon poisoning disease, which can kill your pooch.

8. Blueberries

Blueberries are considered a superfood due to all the vitamins and antioxidants inside them, and theyre also packed with fiber. If you can convince your pup to eat them, you should feed them as many as theyll take.

Theyre especially good for senior dogs, as they can improve all manner of age-related conditions.

9. Cucumbers

Not every dog will eat a cucumber, but if yours will, it makes a great, low-calorie treat or reward for dogs that need to lose a little weight, as theyre mostly water. You can feed your pup quite a few without any adverse effects on their waistline.

They have their fair share of vitamins and minerals too. Theyre especially high in vitamin K, which can help prevent bleeding problems in dogs.

10. Watermelon

If you want a sweet treat for your pup, watermelon is a good choice. Since its so full of moisture, its fantastic for dehydrated dogs. It also has vitamins A, C, and B-6.

Dont give them the seeds, though, as those can cause an intestinal blockage. Also, remove the rinds first; while theyre not toxic, they can cause an upset stomach, giving you quite a mess to clean up.

11. Green Beans

Green beans are packed with calcium, iron, and vitamin K. You can give them to your pooch cooked or raw, and many dogs will gobble them right up.

Serve them to your pup plain and unsalted, and its best if you cut them up first so your dog wont choke on them.

12. Turkey

Much like chicken, cooked turkey is safe and healthy for dogs. Its high in protein and is excellent for your pet. Thats why its included in so many kibbles.

Dont give your dog deli meat, however, as its loaded with sodium. Also, if the turkey has any fat on it, cut it off first, as that can cause pancreatitis in large quantities. Avoid giving your dog a cooked turkey bone as it can break into dangerous sharp pieces.

13. White Rice

White rice doesnt necessarily have much in the way of nutrients for your dog, but its extremely easy for dogs to digest. As a result, its often prescribed for animals with upset stomachs, especially when paired with plain, boiled chicken.

It has a fair amount of sugar, though, so you should only serve it in moderation, its avoided in dogs with diabetes.

14. Dairy

You have to give it to them in moderation, but a little bit of dairy is fine for your dog to eatassuming that theyre not lactose intolerant, of course. Whether its a small piece of cheese or a teaspoon of plain yogurt, you can give it to your pup as a treat every now and then.

Yogurt is especially good, as its full of probiotics that are wonderful for your dogs digestive tract. You can even freeze it and use it as a treat on a hot day.

15. Bananas

Bananas are packed with magnesium, which is good for a dogs bone health. Theyre also full of sugar, so you dont want to give your dog too many. Theyre also full of potassium, biotin, and fiber, all of which are necessary for your dogs health.

16. Asparagus

Its a rare dog indeed that will accept asparagus as a treat, but if you can convince your pup to try this stinky vegetable, theyll enjoy tons of fiber as a result. Be sure to cook it first, though, as raw asparagus can wreak havoc on a dogs digestive tract.

17. Spinach

Whether cooked or raw, spinach is full of iron, vitamin K, and a variety of antioxidants. Its incredibly healthy for both you and your pup.

Its unlikely that your dog will eat spinach on its own, but you may have more luck if you mix cooked spinach in with their kibble. Its worth a shot, anyway.

18. Pumpkin

If your dog is ever backed up, adding pumpkin to their diet could clear things up in a big way. Its full of fiber and adds heft to their bowel movements, making them both more regular and easier to clean up (and possibly orange in color).

19. Plain Popcorn

No, your dog cant have the good stuff, so dont offer them anything thats coated in salt, oil, and butter. However, plain popcorn is full of zinc, magnesium, and phosphorous, all of which are important parts of any dogs diet.

Be sure they dont get any kernels, though, as those can crack teeth and cause intestinal blockages. Put the bag safely out of reach too, as many dogs can choke themselves trying to eat it.

20. Sweet Potato

It seems like sweet potato is in just about every high-end dog food these days and for good reason: Its packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Its used in place of grains in many kibbles, so it should help keep your dog full without causing digestive issues.

21. Green Peas

Peas are excellent for dogs, as they have tons of A and B vitamins, as well as zinc, iron, and potassium. Theyre also surprisingly high in protein, although be aware that dogs dont get all their necessary nutrients from plant proteins as they do from animal proteins. Just make sure peas are given in moderation, diets that use high amounts of peas as a source of protein in dogs diets have been linked to the potential development of heat issues in dogs.

22. Celery

Many people claim that celery is nutritionally uselessbut it is high in fiber and it is safe for your dog to eat.

23. Cooked Potatoes

Dont ever feed your dog raw or green potatoes, as those can kill them. Cooked potatoes, on the other hand, have plenty of vitamins C and B6, as well as iron.

24. Corn

Corn gets a bad rap because its used as a cheap filler in many commercial dog foods. As an occasional additive to a healthy kibble, though, corn can give your dog protein, linoleic acid, and fiber. Just feed it sparingly. Never give your dog corn on the cob as this represents a choking hazard.

25. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is gentle on a dogs stomach, making it a good option for a dog with tummy troubles. Its also a good substitute for wheat in gluten-intolerant pups.

26. Cashews

Cashews contain calcium, protein, magnesium, and a handful of important antioxidants. Many dogs love them, but you should only feed them sparingly, as theyre full of fat (not to mention the fact that theyre expensive).

27. Shrimp

Shrimp is good because its low in fat and calories yet high in protein. It also has phosphorous and vitamin B-12. On the downside, though, its loaded with cholesterol, so dont give your dog too much. Also, remove the tails first.

28. Soy

Soy is another ingredient thats often demonized because its used in cheap, low-quality kibbles. However, its safe for dogs to eatbut many dogs dont tolerate it well, so be sure to monitor your pup after feeding it to them.

29. Ice Cream

Most ice cream is safe for dogs to eat, but that doesnt mean they should. Its extremely high in fat and sugar, so dont give your pooch more than a taste. Also, check the ingredients to make sure there isnt anything toxic in theremany diet desserts use xylitol as a sweetener.

30. Bread

Unless it has raisins or other toxic ingredients in it, bread is perfectly safe for dogs to consume. Its full of empty carbs, though, and it doesnt offer much in the way of nutritional benefit.

Theres one time that bread can come in handy, however. If your dog has eaten something that they shouldntespecially something that could puncture their digestive tractfeeding them several slices of bread could provide a protective barrier against puncture wounds until they pass it.

31. Honey

Honey is great for allergy-prone dogs like Pit Bulls, as it helps animals build up a resistance to allergens. It also contains nearly every vitamin on the list, as well as calcium, copper, and potassium. Dont give your dog more than a spoonful or two, though, as its full of sugar.

Also, dont feed honey to puppies or animals with compromised immune systems.

32. Goats Milk

Goats milk has all the vitamins, minerals, and other good stuff that cows milk does, but its much easier for dogs to digest. You should still only serve it in moderation, but its a better choice for pups than traditional moo juice.

33. Zucchini

Whether cooked or raw, zucchini is a high-fiber, low-calorie treat for your pup. Many dogs will turn their noses up at it, but if yours will eat it, feel free to use it as a treat every now and then.

34. Peaches

Peaches are jam-packed with vitamin A, making them great for skin and coat health. They also contain a fair amount of fiberand a great deal of sugar, so serve them sparingly. Dont let your dog get ahold of the pit, either, as it can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage or a choking hazard.

35. Blackberries

Another so-called superfood, blackberries have just about every vitamin and mineral that you can think of, as well as an impressive array of antioxidants. Theyre also full of fiber. Dont give your dog more than a few per day, though.

36. Coconut

Coconut and coconut oil have received a great deal of press in recent years for being fantastic for everything from fighting aging to benefiting skin and fur. Many of those health claims havent been proven yet, but coconut meat and oil are both safe for dogs. Dont give them more than a tiny bit, though, as its incredibly high in fat.

37. Mango

If used as an occasional reward, mangoes can be excellent for canines. Theyre full of fiber, and they have important vitamins and minerals. Just peel them first and be sure to remove the pit.

38. Mushrooms

Any store-bought mushroom should be safe for your dog to consume, although they may not see much benefit from it. Make sure its not combined with troublesome ingredients like garlic or onions, though, and never let your pup eat a mushroom that theyve found growing in the wild.

39. Cherries

Pitted cherries are another food that dogs can eat, but theres not much reason to let them do so. Cherry pits are extremely toxic, though, as they contain cyanide (plus, theyre choking hazards).

40. Oranges

Many dogs like the taste of oranges, but thats because theyre high in sugar. As a result, you should limit the amount that you feed your pup. Still, they have vitamins and minerals (especially vitamin C) and are low in calories, so they make great treats for overweight dogs.

Its Probably Best to Limit Your Dog to Their Own Food

While all the foods on this list are safe to give to your dog in some amount, that doesnt mean you shouldonly give this to your dog. Your dog can enjoy great health benefits from the addition of dog-safe fruits and vegetables to its diet.

The fact is that your pups food is already designed to give him all the nutritional support he needs, but healthy fruits and vegetables can give your dog additional healthy antioxidants and nutrients. So go ahead and share some of your dinners with your dogprovided all the food on your plate is listed above.

We truly hope that this article helped you determine what human foods dogs can eat!

Related Reads:

Featured Image credit: MPH Photos, Shutterstock