Best Dog Food for Less Poop in 2024

This is our review of the best dog food for less poop in 2024.

One of the less glamorous aspects of pet parenthood is poop, and a lot of it. But excessive bowel movements can negatively impact your dog’s quality of life and quickly overwhelm your backyard.

Your pet’s stools are directly related to their diet. Anything that your dog’s body does not absorb passes through his digestive system and onto your lawn. Thankfully, low-fiber formulas and fresh recipes can help reduce the amount of waste your dog produces.

I’m a former vet tech who researched the best dog food for less poop, so you don’t have to. And I recommend Nom Nom Chicken Chow as the best dog food to reduce pooping.

But every pup is different. So I’ve included reviews of dog foods in different categories.

Let’s get started!

Our Best Dog Food for Less Poop

• Nom Nom Chicken Chow Dog Food (Best Overall Dog Food for Less Poop)
• Ollie Chicken Recipe Dog Food (Best Premium Dog Food for Less Poop)
• American Journey Salmon Grain Free Dog Food (Best Budget Dog Food for Less Poop)
• Merrick Grain Free Texas Beef Puppy Food (Best Puppy Food for Less Poop)
• Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dog Food (Best Senior Food for Less Poop)  
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness Beef Canned Dog Food (Best Wet Food for Less Poop)
• Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Food (Best Large Breed Dog Food for Less Poop)
• Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Dog Food (Best Small Breed Dog Food for Less Poop)
• Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Dog Food (Best Weight Control Dog Food for Less Poop)
• Castor and Pollux Pristine Lamb Dog Food (Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for Less Poop)

10 Best Dog Foods for Less Poop Reviewed

All of these dog food formulas meet the AAFCO recommended daily nutrient profiles for dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

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Nom Nom Chicken Chow Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Diced Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Yellow Squash, Spinach, Sunflower Oil
• Key Feature: Fresh dog food recipe formulated by a veterinary nutritionist
• Guaranteed Analysis: 8.5% Crude Protein, 6% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 73% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 287 kcal/cup
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best For: Overall

This unique pet food brand makes a balanced, fresh canine diet accessible to all dog owners. All ingredients in this recipe have approval for human consumption. These fresh ingredients are easily digestible and help reduce stool size and frequency.

Unlike dry kibble, these formulas have a high moisture content that reduces the crude macronutrient percentages. But this recipe has good nutrient profiles for all breeds of adult dogs.

The 8.5% crude protein content in this recipe comes from diced chicken. You can easily pick out pieces of this gently cooked meat. 

The company never freezes the chicken for extended periods of extrudes it into pieces of kibble. This helps preserve nutritional integrity and maximize palatability.

Additional human-grade ingredients include whole veggies like sweet potatoes. These starchy vegetables act as sources of digestible carbohydrates in a grain-free formula. They are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Further fortification with specific vitamins and minerals ensures that this formula is well-balanced, unlike some homemade fresh diets. This recipe is also high in healthy fats from sunflower and canola oil.

The low 1% fiber content is ideal for reducing waste production. Dogs do not use fiber as an energy source, so high fiber content can contribute to excess stools. The formula also excludes fillers commonly used in the production of dry dog food.

Dog owners often notice a reduction in stool size and frequency within two weeks of starting this dog food. Switching to a fresh diet is frequently associated with these changes due to the formula’s high nutrient density and bioavailability.

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Ollie Chicken Recipe Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Gizzard, Carrots, Peas, Chicken Liver
• Key Feature: Grain-Inclusive fresh dog food in convenient packaging
• Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 73% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 295 kcal/cup
• Life Stage: All Life Stages
• Best For: Premium

This premium dog food formula offers a fresh diet from human-grade ingredients. Ollie specializes in customizing their recipes into conveniently packaged portions tailored to your dog’s needs.

Like other fresh recipes, this dog food has a high 73% moisture content. The 10% crude protein content offers concentrated amounts of high-quality animal protein from chicken. 

These formulas also use organ meats for their increased nutritional value. Chicken liver is exceptionally high in vitamin A, which helps protect vision.

Additional fortification with vitamins and minerals provides a balanced diet that meets dogs’ dietary needs in all life stages.

Grain-inclusive ingredients like rice provide sources of digestible carbohydrates without drastically increasing fiber content. High fiber formulas can contribute to excessive stool production.

A 3% crude fat content is lower than some competitors, making this formula suitable for overweight dogs. But healthy fat sources like cod liver oil ensure that your pup gets enough omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health and manage inflammation.

Most dog owners’ favorite aspect of this pet food is the precise portion sizes customized to your dog’s calorie needs. Instead of preparing fresh meals at home, simply store the packs in the freezer and thaw them in the fridge before feeding.

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American Journey Salmon Grain Free Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
• Key Feature: Affordable high-protein, low-residue dog food formula
• Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 390 kcal/cup
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best For: Budget

This budget dog food features high-quality sources of animal protein in a low-residue recipe. Low residue dog foods have a lower fiber content, which can help reduce your dog’s stools’ size and frequency.

Dogs depend on animal protein as the foundation of their diets. High protein recipes like this one have an optimal bioavailability for increased absorption.

Unlike other budget formulas, this dog food uses real meat as the first ingredient.

Deboned salmon is the primary source of the 32% protein content. Additional animal protein comes from chicken meal and turkey meal. These meat meals also act as natural sources of glucosamine, which helps manage joint pain.

Salmon is rich in omega fatty acids like DHA. DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that plays a vital role in eye and brain health.

The grain-free recipe depends on chickpeas and sweet potatoes as alternative carbohydrate sources. Grains can contribute to a high fiber content. But this dog food’s low 5% fiber content is ideal for promoting less poop.

Dog owners who feed this flavorful food also highly recommend the formula for picky eaters.

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Merrick Grain Free Texas Beef Puppy Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Lamb Meal, Potatoes
• Key Feature: Low fiber recipe specifically formulated for growing puppies
• Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 400 kcal/cup
• Life Stage: Growth
• Best For: Puppies

The juvenile digestive systems of younger puppies often produce more frequent bowel movements than adult dogs. If excessive poop is getting in the way of house training, low fiber puppy formulas may be beneficial.

A high 28% crude protein content from deboned beef provides the amino acids growing puppies need for normal muscle development. This red meat is also an excellent source of iron.

Pea protein helps boost protein content. Although plant protein is not as bioavailable to dogs as animal protein, peas are also rich in carbohydrates.

This grain-free recipe uses alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes and whole peas to offer playful pups adequate energy.

Probiotics help support young digestive systems without excess fiber. And omega-3 fatty acids from salmon meals support healthy brain development in growing dogs.

Reviews share success managing diarrhea in puppies on this diet. Most dog owners notice increased stool firmness after switching to this formula. But the flavor may not be appealing to pickier dogs.

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Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Dried Ground Potatoes, Peas
• Key Feature: Low residue dry dog food with whole ingredients
• Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 6.25% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 359 kcal/cup
• Life Stage: Senior
• Best For: Seniors

Aging dogs can also struggle with irregular bowel movements. This senior-specific formula can help provide the digestive support that elderly dogs need without high fiber levels.

Deboned turkey provides the primary source of the high 32% protein content. Higher protein formulas help prevent the loss of muscle mass in older dogs.

The turkey and chicken used in this recipe are ideal lean meats for older dogs that increase protein content without extra fat.

Your dog’s metabolism also slows as he ages. So the low 12% fat content is ideal for reducing the risks of weight gain in sedentary seniors. Obesity can make the joint pain of older arthritic dogs worse due to the extra stress.

Added glucosamine helps manage senior joint discomfort. And taurine reduces the risk of heart problems in older dogs by controlling blood pressure.

The 6.5% fiber content of this food is slightly higher than some other recipes. But seniors generally need more fiber for digestive regulation. Dog owners still frequently notice a reduction in stool frequency on this diet.

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Beef Canned Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Potatoes, Carrageenan
• Key Feature: Canned grain-free dog food with a low fiber content
• Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 523 kcal/cup
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best For: Wet Food

Wet foods are some of the best low residue options for helping dogs poop less.

These recipes generally contain less fibrous ingredients and use fewer fillers. Canned dog foods are also ideal for picky dogs who may not eat dry kibble.

Like fresh dog foods, wet formulas have a high moisture content. This reduces the other relative crude percentages of this high protein dog food. The 10% protein content from beef and chicken also includes organ meats.

Chicken liver is the fourth ingredient, contributing a concentrated source of minerals and vitamins like vitamin A.

A low 1.5% fiber content helps significantly reduce waste production. And the exclusion of common filler ingredients and by-products also helps manage excess poop.

The high 9% fat and 523 kcal/cup caloric content are ideal for active dogs with high energy needs. But this recipe may not be suitable for overweight pups.

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Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Lentils, Peas
• Key Feature: High protein formula designed for large breeds
• Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 342 kcal/cup
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best For: Large Breeds

Any proud parent of a gentle giant knows that large dogs have large stools. But the high digestibility of this low residue dog food can help reduce the frequency of substantial bowel movements.

A high 34% protein content from deboned chicken helps support the larger muscle mass of big dogs. But this extra weight can stress your large buddy’s joints. So this recipe also features added antioxidants and glucosamine to help protect susceptible joints from tissue damage.

Antioxidants from whole fruits and vegetables are highly bioavailable. The other whole ingredients in this recipe increase digestibility to reduce waste production. Probiotics in this formula also enhance nutrient absorption and reduce risks of bloat.

Larger dogs can have relatively slower metabolisms than their smaller cousins. The moderate fat and caloric content of this large breed recipe are ideal for weight management.

Dog owners appreciate the larger kibble size specifically designed to optimize chewing in larger mouths. And reviews share improvements in digestive health after switching to this food.

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Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Dog Food 

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Split Peas, Brewers Rice, Whole Brown Rice
• Key Feature: Grain-inclusive low residue formula for small breeds
• Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 343 kcal/cup
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best For: Small Breeds

Most of the dog foods recommended for less poop are grain-free. But some toy breeds do best on grain-inclusive due to their higher metabolisms. So this recipe uses whole grains that have a naturally lower fiber content to reduce stool frequency.

Real chicken is the first ingredient, providing a moderate 24% protein content. A medium 15% fat content ensures that this recipe features ideal levels of energy for tiny dogs.

Rice and other whole grains provide a consistent source of digestible carbohydrates from this diet.

The small muscle mass of toy breeds prevents them from storing enough glycogen to meet their energy needs. Without enough carbohydrates, they can suffer from hypoglycemia.

Despite including whole-grain ingredients, this dog food still has a low fiber content of 5%. This grain-inclusive dog food’s small kibble size and low fiber content make it an ideal low residue diet for small breeds.

Owners of small dogs with sensitive stomachs also recommend this formula for its non-GMO recipe that eliminates fillers and preservatives.

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Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Turkey Meal
• Key Feature: Weight management formula with a low fiber content
• Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 354 kcal/cup
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best For: Weight Control

Dogs who struggle with obesity can also suffer from digestive problems associated with excess weight. While many weight control recipes use fiber to keep your pup full, a high fiber content can also create more waste.

This grain-free dog food features a low-fat, low-residue recipe that can help promote weight loss and reduce stool production.

A high 32% protein content from deboned beef supports muscle growth. The low 10% fat content features healthy fat sources that encourage a healthy coat.

Obesity increases the risks of heart problems in dogs. High levels of taurine provides extra protection for heart health.

And the gluten-free recipe also excludes common allergens like corn and soy. So sensitive pups can even thrive on this weight control diet.

Most pet parents who feed this diet report that their dogs lost weight within 30 days.

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Castor and Pollux Pristine Lamb Dog Food 

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Chickpeas, Organic Peas
• Key Feature: Responsibly sourced formula suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 370 kcal/cup
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best For: Sensitive Stomachs

This grain-free formula features a unique protein source and excludes specific food intolerances from its recipe.

Diarrhea and other irregular bowel movements can result from adverse reactions that sensitive dogs have to their food.

A low residue formula that excludes fillers makes this dog food ideal for sensitive dogs who need a diet limiting waste production. The low 3.5% fiber content can also help reduce gastric upset.

Lamb is the novel protein source of the high 34% crude protein content. Typical dog food ingredients like chicken are more likely to cause allergic reactions than rarer meat like lamb.

A high 16% fat content features fatty ingredients like coconut oil and sunflower seed oil. These ingredients provide unique types of healthy fats that may support skin health. Dog food intolerances often involve itchy skin conditions.

Pet parents who prioritize environmentally-friendly practices appreciate the responsibly sourced ingredients used by this brand.

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What to Look for When Buying Dog Food for Less Poop

You need to consider several factors before selecting a diet that may help reduce how much your dog poops.

Reasons Your Dog Poop A Lot

Excessive bowel movements could be a sign of an underlying issue. Here are some potential reasons your dog may be pooping more than average.

Dietary Habits

Your dog’s diet has the most significant impact on his waste production. Too much poop can indicate that your pup’s food is not the best choice for him.

It can also mean that he is overeating. Try to decrease the amount of food he eats and divide his daily serving into at least two meals.

If you decide to try a different diet, introduce the new food gradually. Rapid changes can cause stool irregularities.

Bacterial or Parasitic Infection

Dogs with more frequent stools that include diarrhea, blood, or mucus may have a parasite or bacterial infection. Common infectious bacteria associated with too much poop include Salmonella, Helicobacter, and Campylobacter.

Contact your vet if you suspect your pet may be suffering from any medical condition.

Emotional Stress

Pups can also experience nervous bowel movements. Emotional stress often creates digestive problems that can lead to excessive pooping. Changing your dog’s environment is a common cause of emotional stress.

If the symptoms continue for an extended period, considering asking your vet about changing your dog’s diet.

Health Conditions

Kidney disease and other chronic conditions can also cause frequent pooping. Other symptoms of chronic kidney failure include urinary changes, fatigue, and vomiting. This is a severe condition that requires veterinary assistance.

When Should You Be Concern About Dog Poop?

Pooping is a natural part of digestion. But paying close attention to your dog’s regular bowel movements can help you monitor the overall health of your dog.

If your pup’s stools change suddenly, there could be an underlying health condition to blame. But if your dog consistently produces large amounts of waste, he may need a new diet.

Low Residue Diet for Less Poop

The best dog food for less poop is a low residue diet.

A low residue diet is a nutritionally-dense dog food designed to minimize the waste produced during digestion. These foods promote better absorption with ingredients that your dog can easily absorb.

These diets have a low fiber content and exclude fillers that your pup’s body cannot use for energy.

Things to Consider When Buying Dog Food to Reduce Pooping

The best low residue dog foods provide a well-balanced diet that ensures your pet gets everything he needs and nothing he doesn’t.

Highly Digestible Ingredients

Digestibility reflects how easily your dog’s body can absorb the nutrients it needs from a particular ingredient.

A higher digestibility means that your dog absorbs most of the food with little waste products making it through the digestive tract, reducing poop production.

Fiber Content

Fiber is not a primary source of energy for dogs. It can help support the digestive tract by acting as a prebiotic.

But it does not help reduce the size or frequency of stools. All low residue dog foods have a low fiber content to help reduce waste production.

High Protein Content

Protein should form the foundation of any canine diet. Dogs can efficiently digest animal protein and use the protein for fuel.

Very little protein reaches the other end. And a high protein formula can enhance bioavailability, reducing poop.

Healthy Amount of Fats

Too much dietary fat can cause oily stools and diarrhea in dogs. Dogs on a high-fat diet generally have to poop more. But fats are critical for energy and immune health. So look for a recipe with around 15% fat or less.

Raw Diet

Raw diets for dogs have a reputation for optimal digestibility. These diets also frequently use fewer fillers than traditional kibble. However, unprocessed meat might make your dog sick and contribute to the poop problem.

The best way to enjoy a raw diet’s benefits while limiting the risks is to feed a reputable brand of fresh pet food. These foods precisely formulate recipes that meet the nutritional needs of dogs.

Dry Kibble

Dry kibble does offer some advantages. These formulas are convenient and concentrated.

A low moisture content ensures that you can give your dog the same nutritional benefits in a smaller serving. This can help reduce excess poop from overeating.

Right Quantity

Even if you find the perfect diet for your dog, excessive feeding has a close relationship with excessive pooping.

If your dog eats more than he needs, he will store the extra as fat or expel the rest. Talk to your vet about the best portion sizing for your dog.

Our Verdict

The best dog foods for less poop have a low residue recipe with low fiber content and high digestibility.

Poop is an unavoidable part of dog ownership. But paying attention to what your dog’s normal stools look like can help you keep track of his overall health.

If your dog is pooping more than usual, it could be a sign that he needs a diet change.

I recommend Nom Nom Now Chicken Chow as the overall best dog food for less poop.

Talk to your veterinarian today to determine if a diet change could help get your dog’s bowel movements back under control.

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