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Understanding Soft Stools in Dogs

Soft stools or loose poops occur when the amount of water in your dog's poo increases, leading to changes in consistency, volume, and frequency. Dogs can experience soft stools for a whole host of reasons - from simple dietary problems and eating things they shouldn't, to more complex medical conditions. Research examining gastrointestinal diseases in dogs found that diarrhoea is one of the most prevalent conditions (1). When assessing for diarrhoea, vets often use a faecal (poo) scoring system. Ideal stools should be firm and easy to pick up - a good strong handful!

Probiotics: Live Bacteria for Gut Health

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when given in suitable amounts, may help modulate the gut microbiome, support beneficial gut-bacteria populations, and 'compete' with harmful bacteria. They're increasingly used as a supporting treatment option for dogs with diarrhoea (1).

Not all probiotics are created equal, and different strains may have different effects on different conditions your dog could be struggling with.

What Research Shows About Probiotic Effectiveness

The scientific evidence for the use of probiotics in dogs with digestive upset show mixed results depending on whether the condition is acute (severe) or chronic (ongoing).

Studies indicate that probiotics may offer benefits for acute issues in some dogs. One controlled trial found that dogs receiving a canine-specific probiotic combination showed improved stool consistency, with the time to last abnormal stools averaging 1.3 days compared to 2.2 days in the placebo group. The probiotic treatment also helped maintain appetite and may have reduced vomiting during periods of illness (2).

For chronic conditions the evidence is less clear cut. Whilst probiotic supplements may not add significant improvement in most cases (1), they may be helpful for some dogs, with dietary improvements and feeding management remaining as the major factor in ongoing treatment.

Prebiotics: Feeding the Good Bacteria

Prebiotics are non-digestible ingredients that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria already present in the gut. They essentially act as food for the probiotic bacteria, encouraging them to multiply naturally.

Common prebiotics include fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) - which can be a bit of a mouthful to say.

Fibre: The Foundation of Firm Stools

Dietary fibre plays a crucial role in stool formation and consistency. There are two main types, soluble fibre, which dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance, and insoluble fibre which adds bulk to stools.

Research shows that soluble fibre (the type that dissolves in water, such as pumpkin and psyllium) can be broken down by good bacteria in the large intestine, helping healthy gut bacteria grow back and produce helpful acids. Meanwhile, insoluble fibre (the type that doesn't dissolve) soaks up water in the gut, which helps make stools firmer (4).

The right balance of both types supports optimal digestive function.

When to Use Supplements vs Seeking Veterinary Care

Diarrhoea and gastrointestinal issues are very common in dogs, and whilst supplements may offer support, appropriate clinical examination and testing remains essential for determining the underlying cause (1), especially in situations where symptoms are ongoing.

Mild cases lasting 1-2 days without other symptoms may resolve with dietary rest and bland food. You must seek immediate attention from your vet if your dog also suffers with blood in their stools, persistent diarrhoea beyond 48 hours, lethargy, loss of appetite, or if they are particularly young or old.

Choosing Quality Supplements

The supplement market for pets is largely unregulated, so making a good, informed choice is particularly important. Look for products with clearly identified bacterial strains (not just species names), you might see some familiar ones such as Bacillus subtilis & Bacillus velezensis, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or Enterococcus. Consider products that have clear CFU (colony forming unit) counts for the labelled strains, and that they remain appropriate for dogs: typically 10^8 to 10^10 CFU per day.

Manufacturers should also provide clear batch numbers and best before dates, and provide evidence of where their products are manufactured. Contact information, such as business name, address and a telephone number or contact email, should be readily available.

Finally, it is preferable to favour products with supporting research that can be evidenced on a company's website, with corresponding data in the products they are selling - so it's not just lip service!