Constipation is a common health problem in humans and pets. Constipation in dogs refers to the inability to produce normal stools. In this health issue, a dog can’t defecate the stool easily, and the poop becomes harder and compacted. Many dog owners often want to focus on diet to overcome the issue and ask about What to give a dog for constipation?
Your puppy can suffer from the Drier and harder stool for many reasons. Some of them are considered minor and will be treated easily with a home remedy.
However, some could be a sign of any underlying issue that needs to be concerned.
If you notice mild constipation in your dog, you can try a remedy. However, if you observe chronic constipation, make sure to contact your vet.
This article is a complete and comprehensive guide about constipation in dogs. We will let you know about the possible causes, treatment, home remedies for dogs constipation, foods that will help your constipated dog, and much more.
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What to give a dog for constipation?
In many cases, constipation in dogs can be treated at home easily and doesn’t require any vet visit. Home remedies are considered the best option, and you can give them to your constipated dog with your vet’s advice. However, chronic situations can only be treated under the supervision of a professional veterinarian.
What home remedy can i give my dog for constipation?
- Canned Pumpkin
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Canned dog food
- Bran flakes
- White & Brown rice
- Oatmeal
- Cooked green beans
- Oat bran
- Olive Oil
- Coconut oil
Remember that moderation is the key before introducing any new food. Offer a less amount and observe your canine. If he tolerates the food or remedy well, then increase the food to the safe serving amount.
All of the above mentioned foods are described in details below please keep reading.
The safe amount of any food or remedy depends on the dog’s size, health condition, and severity of the illness.
Make sure to consult your vet about the safe amount of any food and remedy. What to give a dog for constipation…
Best Home made Foods For Constipated Dogs

Canned pumpkin
Canned Pumpkin is a proven and tonic food that works like a charm in canine constipation, gastrointestinal problems, and upset stomach.
Pumpkin is rich in fiber, potassium, iron and contains essential minerals and vitamins that can aid your puppy in many ways, including constipation.
The rich nature of soluble fiber in pumpkin stimulates intestinal sodium and adds bulk to the poop by absorbing water and lowering the pH level of the large intestines.
According to a pet nutritionist, a pumpkin in any form, plain or canned, is safe for your dog, but a canned pumpkin is considered ideal for constipated dogs. Read more: Pumpkin dosage chart for dogs.
How to use Pumpkin for dog constipation?
The safe amount of Pumpkin for dogs is 1 tsp/10lbs. You can add 1-2 tablespoons once or twice a day to a dog’s regular diet for everyday use. For constipated dogs, add 2-4 teaspoons to each meal, and for dogs diarrhea, add 1-4 teaspoons of cooked and plain Pumpkin in each meal. For a small puppy, start with a ½ teaspoonful and gradually increase to one or two teaspoons if necessary.
Low-sodium chicken Broth
According to pet experts and nutritionists, chicken broth can aid your canine in an upset stomach, including constipation. It contains amino acid glycine that improves the liver and kidneys’ function.
The tonic nature of boneless and Low-sodium chicken broth helps in an upset stomach, improves joint health, keeps your canine hydrated, and promotes a healthy gut.
Please remember that don’t excess salt and avoid adding spices as they are toxic to dogs and can lead to severe health conditions.
How to use chicken broth for dog constipation?
Chicken Broth Recipe for dogs:
- Take about 2kg of chicken meat and place them in a slow cooker on the stove.
- If you want to add optional safe ingredients like turmeric for dogs, cut them into small slices and put them in the slow cooker.
- Now add about 5 ml of clean water to cover the whole chicken.
- Add about 50 ml of apple cider vinegar.
- Now fire the stove and bring the water to a boil.
- Lower the stove heat once the water is boiling and allow the mixture to cook on low for 15 – 24 hours.
- After this, strain the mixture and remove the bones from the broth.
- Now store the ready Broth in a pot and place it in the refrigerator for a while to cool.
- When the Broth cools, a layer of fat will appear. Remove the fats on the top.
- Chicken broth remedy for your dog is now ready.
Canned dog food
The benefits of canned dog food are numerous. The canned dog food is usually prepared at low temperatures compared to dry kibble food, making it a suitable and safe option for many canine health issues, including constipation.
Many pet nutritionists often suggest to pet owners to use Canned food because canned food provides intercellular water directly from the meat’s muscle tissue that helps keep your puppy hydrated and prevent constipation, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.
Other benefits of Canned dog food for dogs include:
- Weight management
- Improving dental health
- Balancing calcium and phosphorus levels
- Helping to reduce the risk of diabetes
You can try the below recommended best-canned dog foods
Bran flakes
Some pet nutritionists often recommend Bran flakes for constipated dogs due to the rich nature of the fiber. Feeding in moderation Bran flakes are safe for your canine and can help relieve your pooch constipation and also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Please make sure to select the Bran flakes for your puppy that don’t contain toxic ingredients or artificial flavors. The safe amount of bran flakes for canine is 10lb or 1 ½ tablespoon.
How Give Bran flakes to your dog?
- Make sure to introduce bran flakes in moderation because they can function as a laxative.
- Do not choose a product that contains toxic ingredients such as sugar or other additives.
- First, soften the flakes in clean, warm water to soften.
- Do not feed hot or warm flakes; first cools the treat and then offer.
- Please focus on the regular diet calories and reduce them when offered alongside Bran flakes because flakes add calories.
- We suggested not adding milk for a constipated dog or suffering from an upset stomach.
- Confirm with your vet for sensitive and allergic dogs.
Recommended Bran flakes:
Brown or White Rice:
White rice is the most preferred rice by veterinarians for dogs. White rice is easily digestible, has a higher glycemic index, and is considered best for canines having a sensitive stomach, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
On the other hand, Brown rice is an excellent source of fiber, easily digestible carbohydrates, and beneficial minerals, vitamins B. The rich nature of fiber content brown rice can aid your constipated dogs.
Please remember not to exceed the rice calories from rice should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is considered a superfood for both humans and dogs. Many dog owners feed this tonic remedy for upset stomachs, constipation, and improved digestive function. Make sure only to feed cooked oatmeal to your puppy and do not add any toxic ingredients.
Cooked green beans
In moderation, Cooked green beans have tons of health benefits for dogs. Green beans are rich in protein, potassium, magnesium, iron, B-vitamins, and fiber.
According to a pet nutritionist, a small portion of Cooked green beans in your pet’s regular diet can aid in gas problems, constipation, improve heart health, and regulate blood sugar. Please remember that not all types of beans are safe for dogs.
How to Give Green beans to dogs?
- Make sure to wash and cook the beans properly.
- Only give a small portion of cooked green beans about 10% of the total diet.
- Do not regularly give, only feed occasionally as a treat.
- Only prefer Homemade cooked green beans and avoid adding salts and other toxic ingredients such as garlic, onions, spices, etc.
- Before buying baked or canned beans, make sure to read the ingredients because they may contain toxic ingredients and other preservatives.
Oat Bran:
Oat bran contains beneficial ingredients like oats, vegetables, and brown rice. Oat bran is rich in fiber that helps improve colon health and anal gland issues, regulate bowel movement, and helps to relieve constipation in dogs.
How to give Oat bran to a constipated dog?
- The best way to give the oat bran for dogs constipation is to soak the oat bran in water before offering it to your puppy.
- You can also add spoonful bran to your regular canine diet.
- Do not add too much. Adding too much will lead your canine to gas problems and significantly softened stool.
Olive Oil:
In moderation, adding a less amount Olive oil helps your constipated dog. Olive oil works as a lubricant that lubricates your dog’s digestive tract and helps to soften the stools and to pass quickly.
Make sure to give less amount of oil occasionally and when needed. Overfeeding is toxic and can lead your puppy to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
Read more: How much olive oil is safe for Dogs?
Coconut oil:
We, humans, are well aware of the healing benefits of Coconut oil. Coconut oil can help your dogs when applied topically or given orally. Adding less coconut oil in the regular diet works as a stool softener that aids a constipated dog to relieve constipation.
Coconut oil for dog constipation: Make sure to give less amount of oil occasionally and when needed. Overfeeding Can lead your puppy to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
Read more: How much Coconut oil is safe for Dogs?
Provide plenty of water
Make sure to keep your pup hydrated provide plenty of water. If you observe your puppy is not drinking water, seek veterinary help.
Common Causes of Dogs Constipation:

- Dehydration
- Fiber less Diet
- Lack of Exercise
- Eating Indigestible Food
- Kibble Food
- Sudden change in Diet
- Some Drugs
- Intestinal obstruction
- Hormonal Issues
- Colon Disease
- Stress, anxiety, and fear
- Pelvic injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Pelvic Abnormalities
- Colon or rectal tumors
Constipation in dogs symptoms:
- Difficulty in passing stool
- Hard, pebble-like stool
- Lack of defecation
- Stool with mucus
- Pain and strain while poo
- Bloody stools (Why do dogs Poop Blood?)
When To Take a Constipated Dog to the Vet?

Always keep your faithful companion health on Priority. We always recommend vet visits even in minor health problems. Canine Constipation can be caused by many reasons. Some are considered normal however some may be a sign of alarming health issues.
In minor Constipation, you can try a safe home remedy or food, but in chronic situations, you must consult your veterinarian.
Make sure to note the below observation before you take your dog to a vet.
- When did your puppy have a normal stool last time?
- Poop color and schedule.
- Diet details and change
- Use of any medication
- Health and treatment history.
- Symptoms such as pain, discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea.