Yes, overfeeding is a very common cause of soft stools in dogs because it overwhelms their digestive system, but it can also be caused by too many rich treats, sudden diet changes, low-quality food, or sensitivities, often resulting in squishy, shapeless, or frequent poops. Reducing food intake, cutting rich treats, and gradually transitioning to new food are good first steps, but see a vet if it lasts over a few days or worsens.
Short, answer. Yes, overfeeding a dog can cause diarrhea. When a dog consumes more food than their digestive system can handle, it can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea. And some foods are harder on the system than others--as I'll explore.
The most common causes of soft dog poop are related to diet or stress. Other potential culprits include an illness or allergy.
How to Firm Up Soft Dog Poop Naturally
10 Signs That You Are Damaging Your Pet's Health Through Overfeeding
If they're losing weight and their poos are frequent and/or soft, then it's highly likely that they're eating too much. A lot of owners at this point would understandably panic and change food, when actually, all they need to do is reduce the amount they're feeding.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
One of the most effective ways to firm up your dog's stool is by altering their diet. Foods rich in soluble fibre such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, chicken, and rice are ideal to firm up loose stools.
It may come out still in log form but soft, looking like soft serve ice cream or resembling a cow patty (very wet poop with some texture). The most common causes of soft poop are infections, changes in diet, food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, eating a toxin, and metabolic disorders.
Feed your pet small amounts of plain cooked rice saved from making the rice water. Try small amounts of canned pureed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) or a pet-specific canned pumpkin. High in soluble fiber, pumpkin can help bind your pet's stool.
You should worry about loose stools (diarrhea) if you have severe dehydration, high fever, blood or pus in the stool, severe abdominal pain, or if it lasts more than a couple of days, especially for babies, young children, or older adults, as they are more vulnerable to dehydration and complications. Seek immediate care for "red flag" symptoms like confusion or inability to keep fluids down.
If loose stool lasts more than two days, call the vet
Mild cases are usually uncomplicated, and the dog is otherwise happy and normal.
Bland Diet: After fasting, introduce a homemade dog food for diarrhea that consists of a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice or plain pumpkin. These foods are easy on the stomach and can help firm up stools.
A stool that starts off firm but is followed by soft or very loose second half of the bowel movement, can indicate a variety of causes including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, maldigestion, malabsorption, food intolerances, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, dysbiosis (an imbalance in the types of gut bacteria) ...
KIBBLE – Pets who are fed kibble and other typical pet foods produce frequent stool, that is voluminous and very stinky! The larger the size of the poops, the less food is being digested. Kibble is only 20 to 40% digested which means that 60 to 80% is discharged in their poop!
Symptoms of food intolerance in dogs
The most common loose poop causes are things like: Viruses. Food allergies. Changes in diet or overeating certain foods (like spinach, coffee, ice cream)
What consistency should your dog's poop be? Normal dog poop should be formed and should keep its shape when picked up. However, it should still be soft rather than firm and you should be able to press into it easily with your (gloved!) fingers.
High-Quality Dog Food
Nutrition is essential in maintaining your dog's firm stools. Be sure to feed a high-quality, highly digestible, high-protein diet. A meat-based diet is generally recommended for the best results. Avoid feeding table scraps or treats that are high in fat or sugar.
Water Content: Wet or canned dog food typically contains more water than dry kibble. A higher water content in the diet can result in larger and softer stools.
Milk and Dairy. Although milk, cheese and other dairy products aren't poisonous to dogs, they can cause harmful issues and should be limited. This is because most canines are at least somewhat lactose intolerant. Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include loose stool, gas, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog. If you didn't know about this rule, chances are your friends don't, either.
Dogs with pancreatitis often have changes to their poo, such as diarrhoea. Many produce larger, greasy poos that are also sometimes lighter in colour and smell particularly foul. This is because the food that they are eating isn't being digested properly.