Why is My Dog's Poo Soft?

29 . October .2026

As dog owners, it’s pretty much impossible to ignore our dogs’ poos, especially when they’re softer or runnier than usual.

Unpleasant as it may be, your dog’s poo is one of the clearest indicators of their overall health. So if it’s consistently soft, it’s only natural to feel concerned.

At Cobbydog, we talk about dog poop more than we’d like to admit, not because we enjoy it (promise!), but because so many owners who come to us do so hoping to solve problems like soft or inconsistent stools. And time and time again, we’ve seen our cold-pressed food help firm things up and bring some much-needed relief (for both dog and owner!).

So, what causes soft poo, and what can you do about it? Here are six of the most common culprits and how to help your dog feel better.

Important: The advice below is not a substitute for veterinary care. If your dog has diarrhoea, is being sick, not drinking, or you’re concerned about their health, always consult a vet.

What does “Soft Poo” Actually Mean?

Before we jump into the causes, let’s be clear on what soft poo looks like. A healthy dog's stool should be firm enough to hold its shape but not rock solid. If your dog’s poo is mushy, loose, or leaves residue behind, it’s classified as “soft.” You may notice it’s:

Always soft, no matter the time of day
Solid at first, then gets softer
Inconsistently soft depending on the day, time, or location.

If you have any concerns, try keeping a poo diary (yes, really!) Track food, treats, changes, and consistency to help you and your vet identify patterns or triggers more easily.

6 Reasons Why Your Dog’s Poo May Be Soft

1. Change in Diet

Swapping dog food too quickly is a leading cause of soft stools. Your dog’s digestive system gets used to specific protein types, fats, and ingredients. Suddenly changing their food, especially without a gradual transition, can easily cause an upset stomach.

Top Tip: If you’re switching to a new food, especially cold-pressed, introduce it slowly over 14 days (or longer for dogs with sensitive stomachs). Mix increasing amounts of the new food with the old to allow the gut to adjust.

Also, double-check the ingredient list. A sharp change in protein source (e.g., beef to duck), grain content, or fat levels could trigger sensitivity or intolerance.

2. Stress & Anxiety

Stress can affect your dog’s digestive system just like it does ours. Whether it’s a house move, a change in routine, a new pet, or a holiday kennel stay, emotional stress can result in softer stools.

Top Tip: Identify the trigger and maintain a consistent daily routine for your dog. Avoid switching food during stressful periods unless recommended by a vet.

3. Overfeeding

It can be tempting to just “guesstimate” portions using a mug or a handful. But even if you haven’t changed food, a slight increase in daily intake can easily lead to digestive issues.

It’s important to only increase portions if there’s a reason for it, such as your dog has grown or their activity levels have increased.

We provide a feeding guide to cover the volume to feed per day, which can be found on dog food bags.

Top Tip: Be sure to weigh out food and don’t forget to factor in treats, table scraps, and any extras given by the family. Overfeeding is one of the most under-recognised causes of soft poo, and one of the easiest to fix.

4. Sensitivity or Allergy

Some dogs just really don’t get on with certain ingredients, whether it’s beef, chicken, wheat, grains, or additives. Even if the food is high-quality, one specific ingredient could be the culprit. An elimination diet (under vet guidance) can help narrow it down.

Top Tip: Keep meals and treats simple while you investigate. A limited-ingredient or single-protein recipe can make it much easier to spot the problem. And again…the poo diary helps here!

5. Eating Something They Shouldn’t

Those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist, but even small amounts of human food can be enough to cause soft stools, especially if it’s rich or fatty. And some human foods, even “safe” ones, can cause soft poos or diarrhoea.

Top Tip: Be mindful of portion size. Just two slices of ham could amount to 11% overfeeding for some dogs; that’s the equivalent of us eating a whole doughnut, in terms of calories.

6. Infection, Parasites, or Illness

Sometimes, soft stools are a sign of something more serious. Your dog could have picked up a bug from a puddle, eaten something off the ground, or caught an infection from another dog. If you spot blood, mucus, vomiting, or a change in behaviour, speak to your vet right away.

Top Tip: Always stay up to date with vaccinations, worming, and flea treatments to help prevent common issues.

Looking to Make a Change for Your Dog?

Soft poos are a common concern for dog owners, and usually nothing to worry about. By working through these possible causes one by one, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and get their digestive health back on track.

Our cold-pressed dog food has been a game-changer for many pet owners struggling with the daily battle of runny poos. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, why not give it a go? It’s gentle on the gut, packed with natural nutrition, and developed with sensitive stomachs in mind.

Check out our full range here.