Introduction
Many dog owners have experienced their pets getting diarrhea after eating Kibbles ‘n Bits dog food. This is a common issue that can leave pet owners feeling frustrated and concerned. Diarrhea in dogs can range from mild and self-resolving to severe cases that require veterinary attention. When a certain food frequently causes digestive upset, it’s a sign that there is something about that food that is problematic for canine digestion and health.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why Kibbles ‘n Bits is more prone to causing diarrhea and other digestive issues in dogs compared to higher quality dog foods. We’ll look at the ingredients, nutrition profile, and manufacturing process of Kibbles ‘n Bits to understand why some dogs don’t tolerate it well. We’ll also provide tips on how to transition to a new food, when to see the vet, and better dog food alternatives to consider.
Ingredients in Kibbles ‘n Bits
The key ingredients in Kibbles ‘n Bits dry dog food are meat by-products, corn, and soy.
Meat by-products, which can consist of organs like liver and kidneys as well as other non-meat parts, are considered lower quality than fresh meats according to sources. While they provide protein, they lack the amino acids found in muscle meats.
Corn is commonly used as a carbohydrate source in dry dog foods. However, dogs do not digest corn as easily as some other grains, so it can potentially lead to gastrointestinal issues. Corn is also associated with food allergies in dogs.
Soy is another plant-based protein used in many dry dog foods. Like corn, soy is linked to allergies and intolerances in some dogs. It contains enzymes that can make it harder for dogs to properly digest.
The heavy reliance on plant-based ingredients like corn and soy rather than quality animal proteins is one of the criticisms of Kibbles ‘n Bits ingredient choices.
Meat By-Products
Meat by-products are parts of an animal left over after slaughter and processing for human consumption (1). This includes organs like liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, bone, fatty tissue, blood, and intestines. While meat by-products contain protein, they are difficult for dogs to digest. The ingredients are highly processed which removes fiber and many nutrients dogs need (2).
Meat by-products are cheaper than quality cuts of meat, which is why many low-quality kibbles contain them. The exact makeup varies by batch, so it’s impossible to know the exact nutritional content. Dogs with sensitive stomachs often have difficulty digesting mystery meat ingredients (3).
The bottom line is meat by-products provide minimal nutritional value compared to high-quality protein sources. They are difficult for dogs to digest fully which can lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.
Corn
One of the most controversial ingredients in many kibbles is corn. While corn itself is not toxic to dogs, the kernels pass through the digestive system largely undigested because dogs lack the enzyme necessary to break it down properly (source). This can lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Corn is also one of the most common food allergens for dogs, so kibbles with corn may cause allergic reactions in some pups.
Studies have shown that dogs fed diets high in corn have poorer stool quality and require more frequent bowel movements than dogs fed meat-based diets (source). The corn in kibble acts more as a filler than a nutritious ingredient for dogs. The undigested kernels simply pass through the digestive tract, absorbing water along the way and resulting in loose stools or diarrhea.
Overall, the high corn content of many cheap kibbles like Kibbles ‘n Bits can lead to gastrointestinal upset in dogs due to the inability to properly digest it. Choosing a food with high-quality meat as the first ingredient instead of corn can help improve stool quality.
Soy
Soy is a common ingredient used as a protein source in many dog foods, including Kibbles ‘n Bits. Some dogs can develop sensitivities or intolerances to soy, which may cause digestive upset like diarrhea or vomiting. According to the AKC, soy allergies in dogs are not as common as allergies to other ingredients like corn or wheat, but they can occur.
The proteins found in soy can be difficult for some dogs to digest properly. As noted by The Vets, “Symptoms of a food allergy in dogs include itchy skin and/or digestive upset (sickness and diarrhea). If your dog eats soy in a human food, then has digestive upset, a soy allergy may be the cause.”
According to Dog Naturally Magazine, “So they block your dog’s absorption of vitamins and minerals. Antinutrients in soy can cause digestive issues like gas, diarrhea and bloating.”
If your dog experiences diarrhea or other digestive issues after eating Kibbles ‘n Bits or other foods containing soy, it may indicate an intolerance or sensitivity. Switching to a high-quality soy-free food could help resolve these symptoms.
Sources:
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/soy-pet-food/
Artificial Colors and Preservatives
Many dog foods like Kibbles ‘n Bits contain artificial colors and preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. While these ingredients help prolong shelf life, they can cause adverse reactions in dogs including diarrhea, according to sources like Dog Food Advisor. Artificial preservatives are designed to prevent spoilage, but they can disrupt your dog’s digestive system and cause loose stools or diarrhea. Preservatives like BHA and BHT are suspected carcinogens and link to allergies in dogs.
Lack of Probiotics
One of the main reasons Kibbles ‘n Bits may cause diarrhea in dogs is that it lacks probiotics, which are beneficial live microorganisms that can help support digestion and nutrient absorption. Probiotics have been shown to help regulate gastrointestinal motility and strengthen the gut mucosal barrier in dogs (source). Some common probiotic strains like Bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus acidophilus may alleviate acute diarrhea by shortening the duration of loose stools (source).
Kibbles ‘n Bits does not contain any added probiotics. The lack of these beneficial microbes means the gastrointestinal tract may not get the support it needs for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. This disruption of the gut microbiome is likely a key reason why many dogs experience diarrhea and soft stools when transitioned to a Kibbles ‘n Bits diet.
Supplementing probiotics or choosing a dog food with added probiotics may help firm up stools. Veterinarians often recommend fortified foods or supplements with Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Bacillus strains for dogs prone to diarrhea. Adding some probiotic-rich foods like plain yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi to your dog’s diet can also help populate the gut with good microbes.
Transitioning Foods
One of the most important factors when switching dog foods is to make the transition gradually over the course of 5-7 days. As highlighted in this AKC article, abrupt changes in diet can lead to gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. When transitioning to a new food, you’ll want to slowly incorporate the new kibble by mixing it with the old. On days 1 and 2, do a 75% old food and 25% new food mix. On days 3 and 4, do 50% old and 50% new. Then on days 5, 6 and 7, shift to 25% old food and 75% new.
As explained in this PetMD article, following this gradual transition schedule allows your dog’s digestive system time to adapt to the new food and nutrients. Rushing the process can overwhelm your dog’s stomach and lead to irritation, digestion issues, and loose stools or diarrhea. Take your time and stick to the transition schedule to set your dog up for success on the new kibble.
When to See a Vet
Diarrhea that lasts for more than 48 hours may indicate a larger issue that requires veterinary attention. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, you should call your vet if loose stool persists for more than two days. Likewise, the veterinarians at Leo’s Pet Care recommend seeing your vet if diarrhea continues for over 48 hours.
Persistent diarrhea could point to more serious underlying causes like:
- A viral infection like parvovirus or distemper (Leo’s Pet Care)
- Inflammatory bowel disease or colitis (AZVet)
- Liver or kidney disease (AZVet)
Even if your dog seems fine otherwise, prolonged diarrhea takes a toll on fluid levels and nutrients. Seeking veterinary care allows identifying and addressing any underlying issue to restore your dog’s health.
Better Alternatives
There are many higher quality dog food options without irritating ingredients like Kibbles ‘n Bits. According to Tuft’s Veterinary Nutrition, reduced fat and highly digestible diets can help dogs with chronic diarrhea. Look for a limited ingredient dog food made with a novel protein like duck, salmon, or venison that your dog hasn’t eaten before. This reduces the chance of an adverse reaction. Other good options include foods high in soluble fiber like sweet potatoes or pumpkin, which can firm up stools.
Some well-regarded brands that meet these criteria include Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Dog Food, Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care, and Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP Dry Dog Food. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best food for your individual dog’s needs. Transition slowly over a week, mixing a little of the new food in with the old to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust.