This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Wilson, BScH, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition).
If you’ve ever driven long distances with your pup or tried to incorporate breakfast and a walk before running out the door in the morning, you’ve probably asked yourself: How long does it take for a dog to digest food? Understanding your pup’s digestion is key to setting routines, crafting their perfect menu, and spotting when something’s not quite right. So, let’s dig into the basics of canine digestion!
The Basics of Canine Digestion
Small dogs, with their zippy metabolisms and shorter digestive tracts, often digest food quicker than their larger counterparts. These petite pups typically take around 4 to 8 hours to digest their meals. So, if you want to know how long does it take for a small dog to digest food and poop, keep in mind that the smaller the breed, the faster the food passes through their system, which means you might find yourself making more frequent bathroom trips! The entire process from chowing down to pooping can take roughly 8 to 12 hours, depending on diet factors such as fat content, fiber content, or meal size, as well as factors such as individual activity level and when active movement occurs.
If you’re wondering how long it takes for a large dog to digest food, breeds like Great Danes and German Shepherds typically take longer to digest their meals. With their larger bodies, often larger meals, and longer intestines, they can take up to 12 to 24 hours to fully break down their food. Their meals are often bigger, requiring more time for digestion. If your dog has a diet heavy on high-fiber (particularly insoluble fiber) foods, patience is crucial—they’ll need more time to process everything properly.
Factors That Affect Digestion
Several factors influence how quickly your dog’s meal goes from bowl to backyard:
- Age: Puppies are like tiny engines—they digest food faster than older dogs.
- Health: If your dog has tummy issues or digestive sensitivities, it might take them longer to process food, or they may pass food more quickly as they are not fully digesting their food.
- Activity Level: Active pups may digest their meals quicker, thanks to their boosted metabolism. In addition, when you initiate activity can impact when defecation occurs; If you take your dog for a walk 10-20 minutes after eating, that can promote gastrointestinal motility and help the digestive process.
- Diet: What’s in your dog’s food matters! Ingredients and food digestibility can either speed up or slow down digestion.
- Fat content: higher fat meals may take longer to leave the stomach and result in slower passage of the meal through the body.
- Fiber content: depending on the type and amount of fiber, transit time through the gastrointestinal can be impacted. Soluble fiber can pass more quickly through the digestive system, while insoluble fiber may take longer to pass. In addition, the fiber isn’t even being digested by your dog, but rather the complex microbiota (group of bacteria, virus, and other beings that help digest in the large intestine). The microbiota use the fiber as food and produce short chain fatty acids which can help your dogs intestinal health. So while your dog isn’t digesting the fiber, it can be helpful and will impact transit time.
- Meal size: Small meals fed more often will take less time to digest, while larger meals will take longer to digest, thus are typically fed only once or twice a daily.
Food Type: The Game-Changer
What’s on your pup’s menu can definitely affect digestion time. Fresh food, for example, can pass through their system more easily—taking roughly 8 to 10 hours—since it’s already highly digestible and high in moisture! Foods with varying fiber content can even give your pup’s gut a gentle nudge, depending on soluble and insoluble fiber content, which can promote regular movements.
On the contrary, foods that are harsh on a dog’s stomach may result in a quick and unenjoyable potty trip. Not sure which foods can be harmful to your pup? Check out our Comprehensive List of Foods Your Dog Should Avoid
How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Digest Dry Food like kibble?
When it comes to kibble, the digestion process takes a bit longer. On average, dogs require about 12 to 16 hours to fully digest kibble due to its typically higher fiber content and low moisture content. It’s like reading a dense mystery novel—engaging but time-consuming. The typically higher fiber content in kibble means it can take longer to process through your dog’s system, which is why adding a little fresh food which is high in moisture and lower fiber content and cutting back on a little kibble, can help support smooth digestion.
If you’re looking to make digestion easier and healthier for your dog, consider switching to fresh, whole-food options. Our fresh meal plans at The Pets Table are crafted with high-quality proteins and whole vegetables, delivering essential vitamins, minerals, and oils for a complete and balanced diet. Unlike kibble, fresh food is lower fiber, high moisture, and highly palatable option, allowing for easier digestion and excellent nutrient absorption. Treat your dog to a fresh, delicious meal that supports their health from the inside out! Try your first box with 50% off!
Air-Dried Food: A Digestive Delight
This type of food is trending among pet parents, and for good reason! The gentle drying process locks in nutrients and flavor, making it highly digestible, more feasible for a grazing pet, and another delicious option different from traditional kibble. Dogs may experience fewer tummy troubles and a happier gut when switching to air-dried food if the transition is done gradually.
This food is very easy to feed, does not require refrigeration and is a great affordable alternative if you find fresh options are too expensive.
If you haven’t tried The Pets Table’s healthy Air-Dried dog food yet, why not start with 50% off your first box? Your pup will love you for it—and you’ll love the difference it makes!
Signs of Healthy Digestion
So, how do you know if your pup’s digestion is on track? Regular bathroom breaks—typically once or twice a day—are a good indicator that their digestive system is functioning smoothly. A healthy dog will usually have consistent, firm stools that are easy to pick up. Keep an eye on their energy levels, too—dogs with a well-functioning digestive system tend to be more energetic and playful. A shiny coat and good appetite are also key signs that everything is working as it should.
However, if your dog’s schedule suddenly changes—such as a decrease in bathroom frequency, diarrhea, or excessively hard stools—it could be a sign of digestive trouble. Pay attention to any signs of discomfort, having difficulty posturing or repeatedly posturing with no movement, excessive licking of their stomach, whining, or restlessness. Other warning signals to watch for include bloating, gas, vomiting, or a noticeable drop in energy levels. These could all indicate issues ranging from mild indigestion to more serious conditions like food allergies, gastrointestinal infections, or even pancreatitis.
Being a vigilant pet parent means observing these signs and understanding what’s normal and what’s not. If you notice any persistent changes in your dog’s digestive habits or overall behavior, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. They can help you determine if dietary adjustments are needed or if there’s a potential health issue that requires further investigation. A healthy digestive system is essential to your pup’s well-being, so regular check-ins with your vet can go a long way in keeping your furry friend happy and comfortable.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to digestion, every dog is a little different. Tiny pups may zip through their meals in 4 hours, while larger breeds might take up to a full day. Factors like size, age, activity level, and diet factors all play a role. But one thing is certain: patience is a virtue in the world of canine digestion. So, next time you’re out with your furry friend, remember that good things (and happy tails) come to those who wait!
About the Author
Meet Dr. Sarah Wilson, our Board Certified Vet Nutritionist® with a combined 24 years experience in vet medicine and nutrition. Fun fact: there are only about 100 Board Certified Vet Nutritionist® in the US, so we’re incredibly fortunate to have her on staff!
Nutrition and food safety are our highest priorities. That’s why we work with Sarah and other expert formulators to ensure our products are held to the highest industry standards. All of our recipes are formulated to meet your dog’s nutritional needs and fuel a happy, healthy lifestyle. Learn more about her.