puppy constipation

Question
my puppy i think is constipated. he can poop but when he does he cries and it is hard for him to get it out. He eats purina beneful puppy food. There is plenty of fresh water available at all times. Can you tell me what you would do if your dog was like this.

Answer
First, I would put him on a better food, such as Eagle or Wellness. Beneful puppy food is primarily grains, with very little meat protein in it. It also contains menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), and dyes. http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=menadione  The first ingredient of a dog food should be a meat protein (preferably a meat meal), there should be a limited amount of grains, and NO by-products.

As to the constipation, try feeding him a teaspoon or so (depending on his size) of canned pumpkin (not the pie filling, but the real thing). If this doesn't work, have him examined by a veterinarian, as he could possibly have a bowel obstruction. Puppies do like to put everything in their mouths.