What should you feed a dog with diarrhea? Generally, you should start with a bland diet for a short time, focusing on easily digestible foods like plain, cooked white rice and boiled, skinless, boneless chicken or lean ground beef. This simple approach rests the gut.
Dog diarrhea is very common. It can be scary to see your usually happy dog feeling poorly. Knowing what to feed can make a big difference in recovery. This guide will walk you through the best steps for feeding your dog when their tummy is upset. We will cover what to feed now, what to feed later, and when to seek professional help.
Quick Steps When Diarrhea Starts
When diarrhea first hits, the first goal is to rest the digestive system. Think of it like pressing the “reset” button on your dog’s gut.
Initial Fasting Period
For many mild cases, many vets suggest a short fast. This gives the inflamed intestines a break.
- Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): Fast for 12 hours.
- Large Dogs (over 20 lbs): Fast for 18 to 24 hours.
Important Note: Water should always be available. Dehydration is a major risk with diarrhea. If your dog is vomiting frequently, skip the fast and call your vet right away.
Establishing a Bland Diet for Dog with Upset Stomach
After the short fast, you must slowly introduce food again. This is where the bland diet for dog with upset stomach comes in. This diet should be low in fat and fiber. Fat is hard to digest and can make diarrhea worse.
Key Components of the Bland Diet
The best bland diets use two main parts: a simple protein source and a simple carbohydrate source. They should be mixed in a ratio of about 1 part protein to 2 parts carbohydrate.
Simple Protein Sources
These must be cooked thoroughly and drained of all fat.
- Boiled, Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast: This is a staple. Boil it until it is cooked through. Shred or dice it finely.
- Lean Ground Beef (90% lean or higher): Boil the beef until all the fat rises to the top. Drain this fat away completely.
- Canned Pumpkin (Pure Pumpkin, NOT pie filling): This adds fiber, which helps bulk up the stool. It is a great addition.
Simple Carbohydrate Sources
These should also be cooked until very soft.
- White Rice: Cook this until it is almost mushy. Brown rice has too much fiber right now.
- Plain, Boiled Potatoes (No skin): Ensure no butter, salt, or seasonings are added.
- Plain Boiled Pasta: Use small shapes, cooked until very soft.
Bland Diet Meal Plan Example
Here is how you put the meal together:
| Ingredient | Preparation | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| White Rice | Cooked until soft, no salt | Easy to digest energy source |
| Boiled Chicken | Shredded, no skin or bones | Gentle, easily absorbed protein |
| Plain Pumpkin | Canned (pure), no sugar added | Soluble fiber helps firm stool |
Mix these gently. Offer a very small amount first. This cautious approach is key to successful dog diarrhea home remedies.
The Feeding Schedule for Dog with Diarrhea
How often you feed is almost as important as what you feed. The goal is frequent, small meals to avoid overloading the tired gut. This forms the basis of the feeding schedule for dog with diarrhea.
Phase 1: Reintroduction (Day 1 or 2)
Start slow. If your dog has not eaten for 12-24 hours (fasted), give them just one teaspoon of the bland food mix. Wait an hour. If they keep that down, offer another small amount.
- Frequency: Offer very small amounts every 3 to 4 hours.
- Portion Size: Keep it tiny—about 1/4 of their normal meal size, spread out over many small feedings.
Phase 2: Building Back (Days 2 to 4)
If the stool starts to firm up (less liquid, more formed), you can slowly increase the amount given at each meal and reduce the frequency slightly.
- Frequency: Feed 4 to 6 small meals spread throughout the day.
- Portion Size: Gradually increase the portion size toward 1/2 of their normal daily amount.
Phase 3: Transitioning Back (Days 4 Onward)
If stools are normal for 24 hours, you can begin moving toward their regular food. See the section on reintroducing food later.
Identifying the Best Food for Dog with Loose Stool
When diarrhea persists, switching to a specialized food designed for sensitive stomachs can help. The best food for dog with loose stool usually has specific qualities.
Prescription Gastrointestinal Diets
Vets often recommend prescription dog foods (like Hills i/d, Royal Canin Gastrointestinal, or Purina EN). These foods are designed for temporary use during digestive upset.
- High Digestibility: Ingredients are chosen to be very easy for the body to absorb.
- Specific Fiber Levels: They balance soluble and insoluble fiber perfectly to firm up stools.
- Prebiotics: These support healthy gut bacteria growth.
Over-the-Counter Options
If a prescription food isn’t available or recommended, look for high-quality, limited-ingredient commercial dog foods that are low in fat and use novel proteins (proteins the dog hasn’t eaten much before). However, always introduce these very slowly to prevent further stomach upset.
Managing Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea Diet
When your dog has both vomiting and diarrhea, the situation is more urgent. The focus shifts heavily to hydration and resting the GI tract completely.
If your dog is experiencing dog vomiting and diarrhea diet management requires more caution. Vomiting suggests the stomach lining is highly irritated.
- Stop All Food: Do not attempt to feed anything for 6-8 hours after the last episode of vomiting.
- Water Management: Offer only tiny amounts of water (a few laps) every 30 minutes. If the dog immediately vomits the water, call your vet, as they might need fluids administered by a professional.
- Introduce Clear Liquids: If water is tolerated, some vets suggest clear, unflavored electrolyte solutions (like unflavored Pedialyte, heavily diluted with water) in very small amounts to help replace lost salts.
- Bland Diet Introduction: Only start the bland diet (Phase 1, teaspoon amounts) after the dog has kept down water for at least 4-6 hours.
Incorporating Natural Remedies for Dog Diarrhea
While medical intervention is sometimes necessary, several natural remedies for dog diarrhea can support recovery alongside a bland diet.
Probiotics
Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria back into the gut. This is crucial after diarrhea has flushed out much of the natural flora.
- Sources: You can use a specific veterinary probiotic supplement or plain, unsweetened yogurt (if your dog tolerates dairy, which is rare with acute diarrhea).
- Timing: Start probiotics once the vomiting has stopped and the dog is tolerating the bland diet well.
Slippery Elm Bark
Slippery elm is a soothing herb. It forms a gel when mixed with water, which coats and calms the irritated lining of the digestive tract.
- Usage: Mix the powder with a small amount of water to create a paste. Mix this paste into the bland food once the dog is eating small meals.
Bone Broth
Homemade bone broth (made without salt, onions, garlic, or spices) can be highly beneficial. It is hydrating and contains minerals and gelatin that help soothe the gut lining.
- Usage: Offer cooled broth between meals or mix a small amount into the bland diet for flavor and moisture.
What Not to Feed Dog with Diarrhea
It is vital to avoid anything that could irritate the gut further. Knowing what not to feed dog with diarrhea is essential for a speedy recovery.
AVOID THESE ITEMS COMPLETELY DURING DIARRHEA:
- High-Fat Foods: Bacon, fatty meats, cheese, rich gravies, table scraps. Fat triggers the release of enzymes that can worsen intestinal inflammation.
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, ice cream. Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy speeds up intestinal transit time.
- Spicy or Seasoned Foods: Salt, pepper, onions, garlic, chives. These are toxic or highly irritating.
- Raw Foods: Raw meat or eggs carry a risk of harmful bacteria (like Salmonella) when the dog’s immune system and gut are already compromised.
- High Fiber/Gas Producers: Beans, broccoli, cauliflower, raw carrots (until recovery).
- Dog Treats or Chews: Do not give any regular treats, bones, or rawhides until the stool is solid for several days.
What to Feed Dog After Diarrhea Stops
Once your dog has had firm, normal stools for 24 to 48 hours, you can begin transitioning back to their regular food. Rushing this step is the most common cause of diarrhea recurring.
The transition should take 5 to 7 days. This slow shift allows the gut enzymes to adjust back to digesting the normal diet components.
The Gradual Reintroduction Process
This process focuses on reintroducing food after dog diarrhea stops smoothly.
| Day | Bland Diet Portion | Regular Food Portion | Total Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 75% | 25% | Maintain current frequency |
| Day 2 | 50% | 50% | Maintain current frequency |
| Day 3 | 25% | 75% | Maintain current frequency |
| Day 4+ | 0% | 100% | Return to normal schedule |
If you notice any softening of the stool during this transition, immediately revert to the previous day’s ratio for another 24 hours before trying to advance again.
Comprehending When to Call the Vet
While most bouts of diarrhea resolve with home care, some situations require immediate veterinary attention. Knowing when to call vet for dog diarrhea is critical for your dog’s safety.
Urgent Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Veterinary Care:
- Extreme Lethargy or Weakness: The dog is unresponsive or unable to stand easily.
- Persistent Vomiting: If the dog cannot keep down water or small amounts of food after 12 hours.
- Bloody Stool: Any bright red blood (fresh blood) or dark, tarry stools (digested blood).
- Dehydration: Check the gums—if they are tacky or dry, or if the skin “tents” when lightly pinched on the back.
- Fever: Rectal temperature above 103.5°F (39.7°C).
- Puppies or Senior Dogs: These groups dehydrate much faster and need more aggressive monitoring.
- Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours despite home treatment.
When Diarrhea Looks Concerning
If your dog has severe diarrhea and is also showing signs of pain, bloating, or has a black, tarry stool, this can indicate bleeding higher up in the digestive tract and needs immediate care.
Fathoming the Causes of Diarrhea
To prevent future issues, it helps to know what likely caused the current episode. Common causes are varied.
Dietary Indiscretion (The “Garbage Gut”)
This is the most frequent cause. It means the dog ate something they shouldn’t have—spoiled food from the trash, rich human food leftovers, or simply ate too much too fast.
Stress and Anxiety
Emotional stress can cause physical digestive upset in dogs, similar to humans. Changes in routine, boarding, or moving house can trigger loose stools.
Infections
Bacterial (like Salmonella or E. coli), viral (like Parvovirus, especially in unvaccinated puppies), or parasitic infections (Giardia, Coccidia) are common culprits. These often require specific medication from a vet.
Food Intolerances or Allergies
If diarrhea is chronic (long-term), it might be due to an intolerance to an ingredient in the regular food, often a protein source like beef or chicken.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Less common, but serious causes include Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), pancreatitis, kidney or liver issues, or obstructions. These require extensive testing.
Advanced Care: Managing Chronic Diarrhea
If diarrhea lasts for weeks or months, it is called chronic diarrhea. This needs a thorough investigation beyond the bland diet.
Diagnostic Steps Your Vet Might Take
- Fecal Testing: Checking for parasites, bacteria, and yeast.
- Blood Work: Assessing organ function and inflammation levels.
- Dietary Trials: Putting the dog on a strict hypoallergenic novel protein diet (e.g., duck and potato) for 8-12 weeks to rule out food sensitivities.
- Endoscopy/Biopsy: In severe, unresponsive cases, looking directly at the intestinal lining may be necessary to diagnose IBD or cancer.
For chronic cases, maintaining gut health with high-quality, vet-approved long-term food and supplements becomes the main focus, often moving beyond the temporary bland diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Feeding Dogs with Diarrhea
How long should I keep my dog on a bland diet?
Generally, feed the bland diet for 2 to 4 days after the stool returns to normal consistency. If you stop too early, the diarrhea often returns. Always transition slowly back to the regular food over 4 to 7 days.
Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol or Imodium for diarrhea?
Never give your dog human medications without explicit instruction from your veterinarian. Pepto-Bismol contains salicylates, which can be toxic to dogs, especially cats, and can mask serious symptoms. Imodium (loperamide) can be dangerous for certain breeds (like Collies or Shelties) due to a genetic mutation (MDR1 gene defect) and can cause severe constipation or serious side effects. Always consult your vet first.
Is cottage cheese okay for a dog with an upset stomach?
No, cottage cheese is generally not recommended. Even low-fat cottage cheese contains lactose, which can worsen diarrhea in dogs who have temporary lactose intolerance due to gut inflammation. Stick to plain, boiled protein sources instead.
My dog won’t eat the bland diet. What now?
If your dog refuses food for more than 24 hours (after the initial fast), you must contact your vet. Refusal to eat, especially when combined with vomiting or lethargy, suggests a more serious problem. Sometimes warming the bland food slightly or adding a tiny bit of low-sodium broth can encourage eating.
If my dog has diarrhea, should I stop their regular dog food completely?
Yes, temporarily stop the regular food immediately when diarrhea starts (after the initial fast). Regular dog food, especially those high in fat or complex ingredients, is too hard to digest when the gut is inflamed. You must switch to the bland diet until the gut heals.