When a dog has diarrhea, the first step is often to withhold food for a short period, usually 12 to 24 hours for adult dogs, to let the digestive system rest, though puppies should never be fasted for long periods without vet advice. Giving the gut a break can stop the irritation. After the fast, or immediately if the diarrhea is mild, you need to introduce easily digestible foods to start firming up the stools. This guide will show you the best quick fixes and safe foods to feed your dog when their stomach is upset.
Why Does My Dog Have Loose Stools?
Diarrhea is a common problem for dogs. It means waste moves too fast through the gut. Many things can cause this. Sometimes it is simple, like eating something new or fatty. Other times, it signals a bigger health issue.
Common causes include:
- Dietary indiscretion: Eating garbage, table scraps, or spoiled food.
- Sudden diet change: Switching dog food brands too fast.
- Stress or anxiety: Travel, boarding, or loud noises can affect the gut.
- Infections: Bacteria, viruses, or parasites like worms.
- Underlying illness: Issues with the pancreas or other organs.
If the diarrhea lasts more than a couple of days, or if your dog is also vomiting, lethargic, or has blood in the stool, you must call your vet right away.
Immediate Steps: Resting the Gut
When diarrhea starts, your main goal is to calm the gut down.
Fasting for Short Periods
For adult dogs, stopping food for 12 to 24 hours can help. This gives the inflamed intestines time to recover.
Important Note: Puppies, toy breeds, and senior dogs should not be fasted for long periods. Their small size means they can drop their blood sugar quickly. For these dogs, feed very small amounts of bland food sooner.
Hydration is Key
Diarrhea causes the body to lose lots of water. Dehydration is a real danger. Make sure your dog always has fresh, clean water available.
- If the dog is also vomiting, offer small amounts of water frequently. Don’t let them gulp large amounts at once, as this can trigger more vomiting.
- Electrolyte solutions made for dogs (check with your vet first) can help replace lost salts.
Introducing the Bland Diet for Dogs with Loose Stools
Once the fasting period is over, or if the diarrhea is mild, it is time to introduce gentle foods. The bland diet for dogs with loose stools is the gold standard for recovery. This food is low in fat and fiber, making it very easy to digest.
What To Feed Dog Upset Stomach: The Basics
The main components of a successful recovery diet are simple proteins and simple carbohydrates.
1. Lean Protein Sources
Choose proteins that are boiled or baked plain, with no added salt, fat, or spices.
- Boiled Chicken Breast: Skinless and boneless. This is a favorite option. Boil it until fully cooked, then shred it finely.
- Plain Ground Beef (Extra Lean): Drain off all the fat after browning.
- Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: Some dogs tolerate this well, but watch for intolerance to dairy.
2. Simple Carbohydrates
These provide energy and help bind the stool.
- White Rice: Plain, cooked until very soft. White rice has less fiber than brown rice, which is better for an irritated gut.
- Plain Canned Pumpkin (Pure Pumpkin, NOT pie filling): This is a powerhouse. It is rich in soluble fiber that absorbs excess water. It is often considered one of the best food for dog with diarrhea options.
- Boiled Potatoes (No skin): Plain and mashed well.
The Classic BRAT Diet for Dogs Analogy
While not an exact match for dogs, the concept of the BRAT diet for dogs (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is often used as a starting point. However, for dogs, we adapt it slightly:
- Bananas: Good source of potassium, which is lost during diarrhea.
- Rice: Plain white rice, as mentioned above.
- Applesauce: Plain, unsweetened. Offers pectin, which can soothe the gut.
- Toast: Plain white toast (no butter or spreads).
Use these items in combination with a lean protein.
Building the Bland Meal Plan
The ratio of protein to carb is important for success. A good starting point is 2 parts carbohydrate to 1 part protein.
For example: 2 tablespoons of rice mixed with 1 tablespoon of shredded chicken.
Feeding Schedule for Dog Diarrhea
The feeding schedule for dog diarrhea should focus on small, frequent meals rather than one or two large ones. This prevents overwhelming the tired digestive system.
| Time | Adult Dog Action (After Fast) | Puppy/Small Dog Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hour 1-2 | Offer a tablespoon-sized portion of the bland mix. | Offer half a teaspoon size portion. |
| Hour 3-4 | If no vomiting, offer the same small amount again. | Offer the same small amount again. |
| Rest of Day 1 | Continue offering small amounts every 3-4 hours. | Continue offering small amounts every 2-3 hours. |
| Day 2 Onward | If stools are improving, slightly increase portion size, but keep frequency high. | Gradually increase portion size and slowly decrease frequency to 4-5 meals. |
The goal is to slowly transition back to normal food over several days.
Dog Food Alternatives for Diarrhea: When Normal Food Isn’t Working
If commercial dog food is making things worse, you need dog food alternatives for diarrhea until the gut heals. The bland diet serves as this alternative.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
These are crucial for restoring healthy gut flora. Diarrhea often flushes out the good bacteria.
- Probiotics: These introduce beneficial bacteria. You can use a dog-specific probiotic powder or supplement. Plain, unsweetened yogurt (if the dog tolerates dairy) can provide some live cultures, but powders are often more concentrated.
- Prebiotics: These are fibers that feed the good bacteria. Pumpkin is a good natural source.
Supplements to Consider
Besides probiotics, a few other items can aid recovery:
- Slippery Elm Bark: This herb creates a slick coating over the irritated lining of the stomach and intestines. It is a well-known natural remedy.
- Kaolin/Pectin: These substances help absorb toxins and firm up the stool. They are common ingredients in veterinary anti-diarrheal pastes. Always check with your vet before giving your dog any over-the-counter medication.
Natural Remedies for Dog Diarrhea
Many effective natural remedies for dog diarrhea can be used alongside dietary changes.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal binds to toxins and irritants in the digestive tract, preventing their absorption. It must be given separately from any medication, as it will absorb those too. Use only under veterinary guidance.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. A small amount of cooled, weak chamomile tea given by mouth or mixed with food may help soothe irritation.
Bone Broth
If your dog is struggling to eat solid food, warm, low-sodium bone broth can provide hydration and some gentle nutrients. It is very soothing.
Managing Vomiting Alongside Diarrhea
If your dog is experiencing both sickness and loose stools, the approach must be gentler. This is often the situation when owners ask what to give dog for vomiting and diarrhea.
- Stop All Food Immediately: If active vomiting is present, do not offer any food or large amounts of water for several hours (4-6 hours is typical). The stomach needs to completely settle.
- Sip Water Only: Offer ice chips or a teaspoon of water every 30 minutes. If they keep this down for a few hours, increase the amount slightly.
- Introduce Bland Food Slowly: Once vomiting has stopped for at least 6-8 hours, start with a very small amount of the bland diet—smaller than you would for diarrhea alone. If they tolerate this for an hour, offer a tiny bit more.
Transitioning Back to Regular Food
The bland diet is temporary. It is designed to heal the gut, not sustain long-term health. You must transition back slowly to prevent recurrence.
How Long To Feed Bland Diet To Dog?
Generally, you should feed the bland diet for 2 to 4 days. This timeline depends on how quickly the stools firm up. If stools are normal for 24-48 hours, you can begin mixing.
The Mixing Ratio
Use the following schedule to mix the old food back in:
| Day | Bland Food Percentage | Regular Food Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 of Transition | 75% | 25% |
| Day 2 of Transition | 50% | 50% |
| Day 3 of Transition | 25% | 75% |
| Day 4 Onward | 0% (Back to Normal) | 100% |
If diarrhea returns at any stage of the transition, go back one step in the schedule and stay there for an extra day before trying to increase the regular food again.
Special Considerations
Feeding Puppies with Diarrhea
Puppies are highly vulnerable. Do not fast puppies for more than 6-8 hours max, and only if they are energetic and not vomiting. Always consult a veterinarian quickly if a puppy has diarrhea, as dehydration can set in fast. Focus on frequent, tiny meals of the bland diet.
Senior Dogs
Older dogs often have less robust immune systems. Dietary indiscretion can hit them harder. If a senior dog develops diarrhea, vet consultation is usually recommended sooner rather than later, especially if they are on other medications that might be affected.
When Diet Fixes Are Not Enough: When to See the Vet
While dietary changes and home remedies work for simple tummy upsets, certain signs mean professional help is mandatory.
Call your vet immediately if you see:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours despite home care.
- Vomiting that prevents the dog from keeping down water.
- Blood in the stool (bright red or black and tarry).
- Extreme lethargy, weakness, or collapse.
- Fever or abdominal pain.
- The dog is a puppy or a very small/fragile senior dog.
Your vet might recommend prescription diets designed for sensitive stomachs, specific medications, or diagnostic tests to find the root cause.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea?
A: You must never give your dog Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) without explicit direction from your veterinarian. It contains salicylates, which are related to aspirin. It can cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding and toxicity, especially in smaller dogs or those with certain underlying conditions. Use vet-approved products only.
Q2: How long should I continue giving canned pumpkin for loose stools?
A: Canned pumpkin should only be used while the dog is recovering, typically 2 to 5 days. Once stools are firming up, you should stop adding it to the meals. If you continue it long-term, it can interfere with the absorption of other vital nutrients.
Q3: Is yogurt good for a dog with an upset stomach?
A: Plain, unsweetened yogurt might help if your dog is known to tolerate dairy, as it contains probiotics. However, many dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can worsen diarrhea. It is safer to use a dedicated canine probiotic supplement or plain pumpkin instead.
Q4: Should I switch their food immediately to the bland diet?
A: Yes, if the diarrhea is severe, an immediate switch is needed to stop further irritation. If the diarrhea is very mild, you can try introducing the bland food alongside a very small amount of the old food, but switching completely to the bland diet is usually the fastest way to calm the gut down.
Q5: What about feeding rice and chicken forever?
A: No, chicken and rice is a temporary recovery diet, not a complete, balanced long-term diet. It lacks essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids needed for daily health. Once recovery is complete, you must slowly transition back to your dog’s regular, complete food.