When a dog has diarrhea, the first thing to consider is fasting for dog with diarrhea for a short period, usually 12 to 24 hours for adult dogs, to let the gut rest. This feeding guide will show you the best options for what to feed sick dog to help them recover quickly. Giving the right food helps stop the loose stools and soothing dog stomach upset.
Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a common problem for dogs. It means their poop is too watery. Many things can cause it. Sometimes it is just eating something bad. Other times, it can be sickness or stress. Whatever the cause, feeding the right food is key to recovery. We want to give the gut a break first. Then, we introduce very gentle food.
Immediate Steps: Short-Term Fasting
Before giving any food, it is smart to fast your dog briefly.
For Adult Dogs
Adult dogs can safely fast for 12 to 24 hours. This gives the inflamed digestive tract time to calm down. Make sure you keep fresh water available at all times. Hydration is vital when a dog has diarrhea.
For Puppies and Small Dogs
Puppies should not fast for long periods. Their small bodies use up energy fast. Fasting puppies for more than 12 hours is risky. Consult your vet if your puppy has diarrhea. They might need food sooner.
The Essential First Meal: Introducing the Bland Diet
After the short fast, you need to start feeding very simple food. This is called a bland diet for dogs. This diet is low in fat and fiber. It is easy to digest.
What Exactly is a Bland Diet?
A bland diet gives the stomach gentle fuel. It should be one protein source and one carbohydrate source. We mix them together.
Best Protein Sources
You need cooked, lean protein. Fat makes diarrhea worse.
- Boiled chicken and rice for dogs is the classic choice. Boil the chicken until it is fully cooked. Remove all skin and bones. Shred the meat finely.
- Lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) can also work. Drain off all the fat after cooking.
- Plain, cooked white fish (like cod) is another option if your vet approves.
Best Carbohydrate Sources
Carbs help bind the stool.
- Plain white rice is the best choice. It has very little fiber. Cook it until it is soft and mushy.
- Plain, mashed sweet potato (skin removed) can be used sometimes.
- Plain white pasta can also work if rice is not available.
The BRAT Diet for Dogs: Is It Right?
People often ask about the BRAT diet for dogs. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast.
- Bananas: Good for potassium. They add bulk. Use sparingly.
- Rice: The main part of the bland diet.
- Applesauce: Plain, unsweetened is best. It has pectin, which helps firm stools.
- Toast: Only plain, white toast, no butter or spreads.
While elements of the BRAT diet are helpful, it is not a complete diet plan for dogs. Use the rice and sometimes banana or applesauce as part of your planned bland feeding.
How to Prepare Food for a Sensitive Stomach
Preparation matters greatly when you are soothing dog stomach upset. The food must be gentle.
Preparing Boiled Chicken and Rice
This is the gold standard for sick dogs.
- Cook the Rice: Use plain water. Cook until the rice is very soft.
- Cook the Chicken: Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pot. Cover with water. Boil until cooked through. Do not add salt, oil, or spices.
- Mix: Drain the chicken water. Shred the chicken very well. Mix about two parts cooked rice to one part cooked, shredded chicken.
This mixture is easily digestible dog food.
Preparing Ground Beef and Rice
If you use beef instead of chicken:
- Brown the lean ground beef in a pan.
- Drain away all the fat using a strainer or paper towels.
- Mix with the cooked, plain white rice.
The Feeding Schedule for Dog Diarrhea
How often and how much you feed is as important as what you feed. Following a proper feeding schedule for dog diarrhea helps the gut heal without getting overwhelmed.
| Time After Fast Ends | Amount to Feed | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Meal (Post-Fast) | Very small amount (about 1-2 teaspoons) | Wait 2-3 hours | Just a taste to test tolerance. |
| Subsequent Meals (Day 1) | Small amounts (about 1/4 of a normal meal size) | Every 4-6 hours | Watch closely for vomiting or more diarrhea. |
| Day 2 | Slightly larger amounts (about 1/2 of a normal meal size) | Every 6 hours | If stools are improving, increase slightly. |
| Day 3 Onward | Gradually return to normal amount | 3 times a day | Slowly mix in their regular food. |
Always feed small amounts frequently rather than large meals. Large meals stress the digestive system.
Transitioning Back to Regular Food
Do not switch back to your dog’s normal food suddenly. This can restart the diarrhea. The transition must be slow.
The Mixing Process
Start mixing the bland diet with the regular food gradually over 3 to 5 days.
- Day 1 & 2: 75% Bland Diet / 25% Regular Food
- Day 3 & 4: 50% Bland Diet / 50% Regular Food
- Day 5 & 6: 25% Bland Diet / 75% Regular Food
- Day 7: 100% Regular Food
If diarrhea returns at any stage, go back one step in the schedule. Stay there until the stool firms up again.
Supportive Supplements for Recovery
While the bland diet does the heavy lifting, certain supplements can help speed up healing and restore gut balance. These are often considered a dog diarrhea home remedy when used safely alongside bland food.
Probiotics for Dog Diarrhea
Probiotics for dog diarrhea are essential. They introduce healthy bacteria back into the gut. This helps fight off the bad bacteria that might be causing the upset.
- Use a canine-specific probiotic. Human probiotics might not have the right strains or strengths.
- Give probiotics during the bland diet phase and for a week after switching back to regular food.
Pumpkin: A Fiber Helper
Plain, canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is fantastic. It contains soluble fiber. This fiber absorbs extra water in the gut, helping to firm up stools.
- Add one teaspoon (for small dogs) to one tablespoon (for large dogs) of plain pumpkin to their bland meal once or twice a day.
Slippery Elm Bark
Slippery elm bark is an herb known for soothing dog stomach upset. It forms a gel-like coating in the digestive tract. This protects the irritated lining. You can usually mix the powder with a little water before adding it to the food. Consult your vet for proper dosing.
When Bland Food Isn’t Enough: Recognizing Serious Signs
A short bout of diarrhea that clears up with a bland diet is usually minor. However, sometimes diarrhea signals something serious. You must know when to stop home care and call the vet immediately.
Red Flags That Need Immediate Veterinary Care
If you see any of these signs, seek urgent care:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours, even with fasting and bland food.
- Vomiting along with diarrhea.
- Lethargy or extreme weakness in the dog.
- Fever (a rectal temperature over 103°F).
- Blood in the stool (bright red or dark, tarry black).
- Signs of dehydration (sticky gums, skin tenting when gently pinched).
If your dog is vomiting constantly, do not attempt fasting for dog with diarrhea. Call the vet right away.
Special Considerations for Different Types of Diarrhea
Not all diarrhea looks the same. The look can give clues about what is happening inside.
Liquid Stool vs. Soft Stool
- Soft stool: This is often easier to manage. It responds well to the initial fast and bland diet.
- Liquid stool (watery): This causes rapid dehydration. It requires closer monitoring. If the dog cannot keep water down, vet attention is crucial.
Stool Appearance Table
| Stool Appearance | Potential Meaning | Action Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Light brown, pudding-like | Mild upset, often diet change related. | Bland diet should resolve this. |
| Yellowish/Orange | Excess bile, rapid transit through the gut. | Bland diet, monitor closely. |
| Mucus present (jelly-like coating) | Irritation of the colon. | Bland diet, ensure probiotics are given. |
| Dark, Tarry Stools (Melena) | Bleeding higher up in the GI tract. | Urgent Vet Visit Needed. |
| Bright Red Blood (Hematochezia) | Bleeding lower in the GI tract or irritation. | Vet Visit If severe or persistent. |
Dietary Choices for Chronic Diarrhea
If your dog suffers from diarrhea often, they might have a chronic condition like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or food sensitivities. In these cases, a simple bland diet for dogs might not be a long-term fix.
Highly Digestible Commercial Foods
When long-term bland feeding is needed, specialized commercial foods are often better than homemade mixes. These products are formulated to be easily digestible dog food.
- Prescription Diets: Vets often prescribe hydrolysed protein diets or highly digestible formulas. These break down very easily for dogs with sensitive guts.
- Limited Ingredient Diets (LIDs): If food allergies are suspected, LIDs use novel proteins (like duck or venison) with a single carbohydrate source.
Talk to your veterinarian before making major, long-term changes to your dog’s primary food source.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Treating Diarrhea
Owners often try to help, but sometimes their actions can delay recovery. Avoid these common pitfalls when deciding what to feed sick dog.
Too Much Fat
Fat is hard to digest. Rich foods—even cooked, lean meat—can trigger more diarrhea if too much is given too soon. Keep all food very low in fat during recovery.
Sudden Food Changes
Never switch brands or introduce new treats when the stomach is upset. Stick strictly to the bland food plan until the stool is normal for a few days.
Giving Human Medications
Never give your dog human anti-diarrheal medications (like Imodium) unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Many contain ingredients toxic to dogs, such as Xylitol or certain narcotics.
Forgetting Water
Dehydration is a major risk with diarrhea. Always ensure access to clean, fresh water. Small dogs might need water offered in small amounts frequently if they are drinking too much at once.
The Role of Fasting and Reintroduction
Revisiting the concept of fasting for dog with diarrhea is important. It is not just about starving the gut; it is about resting it.
Think of the digestive tract like an irritated muscle. If you keep using an injured muscle, it won’t heal. Fasting lets the inflammation subside.
When reintroducing food after the fast, it must be done slowly. The first meal should be tiny. If the dog vomits the first small portion, wait a few more hours and try an even smaller amount. This patience is crucial for successful recovery.
Deciphering Probiotic Use
When administering probiotics for dog diarrhea, timing matters. Some veterinarians suggest giving the probiotic a few hours before the meal. This allows the beneficial bacteria to settle in the gut without being immediately mixed with a large food bolus. Always follow the specific instructions on the probiotic packaging or your vet’s advice.
Maintaining Gut Health Long-Term
Once the immediate crisis is over, focus shifts to maintaining a healthy gut environment. This prevents future episodes.
Regular Probiotic Support
If your dog has a history of loose stools, keeping them on a daily, low-dose probiotic can be beneficial, even when they are healthy. This supports a robust microbiome.
High-Quality Diet
Feeding a high-quality, balanced commercial diet appropriate for their life stage minimizes the risk of future dietary indiscretions causing issues.
Safe Treats Only
When giving treats, ensure they are easily digestible. Soft, plain treats or small pieces of cooked vegetables are better than hard, fatty biscuits during sensitive times.
Summary of Best Foods for Diarrhea
The core strategy revolves around simple, gentle nourishment.
- Initial Phase: Fasting (12-24 hours for adults).
- Recovery Phase: Bland diet, primarily boiled chicken and rice for dogs.
- Support Phase: Add probiotics for dog diarrhea and plain pumpkin.
- Reintroduction Phase: Slow mixing with regular food over several days.
By controlling the intake, managing hydration, and supporting the gut flora, you give your dog the best chance for a swift return to normal health. Always remember that if symptoms persist or worsen, professional veterinary guidance is necessary to rule out underlying disease. This careful approach ensures you are providing the best care for what to feed sick dog during this uncomfortable time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I give my dog yogurt when they have diarrhea?
A: Plain, unsweetened yogurt containing live and active cultures can sometimes help due to the probiotics it contains. However, many dogs are lactose intolerant, and the dairy fat can make diarrhea worse. It is safer to use a dedicated canine probiotic or plain Greek yogurt (strained to remove most whey/lactose) in small amounts only after the initial fast.
Q: How long should I keep my dog on a bland diet?
A: Most dogs only need a bland diet for 2 to 4 days, provided their stools are firming up nicely. If you keep them on it longer than four days without improvement, you risk nutritional deficiencies, as bland diets are not complete long-term nutrition. You must transition back to their regular food slowly after 3-4 days of normal stools.
Q: Is feeding my dog cottage cheese okay during diarrhea?
A: Cottage cheese is generally not recommended. While it contains protein, it is higher in fat and sometimes salt than plain boiled chicken, making it harder for an irritated gut to process. Stick to very lean proteins like boiled chicken breast.
Q: What is the easiest way to check for dehydration?
A: Gently pinch the skin over your dog’s shoulder blades. If the skin snaps back into place immediately, they are likely hydrated. If the skin stays “tented” for a second or two before falling back, your dog is likely dehydrated and needs immediate veterinary attention for fluids.
Q: Should I withhold water during the fast?
A: Absolutely not. Always ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water, even during the fasting period. Dehydration is a far greater immediate threat than providing a bit of nourishment.