If your dog has diarrhea, the first step is usually to withhold food for a short period, often 12 to 24 hours for adult dogs, to let the digestive system rest, though puppies should not be fasted for long. Determining what to feed a dog if they have diarrhea can feel stressful, but the goal is simple: feed them something gentle that is easily digestible food for dogs with diarrhea to allow the gut to heal.
Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a common problem in dogs. It means your dog’s poop is too loose or watery. It often happens because of a sudden change in diet, eating something they shouldn’t have, stress, or a minor bug. Severe or long-lasting diarrhea needs a vet’s help right away.
Common Causes of Acute Diarrhea
- Dietary indiscretion: Eating trash, spoiled food, or too many table scraps.
- Sudden diet change: Switching food brands too quickly.
- Stress or anxiety: Boarding, moving homes, or loud noises.
- Mild infections: Certain viruses or bacteria.
Starting the Recovery: Fasting and Hydration
Before putting your dog on a special diet, you must address hydration. Diarrhea causes dogs to lose a lot of water.
Hydration is Key
Ensure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. If your dog is also vomiting, offer small amounts of water frequently instead of letting them gulp down a lot at once. Dehydration is a serious risk when dealing with dog vomiting and diarrhea diet.
Short-Term Fasting
For mild, new cases of diarrhea, many vets suggest a short fast.
- Adult Dogs (over 6 months): Fast for 12 to 24 hours. This gives the gut time to calm down.
- Puppies (under 6 months): Do not fast for more than 6 to 12 hours. Puppies can get low blood sugar quickly. Check with your vet first.
Fasting helps stop the loose stool production temporarily. After the fast, you slowly reintroduce food.
The Go-To Solution: The Bland Diet for Dog Diarrhea
Once the fasting period is over, or if your vet advises against fasting, the bland diet for dog diarrhea is the standard approach. This diet uses simple, low-fat, low-fiber ingredients that are easy on a sick stomach. The goal is to give the gut a break while still providing needed energy.
Components of the Ideal Bland Diet
A good bland diet mixes a simple protein source with a simple carbohydrate source. Aim for a ratio of about 1 part protein to 2 parts carbohydrate.
Simple Protein Sources
These proteins are cooked well and have almost no fat. Fat can make diarrhea worse.
- Boiled, skinless, and boneless Chicken Breast: This is the classic choice. Boil it until it is completely cooked through. Shred or chop it finely.
- Lean Ground Beef (90% lean or higher): Drain off all the fat after cooking. Boiling or baking is best.
- Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: Use sparingly, as some dogs don’t tolerate dairy well. Ensure it is low in fat.
- Boiled, skinless Turkey Breast: Similar to chicken, ensure it is lean.
Simple Carbohydrate Sources
These provide energy and help firm up the stool by absorbing excess water in the colon.
- Plain White Rice: This is the most common choice. Cook it well until it is very soft, almost mushy.
- Plain White Pasta: Cooked without salt or butter.
- Sweet Potato: Peel and boil until very soft. Avoid large amounts, as too much fiber can sometimes irritate the gut initially.
Implementing the Bland Diet for Dog Diarrhea
When you start feeding, do not give a full meal right away. You must introduce the best food for dog with diarrhea slowly.
| Timeframe | Feeding Strategy | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| First 24 Hours (Post-Fast) | Small, frequent meals | Start with 1/4 of the usual daily amount. |
| Day 2 | Increase meal size slightly | Offer 1/3 of the usual daily amount, spread out. |
| Day 3 & 4 | Continue to increase slowly | Offer 1/2 to 3/4 of the usual daily amount. |
| Day 5 Onward | Return to normal feeding | If stool is normal, gradually mix in regular food. |
This slow introduction is crucial for a dog diarrhea fast recovery diet. It prevents overwhelming the recovering digestive tract.
Exploring Other Easily Digestible Food Options
If your dog cannot tolerate chicken and rice, there are alternatives that qualify as easily digestible food for dogs with diarrhea.
The “BRAT” Diet Consideration
Many people ask about the BRAT diet for dogs with diarrhea. The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is often used for humans with stomach upset.
- Bananas: These are good because they are high in potassium, which dogs lose during diarrhea. They also contain pectin, which helps bulk up stool. Use ripe bananas.
- Applesauce: Use plain, unsweetened applesauce. The pectin works similarly to bananas. Avoid chunks of apple initially.
- White Toast: Small amounts of plain, dry white toast can be given, but it’s usually less preferred than rice.
Important Note: While helpful in small amounts, bananas and applesauce should only make up a small part of the overall what to feed dog upset stomach plan. They should not be the sole diet for more than a day or two.
Pumpkin as a Digestive Aid
Canned plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is excellent for diarrhea. It is high in soluble fiber, which absorbs excess water.
- Dosage: Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons for small dogs or 1 to 2 tablespoons for large dogs, mixed into the bland meal once or twice a day.
Feeding Schedule Dog Diarrhea Recovery
The feeding schedule dog diarrhea management requires patience. Err on the side of feeding too little, too often, rather than too much at one time.
When your dog is actively experiencing diarrhea, you should feed very small amounts, perhaps 4 to 6 tiny meals throughout the day, instead of the usual 2 or 3 large meals. This keeps the digestive system gently working without overloading it.
If your dog is prone to dog vomiting and diarrhea diet issues, feed even smaller portions more frequently until both vomiting and diarrhea stop for at least 24 hours.
Dog Diarrhea Home Remedies and Supplements
While diet is primary, certain dog diarrhea home remedies can support recovery. Always discuss supplements with your veterinarian first, especially if the diarrhea is severe.
Probiotics
Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria back into the gut. Diarrhea often wipes out the good bacteria along with the bad.
- Look for veterinary-specific probiotics. Human probiotics might not have the right strains or amounts for dogs.
- Probiotics help restore the balance needed for proper digestion.
Slippery Elm Bark
This natural supplement forms a soothing, gelatinous coating over the irritated lining of the stomach and intestines. It can help reduce inflammation and firm up stools. It is often given mixed with a small amount of water to form a paste.
Fortiflora (or similar veterinary probiotics)
Many vets recommend products like Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Fortiflora. This is a highly palatable probiotic powder that dogs often readily accept, even when they are feeling sick.
When Bland Diet Isn’t Enough: Transitioning Back to Regular Food
Once your dog has had normal, formed stools for at least 48 hours, you can start switching dog food after diarrhea. This transition must be slow to prevent the diarrhea from returning.
Slow Transition Schedule
Use the following ratio system to gradually mix the new food (regular diet) with the old food (bland diet).
| Day | Bland Diet Ratio | Regular Food Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 & 2 | 75% | 25% |
| Day 3 & 4 | 50% | 50% |
| Day 5 & 6 | 25% | 75% |
| Day 7 Onward | 0% | 100% |
If stool loosens at any point during the transition, stop, go back to the previous successful ratio, and stay there for two more days before trying to advance again.
Choosing the Right Regular Food
If the bout of diarrhea was due to a simple dietary indiscretion, returning to their usual high-quality food is fine. However, if the diarrhea was caused by a food sensitivity or severe inflammation, your vet might recommend a temporary prescription hydrolyzed protein diet or a novel protein diet to rule out allergies.
Deciphering Severity: When to Call the Vet
While many cases of diarrhea resolve with diet change and rest, some situations require immediate veterinary attention. Knowing when home treatment is not enough is vital for your dog’s safety.
Red Flags Requiring Immediate Vet Care
If you notice any of the following signs along with the diarrhea, seek veterinary care right away:
- Lethargy or Weakness: Your dog is unusually tired or won’t move much.
- Persistent Vomiting: Inability to keep down water or small amounts of food for over 12 hours.
- Blood in Stool: Bright red blood (fresh) or dark, tarry stool (digested blood).
- Fever: Rectal temperature over 103.5°F (39.7°C).
- Pain: Whining, hunching, or guarding their abdomen.
- Duration: Diarrhea lasting more than 48 to 72 hours, even if mild.
- Puppies or Senior Dogs: These groups dehydrate very quickly and need quicker intervention.
Specialized Diets for Chronic Diarrhea
If your dog suffers from recurrent or chronic diarrhea, the simple bland diet for dog diarrhea may only offer temporary relief. This points toward a more persistent underlying issue, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), chronic pancreatitis, or food sensitivities.
Prescription Veterinary Diets
For chronic issues, veterinarians often recommend therapeutic prescription diets. These foods are specifically engineered to be:
- Highly Digestible: They use superior ingredients broken down easily.
- Limited Ingredient: They reduce the chance of triggering an immune response to food proteins.
- Specific Fiber Balances: They may contain specific types of fiber to manage gut motility, often leaning towards highly soluble fibers like those found in sweet potato or beet pulp, or sometimes insoluble fiber if the issue is stool bulk.
These specialized foods are often superior to homemade meals for chronic conditions because their nutrient profiles are scientifically balanced for a compromised system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I feed my dog only canned dog food if they have diarrhea?
Yes, canned dog food can sometimes work well as a temporary bland diet for dog diarrhea if it is a low-fat variety. Canned foods often have higher moisture content and simpler ingredients than kibble. However, you must check the fat content; high-fat canned foods will worsen diarrhea. Mix it with plain white rice initially.
How long should I keep my dog on a bland diet?
You should keep your dog on the bland diet for dog diarrhea until their stools are consistently firm and normal for at least 48 hours. This usually takes 3 to 5 days total. If the diarrhea hasn’t improved after 5 days of a proper bland diet, call your vet.
What about dog diarrhea home remedies like Pepto-Bismol?
Dog diarrhea home remedies like Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate should only be used under the direct guidance of a veterinarian. These medications contain ingredients like salicylates (similar to aspirin) which can be toxic to dogs, especially if they are already dehydrated or have underlying kidney issues. Never administer human medication without veterinary instruction.
Is yogurt a good food for a dog with an upset stomach?
Plain, unsweetened yogurt containing live active cultures can sometimes help restore gut flora, similar to probiotics. However, many dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can worsen gas and diarrhea. Use it very sparingly, and only if you know your dog handles dairy well, as part of the what to feed dog upset stomach protocol. Plain kefir might be better tolerated by some dogs than thick yogurt.
My dog is vomiting and has diarrhea. What should I feed?
If you are dealing with dog vomiting and diarrhea diet simultaneously, hydration is the absolute priority. Do not try to feed solids immediately. Rest the stomach completely (fasting for 12 hours, no food or water if vomiting persists). After vomiting stops, begin offering tiny amounts of water frequently. Once water is tolerated for several hours, start offering very small amounts (a teaspoon or two) of a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
White rice is generally preferred for the dog diarrhea fast recovery diet. Brown rice contains more fiber (bran layer intact). While fiber is good normally, the extra roughage in brown rice can irritate an already inflamed bowel lining. Stick to soft, easily digested white rice until the stools normalize.