What should I feed a dog that is throwing up? You should start by withholding food for a short time, usually 12 to 24 hours, depending on the dog’s size and age, to let the stomach rest. After this rest period, you can slowly introduce small amounts of a bland diet for sick dog.
When your dog throws up, it can be scary for any pet owner. Vomiting is a common sign that something is wrong with your dog’s tummy. Knowing what to feed your dog after vomiting is key to helping them feel better quickly. This guide will help you manage feeding your sick pup safely.
First Steps When Your Dog Vomits
Before you even think about food, you need to stop the vomiting cycle. If your dog keeps throwing up, food will just come right back up.
Resting the Stomach
Giving the stomach a break is vital. Think of it like this: if you have a bad stomach ache, you don’t want a big meal right away.
- Small Dogs and Puppies: For small dogs or puppy vomiting what to feed needs careful handling. Fasting should be shorter, perhaps 12 hours maximum. Puppies need nutrients more often.
- Large Dogs: Larger dogs can usually handle a 12 to 24-hour fast from solid food.
Water Intake is Crucial
Even if you hold back food, your dog still needs water. Dehydration is a big risk with vomiting.
- Offer small amounts of water frequently. Don’t let them gulp down a whole bowl at once. That can trigger more vomiting.
- If the dog vomits right after drinking, try ice chips or licking small amounts of water from your hand every 15 minutes. This slows down the intake.
Starting Solids: The Bland Diet Approach
Once your dog has stopped vomiting for several hours (usually 6-8 hours), you can start offering food again. This is where the bland diet for sick dog comes in. The goal is to give the gut something easy to digest.
What Makes a Diet Bland?
A bland diet is low in fat and fiber. Fat is hard to digest when the stomach is irritated. Fiber can sometimes make things worse if the gut is very sensitive.
The two main components of a classic bland diet are a simple protein and a simple carbohydrate.
Protein Options for Upset Stomachs
You need cooked, plain protein. Do not add any oils, butter, or spices.
- Boiled Chicken Breast: Skinless and boneless. Boil it until fully cooked. Shred it finely.
- Boiled Lean Ground Beef: Drain off all the fat after cooking. This is very important—fat upsets the stomach.
- Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (Sometimes): Use this sparingly and only if your dog normally handles dairy well. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, even when sick.
Carbohydrate Options for Binding
Carbs help bind the stool and give energy.
- Plain White Rice: Cook it until it is very soft, almost mushy. White rice has less fiber than brown rice, making it easier on a sick gut.
- Plain Boiled Potato: Peel the skin off. Boil until soft. Do not add butter or milk.
- Plain Canned Pumpkin (Not Pie Filling): This is excellent. It is high in soluble fiber, which can help with both dog diarrhea and vomiting diet management. Make sure it is 100% pure pumpkin.
How to Prepare the Bland Diet
The mixing ratio matters. A good starting point is 1 part protein to 2 parts carbohydrate.
Example Bland Meal:
- 1/4 cup finely shredded boiled chicken.
- 1/2 cup very soft white rice.
Mix these together well. This mixture becomes the best food for dog stomach upset initially.
Feeding Schedule: Slow and Steady Wins
Reintroducing food after dog vomiting must be done slowly. Feeding too much, too soon, will just start the vomiting over.
Phase 1: The Initial Test (First 12 Hours After Fasting)
- Tiny Portions: Take just one teaspoon (for small dogs) or one tablespoon (for large dogs) of the bland mixture.
- Frequency: Offer this tiny amount every 2 to 3 hours.
- Observe: Wait one hour after feeding. If the dog keeps that food down, you can proceed to the next step. If they vomit, go back to only water for another 4-6 hours, then try the tiny portion again.
Phase 2: Building Up Slowly
If the tiny portions stay down for several hours, you can slightly increase the amount you offer every 3-4 hours.
| Dog Size | Starting Portion (Every 2-3 Hours) | If Kept Down (After 6 Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lbs) | 1 teaspoon | 2 teaspoons |
| Medium (20-50 lbs) | 1 tablespoon | 2 tablespoons |
| Large (50+ lbs) | 2 tablespoons | 1/4 cup |
This careful introduction prevents overloading the sensitive digestive system.
Safe Foods for Nauseous Dogs (Beyond the Basic Bland Diet)
Sometimes, you need variety or specific items to help settle the stomach. These are safe foods for nauseous dog companions.
The Magic of Bone Broth
Bone broth is highly soothing. It is hydrating and provides gentle electrolytes and gelatin, which coats the stomach lining.
- Make sure the broth is unsalted and has no onion or garlic (which are toxic to dogs).
- Offer small amounts cooled, either alone or mixed into the bland food.
Plain Cooked Sweet Potato
If the dog tolerates rice well, plain cooked sweet potato can be a good alternative carbohydrate. It has slightly more nutrients but is still easy to digest.
Probiotics
If the vomiting has gone on for more than a day, beneficial bacteria might be depleted. A canine-specific probiotic powder can help restore gut balance. Ask your vet for the best type to use.
What If My Dog Has Diarrhea Too?
When dealing with dog diarrhea and vomiting diet, the bland diet strategy is even more critical. Diarrhea means the colon is inflamed, and you need food that is very binding.
- Increase Rice/Pumpkin: Increase the carbohydrate ratio slightly. More rice or more pure pumpkin can help firm up the stool.
- Stick to Lean Protein: Absolutely no fat. Lean boiled chicken is usually the easiest protein to tolerate alongside diarrhea.
- Hydration: Diarrhea causes rapid fluid loss. Keep offering small sips of water or unflavored Pedialyte (check with your vet first regarding electrolyte solutions).
Nutritional Needs for Puppies
Puppy vomiting what to feed requires extra care. Puppies cannot fast for long periods like adult dogs. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a real danger.
If a puppy vomits more than once:
- Withhold food for 4-6 hours max.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately for specific advice.
- When reintroducing food, use a very small amount of highly digestible puppy kibble mixed with water or use the bland diet approach described above, but ensure you are feeding every 4 hours minimum.
Natural Helpers: Dog Vomiting Home Remedies
While always check with your vet, some simple dog vomiting home remedies can assist in settling the stomach.
- Ginger: Small amounts of raw ginger root (about the size of a grain of rice, grated) added to the bland food can help calm nausea. Ginger is a known anti-nausea agent.
- Chamomile Tea: Plain, cooled chamomile tea can be offered in small amounts for its calming effects on the digestive tract.
Caution: Never use human medications like Pepto-Bismol or Imodium unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian. Some human drugs are toxic to dogs.
Transitioning Back to Regular Food
The bland diet is temporary. It is not nutritionally complete for long-term health. Once your dog has been eating the bland diet normally for 2-3 days without any vomiting or diarrhea, you can start transitioning back to their regular dog food to settle stomach issues for good.
The transition should take about 3 to 5 days.
Transition Schedule:
| Day | Bland Food Percentage | Regular Food Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 75% | 25% |
| Day 2 | 50% | 50% |
| Day 3 | 25% | 75% |
| Day 4+ | 0% | 100% |
Mix the old and new food together thoroughly at each step. Watch closely for any return of vomiting or loose stools. If symptoms return, go back to the previous successful step on the bland diet for a couple more days before trying to advance again.
When to Worry About Dog Throwing Up
Not all vomiting is simple stomach upset. Knowing when to worry about dog throwing up is crucial for prompt veterinary care.
Seek immediate veterinary attention if you notice any of the following signs along with vomiting:
- Non-Stop Vomiting: Vomiting more than 3 or 4 times in a few hours, or unable to keep even water down after 12-24 hours.
- Blood in Vomit: Looks bright red or like coffee grounds (digested blood).
- Lethargy or Weakness: The dog seems extremely tired, weak, or unresponsive.
- Severe Abdominal Pain: The dog cries out when you touch their belly, or the belly looks swollen or hard.
- Vomiting After Eating Something Suspicious: If you saw them eat a toy, socks, chemicals, or certain toxic plants.
- Fever: A rectal temperature over 103.5°F (39.7°C).
- Forceful, Repeated Vomiting (Retching): This can signal a serious blockage or Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, especially in deep-chested breeds).
If your adult dog vomits once, rests, drinks water fine, and acts normally, you can usually manage it at home using the bland diet strategy. If you are ever in doubt, call your vet.
Comprehending Causes of Vomiting
While this guide focuses on what to feed, knowing the common causes helps prevent future episodes. Vomiting is the body’s way of rejecting something harmful.
Common causes include:
- Dietary Indiscretion: Eating trash, table scraps, or spoiled food. This is the most common reason.
- Sudden Food Change: Switching dog food too quickly without transitioning.
- Infections: Viral or bacterial stomach bugs (gastroenteritis).
- Foreign Bodies: Swallowing objects that get stuck in the stomach or intestines.
- Toxins or Poisons: Ingestion of household chemicals or certain plants.
- Underlying Illness: Kidney disease, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Best Practices for Future Feeding
Once your dog is completely recovered, ensure you are feeding them a high-quality, appropriate diet for their age and activity level.
- Slow Down Fast Eaters: If your dog eats too fast and throws up undigested food shortly after meals, use a slow-feeder bowl. This slows intake and aids digestion, preventing regurgitation.
- Consistent Feeding Times: Dogs thrive on routine. Feeding at consistent times helps regulate their digestive schedule.
- Storage: Keep kibble sealed tightly in an airtight container to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage, which can cause upset stomachs.
If your dog repeatedly needs the bland diet for sick dog management, it suggests a chronic issue. You must work with your veterinarian for a long-term solution, possibly involving prescription dog food to settle stomach problems permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long should I keep my dog on a bland diet?
You should keep your dog on the bland diet for 2 to 3 days after the vomiting has completely stopped. This gives the irritated intestinal lining time to heal before you add complex ingredients back in.
Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol for vomiting?
No. Never give your dog human medications like Pepto-Bismol or Tylenol without explicit direction from your veterinarian. Pepto-Bismol contains salicylates, which can be harmful or even toxic to dogs, especially in large breeds or those with pre-existing conditions.
If my dog only vomited once, do I still need to fast them?
If the dog vomited just once, seems totally fine afterward, is drinking water normally, and is acting playful, a full 12-24 hour fast might not be necessary. You can try offering just a few small bites of the bland diet after about 6 hours. If that stays down, proceed with a very small, slow meal schedule.
Is cooked rice safe for dogs with stomach issues?
Yes, cooked white rice is generally considered very safe and is a staple in any bland diet for sick dog. It is low in fat and fiber, making it easy to process when the gut is sensitive.
What if my puppy won’t drink water after vomiting?
This is an emergency. Puppies dehydrate very quickly. You must contact your veterinarian right away. They may need subcutaneous fluids or hospitalization to prevent severe dehydration.