What should I feed my dog after vomiting? After your dog vomits, you should withhold food for a short time, usually 2 to 12 hours, depending on their size and the severity of the vomiting. After this rest period, you can start offering small amounts of a bland diet for dogs.
Vomiting in dogs is a common issue. It often happens because they ate something that did not agree with them. Sometimes, it signals a more serious health problem. If your dog vomits once and seems fine otherwise, you can usually manage it at home. The key to recovery is resting the gut and then feeding the right foods slowly. This process is vital for a successful dog vomiting recovery diet.
Why Dogs Vomit: Quick Look
Before we discuss what to feed, it helps to know why the vomiting started. Often, it is simple:
* Eating too fast.
* Eating spoiled or rich food.
* Sudden changes in their regular food.
However, frequent or severe vomiting needs a vet visit right away. If vomiting is paired with lethargy, blood, or severe pain, skip the home diet plan and seek immediate care.
Resting the Stomach: The First Step
When a dog throws up, their stomach lining is irritated. Feeding right away can make things worse. The stomach needs time to calm down.
Fasting Period
How long should you wait before feeding? This depends on your dog’s size and age.
| Dog Size | Recommended Fasting Time (Water Allowed) |
|---|---|
| Small Dogs (under 20 lbs) | 2 to 4 hours |
| Medium Dogs (20 to 50 lbs) | 4 to 8 hours |
| Large Dogs (over 50 lbs) | 8 to 12 hours |
Important Note: Puppies and toy breeds should fast for shorter times, usually no more than 4-6 hours, as they can drop blood sugar quickly. Always offer small amounts of fresh water during this time unless the vet advises otherwise. If the dog vomits the water, remove it for another hour and try again with just a few ice cubes.
Starting the Recovery Diet: Introducing Food Gently
Once the dog has stopped vomiting for several hours and seems ready to eat, it is time to start reintroducing food to dog after vomiting. The goal is to provide nutrition without irritating the sensitive digestive tract. This is where the bland diet for dogs comes in.
What Makes a Diet Bland?
A bland diet is low in fat, low in fiber, and very easy to break down. Fat is hard for an upset stomach to process. High fiber can also cause irritation.
The Core Components of a Bland Diet
A homemade bland diet for dogs usually combines a lean protein source with a simple carbohydrate. The ratios are important for proper nutrition during this short recovery period.
Lean Protein Sources
Choose protein that is cooked plainly—no salt, spices, or fats added.
- Boiled Chicken Breast: Skinless and boneless. Boiling removes almost all the fat.
- Boiled Lean Ground Beef (90% lean or higher): Drain off all grease after cooking.
- Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (in some cases): Use sparingly, as some dogs are lactose sensitive.
- Scrambled Egg Whites: Cooked without any oil or butter.
Simple Carbohydrates
These provide energy and help bulk up the stool if the dog has dog diarrhea and vomiting diet concerns.
- Plain White Rice: Cooked until very soft. This is the gold standard.
- Plain Boiled Potatoes (no skin): Good for dogs who cannot tolerate rice well.
- Plain White Pasta: Cooked until very mushy.
Ratios for the Bland Meal
For most adult dogs, the mixture should follow this ratio for the first few days:
- 75% Carbohydrate (e.g., soft white rice)
- 25% Lean Protein (e.g., boiled chicken)
This ratio ensures the meal is gentle. For puppies or very small dogs, you might slightly increase the protein ratio (e.g., 60% carb, 40% protein).
Creating the Feeding Schedule After Dog Vomiting
The feeding schedule after dog vomiting must be slow and cautious. You are introducing food again after a fast. Overfeeding instantly guarantees a relapse.
Phase 1: The Initial Introduction (First 24 Hours After Fasting)
This phase starts when to feed dog after vomiting episode has stopped for the recommended fasting time.
- First Small Meal: Offer only 1 to 2 teaspoons of the bland mixture. Wait 30 to 60 minutes.
- Observation: If the dog keeps this down without vomiting, proceed. If they vomit again, wait another hour and try half the amount.
- Subsequent Small Meals: If the first feeding is successful, offer another very small portion (maybe double the first amount) about 3 to 4 hours later.
- Goal: The goal for the first full day of refeeding is to provide 4 to 6 tiny meals rather than 2 or 3 normal ones.
Phase 2: Gradual Increase (Days 2 and 3)
If your dog is doing well on Phase 1 (no vomiting, stools look somewhat normal), you can slowly increase the portion size and decrease the frequency.
- Increase each meal size slightly.
- Aim for 3 to 4 small meals spread throughout the day.
- The total amount fed over the day should still be less than a normal day’s intake.
Phase 3: Returning to Normal Food
This transition usually begins on day 3 or 4, provided the dog has had no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 to 48 hours.
- Mixing: Start mixing about 75% bland food with 25% of their normal, high-quality kibble (or wet food).
- Transition: Over the next 3 to 4 days, slowly increase the normal food ratio (75% normal food, 25% bland food on day two, then 100% normal food by day four or five).
- Monitor: Watch stool quality closely during this transition. If stools become loose, slow down the transition.
Options for Easily Digestible Dog Food After Vomiting
If you cannot or prefer not to make a homemade bland diet for dogs, several commercial options work well for an upset stomach. These are specifically formulated to be easily digestible dog food after vomiting.
Commercial Bland Diets
Many veterinary diets are designed for gastrointestinal distress. They are often prescription-only, but some over-the-counter options exist:
- Prescription GI Diets: These are extremely low in fat and highly digestible. Your vet will recommend these for severe cases or persistent issues.
- Canned Puppy Food: Surprisingly, canned puppy food can sometimes work well temporarily. It is often softer and has slightly higher levels of easily digestible protein and energy than adult maintenance food. Ensure it is plain and unseasoned.
Key Features to Look For in Commercial Options
When choosing what to feed a dog with an upset stomach, look for:
- Low fat content (under 10%).
- Simple, recognizable ingredients.
- No artificial colors, flavors, or excessive fillers.
Dietary Adjustments for Specific Symptoms
Sometimes vomiting comes with other issues, most commonly diarrhea. If your dog has a dog diarrhea and vomiting diet situation, you might need slight adjustments.
Addressing Diarrhea
If the stool is very loose, you may need to increase the carbohydrate portion slightly above the 75% ratio for a day or two. Rice is excellent at firming up stools. If using chicken, ensure it is very lean.
Hydration is Critical
Vomiting leads to fluid loss. While water is essential, sometimes dogs drink too much too fast after vomiting and throw it up again.
Tips for Hydration Management:
- Offer ice chips first. They melt slowly, encouraging slower intake.
- If ice chips work, offer very small amounts of water (a few tablespoons) every 30 minutes.
- Electrolyte solutions (like unflavored Pedialyte, diluted 50/50 with water) can sometimes be offered, but always check with your vet first.
Natural Remedies for Dog Vomiting Appetite
Some owners look for natural remedies for dog vomiting appetite support rather than immediately jumping to medicine. While always consult a vet for persistent issues, some natural aids can soothe the gut lining.
Ginger
Ginger is well-known for settling nausea in humans and dogs.
- Use: A tiny pinch of powdered ginger or a very small sliver of fresh, peeled ginger mixed into the first bland meal might help encourage the appetite and settle the stomach.
- Caution: Use very small amounts. Too much can irritate the stomach.
Probiotics
After a bout of vomiting (and especially diarrhea), the gut flora is disrupted. Reintroducing beneficial bacteria can speed up recovery.
- How to Use: Use a probiotic specifically formulated for dogs. You can often start these during Phase 2 of the bland diet or immediately when transitioning back to regular food.
Bone Broth
Homemade bone broth (made without salt, onions, garlic, or excessive fat) is rich in minerals and gelatin, which can be soothing.
- Application: You can use cooled, plain bone broth instead of plain water during the fasting period, or mix a tablespoon or two into the bland food during the initial reintroduction phase. It is appealing and helps with hydration.
Fathoming Potential Complications and When to See the Vet
The bland diet is a temporary fix for simple stomach upset. It is not a long-term solution. Dogs need a balanced diet for full health.
You must contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following signs alongside vomiting:
- Vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, despite fasting and bland feeding.
- Vomiting is projectile or contains bright red blood (fresh blood) or dark, coffee-ground-like material (digested blood).
- The dog shows signs of severe lethargy or collapse.
- The dog cannot keep down water for over 12 hours.
- Severe abdominal pain or a hard, bloated-looking belly.
- Vomiting started after the dog ate something toxic (chocolate, xylitol, medications).
- If the dog is still experiencing diarrhea and vomiting after 48 hours on the bland diet.
A persistent issue with what to feed a dog with an upset stomach means the underlying cause—such as pancreatitis, kidney issues, intestinal blockage, or severe infection—must be identified by a professional.
Preparing the Bland Meal: Simple Cooking Instructions
Making the food correctly ensures it is truly bland and safe.
Cooking Chicken and Rice
- Boil Chicken: Place skinless, boneless chicken breasts in plain water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fully cooked through (no pink remains).
- Shred/Dice: Remove the chicken and shred or dice it finely once cooled. Do not use the cooking water if any fat has risen to the top.
- Cook Rice: Use white rice. Use 1 cup of rice to 3 or 4 cups of water. Cook until the rice is extremely soft and mushy—more cooked than usual.
- Mix: Combine the cooled, cooked components in a 3:1 ratio (three parts rice to one part chicken).
- Store: You can refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days or freeze portions for later use if you suspect the issue might recur.
Example Meal Preparation Table (For a 30-lb Dog for One Day)
This is illustrative. Portion sizes must be scaled based on the dog’s actual needs and veterinary advice.
| Meal Time | Time After Fasting End | Amount Offered (Approximate) | Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal 1 | 0 hours | 1-2 teaspoons | Wait 1 hour |
| Meal 2 | 3-4 hours later | 1 tablespoon | Wait 3 hours |
| Meal 3 | 3-4 hours later | 2 tablespoons | Wait 4 hours |
| Meal 4 | 4-5 hours later | 3 tablespoons | Wait overnight |
Comprehending the Role of Fat Content
Fat is the main trigger for many stomach upsets, especially in dogs prone to pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel issues. When choosing between ground beef options, the difference between 80% lean and 95% lean is huge when fed repeatedly.
- 80% Lean: Contains 20% fat. This is too high for a recovery diet. Much of this fat will float on top of the water when boiling.
- 95% Lean or Higher: Contains 5% fat or less. This is appropriate. Even then, you must drain it thoroughly after cooking.
For severe cases, even cooked chicken breast might have too much lingering fat. In those instances, vets might recommend boiled egg whites only for the first 24 hours of refeeding until the dog can tolerate a bit more substance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol or Imodium for vomiting?
Never give your dog human medications like Pepto-Bismol (which contains salicylates) or Imodium (Loperamide) without explicit instruction from your veterinarian. Some ingredients in these drugs can be toxic to dogs, especially cats, or mask symptoms of a serious underlying illness.
My dog ate grass and then vomited. Do I still need to fast them?
Yes. Even if you know what triggered the vomiting (like grass, a piece of garbage, or an overindulgence), the digestive tract is still irritated. Fasting allows the stomach time to rest and recover before introducing the gentle bland diet for dogs.
How long should I stick to the bland diet?
The strict bland diet should only last for 2 to 4 days, provided the dog is fully recovered. A dog cannot survive long-term on just chicken and rice, as this lacks essential vitamins, minerals, and fats needed for a complete diet. Gradual reintroduction of their normal food should start by day 3 or 4.
Is canned pumpkin okay for vomiting?
Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling, which contains sugar and spices) can be helpful if the dog has diarrhea alongside vomiting. Pumpkin is a soluble fiber that helps absorb excess water in the colon. However, if the dog is actively vomiting, introducing any fiber might be too harsh initially. Wait until the vomiting has stopped for at least 12 hours before trying a small amount of pumpkin mixed into the bland food.
What if my dog refuses to eat the bland food?
If your dog refuses the bland food after the initial fasting period, it could mean they are still nauseous or they simply dislike the food.
- Warm it up: Slightly warming the food can increase the aroma, making it more tempting.
- Try a different protein: If they won’t eat the chicken and rice, try boiled, mashed white fish or boiled egg whites instead.
- Call the Vet: If true inappetence (refusal to eat) lasts more than 24 hours after vomiting stops, seek veterinary advice immediately. Appetite loss can worsen the condition.