The amount of rice to feed a dog with diarrhea depends heavily on the dog’s size and weight, but generally, you should start with small, frequent feedings of a mixture that is about 2 parts cooked white rice to 1 part lean protein, like boiled chicken.
Diarrhea in dogs is upsetting for pet owners. You want your dog to feel better fast. One common piece of advice is to use rice. Rice is easy on the stomach. It helps firm up loose stools. But knowing how much rice to give is key. Too much can still cause problems. This guide will help you figure out the right amount and schedule.
Image Source: cdn.shopify.com
The Role of Rice in Canine Diets During Illness
When a dog has an upset stomach, the goal is to rest the digestive system. This is why vets often recommend a bland diet for dogs with diarrhea. A bland diet is low in fat and fiber. It is easy to digest. Rice fits perfectly into this plan.
Why White Rice Works Best
Not all rice is created equal for a sick dog. You should choose white rice, not brown rice.
- White Rice: It has had the bran and germ removed. This means it has less fiber. Less fiber is better when the gut needs a break. It is mostly starch. Starch provides simple, easily absorbed energy.
- Brown Rice: It has more fiber. While fiber is good normally, too much fiber during diarrhea can irritate the inflamed bowel. This can make the diarrhea worse.
Rice acts as a binding agent in the stool. It absorbs excess water in the large intestine. This helps slow things down and makes the poop firmer.
The Importance of Protein Pairing
Rice alone is not a complete meal. It lacks essential nutrients, especially protein. Protein is needed for healing and maintaining muscle mass. This is where boiled chicken and rice for dogs comes in.
You must use plain, skinless, boneless chicken breast. Boil it until it is very soft. Shred it finely. The mixture should be gentle.
Determining the Right Amount: How Much White Rice for Sick Dog
Figuring out the right amount of rice involves looking at your dog’s normal size. You are not aiming to feed the dog its usual large meal. You are aiming for small, restorative feedings.
Starting Point: The Bland Diet Ratio
For a temporary bland diet, the standard ratio is important.
| Component | Ratio (by volume) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked White Rice | 2 Parts | Easy calories, stool binding |
| Boiled, Shredded Chicken | 1 Part | Lean protein source |
If your dog has severe diarrhea or has just stopped vomiting, you might start with even less protein, maybe 3 parts rice to 1 part chicken initially, or just plain rice water for the first few hours.
Calculating Portions Based on Dog Size
The total daily amount of food should be significantly less than what your dog normally eats. When feeding a dog with diarrhea, you are generally aiming for about 1/3 to 1/2 of their normal daily caloric intake, spread out over many small meals.
Here are general guidelines for total daily food intake (rice + protein mix):
| Dog Weight Category | Approximate Total Daily Food Volume (Mix) |
|---|---|
| Small Dogs (under 15 lbs) | 1/2 cup to 1 cup total |
| Medium Dogs (16–40 lbs) | 1 to 2 cups total |
| Large Dogs (41–80 lbs) | 2 to 3 cups total |
| Giant Dogs (over 80 lbs) | 3 to 4 cups total |
Important Note: These are total daily amounts for the mix, not a single meal serving.
Frequency of Feeding: The Feeding Schedule for Dog Diarrhea
The frequency of meals is often more important than the total volume initially. When a dog has diarrhea, its gut needs time to rest between intakes.
Phase 1: Initial Recovery (First 12–24 Hours)
If the dog has been actively vomiting or has very watery stools, you must rest the gut first.
- Fasting (If Vomiting): If your dog has vomited in the last 6–8 hours, withhold all food for 6–12 hours. This gives the stomach time to settle. Offer small amounts of fresh water frequently.
- First Taste: After the fast, offer just 1 teaspoon (for a small dog) or 1 tablespoon (for a medium/large dog) of plain cooked white rice. Wait 1–2 hours.
- Monitoring: If the dog keeps that down, offer another small amount. This practice of feeding tiny amounts of rice to dog owners first is crucial.
Phase 2: Introducing the Bland Diet
Once the dog can tolerate plain rice for a few feedings without vomiting, you introduce the full mix (rice and chicken).
- Divide the total calculated daily amount (from the table above) into 4 to 6 very small meals throughout the day.
- Instead of one big bowl, serve 1/4 or 1/6 of the total daily allowance every 3 to 4 hours.
This frequent, small feeding approach minimizes the load on the digestive tract.
Meal Progression: Moving Beyond Plain Rice
The goal of using rice is temporary support. It is a bridge diet, not a long-term solution. This dietary step-down process is central to managing dog diarrhea home remedies feeding.
Step 1: Plain Rice (Optional but Recommended)
For the first 12–24 hours after the stomach settles, feed only plain, well-cooked white rice. This ensures the dog is tolerating simple carbohydrates without any fat or seasoning.
- Amount: Use the small meal structure described above (1-2 tablespoons, repeated every few hours).
Step 2: Introducing Protein (Boiled Chicken and Rice)
Once the stool starts to look slightly more formed, introduce the protein.
- Mix 2 parts cooked white rice with 1 part shredded boiled chicken.
- Continue the small, frequent feeding schedule for dog diarrhea.
Step 3: Gradual Reintroduction of Regular Food
This step is vital. If you switch back to normal food too quickly, the diarrhea will likely return. This transition period is often necessary after reintroducing food after dog vomiting.
- Day 1 of Transition: Feed 75% bland diet (rice/chicken) and 25% regular dog food.
- Day 2 of Transition: Feed 50% bland diet and 50% regular dog food.
- Day 3 of Transition: Feed 25% bland diet and 75% regular dog food.
- Day 4 Onward: Return to 100% regular dog food, provided the stools are solid.
If stools become soft during any transition day, go back to the previous step for another full day before trying to advance again.
BRAT Diet for Dogs Diarrhea and Variations
The BRAT diet for dogs diarrhea is borrowed from human medicine. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. While rice is central, the other components have specific uses for dogs.
Component Breakdown for Dogs:
- B (Bananas): Bananas are high in potassium, which can be lost during severe diarrhea. They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber that helps absorb water.
- Dosage: A few thin slices or a teaspoon of mashed banana mixed into the rice for small dogs. Limit this to once a day. Too much banana can cause gas.
- R (Rice): As discussed, plain white rice is the primary staple.
- A (Applesauce): Unsweetened applesauce contains pectin. It is a good alternative or addition to banana if your dog doesn’t like bananas.
- Dosage: A small amount mixed into the rice, similar to banana.
- T (Toast): Plain, dry white toast is sometimes given, but many vets suggest skipping it. It can be harder for some dogs to digest than plain rice, and the added starch is not strictly necessary if rice is used.
If your veterinarian agrees, you can incorporate a small amount of applesauce or banana into the rice mixture once the stools have slightly firmed up.
How Often to Feed Dog with Loose Stools
Frequency matters more than volume when the gut is inflamed. The goal is consistent, gentle stimulation, not overloading the system.
When actively treating diarrhea with the bland diet:
- Aim for 4 to 6 small feedings per day.
- Allow 3 to 4 hours between each small meal.
This schedule ensures a constant, minimal supply of easily digestible food circulating through the gut, promoting healing without causing cramping or further irritation.
When Rice Is Not Enough: Dog Food Recommendations for Diarrhea
Rice and chicken are excellent temporary fixes (2-3 days max). They are not nutritionally complete for long-term health. If diarrhea persists beyond 48–72 hours despite the bland diet, it is time to seek veterinary advice and possibly switch the food type entirely.
Your vet might recommend:
Prescription Gastrointestinal (GI) Diets
These specialized commercial foods are formulated specifically for digestive upset. They often have:
- Highly Digestible Ingredients: Fats are usually very low.
- Specific Fiber Balance: They contain soluble fibers (like prebiotics) that nourish healthy gut bacteria without irritating the lining.
- Added Nutrients: They ensure the dog gets vitamins and minerals even when eating less volume.
These prescription diets are often easier to transition to than going straight from rice back to regular kibble.
Probiotics
Your vet may also suggest a canine-specific probiotic supplement. Diarrhea often disrupts the natural balance of good bacteria in the gut. Probiotics help repopulate the gut flora, which is essential for firming stools and long-term gut health.
Preparing the Bland Diet Correctly
The success of feeding rice depends on perfect preparation. Incorrect preparation can sabotage the entire effort.
Cooking the Rice
- Use White Rice: As mentioned, white rice is the best choice.
- Cook Thoroughly: Cook the rice until it is very soft and mushy. It should almost look like porridge. Use a higher water ratio than you normally would for cooking rice for humans. This makes it softer and easier to digest.
- Rinse (Optional): Some owners find rinsing the cooked rice briefly under warm water helps remove any surface starches that might cause gas, though this is not always necessary if the rice is cooked very soft.
Preparing the Chicken
- Lean Only: Use skinless, boneless chicken breast. Fat is very hard to digest when the stomach is irritated and often makes diarrhea worse.
- Boil, Do Not Fry: Boil the chicken completely plain. Do not add salt, pepper, onions, garlic, or any oils.
- Shred Finely: Once cooked, shred the chicken into very small pieces or lightly mash it. This ensures it mixes well with the rice and is easy to swallow.
Mixing and Serving
Mix the cooled, cooked rice and chicken in the 2:1 ratio. Ensure it is lukewarm or room temperature when serving. Never serve hot food to a dog with an inflamed digestive tract.
Recognizing When Rice Feeding Should Stop
The bland diet is a short-term fix, usually lasting 2 to 5 days maximum. Continuing the diet beyond this time can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially a lack of essential fatty acids and vitamins found in complete commercial diets.
You should stop the rice diet and contact your veterinarian if:
- Diarrhea persists for more than 3 days.
- Stool remains watery even after 24 hours of bland feeding.
- The dog shows signs of lethargy, severe cramping, or refusal to drink water.
- You see blood or black, tarry stools (indicating potential upper GI bleeding).
- The dog starts vomiting again after tolerating the rice.
Fathoming Dosage Across Different Size Dogs (Detailed View)
While the total daily volume gives a starting point, precise serving sizes help manage the small, frequent meals required.
Small Dogs (Under 15 lbs / e.g., Yorkie, Chihuahua)
| Meal Time | Suggested Volume (Rice/Chicken Mix) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 1–2 Tablespoons | Every 3-4 hours |
| Midday | 1–2 Tablespoons | Every 3-4 hours |
| Afternoon | 1–2 Tablespoons | Every 3-4 hours |
| Evening | 1–2 Tablespoons | Every 3-4 hours |
| Total Daily | Approx. 1/2 to 1 cup total | 4-6 meals |
Medium Dogs (20–40 lbs / e.g., Beagle, Cocker Spaniel)
| Meal Time | Suggested Volume (Rice/Chicken Mix) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 1/4 cup | Every 3-4 hours |
| Midday | 1/4 cup | Every 3-4 hours |
| Afternoon | 1/4 cup | Every 3-4 hours |
| Evening | 1/4 cup | Every 3-4 hours |
| Total Daily | Approx. 1 to 1.5 cups total | 4-6 meals |
Large Dogs (50–80 lbs / e.g., Labrador, Golden Retriever)
| Meal Time | Suggested Volume (Rice/Chicken Mix) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 1/2 cup | Every 3-4 hours |
| Midday | 1/2 cup | Every 3-4 hours |
| Afternoon | 1/2 cup | Every 3-4 hours |
| Evening | 1/2 cup | Every 3-4 hours |
| Total Daily | Approx. 2 to 3 cups total | 4-6 meals |
Always err on the side of giving too little rather than too much when first starting the bland diet. Observe your dog’s reaction to each small serving before preparing the next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use cooked pasta instead of rice?
While plain, cooked pasta (like elbow macaroni) is also a low-fat carbohydrate source, rice is generally preferred. Pasta breaks down very quickly and might not offer the same binding properties as well-cooked white rice. Stick to rice unless specifically advised otherwise by your veterinarian.
Should I give my dog pumpkin with the rice?
Yes, pure canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling) is highly beneficial. It is a fantastic source of soluble fiber (pectin) that can help firm up stools. If you use pumpkin, you can slightly reduce the rice portion, perhaps mixing 1.5 parts rice to 0.5 parts pumpkin, keeping the protein at 1 part chicken.
My dog is refusing to eat the rice and chicken mix. What should I do?
If your dog refuses the food for more than 24 hours (especially if they have been fasting), they need to see a vet. If they are only slightly hesitant, try warming the mixture slightly (ensure it is not hot) or adding a tiny bit more shredded chicken to improve the flavor. Do not add salt, fat, or spices.
How long can I keep my dog on a rice and chicken diet?
The bland diet should only be used for a maximum of 3 to 5 days. If your dog’s diarrhea has not resolved completely within 72 hours of starting this diet, or if they need to stay on it longer for medical reasons, you must switch them to a balanced, veterinary-approved prescription diet designed for long-term GI support.
Is brown rice okay if I don’t have white rice?
If you have absolutely no white rice available, brown rice can be used sparingly, but you must cook it much longer than usual to soften it significantly. Remember, the higher fiber content in brown rice carries a risk of further irritating a sensitive gut. White rice remains the safest first choice for the bland diet for dogs with diarrhea.