You can give your dog bland, easy-to-digest foods like plain boiled chicken or white rice for safe relief from a gurgling stomach. Often, a noisy stomach in dogs means they have mild digestive upset. But knowing what to feed and when to call the vet is key.
Locating the Source of Stomach Noises in Dogs
Stomach noises, medically known as borborygmi, are normal sounds made by the movement of gas and fluids through the intestines. When these sounds become very loud, frequent, or are paired with other symptoms, it signals a need for attention. A gurgling stomach often happens when gas builds up or when the gut muscles move too fast.
Common Causes Behind the Growls
Many things can make a dog’s stomach rumble loudly. Often, it is not serious, but sometimes it points to a bigger problem.
- Dietary Changes: Switching dog food suddenly can upset the gut.
- Eating Too Fast: When dogs gulp down food, they swallow extra air. This air causes gas and noise.
- Dietary Indiscretion: Eating things they shouldn’t, like garbage or rich human food, causes trouble.
- Food Sensitivities or Allergies: Some ingredients irritate the dog’s digestive tract.
- Excessive Gas Production: Certain foods ferment in the gut, creating more gas.
- Underlying Illness: In rare cases, loud noises can signal blockages or severe inflammation.
Safe Relief Options: What to Feed a Dog with a Noisy Stomach
When your dog’s stomach is gurgling, the goal is to calm the system down. This means giving the digestive tract a rest from hard-to-process foods. You are looking for easily absorbed nutrients.
Instituting a Temporary Bland Diet
A bland diet for dog diarrhea and gas is the first step for most mild tummy troubles. This diet gives the gut a break. It provides simple energy without taxing the system.
Key Components of a Bland Diet
Use these foods in small, frequent meals for 2-3 days until symptoms ease.
- Lean Protein Source: Plain, boiled, skinless, boneless chicken breast. Do not add salt, spices, or oils. Ground turkey (93% lean or higher) is another option.
- Simple Carbohydrate: Plain white rice. Cook it until it is very soft. Some owners find plain boiled sweet potato works well, too.
- Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is high in soluble fiber. It can help firm up stools if diarrhea is present alongside the gurgling.
How to Feed: Mix 1 part protein with 2 parts carbohydrate. Feed small amounts several times a day instead of one or two large meals. This method is better for a gurgling stomach.
Testing Soothing Foods for Canine Gut Noise
Some specific ingredients are known for their gentle effect on the stomach lining. These are great options to add to the standard bland diet.
| Soothing Ingredient | Benefit | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Yogurt (Small Amount) | Contains live, active cultures (probiotics). | Mix one teaspoon into the meal. Ensure it has no artificial sweeteners. |
| Boiled Egg | Highly digestible source of protein. | Scramble or boil plainly. Feed sparingly at first. |
| Bone Broth (Unsalted) | Hydrating and contains minerals that can soothe the gut lining. | Offer a small bowl warm, or pour a little over the bland food. |
When looking for the best food for gurgling stomach in dogs, focus on low-fat and low-fiber options initially. High fat can actually trigger more digestive upset.
Addressing Excessive Gas with Diet Choices
If the primary issue seems to be excessive gas accompanying the noise, review what your dog normally eats. Certain ingredients lead to more fermentation.
If you suspect what to feed dog with excessive gas, try eliminating legumes, high-fiber vegetables (like broccoli or beans), and overly processed kibbles for a few days. Sometimes, simply slowing down eating helps reduce the swallowed air that causes the noise.
Natural Remedies for Dog’s Noisy Stomach
Beyond diet changes, several natural remedies for dog’s noisy stomach can offer gentle support. Always introduce new supplements slowly.
The Role of Probiotics
Probiotics for dog digestive upset are beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut microbiome. A healthy gut flora aids in efficient digestion, meaning less food sits around fermenting and causing noise.
- Sources: You can use commercial canine-specific probiotic powders or supplements. Some owners use small amounts of plain yogurt if their dog tolerates dairy.
- Timing: Give probiotics daily once you see improvement, continuing for a few weeks to restore balance.
Herbal Aids and Supplements
Some herbs have traditional uses for settling digestive tracts.
- Ginger: A tiny amount of fresh, peeled ginger root mixed into food can help calm nausea and gut spasms. Use caution; too much can irritate the stomach.
- Chamomile Tea: Brew a weak cup of plain chamomile tea. Let it cool completely. You can offer a few tablespoons mixed with water or food. Chamomile is known for its calming effects.
Home Remedies for Dog Indigestion
When you need quick, easy solutions using things around the house, these home remedies for dog indigestion might help.
- Fasting (Short Term): For a short period (usually 12-24 hours for an adult dog, never puppies), withholding food allows the GI tract to rest completely. Water must always be available. Do not fast puppies or very small breeds for long.
- Activated Charcoal: This can sometimes bind to excess gas and toxins. Only use this under veterinary guidance. It can also bind to necessary medications, making them ineffective.
Safe Human Food for Dog Stomach Issues
Can you share your kitchen supplies? Yes, but only with very specific items. Knowing safe human food for dog stomach issues prevents accidental poisoning or further upset.
- Plain Cooked White Rice: As mentioned, this is the king of bland carbs.
- Plain Boiled Chicken Breast: Excellent, lean protein.
- Sweet Potato: Cooked well, peeled. Great source of gentle fiber.
Foods to Absolutely Avoid When the Stomach is Gurgling:
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter)
- Onions, garlic, chives
- Fatty meats or scraps
- Spicy foods or seasonings
- Grapes, raisins, chocolate
- Anything with artificial sweeteners like xylitol
Recognizing When Gurgling Means Trouble
While most gurgling is benign, sometimes it signals a serious medical need. You must know when to worry about dog’s gurgling stomach. If the noise is accompanied by any of the following signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Red Flag Symptoms
These symptoms suggest a condition more severe than simple gas or indigestion:
- Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea: If it lasts more than 24 hours or is severe.
- Lethargy or Weakness: If your dog seems unusually tired or weak.
- Pain or Bloating: If the abdomen appears hard, swollen, or the dog is sensitive to touch there.
- Loss of Appetite: Refusing to eat or drink for an extended period.
- Bloody Stools or Vomit: Any sign of fresh or dark, tarry blood.
- Straining to Defecate or Urinate: This can indicate a blockage.
Distinguishing Normal vs. Abnormal Noise
| Feature | Normal Gurgling | Cause for Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Intermittent, often after eating or when hungry. | Constant, loud, or increasing over time. |
| Accompanying Signs | None, or mild restlessness. | Vomiting, diarrhea, pain, or lethargy. |
| Duration | Stops after a few hours or after eating. | Lasts all day or worsens quickly. |
| Dog’s Behavior | Normal energy and mood. | Depressed, reluctant to move, pacing. |
Focusing on Prevention: Long-Term Digestive Health
Once the immediate gurgling subsides, focus on preventing recurrence. Good digestive habits prevent many cases of dog upset stomach remedies needed later.
Slowing Down Speedy Eaters
Dogs that inhale their food swallow significant amounts of air. This leads to gas and subsequent loud gut noises.
- Slow Feeder Bowls: These bowls have ridges or mazes that force the dog to take smaller bites.
- Puzzle Toys: Feeding meals through puzzle toys or slow-release balls makes eating a slower activity.
- Scatter Feeding: Spreading the meal out on a clean surface (if appropriate for your dog’s environment) forces them to hunt for each piece.
Managing Dietary Transitions Carefully
Any change in food—even moving from one flavor of the same brand to another—should be gradual.
The 7-Day Transition Method:
- Days 1-2: 75% Old Food, 25% New Food
- Days 3-4: 50% Old Food, 50% New Food
- Days 5-6: 25% Old Food, 75% New Food
- Day 7: 100% New Food
This slow transition allows gut bacteria to adjust to the new ingredients. This is crucial for preventing gas and noise.
Selecting High-Quality Dog Food
Choosing quality food makes a difference in how easily your dog digests their meals. Look for dog foods with clear, recognizable ingredients listed near the top. Avoid foods heavily reliant on fillers like corn or soy if you suspect sensitivity is causing the noise.
If your dog has chronic issues, talk to your vet about prescription dog upset stomach remedies or novel protein diets.
Deciphering Digestive Sounds: Gas vs. Bloat
While a gurgling stomach usually means simple gas movement, it is critical not to confuse it with the much more dangerous condition known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), or bloat. Bloat is an emergency.
| Feature | Borborygmi (Gurgling/Gas) | GDV (Bloat – Emergency!) |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Rumbles, sloshes, gurgles. | Often quiet abdomen, or signs of distress. |
| Abdomen | Normal size or slightly gassy. | Appears distended, tight, and hard. |
| Behavior | Mildly restless or normal. | Retching without vomiting, pacing, excessive drooling. |
| Urgency | Monitor, treat at home if mild. | Immediate emergency veterinary visit required. |
If you feel any unusual hardness or tightness in your dog’s belly paired with unproductive vomiting (retching), assume the worst and seek emergency care instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long should I feed my dog the bland diet for a gurgling stomach?
Generally, you should feed a strict bland diet for 2-3 days after the symptoms (loud noises, gas, loose stool) have completely resolved. Once the stomach sounds normal and your dog is acting fine, slowly reintroduce their regular food over 3-4 days, following the gradual transition steps mentioned above.
Can my dog have anything to drink besides water when their stomach is upset?
Yes, hydration is important. Plain, clean water should always be available. You can also offer small amounts of unflavored Pedialyte (diluted 50/50 with water) or very weak, unsalted bone broth to help replenish electrolytes lost through any mild GI upset. Do not give sugary juices or soda.
My dog ate grass, and now his stomach is gurgling. Is this normal?
Eating grass is common, and dogs often do this to self-medicate when they feel nauseous or have stomach irritation. The gurgling is likely due to the grass stimulating the GI tract or adding bulk that causes gas. Monitor them closely. If vomiting or diarrhea follows, switch to the bland diet.
Can stress cause a dog’s stomach to gurgle loudly?
Yes, stress and anxiety strongly affect the gut. The gut-brain axis means emotional turmoil can cause the intestines to move erratically, leading to loud gurgling, gas, and sometimes diarrhea. Providing a calm environment is part of the cure. Using mild calming techniques alongside dietary changes can help.
What probiotics should I look for?
When buying probiotics for dog digestive upset, look for supplements that list specific, proven strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium. Ensure the product has a high colony-forming unit (CFU) count and is specifically formulated for dogs, as human probiotics might not have the right balance for canine digestion.