You should feed a dog with diarrhea a temporary bland diet for dog diarrhea, typically consisting of easily digestible foods like boiled chicken or lean ground beef mixed with white rice, for a short period until the stool firms up.
Dealing with dog diarrhea is scary for any pet owner. Seeing loose, watery stools come out of your beloved dog can cause immediate worry. The key to helping your dog feel better fast is choosing the right food. What you feed your dog right now matters a lot. This guide will help you pick the best foods and create a simple meal plan.
Deciphering the Immediate Steps When Diarrhea Starts
When your dog first develops diarrhea, the first goal is to rest the gut. For a very short time, you might need to stop regular food entirely. This short fast gives the digestive system a much-needed break.
Short Fasting: Is It Okay?
For adult dogs experiencing mild, sudden diarrhea, a short fast can sometimes help.
- Small Dogs: Fasting is generally not recommended for small dogs or puppies. They can get low blood sugar quickly.
- Adult Dogs: A fast of 12 to 24 hours might be okay for a healthy adult dog.
- Always offer water. Dehydration is the biggest risk with diarrhea.
If your dog is also showing signs of vomiting, you need a different approach to feeding. See the section below on the feeding schedule dog vomiting diarrhea.
Choosing the Right Bland Diet for Dog Diarrhea
Once you decide to reintroduce food after a potential fast, you must stick to simple, low-fat foods. This simple food is often called a bland diet for dog diarrhea. It provides needed calories without irritating the already sensitive gut lining.
The Core Components of a Bland Diet
A bland diet has two main parts: a lean protein source and a simple carbohydrate source. Both must be cooked well and have no added fat, salt, or spices.
Protein Options
The protein must be very lean. Fat is hard to digest and can make diarrhea worse.
- Boiled, skinless, boneless chicken breast: This is the top choice. Boil it until tender, then shred it.
- Lean ground beef (90% lean or higher): Drain off all the fat after cooking.
- Boiled white fish (like cod or tilapia): A good option if your dog cannot have chicken.
Carbohydrate Options
The carb source helps bind the stool and provides easy energy.
- Plain white rice: Cook it until it is very soft, almost mushy. Brown rice has too much fiber right now.
- Plain, cooked pasta: Use small shapes and boil them well.
- Plain, canned pumpkin (100% pure pumpkin, NOT pie filling): This is excellent for firming up stools (we will discuss pumpkin for dog diarrhea later).
Mixing Ratios for the Bland Diet
The ratio matters for success. You want more carbs than protein initially.
| Bland Diet Component | Initial Ratio (Day 1-2) | Later Ratio (Day 3+) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked White Rice (or other carb) | 2 parts | 1 part |
| Lean Protein (Chicken/Beef) | 1 part | 1 part |
Example Meal: If you use one cup of rice, mix it with half a cup of shredded boiled chicken.
Fathoming the Feeding Schedule Dog Vomiting Diarrhea
If your dog has both vomiting and diarrhea, feeding solid food too soon can start the vomiting cycle again. Water is the first priority here.
Step 1: Water Management
- Offer small amounts of water frequently.
- Use ice cubes if the dog drinks too fast and vomits.
- If vomiting continues despite small sips, call your vet immediately, as severe dehydration can happen fast.
Step 2: Reintroducing Food Cautiously
Wait a few hours after the last episode of vomiting before offering any food.
- First Meal: Offer only one teaspoon of the bland diet (the 2:1 carb to protein ratio).
- Wait 2-3 hours: Watch for vomiting. If none occurs, offer another small teaspoon.
- Increase Slowly: If the dog keeps the small amount down, slowly increase the amount given every 3-4 hours over the next 24 hours.
This slow reintroduction helps the stomach adjust. It prevents overloading the system, which often triggers more vomiting.
The Role of Supplements in Recovery
While the bland diet is the main tool, certain additions can speed up recovery and support gut health. These might qualify as home remedies for dog diarrhea, though many are vet-approved supplements.
Pumpkin for Dog Diarrhea
Plain, canned pumpkin is a superstar for digestive issues. It contains soluble fiber. This fiber absorbs excess water in the colon, helping to firm up loose stools. It also contains insoluble fiber, which helps move things along normally once the worst is over.
- Dosage Guide (Consult your vet first):
- Small dogs (under 25 lbs): 1 teaspoon, 1-2 times daily.
- Medium dogs (25-50 lbs): 1-2 tablespoons, 1-2 times daily.
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 2-4 tablespoons, 1-2 times daily.
Probiotics for Dog Diarrhea
The balance of bacteria in the gut (the microbiome) is often thrown off during diarrhea. Reintroducing beneficial bacteria is vital. Probiotics for dog diarrhea help restore this balance quickly.
- Sources: You can use specific veterinary probiotic powders or pastes. Plain, unsweetened yogurt with “live and active cultures” can sometimes be used in small amounts if your dog tolerates dairy, but specific pet probiotics are safer and more effective.
Digestive Enzymes
Some vets recommend adding a digestive enzyme supplement temporarily. These enzymes help the body break down the simple food you are feeding, making it easier for the weakened digestive tract to absorb nutrients.
Selecting the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
Once your dog is successfully eating the bland diet for 2-3 days without any symptoms, it is time to transition back to regular food or switch to a long-term diet if stomach issues are chronic. If your dog often has tummy trouble, you should look into the best dog food for sensitive stomach options permanently.
Transitioning Off the Bland Diet
Do not suddenly switch back to the old food. This will likely cause the diarrhea to return. The transition should take 5 to 7 days.
The Transition Schedule:
| Day | Bland Diet % | Old/New Food % |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | 75% | 25% |
| Day 3-4 | 50% | 50% |
| Day 5-6 | 25% | 75% |
| Day 7 | 0% | 100% |
Long-Term Diets for Sensitive Stomachs
If your dog has recurring issues, consult your veterinarian about prescription hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets.
- Limited Ingredient Diets (LIDs): These use fewer ingredients to reduce the chance of an allergic or sensitive reaction.
- Novel Protein Diets: These use a protein source your dog has never eaten before (like venison or duck) to rule out common protein allergies (like chicken or beef).
What to Feed Dog After Diarrhea Stops
After 48 hours of normal, firm stools, your dog is likely recovered from the acute episode. The focus now shifts to rehydration and rebuilding healthy gut flora.
Focusing on Hydration
Diarrhea causes significant fluid loss. Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water.
- Electrolytes: In cases of severe diarrhea, your vet might recommend an oral electrolyte solution designed for dogs to replace lost salts and minerals.
Gradually Reintroducing Complete Nutrition
When you reach the 100% regular food stage, watch closely for the next 24 hours. If stools remain normal, you have successfully navigated the episode.
If you suspect chronic mild issues, consider using a high-quality commercial dog food for upset stomach that features easily digestible ingredients like rice, sweet potato, or easily sourced protein.
What About Human Foods? The BRAT Diet for Dogs
People often ask if the BRAT diet for dogs is appropriate. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. While this diet is common for human digestive upset, its application for dogs needs careful thought.
Analyzing the BRAT Components for Dogs
- Bananas: Good source of potassium and fiber. Generally safe in moderation.
- White Rice: Excellent, as detailed above.
- Applesauce: Must be plain, unsweetened applesauce. The pectin in applesauce can help soothe the gut.
- Toast: Plain, white bread toast (no butter or jelly) can be used sparingly for binding.
Verdict: The BRAT components (especially rice and banana) are already included in the standard canine bland diet (rice and banana replacing the protein sometimes). It’s better to stick to the tried-and-true dog-specific bland diet (chicken/rice) unless instructed otherwise by your vet.
Common Causes of Acute Diarrhea
Knowing why diarrhea happened helps prevent it from returning. Diarrhea is often a symptom, not the disease itself.
Dietary Indiscretion (Garbage Gut)
This is the most common cause. The dog ate something it shouldn’t have—spoiled food, too much table scrap fat, or garbage. The gut reacts immediately by trying to flush out the irritant.
Sudden Food Change
Switching dog food brands or formulas too quickly upsets the delicate balance of gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea. Always transition slowly over 7-10 days.
Stress and Anxiety
Emotional stress—like boarding, moving house, or a new pet—can cause physical symptoms, including diarrhea. This is often called “stress colitis.”
Infections and Parasites
Bacteria (like Salmonella), viruses (like Parvovirus), or intestinal parasites (like Giardia or worms) can all cause severe, prolonged diarrhea. This requires veterinary diagnosis and specific treatment.
When to Worry About Dog Diarrhea: Red Flags
Mild, short-lived diarrhea that resolves with a bland diet is usually not an emergency. However, there are clear signs that you need to contact your veterinarian immediately. When to worry about dog diarrhea should be based on duration, frequency, and associated symptoms.
Urgent Veterinary Attention Required If:
- Blood is present: Large amounts of bright red blood (hematochezia) or dark, tarry stools (melena).
- It lasts too long: Diarrhea continues actively for more than 48 hours, even on a bland diet.
- Vomiting is persistent: If the dog cannot keep water down, dehydration is imminent.
- Lethargy and weakness: The dog is unusually tired, weak, or unresponsive.
- Fever or Pain: The dog shows signs of abdominal pain or has a fever.
- Puppies or Senior Dogs: Diarrhea in very young puppies or frail senior dogs is always treated as serious due to rapid dehydration risk.
Practical Tips for Managing Diarrhea at Home
Keeping the dog comfortable and managing the cleanup are important parts of recovery.
Hydration First
Place water bowls in several easy-to-reach spots. If your dog is reluctant to drink, try adding a little low-sodium chicken broth (make sure it contains no onion or garlic) to the water to encourage intake.
Keeping Clean
Diarrhea is messy. Keep the dog’s rear end clean using unscented, sensitive-skin wipes after each episode. Keep the area dry to prevent skin irritation.
Adjusting Feeding Frequency
When feeding the bland diet, smaller, more frequent meals are better than one or two large meals. Small portions are easier for a compromised digestive tract to handle. Aim for 4-6 small meals per day instead of the usual 2.
FAQ Section
Can I feed my dog Imodium for diarrhea?
Never give your dog human medication like Imodium (Loperamide) without explicit direction from your veterinarian. Some breeds, especially Collies and related breeds, can have a severe, life-threatening reaction to Imodium due to a genetic sensitivity (MDR1 mutation).
How long should the bland diet last?
The strict bland diet should only last as long as necessary to firm up the stool, usually 2 to 4 days. Once stools are normal, you must start the slow transition back to the regular food over 5 to 7 days to prevent recurrence.
Is yogurt good for dog diarrhea?
Plain, unsweetened yogurt containing live cultures can sometimes help replenish gut flora, similar to probiotics for dog diarrhea. However, if your dog is lactose intolerant, yogurt will make the diarrhea worse. It is safer to use veterinary-specific probiotic supplements.
What if my dog won’t eat the bland diet?
If your dog refuses the bland diet for more than 24 hours, call your vet. If the underlying cause is not resolved, some dogs may refuse simple foods. Your vet might suggest a prescription gastrointestinal diet, which is usually very palatable, or medication to settle the nausea first.
Should I stop feeding my dog completely if they have diarrhea?
For healthy adult dogs with mild diarrhea, a very short fast (12-24 hours) can help settle the gut before introducing a bland diet. However, puppies, tiny breeds, and dogs with severe symptoms should never be fasted without veterinary instruction. Always offer water.