Gastrointestinal (GI) illness, commonly known as gastroenteritis, is a frequent ailment in dogs, manifesting as an upset stomach that often leads to diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in appetite. In such instances, offering your dog a bland diet can aid their recovery at home. However, discerning when to implement a bland diet versus when to seek immediate veterinary attention can be challenging. This guide provides essential information regarding bland diets for dogs.
Understanding Bland Diets for Dogs
A bland diet serves as a palatable and easily digestible food option for dogs experiencing GI upset. These diets provide the necessary nutrients to help resolve stomach discomfort. Bland diets can be prepared at home or purchased commercially in kibble or wet food forms. They are designed to be gentle on a dog’s digestive system and often possess several key attributes:
Highly Digestible Ingredients
Highly digestible foods ensure that dogs can efficiently absorb the nutrients they require. Opting for high-quality ingredients and avoiding overly processed foods is crucial. While some dog kibbles can be highly digestible, specialized formulas for gastroenteritis, such as Hills® i/d Digestive Care or Royal Canin® Gastrointestinal, are specifically beneficial.
Common lean proteins featured in bland diets for dogs include chicken, turkey, cottage cheese, and ground beef. These proteins are generally well-tolerated by dogs with sensitive stomachs, unlike other proteins their system may not be accustomed to. Carbohydrates like plain white rice, potatoes, brown rice, barley, or whole wheat pasta are frequently incorporated. These not only add bulk but also help manage diarrhea by drawing water from the gut. Fresh vegetables, such as pumpkin, can offer additional fiber, but it’s vital that all ingredients are free from added sodium or seasonings.
Low-Fat Content
Low-fat foods are particularly recommended for dogs suffering from upset stomachs due to pancreatitis or chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Once a dog shows positive response to these diets, continuing them can help prevent relapses.
High Fiber Content
High-fiber foods assist the digestive system in moving contents through the GI tract, proving beneficial for dogs experiencing diarrhea or other related issues.
Hypoallergenic Properties
Hypoallergenic or novel protein diets are suitable for dogs whose stomach upset stems from food allergies. These diets may feature new proteins (novel) or hydrolyzed proteins. Limited ingredient diets with novel proteins, such as rabbit or venison, are often well-tolerated as the immune system hasn’t encountered them before. Examples include Hills d/d and Royal Canin Selective Protein.
Calorically Dense Options
Calorically dense, high-energy foods are vital for dogs recovering from serious illnesses, surgery, or conditions affecting their appetite. Canned food options like Hills a/d Urgent Care or Royal Canin Recovery provide sufficient energy in small portions, potentially reducing symptoms like vomiting.
Veterinary Prescribed Diets vs. Homemade Bland Diets
Historically, homemade dog-friendly diets were the go-to for GI issues. However, advancements in veterinary nutrition have led to excellent commercially available options. While homemade chicken and rice or beef and potato diets remain an option, commercially prepared versions often offer greater benefits.
Prescription diets for dogs with stomach upset provide not only bland ingredients but also the essential vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet, which can be difficult to achieve with homemade meals alone. These veterinary diets are safe for long-term use in managing chronic GI issues like pancreatitis or gastroenteritis, potentially for the dog’s entire life. In contrast, prolonged use of homemade diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies and food aversions. For short-term use (days to weeks) or to encourage appetite, veterinarian-approved homemade bland diets are acceptable.
Optimal Diet for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
Dogs with sensitive stomachs often benefit from specialized diets. A sensitive stomach might not be linked to a specific medical condition but rather a predisposition to vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite after consuming new foods or inappropriate items. This sensitivity is common in puppies and senior dogs due to weaker immune systems but can affect dogs of any age.
The best dog foods for sensitive stomachs typically include highly digestible proteins and carbohydrates, supplemented with fiber and probiotics. Popular choices cater to these needs.
Feeding Your Dog During GI Upset
Encouraging a dog experiencing GI upset to eat can be challenging. Consider these methods to make meals more appealing:
- Hand-feeding
- Feeding in a quiet, calm environment
- Soaking food in water
- Syringe-feeding
- Adding low-fat, low-sodium broth
- Incorporating lean meal toppers, pumpkin, or probiotics
Always consult your veterinarian before adding anything to your dog’s bland diet, as some additions can be too rich and exacerbate stomach issues. Your vet might also suggest smaller, more frequent meals. For homemade diets like chicken and rice, discuss appropriate portion sizes with your veterinarian.
Duration of Bland Diet Feeding
The length of time a dog needs to remain on a bland diet depends on the underlying cause of the GI upset and their rate of recovery.
- Rapid Recovery: If your dog recovers within 48 hours, they can typically transition back to their regular diet.
- Prolonged Symptoms: If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, consult your veterinarian. They may advise continuing the bland diet for a few days after symptoms subside.
- Diagnosed Medical Conditions: For dogs with diagnosed underlying medical conditions, the bland diet may be a long-term, potentially lifelong, necessity.
Additional Support for Dogs with Upset Stomachs
If your dog’s symptoms worsen or they refuse to eat, hospitalization for supportive care, including IV fluids and anti-nausea medication, may be necessary. Offering probiotics can help restore beneficial bacteria in the digestive system lost during bouts of diarrhea. Fiber supplements can also aid in stool consistency.
Ensure your dog remains adequately hydrated and consider keeping a food journal to track intake and symptoms, which can be invaluable if veterinary treatment is required. It’s advisable to limit food intake, avoiding treats and table scraps, as these can worsen GI distress.
With time, attentive care, and nutritional support through a bland diet, your dog with GI upset should recover effectively.
