It’s distressing to see your furry friend feeling unwell, and diarrhea in dogs can be a worrying sign. When your dog has diarrhea, figuring out what to feed them is crucial for recovery. This guide will walk you through the best food choices to soothe their stomach and get them back on their paws in no time.
Understanding Why Your Dog Has Diarrhea
Diarrhea isn’t a disease itself but a symptom, and many factors could be the culprit. Some common causes include:
- Dietary Indiscretion: Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t, leading to stomach upsets.
- Food Allergies or Sensitivities: Certain ingredients can trigger an adverse reaction in some dogs. If you notice this happening often, it may be time to explore what foods can a dog not have in your pup’s diet.
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can all cause diarrhea.
- Stress or Anxiety: Just like humans, dogs can experience gastrointestinal issues due to stress.
- Sudden Diet Change: A quick switch in dog food can disrupt their digestive system.
- Underlying Health Issues: In some cases, diarrhea can be a symptom of a more serious condition, like inflammatory bowel disease.
It’s essential to pay attention to any other symptoms your dog may be showing, such as lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, or blood in their stool. If these signs are present, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out anything serious.
What to Feed Your Dog When They Have Diarrhea
When your dog is experiencing diarrhea, the main goal of their diet should be to rest the gut and introduce foods that are easily digestible. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:
The Importance of a Bland Diet
A bland diet is crucial for dogs with diarrhea. It’s gentle on the digestive system and reduces the risk of further irritation. Think of it as a “reset” button for their stomach.
- What is a bland diet? It consists of simple, low-fat foods that are easy to digest. These foods usually don’t cause more upset and can help firm up stools.
- Why is it helpful? It allows the digestive system to recover and heal. The less the gut has to work, the better.
Recommended Bland Diet Foods
Here are some easily digestible foods that are great for a bland diet:
- Boiled White Rice: Rice is gentle on the stomach and provides easily accessible carbohydrates for energy. It helps to firm up stools due to its binding properties.
- Boiled Chicken Breast (Skinless, Boneless): Chicken is a lean protein source that is easily digestible. Ensure it’s thoroughly cooked without any added seasonings or oils.
- Plain Cooked Pumpkin: Plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) is a great source of fiber that helps both constipation and diarrhea by absorbing excess water in the gut. It’s very gentle and can aid in healthy bowel movements.
- Boiled Potatoes: Similar to rice, boiled and mashed potatoes (without butter or other toppings) are easy for dogs to digest and offer energy.
- Bone Broth: A clear, low-sodium bone broth provides hydration and is very gentle on the stomach. It can encourage your dog to drink and provide essential nutrients.
- Cottage Cheese (Low-fat): If your dog tolerates dairy, low-fat cottage cheese can be a good source of protein. Use this with caution as some dogs may be sensitive to dairy.
- Baby Food (Meat Based): Plain, meat-based baby food, like chicken or turkey, is designed to be easily digestible and can be a good option if your dog is refusing other foods. Make sure there are no additives like onion or garlic.
- Egg (Cooked): A cooked, plain egg can be a good source of protein. Ensure it is thoroughly cooked.
Foods to Avoid When Your Dog Has Diarrhea
It’s just as important to know what not to feed your dog when they have diarrhea. Avoid these types of foods, as they can worsen the issue:
- Fatty Foods: These are difficult to digest and can exacerbate diarrhea.
- Spicy or Seasoned Foods: These can irritate the digestive tract.
- Dairy Products (Except Low-fat Cottage Cheese, if Tolerated): Most dogs are lactose intolerant, which can lead to further stomach upset.
- Table Scraps: Table scraps often contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, and they can also be too rich and fatty.
- Raw Food: Feeding raw food at this time can increase the risk of bacterial infections and should be avoided when your dog has diarrhea. This is because their digestive system is already compromised.
- High-fiber Foods: While fiber is usually good, it can make diarrhea worse in the short term.
- Processed Foods: These often contain artificial additives and are not easily digestible. It’s also important to know what not to give a dog to eat.
Transitioning Back to Regular Food
Once your dog’s diarrhea has resolved, gradually transition them back to their regular diet. Start by mixing a small portion of their normal food with the bland diet, increasing the amount of regular food each day. This helps to avoid any further stomach upsets. A sudden change to food is not good, even back to their usual diet.
How to Feed Your Dog with Diarrhea
- Small, Frequent Meals: Feeding smaller portions of food more frequently can be gentler on their digestive system. Think 3-4 smaller meals throughout the day instead of 1-2 large ones.
- Offer Plenty of Water: Dehydration is a significant concern with diarrhea, so ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. You could even try adding low-sodium bone broth to their water to encourage them to drink more.
- Monitor Stool: Keep an eye on their stools to track improvement. Notice whether the stool is firmer.
“It’s important to monitor your dog closely when they have diarrhea,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a veterinary nutritionist at Animal Wellness Center. “A bland diet and plenty of fluids are essential for a quick recovery. Don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you are concerned, especially if the diarrhea persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.”
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
While a bland diet can often resolve diarrhea, it’s crucial to seek veterinary advice if:
- Diarrhea Lasts More Than 24-48 Hours: If it isn’t improving after 2 days.
- There’s Blood in the Stool: This can indicate a serious underlying issue.
- Your Dog Is Lethargic or Weak: These symptoms can mean more than just a simple upset stomach.
- Your Dog Is Vomiting: This could be a sign of dehydration or a more severe condition.
- Your Dog Is Refusing to Eat or Drink: Hydration is crucial, and a lack of appetite can be concerning.
- Puppies or Senior Dogs Are Affected: They are more vulnerable to complications from diarrhea.
- Other Symptoms Are Present: If you’re concerned about symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, or rapid breathing.
Questions You Might Have About Feeding Your Dog with Diarrhea
Let’s address some of the common questions you might have about feeding a dog with diarrhea:
How Long Should My Dog Stay on a Bland Diet?
Most dogs with diarrhea should stay on a bland diet for 2-3 days or until the stools are firm and back to normal. Then, slowly reintroduce their regular food.
Can I Give My Dog Pepto-Bismol for Diarrhea?
No, it’s generally not recommended to give Pepto-Bismol to your dog without your vet’s specific instruction. It can be harmful to some dogs. There are other medications that your veterinarian can prescribe that are specifically tailored to your pet.
Is Plain Yogurt Good for Dogs With Diarrhea?
While plain yogurt can contain beneficial probiotics, dairy products can also upset your dog’s stomach due to lactose intolerance, so it’s best to avoid it when your dog has diarrhea unless you know your dog tolerates it well.
What About Probiotics?
Probiotics can be helpful for restoring balance in the gut, but consult with your veterinarian before adding them.
“Probiotics can be a great tool in the recovery process, but it’s important to choose the right kind for your dog,” says Dr. Michael Johnson, a canine digestive specialist. “Consult with your vet to determine the best course of action for your dog’s specific needs.”
Can I Give My Dog Electrolyte Supplements?
Electrolyte supplements can be useful for dogs with severe diarrhea, especially if they are dehydrated. Always consult your veterinarian before adding any supplements. You might consider a product designed for dogs, as these will be lower in sodium compared to those for humans.
How Soon Can I Transition Back to Regular Food?
Once your dog’s stools are back to normal, slowly reintroduce their regular diet over 2-3 days, mixing a bit more of their regular food into the bland diet each day. A sudden change to their food again can be problematic.
How Can I Prevent Diarrhea in the Future?
- Avoid sudden changes in diet.
- Keep an eye on what your dog is eating, and try to avoid food waste or other things on the floor that they may find tempting.
- Keep up to date with vet appointments and deworming.
- Manage stress for your pup, whether through toys or other mental stimulation.
Conclusion
When your dog has diarrhea, it can be a stressful experience for both of you. Understanding what to feed them is a crucial part of their recovery. A bland diet, ample hydration, and close monitoring are key. Remember, if your dog’s symptoms don’t improve or you notice additional concerning symptoms, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. By being proactive and informed, you can help your dog recover quickly and get back to their happy, healthy self. Remember that if you have a puppy, that it is especially important to consult with a vet since they can become dehydrated quicker than an adult dog.