Discovering your dog has diarrhea can be a significant concern for any pet parent. Often, this leads to the crucial question: “Is it okay to feed a dog with diarrhea, and if so, what should they eat?” This guide will provide clarity on dietary management for dogs experiencing digestive upset. what fruits are dogs not allowed
Key Takeaways
- For dogs with diarrhea but no vomiting, a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, combined with probiotics is generally safe and recommended.
- While short-term fasting might be suggested in some scenarios, always consult your veterinarian before withholding food, especially for puppies, senior dogs, or those with pre-existing health conditions.
- A bland diet aids in soothing the digestive system. Initially, offer small amounts and gradually increase them as your dog’s health improves.
- Persistent diarrhea often signals an underlying health issue that requires professional veterinary diagnosis and a long-term treatment plan, potentially involving prescription gastrointestinal diets, rather than relying solely on homemade bland food.
Should You Feed a Dog with Diarrhea?
Veterinarians typically offer several dietary recommendations for dogs experiencing diarrhea, depending on the root cause.
In most cases, provided your dog is not vomiting, feeding a bland diet is the best approach. Incorporating probiotics can also help maintain a healthy digestive system. If diarrhea is the only symptom and vomiting is absent, there’s generally no need to withhold food, as doing so might decrease their appetite when you reintroduce food.
For very young puppies (under three months old), senior dogs, and those with other known health issues, it is imperative to contact your veterinarian for advice before considering fasting.
Fasting for Dogs With Diarrhea
In certain situations, such as when a dog has ingested something problematic, a short fast of 12 hours or less might be advised. When in doubt, always reach out to your veterinarian.
Fasting can help to clear the digestive system, allowing it a brief period of rest, akin to rebooting a computer. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs experiencing frequent and profuse bouts of diarrhea.
During a fasting period, refrain from giving treats and ensure a constant supply of fresh water is available. It is crucial that your dog always has access to water, and it should never be withheld.
If your dog appears unwell, is vomiting, or continues to have diarrhea for 24 to 48 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Does a Bland Diet Work for Dogs With Diarrhea?
Indeed, a bland diet can be highly beneficial for dogs suffering from diarrhea. It’s also a good option to introduce after a fasting period, provided the dog hasn’t experienced further diarrhea and shows no other symptoms.
Maintaining a bland diet is critical to avoid further upsetting your dog’s sensitive system. Probiotics and fiber supplements, like canned pumpkin, are also excellent additions for managing diarrhea.
The combination of fasting followed by a bland diet is most suitable for dogs who have had a minor upset due to something they ate, rather than for chronic conditions.
How to Administer a Bland Diet for Diarrhea
If your dog appears to be doing well and does not have a chronic health condition or persistent diarrhea, offer a small portion of a bland diet. Bland foods are easily digestible and more likely to be tolerated. Serving small, frequent meals is also optimal for the body’s processing capabilities.
A common and effective bland diet for most dogs includes boiled lean white meat chicken or boiled lean hamburger mixed with rice, providing both protein and carbohydrates. Boiling helps to remove excess fat, ensuring a low-fat, easily digestible meal.
It is best to start with a very small amount, perhaps only a tablespoon or two, to gauge your dog’s ability to eat and keep the food down. Offering small meals every two to three hours is preferable to a single large meal, even if your dog seems eager for more.
Most veterinarians recommend continuing a bland diet for three to five days following a mild diarrhea episode, assuming your dog otherwise seems healthy. Any animal that remains ill or continues to vomit requires additional veterinary care.
Food for Dogs With Mild or Acute Diarrhea
Mild diarrhea is typically defined as soft or loose stools lasting less than 48–72 hours, during which the dog remains active and maintains normal eating and drinking habits without any other symptoms.
Concern arises when your dog shows signs of illness. This might include increased sleepiness, lethargy, loss of appetite, unusual quietness, vomiting, or the presence of blood or mucus in their stool. what can chihuahuas eat human food
Acute diarrhea occurs suddenly, meaning a dog was fine one moment and experiencing diarrhea the next. Acute diarrhea can range from mild to severe, depending on accompanying symptoms.
When introducing bland food for acute diarrhea:
- Opt for a prescription bland food from your veterinarian or prepare a homemade bland diet.
- The bland diet should consist of a 1:1 ratio of boiled meat to rice.
- For instance, combine 1 cup of boiled chicken with 1 cup of rice, using the leanest meat available. Boiled white meat chicken or lean hamburger are the most recommended protein sources.
- Begin by feeding approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture per 10 pounds of body weight, offered in small meals every two to three hours on the first day. It’s better to err on the side of underfeeding.
- Over the subsequent three days, gradually increase the portion size and reduce the frequency of meals if the diarrhea shows improvement.
- Between days three and five, begin to reintroduce your dog’s regular food, gradually mixing it with the bland diet. By day seven, most dogs should be back on their normal diet and feeling well.
If at any point your dog’s diarrhea worsens, they begin vomiting, or they do not seem well, contact your veterinarian. Following the initial fasting period or the introduction of a bland diet, you should observe consistent improvement in your pet’s condition. If any setbacks occur, seek veterinary advice immediately.
What To Feed Dogs With Chronic Diarrhea
If your dog experiences chronic diarrhea, characterized by ongoing episodes over an extended period, it likely indicates an underlying medical condition.
Before determining an appropriate diet, the health issue must be identified, diagnosed, and treated. Diet will likely be only one component of your veterinarian’s treatment plan. what do yorkies love to eat
Prescription diets formulated for dogs with diarrhea may be more suitable for long-term gastrointestinal issues or conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
These prescription foods are designed to meet all nutritional requirements over extended periods and can be crucial for managing chronic gastrointestinal problems. They are fully balanced and complete, and often, with veterinary approval, can be fed to other healthy dogs in the household.
While homemade diets like the bland diet are helpful for short-term relief, they are significantly deficient in many nutrients essential for a dog’s long-term health.
Your veterinarian can provide access to several prescription foods. Some of the most commonly recommended options include: Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d (intestinal diet), Purina EN (gastroenteric nutrition), and Royal Canin Gastrointestinal.
A variety of other brands and formulas are available, and your veterinarian will assist you in selecting the most suitable option for your dog based on their specific condition. what table food can puppies eat
Conclusion
Managing diarrhea in dogs requires a careful approach to their diet. For mild, acute cases, a bland diet and probiotics can be very effective. However, persistent or severe diarrhea warrants immediate veterinary attention to diagnose and treat any underlying health issues. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice regarding your dog’s specific needs. what whip cream is good for dogs
