Diarrhea in dogs is a common concern for pet parents, often leading to questions about whether and what to feed a dog experiencing digestive upset. While it can be worrying, understanding the right dietary approach can significantly aid your dog’s recovery. This guide will explore the best feeding strategies for dogs with diarrhea, from bland diets to specialized prescription foods.
Should You Feed a Dog with Diarrhea?
In most cases, if your dog has diarrhea but is not vomiting, it is generally safe to continue feeding them a bland diet, often supplemented with probiotics to support a healthy digestive system. Withholding food is typically unnecessary and might even make your dog less inclined to eat when feeding resumes. However, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian before fasting very young puppies (under 3 months), senior dogs, or those with pre-existing health conditions, as they may have different needs.
Fasting for Dogs with Diarrhea
In specific situations, a veterinarian might recommend a short-term fast, such as 12 hours, especially if your dog has ingested something that caused digestive upset. This brief rest period can help clear the system, akin to rebooting a computer, and can be particularly beneficial for frequent episodes of profuse diarrhea. Throughout any fasting period, ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water; never withhold water from your pet. If your dog exhibits signs of illness, vomiting, or continues to have diarrhea for more than 24 to 48 hours, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
Does a Bland Diet Work for Dogs With Diarrhea?
A bland diet is a highly effective dietary strategy for dogs suffering from diarrhea. It’s particularly useful after a short fasting period, provided no additional digestive issues have arisen. The goal of a bland diet is to be easily digestible and to avoid further irritating an already sensitive system. Incorporating probiotics and fiber additives, such as canned pumpkin, can further support digestive health. This approach is most suitable for dogs experiencing temporary digestive upset due to dietary indiscretion, rather than for managing long-term chronic conditions.
How to Administer a Bland Diet for Diarrhea
If your dog appears generally well and does not have a chronic health condition, start by offering a small amount of a bland diet. Small, frequent meals are easier for the digestive system to process. A common bland diet consists of boiled lean white meat chicken or lean hamburger mixed with plain white rice. Boiling the meat helps to remove excess fat, ensuring a low-fat, easily digestible meal.
Begin with very small portions, perhaps only a tablespoon or two, to gauge your dog’s tolerance. It’s far better to offer several small meals spread throughout the day than one large meal, even if your dog seems eager for more. Veterinarians typically recommend a bland diet for three to five days following mild diarrhea, assuming the dog shows consistent improvement and no other symptoms. Any dog that remains ill or is vomiting requires more intensive veterinary care beyond a simple bland diet.
Food for Dogs With Mild or Acute Diarrhea
Mild diarrhea is typically defined as soft or loose stools lasting less than 48–72 hours, with the dog remaining active, eating, and drinking normally, and showing no other signs of illness. It is more concerning if your dog appears unwell, exhibiting lethargy, loss of appetite, or if their diarrhea contains blood or mucus.
Acute diarrhea occurs suddenly and can range from mild to severe depending on accompanying symptoms. When managing acute diarrhea with diet:
- Opt for either a veterinarian-prescribed bland diet or a home-prepared version.
- A recommended ratio is 1:1 boiled meat to rice, using lean white meat chicken or lean hamburger.
- Start with small meals, approximately 2 tablespoons per 10 pounds of body weight, offered every two to three hours on the first day.
- Over the subsequent three days, gradually increase portion sizes and decrease feeding frequency as the diarrhea improves.
- Between days three and five, begin reintroducing small amounts of your dog’s regular food. Most dogs should be back on their normal diet by day seven.
If your dog’s condition worsens, they vomit, or seem unwell at any point, contact your veterinarian immediately. Consistent improvement should be observed after initiating a bland diet or fasting period. Any setbacks warrant prompt veterinary consultation.
What to Feed Dogs With Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea, characterized by ongoing or recurring episodes over time, often indicates an underlying medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment. Diet management is usually only one part of a comprehensive treatment plan developed by your veterinarian.
For persistent gastrointestinal issues, prescription diets formulated for dogs with diarrhea may be necessary, particularly for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. These specialized foods are nutritionally complete and balanced for long-term feeding and can often be given to other healthy dogs in the household after consulting with your vet.
While a homemade bland diet is helpful for acute episodes, it lacks the necessary nutrients for long-term health. Veterinarians commonly prescribe diets such as Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d, Purina EN, or Royal Canin Gastrointestinal, among others. Your veterinarian will guide you in selecting the most appropriate option based on your dog’s specific health condition.
