Experiencing diarrhea in your dog can be a significant concern for pet parents. A common question that arises during such times is whether it’s appropriate to feed a dog experiencing diarrhea, and more importantly, what specific foods are recommended. This guide will explore the dietary strategies for dogs with diarrhea, focusing on bland diets, fasting, and when to seek veterinary attention.
Key Takeaways for Feeding Dogs with Diarrhea
- Bland Diet and Probiotics: If your dog has diarrhea but is not vomiting, a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, combined with probiotics, is generally considered safe and beneficial.
- Fasting Considerations: While short-term fasting might be recommended in certain situations, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian, especially for young puppies, senior dogs, or those with pre-existing health conditions.
- Introducing a Bland Diet: A bland diet should be introduced in small quantities initially, with gradual increases as the dog’s health improves, to allow their digestive system to recover.
- Persistent Diarrhea: Chronic or persistent diarrhea often signals an underlying health issue that requires professional veterinary diagnosis and a long-term management plan, which may include prescription gastrointestinal diets.
Should You Feed a Dog Experiencing Diarrhea?
Veterinarians typically offer specific dietary recommendations for dogs suffering from diarrhea, depending on the cause. In most cases, as long as vomiting is not present, feeding a bland diet supplemented with probiotics is advised to support a healthy digestive system. Withholding food is generally not necessary if the dog only has diarrhea and is not vomiting, as it could lead to a reluctance to eat once feeding resumes.
It is imperative to contact your veterinarian for advice before considering fasting for very young puppies (under three months), senior dogs, or any dog with known health problems.
The Role of Fasting in Managing Diarrhea
In some instances, particularly if a dog has ingested something that upset their stomach, a short fast of 12 hours or less might be suggested. Fasting can help clear the digestive tract and give the system a brief period of rest, akin to rebooting a computer, which can be beneficial for frequent, profuse diarrhea episodes.
During a fast, ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water. Do not offer treats. If your dog appears unwell, is vomiting, or continues to experience diarrhea for more than 24 to 48 hours, veterinary consultation is essential.
Effectiveness of a Bland Diet for Dogs with Diarrhea
A bland diet can be highly effective for dogs experiencing diarrhea, especially after a period of fasting, provided there are no further episodes of diarrhea or other concerning symptoms. The goal of a bland diet is to avoid further upsetting the dog’s sensitive digestive system. Incorporating probiotics and fiber additives, such as canned pumpkin, can also be beneficial. This fasting and bland diet approach is most suitable for dogs who have experienced a temporary digestive upset, rather than those with chronic conditions.
How to Administer a Bland Diet
For dogs who seem otherwise okay and do not have a chronic health condition, offering a small amount of a bland diet is recommended. Bland foods are easily digestible and better tolerated by a sensitive stomach. Feeding small meals more frequently aids the body in processing food more effectively.
A common bland diet consists of boiled lean white meat chicken or boiled lean hamburger combined with rice. Boiling the meat helps to remove excess fat, ensuring a low-fat, easily digestible meal. It’s advisable to start with a very small portion, perhaps only a tablespoon or two, to gauge your dog’s tolerance. Offering smaller meals every two to three hours is preferable to a large meal, even if your dog appears eager for more.
Most veterinarians suggest a bland diet for three to five days following a mild diarrhea episode, assuming the dog is otherwise in good health. Any animal exhibiting continued illness or vomiting requires more intensive veterinary care.
Dietary Recommendations for Mild or Acute Diarrhea
Mild diarrhea is typically defined as soft or loose stools that have persisted for less than 48–72 hours, with the dog remaining active and maintaining normal eating and drinking habits without other symptoms.
Concerning signs include lethargy, decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, or the presence of blood or mucus in the stool. Acute diarrhea is a sudden onset, often occurring without prior warning.
When feeding a bland diet for acute diarrhea:
- Choice of Food: Opt for either a veterinarian-prescribed bland diet or a home-prepared version.
- Ratio: A 1:1 ratio of boiled meat to rice is generally recommended. For example, one cup of boiled chicken mixed with one cup of rice, using the leanest meat available.
- Meat Options: Boiled white meat chicken or boiled hamburger are the most frequently recommended protein sources.
- Portion Size: 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 initially.
- Progression: Over the subsequent three days, gradually increase the portion size and reduce the frequency of meals if the diarrhea shows improvement.
- Transition Back: Between days three and five, begin gradually reintroducing your dog’s regular food. By day seven, most dogs should be back on their normal diet and feeling well.
At any point, if your dog experiences worsening diarrhea, vomiting, or general malaise, contact your veterinarian immediately. Consistent improvement should be observed after initiating a bland diet or fasting period. Any setbacks warrant immediate veterinary attention.
Feeding Dogs with Chronic Diarrhea
For dogs experiencing chronic diarrhea—persistent episodes over an extended period—an underlying medical condition is often the cause. Before establishing an appropriate long-term diet, the underlying health issue must be diagnosed and treated. Diet often forms only one component of the veterinary treatment plan.
Prescription diets specifically formulated for dogs with diarrhea may be more suitable for long-term gastrointestinal issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease. These diets are nutritionally complete and balanced for extended feeding and can sometimes be given to other healthy dogs in the household, following veterinary guidance.
While a homemade bland diet is useful for short-term relief, it can be deficient in essential nutrients required for a dog’s long-term health.
Several prescription diets are available through veterinarians, including Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d (intestinal diet), Purina EN (gastroenteric nutrition), and Royal Canin Gastrointestinal. Your veterinarian can help you select the most appropriate option based on your dog’s specific condition.
