Discovering your dog has diarrhea can be a concerning experience for any pet owner. A common question that arises during such times is what to feed a dog with diarrhea, and whether it’s even advisable to feed them at all. This guide offers insights based on veterinary recommendations to help you navigate your dog’s digestive upset.
When to Feed Your Dog with Diarrhea
In most cases, if your dog is experiencing diarrhea but not vomiting, offering a bland diet is generally considered safe. This approach, often combined with probiotics, can help support a healthy digestive system. Withholding food is usually unnecessary if vomiting isn’t present, as it might deter your dog from eating when you reintroduce food. However, for very young puppies (under three months), senior dogs, or those with pre-existing health conditions, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian before considering any dietary changes, including fasting. Consulting your vet is paramount for puppies, seniors, or dogs with health issues.
The Role of Fasting
In certain situations, a short fasting period, such as 12 hours, might be recommended, particularly if your dog has ingested something inappropriate. Fasting can allow the digestive system a brief rest, akin to rebooting a computer, which can be beneficial for episodes of profuse diarrhea. During a fast, ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water. Never withhold water from your dog. If your dog appears unwell, vomits, or continues to have diarrhea for more than 24 to 48 hours, seek veterinary attention immediately.
The Effectiveness of a Bland Diet
A bland diet can be highly effective in managing diarrhea in dogs. It’s particularly useful after a short fasting period, provided there are no further episodes of diarrhea or other symptoms. The goal of a bland diet is to be easily digestible, thus avoiding further irritation to the digestive tract. Adding probiotics and fiber sources like canned pumpkin can also be beneficial. This dietary approach is most suitable for temporary digestive upset rather than chronic conditions.
Implementing a Bland Diet
If your dog seems otherwise healthy and doesn’t have a chronic health issue, start by offering a small amount of a bland diet. Easy-to-digest foods are less likely to cause further upset. Smaller, more frequent meals are generally easier for the body to process.
A typical bland diet for dogs includes boiled lean white meat chicken or lean hamburger mixed with rice. Boiling the meat helps to remove excess fat, ensuring a low-fat, easily digestible meal. Begin with a very small portion, perhaps only a tablespoon or two, to gauge your dog’s tolerance. Offering small meals every two to three hours is preferable to a single large meal, even if your dog appears eager for more.
Veterinarians often recommend a bland diet for three to five days following mild diarrhea, assuming the dog shows signs of improvement and no other symptoms. If your dog remains unwell or vomits, immediate veterinary care is necessary.
Feeding 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 and maintaining normal eating and drinking habits without other symptoms. Worrying signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or the presence of blood or mucus in the stool. Acute diarrhea, which starts suddenly, can range from mild to severe depending on accompanying symptoms.
When feeding a bland diet for acute diarrhea:
- Use a veterinarian-prescribed bland food or a home-prepared option.
- A common ratio is 1:1 boiled lean meat (chicken or hamburger) to rice.
- Start with approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture per 10 pounds of body weight, served every two to three hours.
- If diarrhea improves, gradually increase portion sizes and decrease meal frequency over the next three days.
- Begin reintroducing your dog’s regular food gradually between days three and five, with the aim of returning to their normal diet by day seven.
Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences increased diarrhea, vomiting, or general malaise at any point. Consistent improvement should be observed after initiating a bland diet or fasting period; any setbacks warrant immediate veterinary consultation. For advice on specific food choices, consider options like boiled lean white meat chicken.
Dietary Approaches for Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea, characterized by ongoing episodes over time, often indicates an underlying medical condition. Addressing the root cause through diagnosis and treatment is essential before establishing an appropriate long-term diet.
Prescription diets formulated for dogs with diarrhea may be necessary for long-term gastrointestinal issues or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. These diets are nutritionally complete and balanced for extended use. Your veterinarian can help you select the most suitable prescription diet, which may include options such as Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d, Purina EN, or Royal Canin Gastrointestinal. While a homemade bland diet is useful for short-term relief, it lacks the comprehensive nutrients required for long-term canine health.
It is important to note that if your dog’s condition is severe or persistent, they may be experiencing symptoms that require immediate medical attention. For instance, understanding what meat your dog should never eat is crucial for preventing further digestive upset.
Written by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP
