Dealing with a dog experiencing diarrhea can be a significant concern for pet parents. A common question that arises during such times is whether it’s acceptable to feed a dog with diarrhea, and more importantly, what specific foods are appropriate. Understanding the right approach to diet can significantly aid in your dog’s recovery.
Key Takeaways
- For dogs experiencing diarrhea but not vomiting, a bland diet, often including boiled chicken and rice, complemented by probiotics, is generally considered safe and effective.
- While short-term fasting may be recommended in some situations, always consult your veterinarian before implementing this, especially for puppies, senior dogs, or those with pre-existing health conditions.
- A bland diet is designed to soothe the digestive system. It should be introduced in small, frequent portions, gradually increasing the quantity as the dog’s condition improves.
- Persistent or chronic diarrhea often signifies an underlying health issue that requires professional veterinary diagnosis and a long-term treatment strategy, which may include prescription gastrointestinal diets, rather than solely relying on homemade bland food.
Should You Feed a Dog with Diarrhea?
Veterinarians typically recommend specific dietary adjustments for dogs suffering from diarrhea, depending on the root cause. In most instances, provided your dog is not also vomiting, feeding a bland diet alongside probiotics is the preferred course of action to support a healthy digestive system. Withholding food is generally unnecessary if diarrhea is the only symptom, as it might lead to reluctance to eat once feeding is resumed.
For very young puppies (under three months), senior dogs, and those with known health problems, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian for advice before considering any fasting period.
Fasting for Dogs With Diarrhea
In certain scenarios, such as when a dog has ingested something inappropriate, a short fast of 12 hours or less might be advised. However, when in doubt, always reach out to your veterinarian.
Fasting can help to clear the digestive tract of irritants, giving the dog’s system a brief rest, akin to rebooting a computer. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs experiencing frequent and profuse bouts of diarrhea. During a fast, ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water and avoid giving any treats.
If your dog exhibits signs of illness, vomits, or continues to experience diarrhea for more than 24 to 48 hours, veterinary attention is necessary.
Does a Bland Diet Work for Dogs With Diarrhea?
A bland diet can be exceptionally beneficial for dogs suffering from diarrhea. It is also a suitable choice following a fasting period, provided there have been no further episodes of diarrhea and no other concerning symptoms are present.
The importance of a bland diet lies in its gentle nature, preventing further upset to the dog’s sensitive system. Probiotics and fiber additives, such as canned pumpkin, can also be valuable in managing diarrhea. This approach of fasting followed by a bland diet is most effective for dogs experiencing temporary digestive upset due to something they ate, rather than for managing long-term or chronic conditions.
How to Give Your Dog a Bland Diet for Diarrhea
If your dog appears to be otherwise well and does not have a chronic health condition or persistent diarrhea, introduce a small portion of a bland diet. Bland foods are easily digestible and more likely to be tolerated. Offering small meals more frequently can also aid the body in processing the food more effectively.
A common recommendation for a bland diet includes boiled lean white meat chicken or boiled lean hamburger mixed with rice, providing both protein and carbohydrates. Boiling the meat helps to remove excess fat, ensuring the meal is very low in fat and easy to digest.
It is best to start with a very small amount, perhaps only a tablespoon or two, to gauge your dog’s tolerance. It is far more advisable to offer small meals every two to three hours than a large meal upfront, even if your dog is eagerly asking 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 spirits. Any animal that remains ill or is vomiting requires more intensive care beyond a simple bland diet; therefore, contact your vet.
Food for Dogs With Mild or Acute Diarrhea
Mild diarrhea is typically characterized by soft or loose stools that have persisted for fewer than 48–72 hours, with the dog remaining active and maintaining normal eating and drinking habits without any other symptoms.
More concerning is when your dog seems unwell. This might manifest as increased sleeping, lethargy, loss of appetite, a quiet demeanor, vomiting, or the presence of blood or mucus in their stool. Acute diarrhea begins suddenly, differing from a gradual onset. It can range from mild to severe depending on accompanying signs of illness.
When providing bland food for acute diarrhea:
- Opt for a prescription bland food recommended by your veterinarian or prepare a home-based bland diet.
- A recommended ratio for a homemade bland diet is 1:1 of boiled meat to rice.
- Lean white meat chicken or lean hamburger, boiled, are the most recommended protein sources.
- Begin by feeding approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture per 10 pounds of body weight, offering these small meals every two to three hours on the first day. It’s better to underfeed slightly than to overfeed.
- 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 gradually reintroduce your dog’s regular food. By the end of the week, most dogs should be back on their regular diet and feeling well.
If at any point your dog experiences increased diarrhea, vomiting, or general unwellness, contact your veterinarian. Following the initial fasting period or the introduction of a bland diet, you should observe a consistent improvement in your pet’s condition. Any setbacks warrant immediate veterinary consultation.
What To Feed Dogs With Chronic Diarrhea
For dogs experiencing chronic diarrhea, characterized by ongoing episodes over an extended period, an underlying medical condition is likely present. Before establishing an appropriate diet, the health condition must be identified, diagnosed, and treated. Diet will likely form only one component of your veterinarian’s comprehensive treatment plan.
Prescription diets specifically formulated for dogs with diarrhea may be more suitable if your dog has a long-term gastrointestinal issue or a health problem such as inflammatory bowel disease.
These prescription foods are designed to meet all nutritional requirements over extended periods, making them ideal for managing long-term gastrointestinal problems. They are fully balanced and complete and can often be fed to other healthy dogs in the household as well (always consult your vet first!). While a homemade bland diet is useful for short-term relief, it is significantly deficient in many essential nutrients required for a dog’s long-term health.
Many prescription diets are available through your veterinarian. Some commonly recommended options include Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d (intestinal diet), Purina EN (gastroenteric nutrition), and Royal Canin Gastrointestinal. Your veterinarian can guide you in selecting the most appropriate formula based on your dog’s specific condition.
