Dealing with a dog that has diarrhea can be stressful for any pet owner. It’s uncomfortable for your furry friend, and naturally, you’re going to worry and want to help. Knowing What To Give A Dog With Diarrhea To Eat is crucial for their recovery. This guide will walk you through the best dietary choices and practices to help your dog get back to their tail-wagging self. We’ll explore easily digestible foods, what to avoid, and how to reintroduce a normal diet.
Understanding Diarrhea in Dogs
Before diving into the specifics of what to give a dog to eat with diarrhea, let’s quickly touch on why it happens. Diarrhea is often a sign that your dog’s digestive system is upset. Common causes include dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t have), stress, infections, or underlying health issues. The goal of managing diet during a bout of diarrhea is to rest the gut and provide easily digestible food that won’t further irritate the system.
Initial Dietary Adjustments
When your dog starts experiencing diarrhea, the first thing you might need to do is fast them for 12-24 hours. This allows their digestive tract to settle down. This period of fasting is crucial, and it will give you some time to consider what can i give my dog to eat for diarrhea. However, always ensure they have access to plenty of fresh water to avoid dehydration. Once the fasting period is over, it’s time to introduce a bland diet.
The Bland Diet: Gentle Options
A bland diet is the cornerstone of managing diarrhea in dogs. The key is to provide foods that are easy to digest and low in fiber. Here are some safe options:
- Plain Boiled Chicken or Turkey: Lean protein is excellent for providing energy without being too hard on the stomach. Ensure that all skin and fat are removed before feeding.
- White Rice: Plain, cooked white rice is easily digestible. It’s a good source of carbohydrates to provide energy without irritating the gut.
- Plain Pumpkin (Puree): Canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!) is a great source of soluble fiber, which can help firm up stool. A tablespoon or two, depending on your dog’s size, can make a big difference.
- Boiled Potatoes (Without Skin): Plain, boiled potatoes offer easily digestible carbohydrates that are easy on a sensitive stomach.
“When dealing with canine diarrhea, simplicity is key,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a veterinary nutritionist. “Stick to bland, easily digestible foods like chicken and rice until their symptoms improve.”
How to Prepare Bland Meals
Preparing these meals is straightforward:
- Boil the protein (chicken or turkey) until thoroughly cooked. Drain and remove any skin and fat. Shred or cut into small, easy-to-manage pieces.
- Cook the white rice plain. No butter, oil, or seasoning is needed.
- Mix the boiled protein and white rice together. Add a small amount of plain pumpkin puree if using.
- Serve in small portions, several times a day rather than one large meal, which will give their digestive system a break. This will also help you monitor if their stomach is settling or not.
What To Avoid When Your Dog Has Diarrhea
While you’re figuring out what to give dog to eat with diarrhea, it’s equally important to know what to keep away. Some foods, while normally safe for dogs, can aggravate an already upset stomach.
- Fatty Foods: Avoid fatty meats, fried foods, and any table scraps high in fat as these can make diarrhea worse.
- Dairy Products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant. Dairy products like milk and cheese can contribute to digestive upset and diarrhea.
- Seasoned Foods: Seasonings, spices, and flavorings in human food can be irritating to a dog’s digestive system. Always keep food plain and simple.
- High-Fiber Foods: Foods rich in fiber, like whole grains or raw vegetables, can make diarrhea worse when the digestive system is already overwhelmed.
“Avoid table scraps and heavily seasoned foods when your dog is having diarrhea,” warns Dr. Carter. “Stick to the basics of the bland diet. It is a temporary change that will help them heal.”
Gradual Reintroduction to Normal Food
After a few days of bland diet and your dog’s diarrhea is improving, it’s time to gradually reintroduce their regular food. Don’t switch back abruptly. Instead, mix small amounts of their regular food with the bland diet, gradually increasing the amount of regular food over several days. This slow transition allows the digestive system to adjust.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Condition
While a bland diet is important, you also need to monitor your dog’s overall condition closely. Be sure to note:
- Frequency of Bowel Movements: Is it decreasing or staying the same?
- Consistency of Stool: Is it starting to firm up?
- Lethargy or Weakness: Is your dog behaving more energetic or remaining sluggish?
- Appetite: Is their appetite starting to improve?
- Vomiting: Is your dog experiencing other stomach upsets?
If the diarrhea persists for more than a few days, if there is blood in the stool, if they become lethargic or are vomiting, you should immediately contact your vet. It’s possible there is an underlying issue that needs further medical attention.
Additional Considerations
Beyond what to give a dog to eat with diarrhea, there are additional things you can do to support your dog’s recovery:
- Plenty of Water: Ensure fresh water is always available to prevent dehydration.
- Probiotics: Veterinarian-approved probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut, aiding digestion.
- Small, Frequent Meals: Even when your dog is returning to their normal diet, stick with small, frequent meals to avoid overloading the digestive system.
- Stress Management: Try to minimize stress for your dog while they are recovering, as it can play a role in their digestive health.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Even with bland foods, do not overfeed your dog as this can prolong their discomfort and symptoms.
“Proper hydration is key during any bout of diarrhea,” recommends Dr. Carter. “Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water throughout the day.”
It’s worth remembering that even if you are preparing your dog’s food from scratch, there are some benefits to commercially prepared dog food. Consider reading our resource about what table foods are good for dogs for some good suggestions for meal plans and options. Additionally, if your dog has any issues with eating, you may want to look at what to give a dog that's not eating for advice.
Conclusion
Dealing with a dog’s upset stomach can be frustrating and concerning. However, knowing what to give a dog with diarrhea to eat can make a huge difference in their recovery. Starting with a bland diet, avoiding harmful foods, and monitoring their progress will help your furry friend feel better as quickly as possible. Remember, patience and a supportive approach are vital to ensuring your dog returns to their happy, healthy self. And of course, when in doubt, always seek advice from your trusted vet. By understanding your dog’s specific needs, you can provide them with the best care.
You may also find what to give a dog to eat with diarrhea a helpful additional resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should my dog stay on a bland diet?
A: Typically, a bland diet is followed for a few days (usually 2-3 days) until your dog’s stool returns to normal. If symptoms persist longer or worsen, it’s time to consult with your vet.
Q: Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea?
A: No, you should never give your dog human medications like Pepto-Bismol unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Some human medications can be toxic to dogs.
Q: Is chicken broth good for dogs with diarrhea?
A: Plain, low-sodium chicken broth can be good for encouraging hydration but should be used sparingly. Ensure it’s free of onion or garlic as these are harmful to dogs.
Q: How much plain pumpkin should I give my dog?
A: A good guideline is to give one tablespoon of plain pumpkin puree per 10-20 pounds of body weight, one to two times a day. Adjust according to your dog’s size and response.
Q: My dog refuses to eat a bland diet, what should I do?
A: If your dog is a picky eater, try offering small amounts frequently and gently heating up the meal slightly to enhance the aroma. If they still refuse, consult with your vet for alternative suggestions.
Q: When should I seek veterinary care for my dog’s diarrhea?
A: If diarrhea persists for more than 2-3 days, is bloody, or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite, then seek immediate veterinary care.