What to Feed a Dog With Diarrhea: A Bland Diet Guide

Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by various factors, ranging from dietary indiscretions to infections. While it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause, a bland diet can often help soothe your dog’s digestive system and resolve mild cases of diarrhea. This diet is easily digestible and gentle on the stomach.

The Goal of a Bland Diet

The primary goal of a bland diet is to give your dog’s digestive system a break. It achieves this by:

• Reducing irritation: The simple ingredients are less likely to trigger inflammation in the gut.
• Decreasing workload: Easily digestible foods require less effort to break down, allowing the gut to heal.
• Promoting stool firmness: Binding agents can help solidify loose stools.

The Classic Bland Diet Recipe: Chicken and Rice

The most common and effective bland diet for dogs with diarrhea consists of boiled chicken and white rice. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: About 1 cup per 20 pounds of body weight per day, divided into multiple meals.
• White rice: Plain, cooked white rice (not instant). About 2 cups per 20 pounds of body weight per day, divided into multiple meals. Brown rice is generally not recommended because it’s higher in fiber and can be harder to digest.
• Water: For boiling the chicken and rice.

Instructions:

1. Boil the Chicken: Place the chicken breast in a pot of water and boil until fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes). Ensure there are no bones.
2. Cook the Rice: While the chicken is cooking, cook the white rice according to package directions, using only water. No butter, salt, or other seasonings.
3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly and then shred it into small, manageable pieces.
4. Combine and Serve: Mix the shredded chicken and cooked rice together in a bowl.
5. Serve Small, Frequent Meals: Offer small portions of the mixture to your dog several times throughout the day, rather than one or two large meals.

Alternatives and Additions

While chicken and rice are the gold standard, some alternatives can work in certain situations:

• Lean Ground Beef: If your dog is allergic to chicken, lean ground beef can be substituted. Be sure to drain off any excess fat after cooking.
• Pumpkin (Plain, Canned): A tablespoon or two of plain, canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling!) can help add fiber and bulk to the stool.
• Bone Broth: Unsalted bone broth can help with hydration and provide some electrolytes. Ensure it’s free of onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs.

Important Considerations

• Hydration: Ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.
• Veterinary Consultation: If the diarrhea persists for more than 24-48 hours, or if your dog shows signs of lethargy, vomiting, fever, or blood in the stool, seek veterinary attention immediately. Underlying medical conditions may require specific treatment.
• Transitioning Back to Regular Food: Once your dog’s stools start to firm up, gradually reintroduce their regular food over a period of 2-3 days, mixing it in with the bland diet.
• Probiotics: Consider adding a probiotic supplement (designed for dogs) to help restore healthy gut bacteria.

A bland diet is a helpful tool for managing mild diarrhea in dogs. However, it is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian to rule out any serious underlying health issues.