Diarrhea means your dog’s poop is loose or watery, and it can happen for lots of reasons. Knowing what to feed a dog with diarrhea starts with figuring out why it’s happening. Here are some common causes:
- Eating something bad, like garbage or table scraps.
- Food allergies or stuff that their tummy doesn’t like.
- Infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
- Stress from moving or loud noises.
- Health problems like tummy diseases.
If your dog’s diarrhea lasts more than a day or two, has blood, or they’re acting super tired or not eating, call your vet right away. For mild cases, changing what you feed them can make a big difference.
- 1 Why Diet Matters for Dogs with Diarrhea
- 2 Best Foods to Feed a Dog with Diarrhea
- 3 Feeding Guidelines for Dogs with Diarrhea
- 4 Foods to Avoid When Your Dog Has Diarrhea
- 5 How Long Should You Feed a Bland Diet?
- 6 When to Seek Veterinary Care
- 7 Home Remedies to Support Recovery
- 8 Preventing Future Episodes of Diarrhea
- 9 Common Questions About Feeding Dogs with Diarrhea
- 10 Additional Tips for Managing Diarrhea in Dogs
- 11 Conclusion
- 12 Author
Why Diet Matters for Dogs with Diarrhea
Feeding the right food is super important when your dog has diarrhea. The wrong food can make things worse, but the right food can calm their tummy and help them heal. You want foods that are gentle, easy to digest, and keep your dog hydrated. That’s the key to figuring out what to feed a dog with diarrhea.
How to Choose the Best Food for a Dog with Diarrhea
When picking what to feed a dog with diarrhea, go for foods that are:
- Low in fat so they’re easy on the tummy.
- Simple and easy to digest.
- Full of water to keep your dog hydrated.
- Packed with nutrients to keep them strong.
Best Foods to Feed a Dog with Diarrhea
Here’s a list of safe, vet-approved foods to feed your dog when they have diarrhea. These are gentle and help their tummy feel better.
1. Boiled White Rice
White rice is a go-to choice for what to feed a dog with diarrhea. It’s super easy for their tummy to handle and helps make their poop firmer.
- How to Make It: Cook plain white rice with no salt, oil, or spices. Serve a little at a time.
- Tip: Mix it with something like chicken for a full meal.
2. Boiled Chicken Breast
Chicken breast (no skin or fat) is a great protein for dogs with diarrhea. It’s gentle and gives them energy.
- How to Make It: Boil the chicken, take off all the fat, and shred it into small pieces.
- Why It Helps: It’s lean and won’t upset their tummy.
3. Plain Pumpkin Puree
Canned pumpkin (not the pie kind) is awesome for what to feed a dog with diarrhea. It has fiber that helps firm up their poop.
- How to Use: Give 1-2 tablespoons for every 20 pounds of your dog’s weight, mixed with rice or chicken.
- Note: Make sure it’s plain pumpkin with no sugar or spices.
4. Plain, Low-Fat Yogurt
Plain yogurt with good bacteria (probiotics) can help fix your dog’s tummy when figuring out what to feed a dog with diarrhea.
- How to Pick: Choose low-fat or non-fat yogurt with no sugar or flavors.
- How Much: A teaspoon for small dogs, a tablespoon or two for bigger dogs.
5. Boiled Potatoes
Boiled white potatoes (no skin) are another easy option for what to feed a dog with diarrhea.
- How to Make It: Boil until soft, mash them up plain, and serve a little bit.
- Why It Helps: They’re starchy and help make poop less watery.
6. Bone Broth
Bone broth is great for keeping your dog hydrated and giving them nutrients when you’re deciding what to feed a dog with diarrhea.
- How to Make It: Boil chicken or beef bones for 12-24 hours, strain, and let it cool. Don’t add onions, garlic, or spices.
- Tip: Give it in small sips or mix with rice.
| Food | Why It’s Good | How Much (per 20 lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiled White Rice | Easy to digest, firms poop | 1/4–1/2 cup | No brown rice |
| Boiled Chicken | Hydrates and gives nutrients | 1/4–1/2 cup shredded | No fat or skin |
| Pumpkin Puree | Fiber helps firm poop | 1–2 tbsp | Use plain, no sugar |
| Plain Yogurt | Good bacteria for gut | 1–2 tsp (small dogs) | Must have live cultures |
| Boiled Potatoes | Easy to digest, starchy | 1/4–1/2 cup mashed | No skin or butter |
| Bone Broth | Good bacteria for the gut | 1/4–1/2 cup | No onions or garlic |
Feeding Guidelines for Dogs with Diarrhea
Knowing what to feed a dog with diarrhea is only half the battle—how you feed them matters too. Here’s what to do:
- Skip Food for a Bit (If Okay with Vet): For grown dogs, not eating for 12-24 hours can let their tummy rest. Don’t do this for puppies or older dogs without asking your vet.
- Start Small: Give tiny meals a few times a day (like 4-6 times) so their tummy doesn’t get overwhelmed.
- Keep Them Hydrated: Always have fresh water available. Diarrhea can make dogs lose water fast.
- Go Back to Normal Food Slowly: Once their poop is normal, mix their regular food in little by little over a few days.
Foods to Avoid When Your Dog Has Diarrhea
Some foods can make diarrhea worse, so steer clear of these when thinking about what to feed a dog with diarrhea:
- Fatty stuff like bacon, cheese, or greasy treats.
- Human foods with salt, spices, or sugar.
- High-fiber foods like raw veggies or brown rice.
- Anything sweet, especially with xylitol (it’s toxic to dogs).
| Foods to Avoid | Why They’re Bad |
|---|---|
| Fatty Meats | Hard to digest, worsens diarrhea |
| Spiced Human Food | Irritates tummy |
| Raw Veggies | Too much fiber |
| Sugary Treats | Can be toxic or upset tummy |
How Long Should You Feed a Bland Diet?
Feed these gentle foods for about 3-5 days or until your dog’s poop looks normal. If diarrhea doesn’t stop after a couple of days, call your vet. Feeding only bland food for too long might mean your dog misses out on some nutrients, so switch back to their regular food slowly.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Figuring out what to feed a dog with diarrhea works for mild cases, but sometimes you need a vet. Call them if:
- Diarrhea lasts more than 2 days.
- You see blood or weird colors in the poop.
- Your dog is super tired, throwing up, or has a fever.
- They look dehydrated (dry gums, tired eyes, or skin that stays pinched).
Your vet might do tests or give medicine to help.
Home Remedies to Support Recovery
Besides knowing what to feed a dog with diarrhea, these tricks can help your pup feel better:
- Electrolyte Drinks: Give a vet-approved drink like plain Pedialyte (mix with water) to keep them hydrated.
- Probiotics: Try vet-recommended probiotics like Purina FortiFlora to help their tummy.
- Slippery Elm: This natural stuff can calm their tummy, but ask your vet how much to give.
| Remedy | What It Does | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Electrolyte Drink | Follow the vet’s or product instructions | Dilute with water, small sips |
| Probiotics | Helps gut bacteria | Keeps the dog hydrated |
| Slippery Elm | Soothes tummy | Follow vet’s or product instructions |
Preventing Future Episodes of Diarrhea
Once your dog is better, here’s how to keep their tummy happy and avoid needing to figure out what to feed a dog with diarrhea again:
- Stick to the same dog food every day.
- Don’t give them human food or scraps.
- Take them to the vet for regular checkups.
- Use monthly medicine to prevent worms or parasites.
Common Questions About Feeding Dogs with Diarrhea
Here are answers to questions people often ask about what to feed a dog with diarrhea:
Can I Feed My Dog Their Regular Food During Diarrhea?
Nope, regular food might be too heavy for their tummy. Stick to bland foods like rice and chicken until they’re better, then slowly mix in their usual food.
How Much Should I Feed My Dog with Diarrhea?
Give small meals a few times a day—like a quarter of their normal amount, 4-6 times daily. It depends on their size, so watch how they do.
Is Pumpkin Safe for All Dogs with Diarrhea?
Plain pumpkin is safe for most dogs, but check with your vet if your dog has allergies or health issues. Don’t use pumpkin pie mix—it has sugar.
Can I Give My Dog Medicine Like Imodium?
Don’t give human medicines unless your vet says it’s okay. Some can hurt your dog, so always check first.
Additional Tips for Managing Diarrhea in Dogs
- Write Down What They Eat: This helps you spot what might cause tummy trouble.
- Keep Things Clean: Wash their bed and bowls to stop germs, especially if parasites are the problem.
- Keep Them Calm: A quiet space and regular routine can help avoid stress-related diarrhea.
Conclusion
Figuring out what to feed a dog with diarrhea doesn’t have to be hard. Simple foods like boiled rice, chicken, and pumpkin can help your dog feel better fast. Feed small amounts, keep them hydrated, and watch for signs they need a vet. With a little care, your pup will be back to their happy, tail-wagging self in no time. For more pet tips, check out ASPCA’s Pet Care Guide or talk to your vet.
