It’s tough seeing your dog with an upset stomach. Things like vomiting, diarrhea, or not wanting to eat can worry any pet owner. If you’re wondering what to feed my dog with an upset stomach, this guide is for you! It’s written in super simple language for dog owners in the USA. We’ll cover safe foods, easy tips, and how to help your dog feel better fast.
- 1 Understanding a Dog’s Upset Stomach: Causes and Symptoms
- 2 Why Diet Matters for Dogs with an Upset Stomach
- 3 What to Feed My Dog with an Upset Stomach: Safe Food Options
- 4 Sample Feeding Plan for a Dog with an Upset Stomach
- 5 How to Transition Back to Regular Dog Food
- 6 What Not to Feed My Dog with an Upset Stomach
- 7 Home Remedies to Soothe Your Dog’s Stomach
- 8 When to See a Veterinarian
- 9 Preventing Future Upset Stomachs in Dogs
- 10 FAQs About What to Feed My Dog with an Upset Stomach
- 11 Conclusion: What to Feed My Dog with an Upset Stomach
- 12 Author
Understanding a Dog’s Upset Stomach: Causes and Symptoms
Before we talk about what to feed my dog with an upset stomach, let’s figure out what’s going on. An upset stomach in dogs can happen for a few reasons, like:
- Eating something bad, like garbage or old food
- Being allergic to certain foods
- Feeling stressed or nervous
- Getting a tummy bug from bacteria or viruses
- Swallowing something they shouldn’t, like a toy
Signs Your Dog’s Stomach Is Upset
Here’s what to look for:
- Throwing up
- Runny poop
- Acting tired or lazy
- Not wanting to eat
- Tummy pain or bloating
If these problems last more than a day or two, or if they’re really bad (like blood in their poop or not drinking water), call your vet right away. For small issues, changing their food can help.
Why Diet Matters for Dogs with an Upset Stomach
Picking the right food is super important when your dog’s tummy is upset. Their stomach is extra sensitive, and the wrong food can make things worse. You want to give them gentle foods that are easy to digest and help them feel better.
Tips for Feeding Your Dog
- Simple Foods: Choose plain, low-fat foods that won’t upset their stomach more.
- Small Meals: Feed tiny portions a few times a day instead of one big meal.
- Keep Them Hydrated: Make sure they drink water, especially if they’re throwing up or have diarrhea.
- No Bad Stuff: Don’t give them greasy, spicy, or human foods.
What to Feed My Dog with an Upset Stomach: Safe Food Options
Here’s a list of foods that are safe and gentle for your dog’s upset stomach. These are vet-approved and easy to find in the USA.
1. Boiled White Rice
White rice is great because it’s super easy for dogs to digest and helps make their poop firmer. Don’t use brown rice—it’s harder on their tummy.
- How to Make It: Cook plain white rice with no salt, oil, or spices.
- How to Serve: Mix it with a little lean meat (like chicken) in a 2:1 ratio (more rice than meat).
2. Boiled Chicken Breast
Plain, skinless chicken breast is a perfect protein for sick dogs. It’s not greasy and won’t upset their stomach.
- How to Make It: Boil the chicken until it’s fully cooked, take off any fat, and chop it into small pieces.
- How to Serve: Mix with rice for a simple meal.
3. Plain Pumpkin Puree
Canned pumpkin (the plain kind, not pie filling) is awesome for dogs. It has fiber that helps with diarrhea or constipation.
- How to Serve: Give 1-2 tablespoons per meal, depending on your dog’s size.
- Where to Get It: Find it at stores like Walmart or Amazon.
4. Bone Broth
Bone broth is great for keeping your dog hydrated and giving them nutrients, especially if they don’t want to eat.
- How to Make It: Buy dog-safe, low-sodium bone broth or make your own by boiling bones (no onions or spices).
- How to Serve: Give a small bowl or mix it with rice.
5. Plain, Low-Fat Yogurt
Plain yogurt with live cultures can help fix your dog’s gut after diarrhea. Make sure it’s sugar-free and has no fake flavors.
- How to Serve: Give 1-2 teaspoons for small dogs or 1-2 tablespoons for bigger dogs.
- Watch Out: Skip this if your dog doesn’t do well with dairy.
6. Bananas
Bananas are soft and easy to digest. They also have potassium, which is good for hydration.
- How to Serve: Mash a small piece and mix with rice or give it alone.
- Tip: Start with just 1-2 tablespoons so it’s not too much sugar.
Safe Foods Table
| Food | Why It’s Good | How Much to Give |
|---|---|---|
| Boiled White Rice | Easy to digest, firms up poop | ½ cup per meal (with protein) |
| Boiled Chicken | Gentle protein, low fat | ¼ cup per meal (with rice) |
| Pumpkin Puree | Helps with diarrhea and constipation | 1-2 tbsp per meal |
| Bone Broth | Hydrates and adds nutrients | ¼ cup per meal |
| Plain Yogurt | Restores good gut bacteria | 1-2 tsp (small dogs), 1-2 tbsp (big dogs) |
| Bananas | Soft, hydrating, and digestible | 1-2 tbsp per meal |
Sample Feeding Plan for a Dog with an Upset Stomach
Here’s an easy feeding plan for a medium-sized dog (20-50 pounds). Change the amounts based on your dog’s size, and ask your vet if you’re unsure.
| Time of Day | What to Feed | How Much | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Rice + shredded chicken | ½ cup rice + ¼ cup chicken | Make sure it’s warm, not hot |
| Midday | Pumpkin puree + rice | 1 tbsp pumpkin + ½ cup rice | Check if poop is getting better |
| Afternoon | Bone broth | ¼ cup | Use low-sodium broth |
| Evening | Rice + chicken + yogurt | ½ cup rice + ¼ cup chicken + 1 tsp yogurt | Add yogurt slowly |
Tip: Feed 4-6 small meals a day instead of one big one. After 2 wide range of issues, from mild tummy troubles to serious conditions. Knowing what to feed my dog with an upset stomach can help you support your pup through recovery while keeping their nutrition on track.
How to Transition Back to Regular Dog Food
When your dog starts feeling better, you need to slowly switch back to their normal food so their stomach doesn’t get upset again. Here’s how:
- Days 1-2: Keep giving the bland diet (like rice and chicken).
- Day 3: Mix 75% bland diet with 25% regular dog food.
- Day 4: Mix 50% bland diet with 50% regular food.
- Day 5: Mix 25% bland diet with 75% regular food.
- Day 6: Go back to 100% regular food.
Keep an eye on your dog during this switch. If their tummy gets upset again, go back to the bland diet and talk to your vet.
Transition Plan Table
| Day | Bland Diet | Regular Food | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 100% | 0% | Make sure symptoms are gone |
| 3 | 75% | 25% | Check for vomiting or diarrhea |
| 4 | 50% | 50% | Look for normal energy levels |
| 5 | 25% | 75% | Ensure poop is firm |
| 6 | 0% | 100% | Confirm they’re back to normal |
What Not to Feed My Dog with an Upset Stomach
Knowing what not to feed is just as important as knowing what to feed my dog with an upset stomach. Avoid these foods:
- Greasy Foods: No bacon, fries, or buttery stuff—it can make diarrhea worse.
- Most Dairy: Skip milk and cheese (yogurt is okay if it’s plain).
- Spicy or Salty Foods: Human foods with spices or salt are a no-go.
- Dangerous Foods: Never give chocolate, grapes, onions, or garlic—they’re toxic.
- High-Fiber Foods: Raw veggies or bran can be too rough on their stomach.
Foods to Avoid Table
| Food Type | Why It’s Bad | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Greasy Foods | Worsens diarrhea | Use lean chicken or rice |
| Milk/Cheese | Hard to digest | Try plain yogurt (if okay) |
| Spicy/Salty Foods | Irritates stomach | Stick to plain, bland foods |
| Chocolate, Grapes, etc. | Toxic to dogs | Keep these far away from dogs |
| Raw Veggies/Bran | Too much fiber for upset stomach | Use pumpkin or rice |
Home Remedies to Soothe Your Dog’s Stomach
Besides food, some simple tricks can help your dog feel better:
1. Fasting for 12-24 Hours
Letting your dog’s stomach rest by not eating for a short time can help. Make sure they have plenty of water so they don’t get dehydrated.
- When to Do It: Only for adult dogs with mild problems. Don’t fast puppies or older dogs without asking a vet.
2. Hydration with Electrolytes
If your dog is losing water from vomiting or diarrhea, give them a dog-safe electrolyte drink like Pedialyte (unflavored, mixed with water).
- How to Give It: Offer small sips every 30 minutes.
3. Probiotics
Probiotics made for dogs can help get their tummy back to normal. Try vet-approved ones like Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora.
- How to Use: Follow the instructions on the package or ask your vet.
Home Remedies Table
| Remedy | How It Helps | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting | Follow the package or vet’s advice | 12-24 hours, water only |
| Electrolytes | Gives the stomach a break | Small sips of diluted Pedialyte |
| Probiotics | Fixes gut bacteria | Follow package or vet’s advice |
When to See a Veterinarian
Most upset stomachs get better at home, but some signs mean you need to call the vet ASAP:
- Throwing up or diarrhea for more than 1-2 days
- Blood in their poop or vomit
- Acting super tired or weak
- Not drinking water
- Signs they’re dehydrated (dry gums, sunken eyes)
Your vet might do tests, give medicine, or use fluids to help your dog.
Preventing Future Upset Stomachs in Dogs
To keep your dog’s tummy happy in the future, try these tips:
- Feed Good Food: Pick high-quality dog food with natural ingredients.
- No Human Food: Table scraps can mess up their stomach.
- Regular Vet Visits: Checkups can catch problems early.
- Keep Stress Low: Stick to a routine to make your dog feel safe.
- Safe Space: Keep toxic foods and objects out of reach.
Prevention Tips Table
| Tip | Why It Works | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| High-Quality Food | Better for digestion | Choose natural dog food brands |
| No Table Scraps | Avoids tummy triggers | Stick to dog-safe foods |
| Vet Checkups | Catches issues early | Visit vet once a year |
| Low Stress | Reduces anxiety-related issues | Keep a consistent schedule |
| Safe Environment | Prevents eating bad stuff | Lock away toxic foods/objects |
FAQs About What to Feed My Dog with an Upset Stomach
Can I give my dog scrambled eggs for an upset stomach?
Yes, plain scrambled eggs (no oil, salt, or butter) are okay as a gentle protein. Give a small amount with rice.
How long should I feed a bland diet?
Usually, 2-3 days is enough for mild issues. If your dog’s still sick, call your vet.
Is oatmeal okay for an upset stomach?
Oatmeal might be too fibrous for some dogs. Stick with white rice unless your vet says oatmeal is fine.
Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol?
Pepto-Bismol can be harmful to dogs. Always check with your vet before giving human medicines.
Is Fresh Pet a Good Dog Food? Top Guide for Dog Owners
Conclusion: What to Feed My Dog with an Upset Stomach
Figuring out What to Feed My Dog with an Upset Stomach can help your pup get back to their happy self. Simple foods like rice, chicken, and pumpkin, plus small meals and lots of water, can soothe their tummy. Keep an eye on how they’re doing, and call the vet if things don’t get better. With a little care, your dog will be wagging their tail again soon!
For more dog care ideas, check out sites like the American Kennel Club or talk to your vet.
1 thought on “What to Feed My Dog with an Upset Stomach”