Diarrhea, vomiting, and upset stomach are very common problems in dogs. As an owner, you are probably already familiar with the fact that your pet tends to scavenge and eat things that they shouldn’t. Or that you can get sick and get viruses that affect your digestive system. Whatever the cause, the same question always arises: what to feed a dog with diarrhea?
In general, veterinarians recommend adopting a soft and easy-to-digest diet.
In this SweetDoggo article, we explain what to give a dog for upset stomach, what is the best diet for dogs with diarrhea and vomiting, how to prepare them… and what other measures you can take at home for a faster recovery.
Table of Contents
13 ideal foods for dogs with diarrhea and vomiting
The ideal homemade diet for a dog with gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and gas, should be light, bland, highly digestible, and low in fat. In these cases, the pet needs to eat foods that do not put more stress on its digestive system.
Likewise, it is important to avoid large portions. Make sure to give him small meals, not as often.
That said, let’s see the list of the most recommended foods to relieve diarrhea in dogs:
- White rice
- Boiled chicken breast
- Pumpkin puree
- Mashed boiled potatoes
- Cooked carrot
- Boiled egg
- Cottage cheese
- Banana
- Mashed sweet potato
- Watermelon
- Cooked oatmeal
- Apple puree
- Probiotics/prebiotics
Thanks to their texture, water content, and nutritional content, these foods help relieve stomach upset, prevent dehydration and make the dog feel better in less time.
Keep reading below and learn how you should prepare each of them to give them to your sick puppy.
1. White rice
White rice is said to be the quintessential food for calming the stomach of dogs with vomiting and diarrhea. Not only is it very easy to digest, but it also helps stabilize the stool. Its soluble fiber content absorbs the water that passes through the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to the cessation of liquid stools.
Boil 1 cup of white rice in 4 cups of water for 20-30 minutes (or until the grains break down and the rice turns creamy). You should never add salt, sugar, or any other seasoning. Serve a small portion and let cool to room temperature; avoid giving it hot or warm.
Rice can be accompanied by some boiled chicken or plain ground beef.
Recommended: Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea and Vomiting? What I can do?
2. Boiled chicken (boneless and skinless)
Chicken, specifically the breast, is usually the most recommended protein to relieve cases of canine diarrhea. It is lean meat, low in fat, and easy to digest. To give it to the dog, simply boil and shred the chicken into small pieces. It can be served with a small portion of cooked rice or vegetable puree.
3. Pumpkin puree
Pumpkin is a great vegetable to feed to dogs with an upset stomach. Being rich in soluble fiber and water, it helps delay gastric emptying, slows down gastrointestinal transit, and therefore helps reduce the number of diarrheas. In addition, it is very easy to digest and provides instant energy.
To prepare a homemade puree, several pieces of pumpkin without shell can be boiled until completely soft. Then mash with a fork and serve at room temperature. As an alternative, a canned pumpkin puree could be used, but this should not contain any kind of seasoning or additives.
4. Mashed potatoes
Similar to squash, potatoes are another nutritious and easy-to-digest source of carbohydrates. It is recommended to peel the potato, boil it until it is soft and crush it well so that there are no lumps. Never give pre-brewed/instant mashed potatoes to a dog that has diarrhea.
Note: Dogs should only eat potatoes occasionally. Being a tuber rich in starch, its inadequate consumption can cause overweight.
5. Cooked carrot
Another one of the best vegetables for dogs with diarrhea and vomiting is carrots. With a great supply of fiber and essential vitamins, it should never be given raw; It is important that they eat it cooked. Consider that the raw carrot is very hard, hence the sick dog cannot digest it.
Wash the carrot thoroughly, remove the outer skin, cut into thin slices or tiny cubes and boil until tender. To serve, you can mix it with a part of rice, or mash it to make a puree.
It may interest you:
- What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat? Which ones are prohibited?
- Can Dogs Eat Carrots? Benefits and Contraindications
6. Boiled egg
An alternative to chicken is boiled egg. Also rich in protein, vitamins, and essential minerals, the egg promotes digestion and helps increase the appetite of a weak dog. You should always give it to him cooked, without salt, fat or other condiments. It can be accompanied by rice or a light purée.
It is never recommended to give raw eggs in case of vomiting and diarrhea, as this can put the pet at risk of food poisoning.
7. Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese or cottage cheese is a nutritious and protein food that helps fortify the stomach. It is recommended to serve ½ – 1 tablespoon in the company of white rice. It is important to choose a reduced-fat variant and always serve in moderation, otherwise, it could exacerbate diarrhea symptoms.
Foods such as cottage cheese and yogurt should only be given if the dog is not lactose intolerant.
8. Banana
Soft, sweet, and comforting, the ripe banana is an ideal fruit to stop diarrhea and tone the dog’s dehydrated digestive system. Its pectin soluble fiber content helps to harden stools and coat the gastrointestinal tract. As an added bonus, bananas are rich in potassium, an essential electrolyte during bouts of diarrhea or vomiting.
The best way to give your pet a banana is to puree it. This can be served along with rice, or alone as a snack. If the dog doesn’t seem to like mashed bananas, try giving him 2-3 small slices on an occasional basis.
9. Mashed sweet potato
The fiber in sweet potatoes can do wonders for relieving an upset stomach in dogs. In addition, it provides many vitamins and minerals that promote recovery. To make a sweet potato puree at home, simply peel, cut into small squares and boil until easy to mash.
Roasted sweet potato can also be used, but this is usually less soft than a boiled sweet potato.
10. Watermelon
Has your dog already had several vomiting and diarrhea? Watermelon is one of the best fruits to replenish fluids and combat dehydration. As if that were not enough, its dietary fiber content helps solidify watery stools.
To a piece of watermelon, remove the skin, the white part, and all the seeds. Then cut it into small pieces to offer several to the pet.
See more at:
Can Dogs Eat Banana? Consumption and Contraindications
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Consumption, Portion, and Warnings
11. Cooked oatmeal
Oatmeal is exceptional as a source of soluble fiber, hence it helps to delay gastric emptying and control diarrhea. There are several presentations, but the most recommended for dogs with an upset stomach is instant oatmeal. Although it still provides a lot of fiber, it is generally easier to digest.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of oatmeal to 2-3 cups of water and cook until creamy and soft. Do not add sugar, spices, or other flavorings. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before giving it to your dog.
12. Applesauce
Similar to mashed ripe bananas, applesauce is another food that should not be missing from a natural diet for puppies with diarrhea. The fiber content of the apple helps to harden watery/soft stools and soothes the digestive system.
Cut an apple into thin slices, cook in water until tender, and mash to obtain a fine puree. If you use canned applesauce, it should only contain apple; no sugars, preservatives, or other additives.
13. Probiotics/Prebiotics
Although it is not exactly a food, this type of supplement is also included among the best things you can give your dog when he vomits and has diarrhea. Both prebiotics and probiotics are microorganisms that help stop the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the intestine. Together, they contribute to the cessation of symptoms by promoting a healthier intestinal flora.
These supplements are usually available in powder and capsule form. Consult the veterinarian about the most recommended dose and brand.
Homemade food for dogs with diarrhea, gas, or vomiting should not be the same as food for human consumption. Avoid adding salt, sugar, fats, and spices. Both raw and cooked foods should be served in their most natural form.
Easy Recipe: Homemade Soup for Dogs and Puppies with Diarrhea
While it is important for a sick dog to eat solid food, soups and broths are a good way to hydrate and soothe a stressed digestive system.
Ingredients:
- 2 skinless chicken thighs or ½ breast
- 1 carrot
- 1 stalk of celery
- To 1 liter of water, add the chicken meat, the carrot chopped into small cubes and the celery cut into fine pieces.
Steps
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1 hour, or until meat is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Remove chicken bones and shred meat into shreds.
- Serve some of this soup in a bowl and let it cool completely before giving it to the dog.
