If you own a dog, you have probably had to deal with occasional digestive upset. You may have also been told by your veterinarian to feed a bland diet for a few days until symptoms subside.
There are many reasons dogs experience stomach or gastrointestinal problems, and there is never a convenient time to deal with it! That’s why being prepared with a bland meal that you can prepare in minutes will get your pup feeling better faster, while making your life a little easier!
Causes of Digestive Upset in Dogs
- Disease or illness
- Eating something they should not
- Stress and anxiety
- Overeating
- Poor quality food
- Post-surgery
- Sudden changes in diet
Symptoms of Digestive Upset in Dogs
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea and gas
- Constipation
- Lethargy
- Symptoms of dehydration
When Should You Consult Your Vet?
If your dog is suffering from gastrointestinal problems or stomach upset, you first need to assess if it’s just a passing thing, or if it may be something more serious. This means step #1 is to rule out any potentially dangerous health issues.
Contact your vet right away if diarrhea lasts more than a day or two, has worsened, or if you see blood in their stool.
You should also consult your vet if your dog is unable to keep food and/or water down or has been vomiting for more than 6 hours.
And remember, both vomiting and diarrhea cause dehydration which can quickly become a serious situation that may need medical attention if not treated promptly.
When and How to Feed a Bland Diet
Once any serious problems have been ruled out, the next step is to get your dog on a bland diet right away.
Most veterinarians recommend withholding food for up to 24 hours before starting a bland diet. This will help lessen irritation in the digestive tract and stomach.
Provide water as ice chips, or, in very small amounts at a time, offering more as symptoms lessen.
Once your dog’s vomiting and/or diarrhea has subsided, you can begin feeding the bland diet.
What Can I Feed My Dog for A Bland Diet?
A bland diet consists of foods that are easy to digest, and contain ingredients that help sooth stomach upset, and restore normal digestion.
Lean proteins like boiled white breast chicken, ground turkey, or low-fat ground beef are great options. Additionally, you can rinse ground beef with water to remove even more fat.
Combine the lean protein with white rice. (1 part protein to 2 parts carbohydrates) Choose white rice over brown rice because of the lower fiber content for easier digestion.
Oatmeal or boiled white or sweet potatoes can also be used in place of rice
Canned or pureed pumpkin can be added as well for its stomach soothing properties, just make sure it is PLAIN pumpkin with no added sugar or spices.
To keep your dog hydrated, add water, low sodium chicken broth, or Pedialyte to their food.
And remember to keep it BLAND! Never add butter, oil, or any type of seasoning.
What If I Don’t Have the Time to Cook a Bland Diet Meal?
New products that make our lives easier often arise out of frustration... Thus, was the case when Under the Weather’s founder brought her dog to the vet for digestive upset in the middle of a busy workday and heard the words most of us have heard at one time or another, “Feed a bland diet of lean protein and white rice”.
After a trip to the store for ingredients to prepare the meal, she wondered why there wasn't a product available that she could have on hand, something healthy and simple to prepare, so, she decided to create one, and Under the Weather Bland Diets for dogs was born!
Why You Need Our Bland Diets!
- They're easy, quick and convenient!
- They're simple to make - just add boiling water, cover, let sit for 15-20 minutes to cool, and serve.
- They're made with premium all-natural ingredients with freeze dried lean proteins, white rice, and added electrolytes for boosted hydration.
- 100% made with love in Vermont, USA, free of by-products, chemicals, and artificial flavors.
- Available in 6 different delicious varieties, including 2 with bone broth!
Hamburger, Rice & Sweet Potato
How Long Can I Feed My Dog A Bland Diet?
People say their dog, “LOVES our bland diets”, and they want to know if they can continue to use it in place of their regular food. The answer is, no, and this is because, while our Bland Diets are excellent at restoring normal digestion, they do not contain the vitamins and minerals dogs need in their daily diet.
You should feed a bland diet for 2-3 days, or for as long as your veterinarian recommends, then you should transition back to your dog’s regular food. The good news is, as you transition back, you can mix it with our bland diets, and many people also continue to use them as toppers!
If your dog is not experiencing diarrhea anymore, we suggest you start by mixing ½ regular food and ½ bland diet. If tolerated, you can increase the regular food and phase out the bland diet.
All dogs experience digestive issues from time to time, and being prepared with a quick and healthy meal solution will get them feeling better, while making our lives a little easier!
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If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
