When your dog has diarrhea, it’s undeniably important to give them food that’s easy on their stomach. Some people believe that not giving their dog food when he or she has diarrhea is the solution, but dogs still need nutrients when their stomachs are upset. Talk to your vet to see if a special diet that’s designed for digestive issues might be a good fit for your dog.
You might also consider purchasing dog food with fewer ingredients to lower the chance of triggering food sensitivities or allergies in your dog. These types of foods usually have one main protein source and simple, easily digestible carbs — like chicken, oats, or sweet potatoes.
Adding probiotics to your dog’s diet can also be a great way to help them maintain a healthy gut balance, which might help clear up the diarrhea. Foods that are high in soluble fiber, such as canned pumpkin or cooked sweet potatoes, can also help firm up your dog’s stools and regulate their bowel movements. You can mix probiotics into your dog’s regular food if you like, or use them temporarily until things improve.
If you decide to switch your dog’s food, do it gradually and keep an eye on their symptoms. If their diarrhea doesn’t get better or worsens, you should ask your vet for the right diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we’ll be talking about some of the best dog food options for dogs with diarrhea, so stick around.
What is the Best Dog Food for Dogs with Diarrhea?
Choosing the right dog food can be difficult, especially if your dog has chronic diarrhea. Here are some of the best options for dogs with diarrhea and sensitive stomachs from Under the Weather:
Chicken & Rice Bland Diet for Dogs
The Chicken & Rice Bland Diet by Under the Weather is a simple and convenient option for your dog when their stomach is upset. Developed by vets, this freeze-dried dog food is designed to help soothe your dog’s digestive system. It should also help with hydration — which is super important for dogs with diarrhea.
It’s made from cage-free chicken and rice, which means it will be gentle on your dog’s stomach. They should also enjoy the simple but delicious taste. It has a shelf life of three years, which means you’ll always be prepared. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients below:
Ingredients
- White Rice
- Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast
- Glycine
- Sodium Chloride
- Potassium Chloride
Make sure to keep a bland diet dog food on hand for situations like
- Your dog eats something they shouldn’t have
- Switching to a new food
- Big changes like moving or getting a new pet
- Long trips
- Starting new medications (like antibiotics)
- Sensitive stomachs
- When their digestive system needs a break
Chicken, Rice, & Pumpkin Bland Diet For Dogs
This bland diet of chicken, rice, and pumpkin is another great option for dogs who suffer from diarrhea. It’s specifically created to calm your dog’s digestive system and keep them hydrated while they’re dealing with stomach issues.
This formula works to ease your dog’s stomach until their digestion returns to normal. It has a three-year shelf life and is made from natural ingredients, so you’ll be able to make sure that you’re feeding your dog something safe and effective. Like the chicken and rice diet, this freeze-dried option has added electrolytes for extra hydration.
Ingredients
- White Rice
- Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast
- Pumpkin Powder
- Glycine
- Sodium Chloride
- Potassium Chloride
What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs?
Diarrhea is just as unpleasant for dogs as it is for humans. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs below. That way, you might be able to prevent your dog from experiencing diarrhea in the first place:
- Sudden changes in diet (especially drastic changes in diet)
- Bacterial infections or viral infections
- Intestinal parasites (like hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms)
- Underlying gastrointestinal issues (like Inflammatory Bowel Disease).
Diarrhea in dogs can show up in a lot of different ways — like loose stools, more frequent bowel movements, vomiting, tiredness, and loss of appetite. If your dog’s diarrhea lasts more than a day or they start to show signs of dehydration, you should take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis.
Stress and anxiety can also trigger diarrhea in dogs, just like in people. Changes in routine, loud noises, or new environments can cause stress-related stomach issues. This type of diarrhea usually doesn’t last very long and can be managed with calming techniques and a stable routine.
Food allergies or food intolerances are another possible cause of diarrhea in dogs. If you’ve ever noticed that your dog has diarrhea after you feed them table scraps, this is probably why. Some dogs are sensitive to certain ingredients, which can lead to digestive issues. Common allergens for dogs include beef, dairy, wheat, and soy.
If you think your dog’s diarrhea might be due to a food allergy, your vet might suggest putting them on an elimination diet to figure out what’s causing the problem. In many cases, doing an elimination diet is the only way to truly determine a food allergy in dogs.
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Your Dog with Diarrhea
When your dog has diarrhea, picking out the right food becomes even more important. You want something that’s going to be easy on their stomach but still gives them the nutrients they need to recover. Of course, finding the right dog food is easier said than done, partly because there are so many options out there.
We’d recommend looking for foods with simple proteins (like chicken or turkey) and easy-to-digest carbs like brown rice or sweet potatoes. You might also want to add probiotics to their diet since probiotics can help balance the good bacteria in their gut. Just make sure to consult with your vet first. They’ll also be able to guide you in changing your dog’s diet gradually.
The Benefits of Feeding Your Dog with Diarrhea a Bland Diet
Sometimes, dogs get diarrhea due to stress. For example, it’s quite common for dogs to experience diarrhea during holidays, trips to the kennel, or long car rides. Some dogs even get diarrhea due to separation anxiety.
If you know that your dog is prone to stress diarrhea, starting them on a bland diet before these events might help prevent it. Here are some other reasons why a bland diet can be beneficial for dogs who often deal with diarrhea:
Low fiber content
Bland diets are low in fiber, which helps reduce how often and how much your dog goes to the bathroom. This will give their digestive system a chance to rest and recover. Of course, prebiotic fiber is also good for firming up a dog’s stools. This is why talking with your vet before switching up your dog’s diet is so important.
Easy on the stomach
Bland diets consist of simple, easy-to-digest foods like boiled chicken, rice, and sometimes pumpkin (like the bland diet made by Under the Weather listed in this article). These ingredients are super gentle on your dog’s stomach and should help to reduce diarrhea episodes.
Calms the digestive system
The ingredients in a bland diet help stop diarrhea and can even prevent vomiting in dogs. This is great news because it will provide your dog with some much-needed relief from their upset stomach. They’ll surely appreciate it!
How to Feed a Bland Diet to a Dog With Diarrhea
How you feed your dog when they have diarrhea is just as important as what you feed them. Even though your dog still needs nutrients, their ability to digest and absorb food might be compromised during this time. The speed at which food moves through their intestines could also be different.
Your vet might recommend giving your dog smaller portions during recovery, especially if they’re less active. Offering smaller amounts of food more often throughout the day can be helpful. For example, if your dog usually eats two meals a day, try splitting it into four or more smaller meals.
Your dog might not eat the food right away, but there are things you can do to encourage them (like holding their food in your hand and speaking to them in a gentle voice, for example). If they’re still not eating, make sure to let your vet know.
Conclusion
Choosing the right food for a dog with diarrhea means understanding your dog’s specific needs and the reasons behind their digestive issues. A balanced, easy-to-digest diet, along with slowly transitioning to new foods and consulting with your vet, is often the best way to both manage and reduce diarrhea symptoms in dogs.
Make sure to keep an eye on how your dog responds to the new diet, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if necessary. By picking high-quality food from Under the Weather and giving your dog the right care while their stomach is upset, you’ll be able to support their digestive health. Remember: a healthy pet means a happy home.
