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The Best Dog Food for Dogs with Upset Stomachs

When a dog has an upset stomach, it’s usually because of something wrong in their digestive system (just like it would be in a person). The digestive system is made up of several organs that work together to process food, such as the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and intestines.

Upset stomachs are pretty common in dogs, but it can be difficult to know when the situation is serious enough to need a trip to the vet or when it’s something that can be dealt with at home. If you’re wondering, the medical term for irritation or inflammation in the stomach or intestines is gastroenteritis.

Usually, symptoms of an upset stomach don’t last that long — maybe a day or two. But if they go on for longer, it could mean there’s a more serious issue going on. If your dog’s symptoms last more than two days, it is best to see your vet.

Sometimes, a dog’s upset stomach can be an emergency, especially if you notice blood in their vomit or stool (this could be a sign of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis). If left untreated, some causes of an upset stomach can be life-threatening, which is why it’s so important to check with your vet when your dog isn’t feeling well.

If you’re wondering what to feed your dog with an upset stomach, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll review the best dog food options for dogs with upset stomachs, as well as discuss the most common causes of upset stomachs in dogs. Let’s get started.

What Causes Upset Stomach in Dogs?

There are a lot of reasons why a dog might have an upset stomach. It could be something as simple as eating a new type of food. It could also be something more serious, like swallowing something they shouldn’t have or developing a disease.

While any dog can experience stomach problems, puppies and older dogs are more at risk because their immune systems aren’t as strong.

An upset stomach in dogs can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, and parasites — among other things. Sometimes, certain medications or a sudden switch to new food or treats can also cause digestive issues.

Dogs that eat too fast or get table scraps and human food might end up with stomach problems, too. Abrupt changes in diet, ingestion of foreign objects, or exposure to toxins can also upset their stomachs.

Health conditions like liver or kidney disease, stomach or intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatitis are other potential causes of an upset stomach in dogs. Food allergies, cancer, heatstroke, and stress can also contribute to stomach issues in dogs.

For all of these reasons, finding the right food for a dog with an upset stomach can be challenging. That’s why Under the Weather is here to help guide you.

What is the Best Dog Food for Dogs with Upset Stomachs?

Under the Weather offers some of the best choices for dogs experiencing digestive issues. Let’s take a closer look at these bland diet options below:

Chicken & Rice Bland Diet for Dogs

The Chicken & Rice Bland Diet for dogs is a great way to give your dog with an upset stomach a meal that actually soothes their tummy. Designed by veterinarians, this freeze-dried bland diet helps restart healthy digestion and provides much-needed hydration. It’s an easy and healthy option, and you won’t have to worry about all the hassle of preparation, either.

This formula uses cage-free chicken and rice to calm your dog’s stomach until their digestion is back. It also has a long shelf life of three years, so you can always be prepared if your dog gets an upset stomach unexpectedly. The ingredients in this dog food are simple and natural. It even has added electrolytes to improve hydration and energy.

Ingredients

  • White Rice
  • Freeze Dried Chicken Breast
  • Glycine
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Potassium Chloride

Chicken, Rice, & Pumpkin Bland Diet for Dogs

Another good option by Under the Weather is the Chicken, Rice, & Pumpkin Bland Diet for dogs. This formula combines chicken, rice, and pumpkin to help soothe your dog’s stomach and restore healthy digestion. Like the previous option, it’s freeze-dried for convenience and has a three-year shelf life.

The ingredients are natural, meaning the chicken is cage-free and raised without antibiotics or hormones. Organic pumpkin powder is also included in this particular blend to provide extra digestive support for dogs who need it. Most dogs really like the taste of pumpkin, too. It’s definitely worth giving it a try, even if your dog is generally a picky eater.

Ingredients

  • White Rice
  • Freeze Dried Chicken Breast
  • Pumpkin Powder
  • Glycine
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Potassium Chloride

Putting Your Dog on a Bland Diet

Putting your dog on a bland diet is a short-term solution that’s meant to help calm your dog’s upset stomach. As you probably guessed, a bland diet for dogs consists of ingredients that are easy on the stomach and simple to digest.

While commercial bland diets are available, some dog owners prefer to prepare these meals at home. However, homemade meals might not include all of the nutrients that a dog needs to thrive.

Before starting your dog on a bland diet, you should talk to your vet to make sure that it’s the right choice for your dog. The length of time that your dog needs to stay on the bland diet depends on the cause of their stomach issues. Some dogs might only need bland food for a few days, while others may need to be on a bland diet for a longer period.

A typical bland diet for dogs includes easily digestible proteins, like boiled chicken or turkey, and carbohydrates like white rice or even pasta. Some bland diets may also include low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese to introduce probiotics, which are great for digestion and gut health.

Make sure to avoid adding seasonings, spices, or fatty foods when preparing a bland diet for your dog. Your dog will appreciate the meal either way, so there’s no need to add a lot of extra spices and flavors that could potentially mess up their stomach.

The Benefits of Feeding Your Dog a Bland Diet

Feeding your dog a bland diet when they have an upset stomach comes with plenty of great benefits. Not only will you get to avoid cleaning up lots of diarrhea, but your dog will feel a lot better, too. This type of diet is gentle on your dog’s stomach, easy to digest, helps restore digestive balance, and still provides your dog with necessary nutrients.


A brown and white bulldog with a happy expression

Also, putting your dog on a bland diet could be a great way to identify potential food allergies or sensitivities that your furry companion has. By gradually reintroducing regular food items after the bland diet, you’ll be able to figure out which ingredients might be causing digestive problems for your dog.

If you’re thinking about switching your dog to a bland diet, you’ll want to know when it’s necessary and how to do it without further upsetting their stomach. This diet can be helpful for dogs who are dealing with digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite in particular. 

How (and When) to Feed Your Dog a Bland Diet

If your dog is constantly experiencing stomach issues or showing signs of a sensitive stomach, it might be time to consider putting them on a bland diet. That said, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

There are quite a few signs that your dog might need to be on a bland diet — including frequent vomiting, loose stools, excessive gas, or a general reluctance to eat their meals. If you notice that your dog has any of these symptoms, take them to the vet and ask whether a bland diet might help.

When switching your dog to a bland diet, you’ll want to do it gradually. Start by mixing small amounts of the bland diet in with their regular food, and slowly increase the amount over several days. Keep an eye on your dog’s symptoms, and see whether their upset stomach improves.

Conclusion

As a dog owner, nothing is worse than when your fur baby isn’t feeling well. Thankfully, there are a few types of dog food that can really help, like Under the Weather’s Chicken & Rice Bland Diet, as well as their Chicken, Rice, & Pumpkin bland Diet. The ingredients in these dog foods are great for soothing stomach issues in dogs. Anything is worth trying at least once, right?

At Under the Weather, our goal is to make picking out the right food and supplements for your pets simple and easy. There are plenty of choices out there when it comes to bland diets, but when it comes to high-quality ingredients, Under the Weather takes the cake. Don’t hesitate to check out our wide selection of bland diet options. A healthy pet means a happy home.