Discovering your dog has diarrhea can be concerning. While it’s tempting to immediately change their diet, understanding the best approach is crucial for a speedy recovery. So, what food is good for dogs with diarrhea? This guide explores suitable dietary adjustments, including bland diets and when to consult your veterinarian.
Should You Feed a Dog with Diarrhea?
The immediate response to your dog’s diarrhea shouldn’t always be feeding them. For otherwise healthy adult dogs, a 24-hour fast can often be the most beneficial first step.
Important Note: If you have a very young puppy (under three months old), a senior dog, or a dog with pre-existing health conditions, always consult your veterinarian before fasting. They can advise on the appropriate fasting duration, which might be shorter (12 hours) or even unnecessary.
Fasting allows your dog’s digestive system to clear out irritants and reset itself. Think of it as rebooting a computer.
However, always ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water during this period. Remove their food bowl and avoid giving treats, but keep them hydrated.
The Power of a Bland Diet for Dogs Experiencing Diarrhea
After the fasting period, if your dog hasn’t had further episodes of diarrhea and shows no other signs of illness, a bland diet can be introduced. If your dog is still vomiting, appears unwell, or continues to have diarrhea, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The bland diet approach is best suited for dogs experiencing a temporary upset, rather than those with chronic conditions.
A bland diet is easily digestible and less likely to further irritate their system. Offering small, frequent meals is also gentler on the digestive process.
Generally, a bland diet for dogs consists of boiled chicken or lean ground beef combined with white rice. Boiling the meat helps to remove excess fat, creating a low-fat, easily digestible meal.
Start with a small amount, such as a tablespoon or two, to gauge your dog’s appetite and tolerance. Frequent, small meals are preferable to a large meal, even if your dog seems hungry.
Veterinarians often recommend a bland diet for three to five days following a mild diarrhea episode, assuming your dog is otherwise healthy. If your dog remains sick or vomits, they require veterinary attention beyond dietary changes.
Dietary Advice for Acute vs. Chronic Diarrhea
Understanding the type of diarrhea your dog is experiencing is crucial for determining the right course of action.
Mild or Acute Diarrhea: Generally characterized by soft or loose stool lasting less than three days, with the dog remaining active, eating, drinking normally, and showing no other concerning symptoms.
When to Worry: Seek veterinary attention if your dog appears ill, sleeps more than usual, has a decreased appetite, seems lethargic, vomits, or has blood or mucus in their stool.
Acute diarrhea is sudden in onset. One moment your dog is fine, the next they have diarrhea. It can range from mild to severe depending on other symptoms.
For mild diarrhea, begin with the 24-hour fast, ensuring constant access to water.
When reintroducing food, opt for a prescription bland food from your veterinarian or a homemade bland diet consisting of a 1:1 ratio of boiled lean meat to rice (e.g., 1 cup boiled chicken and 1 cup rice).
Start with 2 tablespoons of the mixture per 10 pounds of body weight, offering these small meals every two to three hours on the first day. It’s better to underfeed than overfeed.
Over the next three days, gradually increase the portion size and decrease meal frequency. Between days 3 and 5, slowly incorporate your dog’s regular food. By day 7, most dogs should be back on their normal diet and feeling better.
Consult your vet if your dog experiences more diarrhea, vomiting, or generally feels unwell. A setback after the initial fasting period warrants concern.
Chronic Diarrhea: When Diet Isn’t Enough
Chronic diarrhea, characterized by recurring episodes over time, often indicates an underlying medical issue. Identifying, diagnosing, and addressing the underlying condition is paramount before focusing solely on diet. Diet is often just one component of the overall treatment plan.
Prescription diets specifically formulated for dogs with diarrhea may be necessary for long-term issues like inflammatory bowel disease. These diets are designed to meet all nutritional requirements over extended periods.
While homemade bland diets are suitable for short-term relief, they lack the essential nutrients needed for long-term health. Extended use can be detrimental, highlighting the importance of prescription diets.
Veterinarians offer various prescription food options, such as Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d (intestinal diet) and Purina EN (gastroenteric nutrition). Your veterinarian can help you select the most appropriate diet based on your dog’s specific condition.
