Diarrhea in dogs can be distressing for both the pet and the owner. Managing your dog’s diet during diarrhea can seem like daunting task. Diarrhea can be caused by various factors, including dietary indiscretions, infections, or underlying health issues. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in managing and alleviating diarrhea in dogs. Below, we provide guidance on what to feed a dog with diarrhea.

1. Initial Fasting Period

What to feed a dog with diarrhea first? Nothing. When your dog first shows signs of diarrhea, it is often beneficial to withhold food for 12-24 hours. This fasting period allows your dog’s gastrointestinal tract to rest and recover. Ensure that your dog has access to fresh water to prevent dehydration, which is a common concern with diarrhea. Signs of dehydration include dry gums, lethargy, and sunken eyes. Seek veterinary attention if you suspect dehydration. Many people find fasting a dog an unkind practice, but giving your dog’s digestive system a break will help them to heal and is exactly what they would do in the wild.

2. Reintroducing Food: The Bland Diet

After the fasting period, reintroduce food gradually with a bland diet. This diet typically includes easily digestible foods that are gentle on your dog’s stomach. Feed your dog small, frequent meals instead of large ones. This approach helps prevent overloading their digestive system and allows for better nutrient absorption. Gradually increase the portion size as your dog shows signs of improvement.
Some commonly recommended bland foods include:

– Very Soft Boiled White Rice: Rice is easy on the stomach and helps to bind stool.
– Boiled Chicken (Skinless and Boneless): Chicken provides lean protein without adding extra fat that could irritate the stomach.
– Plain Pumpkin: Pumpkin is high in fiber and can help to normalize stool consistency. Ensure it is plain, cooked pumpkin without added spices or sugar.

-Add Luxolite: Luxolite is our liquid white bentonite clay that supports intestinal health, neutralizes acidity and resolves indigestion in your pet. It can be added to any of these bland foods or given on its own.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial in restoring healthy gut flora. Our soil based probiotic, Pet Flora, contains beneficial bacteria that support digestive health and can be particularly useful following an episode of diarrhea. Pet Flora is recommended during or after cases of diarrhea to help prevent episodes in the future.

4. Transitioning Back to Regular Diet

Once your dog’s stool begins to firm up, you can slowly transition them back to their regular diet. Gradually mix their usual food with the bland diet over the course of several days to avoid a sudden change that could upset their stomach again. If you believe their food was the cause of the diarrhea or want to switch them to a better food, now is the time to switch. For a list of foods we recommend or for advice on switching food, email us at questions@vitalityscience.com

Managing your dog’s diet during diarrhea requires a lot of observation and due diligence. Most cases will resolve within a few days and your dog will be back to normal. If the diarrhea continues or seems to be getting worse, you may need to consult a veterinarian. Especially if the symptoms are coupled with dehydration, extreme lethargy or vomiting. Visit AHVMA.org to find a holistic vet in your area.