When a dog starts showing signs of an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting, it’s only natural for pet owners to worry and want to find a quick solution to help their furry family member feel better. These digestive issues can be stressful, especially when they happen suddenly.
This is where a bland diet could be beneficial for your dog. A bland diet can help soothe your dog’s delicate digestive system and get them feeling better quickly. The main question that pet parents have is: “What is the best bland diet for dogs with diarrhea and other stomach issues?”
Don’t worry, because Under the Weather is here to answer that question. In this article, we’ll be reviewing the best bland diet dog foods for dogs with diarrhea. We’ll also be talking about how to feed your dog a bland diet, when to feed your dog a bland diet, and more, so stick around!
What is a Bland Diet for Dogs?
A bland diet is a temporary meal plan designed to help dogs recover from gastrointestinal problems — like stomach upset, diarrhea, or other digestive issues. Instead of feeding your dog their regular food, your vet might recommend switching to a bland diet that is gentle on the stomach.
This type of diet helps reset your dog’s digestive system. It allows your dog to recover from their diarrhea but still provides your furry friend with the nutrients they need. This is great, but you’ll want to keep in mind that a bland diet is not meant to be a long-term solution.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach and needs to stay on a bland diet for an extended period (for instance, due to chronic diarrhea or another medical condition), you’ll need to work closely with your vet or a canine nutritionist to make sure your dog is getting all of the necessary vitamins and minerals. This might mean adding dietary supplements to your dog’s meals.
What is the Best Bland Diet Dog Food for Dogs with Diarrhea?
Picking out the right bland diet for your dog when they have diarrhea can be challenging, especially since there are so many options available. Let’s take a look at some of the best bland diet dog food options for dogs with diarrhea that Under the Weather has to offer below:
Chicken & Rice Bland Diet for Dogs
This bland diet is an excellent choice because it includes cage-free chicken and white rice — two ingredients that are known for being gentle on the stomach. The formula is freeze-dried, which gives it a long shelf life (up to three years). This means you’ll always have a bland diet for your dog on hand in case of emergencies.
The chicken in this bland diet dog food is raised without antibiotics or hormones, and the formula is free from meat by-products, gluten, artificial flavors, dyes, or chemicals. Not only that, but this bland diet includes electrolytes, which help improve hydration and energy levels in dogs with diarrhea and other issues that come with an upset stomach.
Ingredients:
- White Rice
- Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast
- Glycine
- Sodium Chloride
- Potassium Chloride
To give your dog this bland diet, start by shaking the bag to mix the contents. Place the dried mixture into a bowl and add boiling water in equal amounts. Stir, cover, and let the mixture stand for 15-20 minutes until it has cooled completely before serving.
The dried mixture will double in volume once it’s rehydrated. Feed this to your dog for 2-3 days, or as long as your vet recommends. Gradually transition your dog back to their regular diet once it seems like they’re feeling better.
Hamburger, Rice, & Sweet Potato Bland Diet for Dogs
Another great option is the hamburger, rice, and sweet potato bland diet, which also has a three-year shelf life. Like the chicken and rice formula, it’s freeze-dried and includes natural ingredients that are very easy on your dog’s digestive system.
This bland diet dog food is also packed with electrolytes, so you won’t have to worry about your dog getting dehydrated or exhausted due to their diarrhea. We’re also pretty sure they’ll love the delicious hamburger flavor. It’s a hit with most dogs!
Ingredients:
- White Rice
- Freeze-Dried Beef Hamburger
- Sweet Potato
- Glycine
- Sodium Chloride
- Potassium Chloride
To give your dog this bland diet dog food, shake the bag to mix the ingredients. Add boiling water to the dried mixture and then stir, cover, and let it stand for 15-20 minutes. Make sure it’s completely cool before you serve it to your dog.
Make sure to keep feeding this diet to your dog for 2-3 days (or for as long as your vet recommends). You can slowly transition your dog back to their regular dog food once they start to show signs of feeling better.
Chicken, Rice, & Pumpkin Bland Diet for Dogs
This bland diet is special because it combines chicken, rice, and pumpkin. The chicken is cage-free and raised without antibiotics or hormones, and organic pumpkin powder is included for extra digestive support.
Like the other bland diet dog foods mentioned, it has a three-year shelf life and is freeze-dried to help preserve its freshness. The addition of electrolytes helps keep your dog hydrated and gives them the energy they need to recover from their diarrhea.
Ingredients:
- White Rice
- Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast
- Pumpkin Powder
- Glycine
- Sodium Chloride
- Potassium Chloride
The directions for giving your dog this bland diet are the same as the directions outlined above. Shake the bag, add boiling water, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes after stirring and covering the mixture. Once it has rehydrated, it will expand to twice its original size.
Feed your dog this bland diet for a few days, and gradually reintroduce them to their regular food once it seems like they’re feeling better. If you’re not sure, you can always ask your vet for advice on when to switch back to your dog’s regular diet.
How to Feed Your Dog a Bland Diet for Diarrhea
It may feel a bit strange to refrain from feeding your dog but when a dog is dealing with diarrhea, their digestive system will need a break. Most veterinarians recommend a fasting period of at least one meal, meaning you should skip feeding your dog for one meal to allow their stomach to settle.
If your dog has been vomiting, it’s best to wait 2-3 hours after the vomiting stops before giving them any food. During this time, make sure that your dog has access to plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Start by offering small amounts of fresh water — about ¼ cup — and if your dog can keep it down, gradually provide larger servings of water every two hours.
Once your dog’s fasting period is over, you can start feeding them a bland diet. The typical ratio of starchy carbohydrates to lean protein in a bland diet is 2:1 or 1:1 (depending on your vet’s advice).
For example, you might mix one or two starchy carbs, like brown rice or sweet potatoes, with a protein like boiled chicken or beef. Start by giving your dog 1-2 tablespoons of the bland food mixture and watch for any signs of vomiting or diarrhea.
For small dogs, a few tablespoons of bland food per small meal throughout the day might be sufficient. Larger dogs may need more. Either way, you’ll want to offer them small, easily digestible meals that are spaced out over 2-4 times a day. Make sure to avoid feeding your dog any treats or table scraps during this time, to
When to Feed Your Dog a Bland Diet
A bland diet can be a great solution when your dog is dealing with digestive issues like diarrhea. Here’s when you might consider feeding your dog a bland diet:
Upset Stomach
If your dog has an upset stomach, a bland diet can help reduce irritation and allow their digestive system to heal. The simple, low-fat foods in a bland diet are easier for the stomach to process, so your dog will have an easier time recovering.
Vomiting
When your dog is vomiting, you should offer them a diet that’s easy to keep down. A bland diet can be very soothing for the stomach and should help your dog stop vomiting.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons to feed your dog a bland diet. The low-fiber content of the diet helps firm up soft stools. This should help reduce the frequency of your dog’s diarrhea and provide them with some relief.
Conclusion
There’s nothing worse than when your fur baby has an upset stomach. Thankfully, feeding your dog a bland diet can be a great solution when your dog has diarrhea. Feeding your dog a bland diet can also help with other digestive issues, like vomiting and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
At Under the Weather, we want to make picking out the right bland diet dog food easy. Feel free to check out our wide selection. We only use natural, high-quality ingredients because, after all, your dog deserves the best.
