When a human in your household suffers from diarrhea, you likely adjust their diet to alleviate symptoms. The same principle applies to dogs, as food choices directly impact their digestive health. So, what should you feed a dog with diarrhea?
Diarrhea is not an illness but a symptom indicating something may be wrong with your pet. Brief episodes lasting less than 24 hours, without other symptoms, typically resolve on their own and aren’t cause for alarm. Several factors could trigger diarrhea, including:
- Change in Diet: If diarrhea follows a food switch, the dog’s system may struggle to adjust. Revert to the old food and gradually reintroduce the new one.
- Dirty Food Bowls: Even if licked clean, bowls can harbor mold and bacteria. Wash them with warm, soapy water every other day (daily if kept outside) and rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
- Intestinal Worms/Parasites: Worms aren’t always visible in stool. A veterinary visit can confirm or rule out parasites.
- Ingestion of Poisons: Toxic substances in your home or yard can cause diarrhea. Keep harmful materials out of reach.
- Antibiotics: If your dog is on medication, consult your vet about alternatives or continuing despite side effects.
- Pancreatitis: This pancreatic inflammation, caused by trauma, toxins, or viruses, lists diarrhea as a symptom.
- Ingestion of Certain Foods: Foods like chocolate can cause diarrhea. Contact a vet or animal poison control if you suspect this.
- Ingestion of Foreign Objects: Dogs may ingest non-food items like shoes, grass, or ropes, upsetting their digestion.
- Stress: Stress from vet visits or unfamiliar environments can trigger diarrhea, which typically resolves once the stressor is gone.
Implementing a Bland Diet
If diarrhea persists, adjust your dog’s diet. A bland diet often resolves minor digestive issues. Start by withholding all food for 24 hours to allow the digestive system to reset, ensuring fresh water is always available. A bland diet typically includes:
- Low-fat, cooked meats like chicken or lean hamburger (fat drained)
- Boiled white rice
- Cooked oatmeal
- Boiled sweet potatoes
- Plain yogurt
Mix roughly equal parts meat and rice or oatmeal, adding small amounts of sweet potato or yogurt as desired. Many owners also recommend 100% pure canned pumpkin (not pie filling), which can help with both diarrhea and constipation.
For minor cases, a bland diet often clears up diarrhea. Once stools normalize, gradually reintroduce the dog’s regular food.
However, immediate veterinary attention is crucial if diarrhea is accompanied by symptoms like:
- Lethargy
- Apparent pain
- Excessive sleeping
- Runny or watery eyes
- Fever
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Dehydration
These signs may indicate a serious condition. Bring a fresh stool sample to the vet or emergency pet hospital to aid diagnosis.
What should you feed a dog with diarrhea? A bland diet is appropriate if no other symptoms are present. If additional symptoms appear, consult a veterinarian promptly to ensure your dog’s health.
