Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from an upset stomach. It can be due to various reasons, such as eating something they shouldn’t have, stress, or an underlying medical condition. Knowing what to feed your furry friend when they have an upset stomach is essential as a pet owner.
For an upset stomach, feed your dog a bland diet of boiled chicken or turkey, white rice, baby food, boiled sweet potato, pumpkin, and bone broth. Shredded chicken is also a good option.
A bland diet consists of easily digestible foods that are gentle on the digestive system. This article will discuss the best bland diet for dogs, including what foods to feed and what to avoid, to help your pup feel better quickly.
What Is A Good Bland Diet For A Dog?
Feeding a sick dog can be tough. But don’t worry; a bland diet can help relieve some symptoms and provide your pup with the nutrition they need to recover.
Check with your vet before trying these recipes, especially if your dog shows more serious signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
One popular option for a bland diet is boiled chicken or turkey and boiled sweet potato. Both foods are gentle on your dog’s digestive system and provide essential nutrients.
“I like to boil the chicken or turkey until it’s fully cooked, then shred it into small pieces. For the sweet potato, I peel it and chop it into small cubes before boiling it until it’s soft.”
World of Dogz
Another great option is chicken and rice. Cook the rice according to the package directions, then mix in some boiled shredded chicken. This dish is easy to digest and provides carbohydrates and protein to help your pup feel better.
If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, you might consider adding some canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) to their diet. The fiber in the pumpkin can help regulate your dog’s bowel movements. Alternatively, bone broth or baby food can be useful for a sick dog.
Just make sure to choose a baby food without harmful ingredients, like onions or garlic.
Bone Broth
I’ve found that bone broth is a real lifesaver when my dog’s stomach is feeling off. It’s easy on their digestive system and packed with nutrients. Bone broth is an excellent way to encourage my dog to eat when they’re feeling under the weather.
When making bone broth for dogs, it’s essential to use bones that are safe for them to eat, like beef marrow bones or turkey and chicken legs.
After slow-cooking the bones for 20-24 hours, I can store a delicious and healthy broth in the fridge or freezer for later use. When my dog needs extra encouragement to eat, I add some of the broth to their food. It’s a game-changer!
Boiled Chicken Or Turkey
My favorite go-to meal for when a pup is feeling under the weather. One of the best options is boiled chicken or turkey and rice.
This meal is easy to prepare and contains gentle ingredients that won’t upset your dog’s stomach. Just make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and plain white rice without any added oils or seasonings.
To prepare this meal, I like to boil the chicken or turkey until it’s fully cooked and then cut or shred it into small pieces. Then, I cook the white rice separately according to the package directions.
This meal is a great way to provide your dog with some nutrition while they recover from an upset stomach or other mild digestive issues. And if you don’t have time to cook, many bland chicken and rice dog foods are available for purchase. I mix them and serve them to my pup in small portions.
Baby Food
Baby food has been a lifesaver for many pet owners in these situations as it provides a quick and easy solution to get your dog to eat while also helping to soothe their stomachs. It is easy to digest and full of nutrients, making it a great alternative to their regular food.
Always check the ingredient list before feeding your dog any baby food. Once you find one free of allergens and toxic elements, you will feel confident that you are providing your dog with a high source of protein and carbohydrates to help them feel better.
Many vets recommend Stage II meat-based baby foods like chicken, lamb, and turkey as the best dog options.
It’s important to note that baby food should not be a long-term replacement for your dog’s regular food, but it can be a great supplement during stomach upset or loss of appetite.
Pro tip! If your dog needs oral medications, baby food is a great way to get them to take their medicine without fuss – as is organic peanut butter!
Boiled Sweet Potato
I’m always looking for ways to improve my pup’s diet and add variety to their meals. Sweet potatoes are a great addition to any dog’s diet, as they are high in fiber and lower on the glycemic index than white potatoes. They’re also easy to prepare by boiling and mashing them, which makes them easily digestible for dogs.
Please note that sweet potatoes should never be fed to your dog raw, as most uncooked vegetables are hard on a dog’s stomach. Instead, cook them thoroughly before serving them to your furry friend.
I like to use a 50/50 mixture of cooked turkey and mashed sweet potatoes as a bland diet for my dog when they have an upset tummy. Not only does it provide some much-needed nutrition, but it also adds some excitement to their mealtime and provides mental stimulation.
Shredded Chicken
I know firsthand how challenging it can be to get a sick pup to eat. But one thing that always seems to do the trick is shredded chicken.
It’s easy on their stomachs and packed with essential nutrients, making it a great snack for dogs who aren’t feeling their best. Plus, it’s easy to prepare – all you need to do is boil it and shred it with a fork. You can even freeze it for later use!
If you want to take it one step further, add some cooked rice to the shredded chicken to make a chicken and rice meal for your pup.
Remember to use white rice instead of brown rice if your dog has tummy troubles, as it’s easier to digest. And when cooking the rice, use the broth formed by boiling the chicken to add some extra flavor and nutrition.
Once everything is cooked and cooled, mix it and serve it to your dog. It’s a simple yet effective way to get your pup back on track!
Pumpkin
I love using pumpkin in my dog’s meals! It’s a great way to add nutrition and fiber to their diet. Plus, it helps regulate their digestion, which is always a plus.
Sweet potatoes are also a favorite of mine, and I often mix them with some cooked turkey for a bland diet when my dog is feeling under the weather.
When using pumpkins for digestive issues, it’s important to ensure you’re using the right kind. A canned pumpkin is an excellent option if it’s unseasoned.
And remember, a little goes a long way! Depending on your dog’s size, one to four tablespoons of pumpkin should do the trick. So, the next time your furry friend feels constipated, try adding some pumpkin to their meal and see if it helps!
Check Out This Video For More Tips On Helping Your Dog With An Upset Stomach…
Should I Give My Dog A Plain Diet After Surgery?
After surgery, it may be a good idea to give your dog a plain or bland diet may be a good idea to help them recover. This diet is typically easier on their digestive system and can help reduce the risk of vomiting or diarrhea.
A plain diet may also be easier for your dog to digest and absorb the nutrients they need to heal. However, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your dog’s specific needs and recovery.
A bland diet usually consists of simple, easily digestible foods like boiled chicken, white rice, and plain cooked sweet potatoes. These foods are gentle on your dog’s stomach and can provide the nutrients they need to recover.
“My German Shepherd was pretty pleased to get some tasty cooked chicken with mashed sweet potatoes after her dewclaw surgery. I’m convinced it stopped her feeling sorry for herself!”
World of Dogz
It’s important to avoid adding any seasonings, oils, or other ingredients that could upset your dog’s stomach. Additionally, you should gradually transition your dog back to its regular diet once they have fully recovered and your veterinarian has given the go-ahead.
Can a Bland Diet Eliminate My Dog’s Food Allergies?
If your dog has food allergies, a bland diet can help. By feeding them a diet of simple, easily digestible foods like boiled chicken and rice, you can break their system from the complex proteins and ingredients that may be causing the allergic reaction.
It’s important to work with your veterinarian to determine the specific foods causing the allergies and develop a long-term diet plan that addresses their needs.
In some cases, a bland diet may be a short-term solution to help calm their system and alleviate symptoms, but a more specialized diet may be necessary for the long-term management of their allergies.
Should I Use Eggs In My Dog Bland Diet?
Eggs are generally considered safe for dogs and can be included in a bland diet. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
However, it is essential to note that some dogs may be allergic to eggs, so it’s best to introduce them slowly and monitor your dog for any signs of an allergic reaction.
Also, ensure the eggs are cooked thoroughly and don’t contain any seasonings or additives that could upset your dog’s stomach.
It’s worth mentioning that while eggs can be an excellent addition to a bland diet for dogs, they should not be your dog’s sole source of nutrition.
A bland diet should be balanced and provide your dog with all the necessary nutrients to recover from an upset stomach or other digestive issues.
So, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about incorporating eggs into your dog’s diet and to get their advice on the best way to proceed.
Is Yogurt Good For Bland Diet Dogs?
Yogurt can be a great addition to a bland diet for dogs with upset stomachs. It contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that can help regulate your dog’s digestive system and ease stomach discomfort.
Just choose plain, unsweetened yogurt without any added flavors or sweeteners. You can offer it to your dog as a small treat or mix it with their food.
It’s important to note that not all dogs can tolerate yogurt, so it’s always best to introduce it slowly and in small amounts.
If you notice any adverse reactions such as diarrhea or vomiting, discontinue use and consult with your veterinarian.
Also, be mindful of your dog’s lactose intolerance. While yogurt is generally low in lactose, it may still cause stomach upset in some dogs with lactose intolerance.
FAQs
What Is a Bland Diet for Dogs?
A bland dog diet is a meal plan consisting of easily digestible foods such as boiled chicken, rice, and sweet potatoes. It treats upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. The goal is to reduce inflammation, provide nutrition, and avoid triggering further stomach problems.
Can Bland Dog Food Be Bought? (I’m Not A Good Cook!)
Yes, bland dog food can be purchased from pet stores and online retailers. These foods are easy on a dog’s digestive system and typically contain simple ingredients such as chicken and rice. Read the ingredients list and choose a high-quality brand to ensure the food is bland and free of potential allergens or irritants.
I highly recommend Dave’s Chicken & Rice Bland Diet from Amazon, which is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs and great to keep on hand when an upset stomach hits your dog.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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How Long Should My Dog Be On a Bland Diet?
The length of time your dog should be on a bland diet depends on the reason for the diet. Generally, for mild cases of upset stomach or diarrhea, you should feed a bland diet for 1-2 days. The diet may need to be continued for 5-7 days for more severe cases.
However, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for specific guidance on how long your dog should be on a bland diet based on their health needs. Once symptoms improve, you can slowly transition your dog to its regular diet over several days.
