Trusted Guidance from Bell Parkway Veterinary Hospital
One of the most common calls we get at Bell Parkway Veterinary Hospital goes something like this: “My dog has diarrhea—what can I feed them to help?”
We understand how upsetting it is to see your dog uncomfortable, especially when it involves digestive distress. Diarrhea can range from a simple upset stomach to a sign of something more serious and knowing what to feed your dog plays a major role in helping them recover.
Whether your dog just got into something they shouldn’t have or there’s an underlying health issue at play, our veterinary team is here to walk you through what to do, what to feed, and when to seek help.
Common Reasons Dogs Get Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a symptom, not a diagnosis so there are several potential triggers to consider. Here are some of the most frequent causes we see in dogs:
- Eating inappropriate items (like garbage, greasy leftovers, or non-food objects)
- Sudden food changes without a slow transition
- Stress, such as moving, boarding, or loud events (fireworks, thunderstorms)
- Food intolerances or allergies
- Parasites, including giardia, hookworms, or coccidia
- Viral or bacterial infections, such as parvovirus or salmonella
- Chronic illnesses, including pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Reactions to medications
- Exposure to toxins or foreign objects
Mild diarrhea often clears up with home care, but if your dog shows other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or not drinking, it’s important to call us for guidance.
Step 1: Should You Pause Feeding?
In otherwise healthy adult dogs with mild, short-term diarrhea, briefly withholding food can help the digestive system reset. We may recommend a 12-hour fasting period if your dog is still drinking water and acting normally.
Do not fast your dog if they are:
- A puppy, especially under 6 months of age
- A small breed with a risk of low blood sugar
- A senior or chronically ill dog, especially those on medications like insulin
When in doubt, always give us a call, we can help determine if fasting is appropriate for your dog’s age and health status.
Water is essential. Even if you withhold food briefly, make sure your dog continues to drink fresh water to stay hydrated.
Step 2: Start a Gentle, Bland Diet
After the fasting period (or if fasting isn’t recommended), the next step is to offer a bland, easy-to-digest meal. This gives your dog’s digestive tract a chance to recover without additional strain.
Bland diets are designed to:
- Be soothing on the stomach
- Improve stool consistency
- Support hydration and energy
Bland Meal Options We Recommend:
- Boiled Chicken & White Rice
Use plain, skinless, boneless chicken (boiled and shredded) paired with fully cooked white rice. Avoid seasoning or oils. Brown rice is harder to digest and should be avoided during recovery. - Boiled Ground Turkey & Rice
An excellent substitute for dogs that don’t tolerate chicken. Choose lean, unseasoned ground turkey. - Extra-Lean Ground Beef & Rice
Ensure all fat is drained after cooking. High-fat content can irritate the GI tract further. - Prescription Digestive Diets
If symptoms are persistent or more serious, we may recommend a therapeutic diet such as:- Hill’s i/d®
- Royal Canin Gastrointestinal® Low Fat
- Purina Pro Plan EN®
These diets are specially formulated to support dogs with sensitive digestion and chronic GI conditions.
Step 3: How to Feed a Dog Recovering from Diarrhea
Once your dog is eating a bland diet, it’s important to adjust how much and how often they eat.
- Offer small meals (4-6 times daily) rather than 1-2 large meals.
- Start with 1 tablespoon per 10 lbs of body weight and monitor for tolerance.
- As their stools improve, slowly reintroduce their regular food over the course of a week:
- Days 1–3: 75% bland diet / 25% regular food
- Days 4–5: 50/50 blend
- Days 6–7: 25% bland / 75% regular
Gradual transitions help prevent recurrence of symptoms and give the digestive system time to readjust.
Step 4: Keep Fluids Flowing
Diarrhea causes dogs to lose water and electrolytes, which can quickly lead to dehydration especially in puppies, seniors, or small dogs.
- Make sure clean water is always available
- You can offer unflavored electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte (ask us first for proper dosage)
- For moderate to severe dehydration, we offer fluid therapy in our clinic to help your dog recover safely
Step 5: Support the Gut with Probiotics
Restoring balance to your dog’s gut flora can make a big difference in how quickly they recover from diarrhea. Probiotics replenish good bacteria and support healthy digestion.
We often recommend:
- FortiFlora®
- Proviable®
- Visbiome Vet®
These are veterinary-formulated and safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
What Not to Feed Your Dog During a Diarrhea Episode
Some foods can make diarrhea worse, so steer clear of:
- Fatty or greasy foods
- Dairy products, even yogurt
- Spices, seasoning, or sauces
- High-fiber foods like pumpkin (these can help later but may worsen early diarrhea)
- Treats, chews, or scraps from the table
Stick to the basics until your dog’s digestion is back on track.
Step 6: When to Seek Veterinary Care
If your dog’s diarrhea doesn’t improve or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s time to contact us. Please call Bell Parkway Veterinary Hospital if you notice:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24-48 hours
- Vomiting along with loose stools
- Blood in the stool (bright red or black, tar-like)
- Extreme lethargy or signs of pain
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Pre-existing medical conditions that complicate care
We may recommend diagnostic tests such as fecal analysis, bloodwork, imaging, or a food trial to get to the root of the problem.
For Dogs with Chronic or Recurring Diarrhea
Ongoing diarrhea may point to a long-term issue, including:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Food allergies or intolerance
- Pancreatic disorders (EPI or pancreatitis)
- Addison’s disease
- Chronic liver or kidney disease
- Foreign body ingestion
We’ll work closely with you to create a custom treatment plan that may involve dietary changes, supplements, medications, and regular monitoring.
Final Note: We’re Here to Help Your Dog Feel Better
At Bell Parkway Veterinary Hospital, we know that digestive issues are frustrating for both you and your dog. But the good news is, with prompt care and the right dietary approach, most dogs bounce back quickly.
If you ever have questions or concerns about what to feed your pup, don’t hesitate to reach out.
We’re always here to help you make the best choices for your furry family member’s health and comfort.
