What To Feed a Dog With Diarrhea

When you see your dog experiencing diarrhea, it can be concerning, and you might wonder what to do next. While there are various causes for diarrhea in dogs, from dietary indiscretion to more serious underlying health conditions, knowing how to manage it through proper feeding can help your pet recover quickly.

Should You Feed Dogs That Have Diarrhea?

It might seem counterintuitive, but for most healthy adult dogs, the best initial response to diarrhea is to withhold food for 24 hours. This fasting period allows your dog’s digestive system to rest and clear out whatever may be causing the upset.

However, there are exceptions to this general rule:

Young Puppies (under 3 months old)
Senior Dogs
Dogs with Pre-existing Health Conditions

For these dogs, it is important to consult your veterinarian before implementing a fast. Sometimes a 24-hour fast will be recommended, but other times a shorter fasting period or no fast at all may be advised.

Always ensure that fresh water is available during the fasting period. Hydration is crucial, as diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration.

Does a Bland Diet Work for Dogs With Diarrhea?

Yes, a bland diet can be effective after the fasting period, provided your dog has no additional symptoms like vomiting or continued diarrhea. A bland diet helps to stabilize the digestive system and is easy for dogs to digest.

What is a Bland Diet?

A bland diet typically includes:

Boiled Chicken or Hamburger: These provide a source of lean protein.
White Rice: This is an easily digestible carbohydrate.

Boiling the meat helps to remove excess fat, making it easier on your dog’s stomach.

How to Introduce a Bland Diet

Start Small: Begin with a small amount, such as 1-2 tablespoons, to see how your dog tolerates the food.
Frequency: Offer these small meals every 2-3 hours.
Monitor: Observe your dog for any signs of discomfort or continued diarrhea.
Gradual Increase: If your dog tolerates the small meals, gradually increase the portion size while reducing the frequency over 3-5 days.

Transition Back to Regular Food

After a few days on the bland diet, if your dog’s diarrhea has resolved, you can start to mix in their regular food. This should be done gradually over the course of a week to avoid upsetting their stomach again.

Food for Dogs With Mild or Acute Diarrhea

Mild Diarrhea

Mild diarrhea is characterized by:

Soft or loose stool lasting less than three days.
The dog remains active, eating, and drinking normally.
No additional symptoms like vomiting or lethargy.

Acute Diarrhea

Acute diarrhea starts suddenly and can range from mild to severe. If your dog is showing additional signs of illness, such as vomiting, blood in the stool, or significant lethargy, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Initial Steps

Fasting: As mentioned, a 24-hour fast is usually appropriate for healthy adult dogs.
Hydration: Always keep water available to prevent dehydration.

Bland Diet Introduction

Start with Small Amounts: Begin with 2 tablespoons of the bland diet per 10 pounds of body weight every 2-3 hours.
Monitor and Adjust: If there are no adverse reactions, gradually increase the portion size and decrease the frequency of meals over the next 3-5 days.
Reintroduce Regular Food: Mix in regular dog food slowly, over the course of a week.

What To Feed Dogs With Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea, characterized by ongoing episodes over time, often indicates an underlying medical condition. In these cases, it’s essential to work closely with your veterinarian to diagnose and manage the condition.

Prescription Diets

Prescription diets are often necessary for managing chronic diarrhea. These diets are formulated to meet the long-term nutritional needs of dogs with specific gastrointestinal issues.

Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d: This diet is designed for dogs with intestinal problems and provides easily digestible nutrients.
Purina EN Gastroenteric: Another option that supports dogs with gastrointestinal conditions.

Importance of Long-term Nutrition

While a homemade bland diet is helpful for short-term management, it is not nutritionally complete for long-term use. Prescription diets ensure that your dog gets all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy while managing chronic diarrhea.

What To Do if Diarrhea Persists

If diarrhea persists despite initial management steps, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian. Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other complications, and may indicate a more serious underlying health issue.

Potential Causes of Persistent Diarrhea

Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
Food Intolerances or Allergies: Certain ingredients in the dog’s diet may be causing gastrointestinal upset.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas affecting digestion.
Metabolic Diseases: Conditions like liver or kidney disease.

Diagnostic Testing

Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests, such as blood work, fecal analysis, or imaging, to identify the cause of persistent diarrhea.

Treatment Plan

Based on the diagnosis, your veterinarian will create a treatment plan that may include medication, dietary changes, or other therapies.

Tips for Managing Diarrhea at Home

Keep a Diarrhea Diary

Tracking your dog’s episodes of diarrhea can help you and your veterinarian identify patterns or triggers. Note the following:

Frequency and consistency of diarrhea.
Any additional symptoms.
Diet changes or new foods introduced.
Environmental changes or stressors.

Maintain Hydration

Dehydration is a significant risk with diarrhea. Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend electrolyte solutions.

Monitor for Improvement

After starting a bland diet or prescription food, monitor your dog’s condition closely. Improvement should be steady, with fewer episodes of diarrhea and a return to normal behavior and appetite.

Avoid Treats and Table Scraps

During the recovery period, avoid giving your dog treats or table scraps, as these can upset their stomach and prolong diarrhea.

Gradual Food Transitions

When switching back to regular food or transitioning to a new diet, do so gradually. Sudden changes can cause a recurrence of diarrhea.

Conclusion

Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, from dietary indiscretion to more serious underlying conditions. For most healthy adult dogs, a 24-hour fast followed by a bland diet is an effective way to manage mild or acute diarrhea. However, persistent or chronic diarrhea requires veterinary attention and a tailored treatment plan.

By following these guidelines and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help your dog recover from diarrhea and maintain a healthy digestive system. Remember to monitor your dog’s condition closely, keep them hydrated, and make dietary changes gradually to ensure a smooth recovery.