When your dog experiences diarrhea, he needs food that’s gentle on his digestive tract. Luckily, there are a number of bland options that are readily available.
Water and low-sodium broth are essential sources of hydration. Certain specialty foods contain probiotics and prebiotics to support healthy gut flora balance.
Contents
White Rice
White rice is another easily digestible starch that provides energy while soothing digestion in dogs, making it a staple ingredient in several prescription diets such as Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d and Purina EN food products.
White rice production involves milling and polishing processes which strip some nutrients, so for maximum nutritional benefit it is advisable to select varieties with added vitamins B1, B3 and iron fortification.
One part plain rice to two parts cooked hamburger or chicken makes an ideal meal for dogs suffering from diarrhea. Broiled chicken is easily digested without irritating their digestive tract, while scrambled eggs offer protein rich nutrition while being low-fat sources of nutrition. When feeding dogs who suffer from chronic diarrhea, adding too much fat may exacerbate their condition further.
White Potatoes
Potatoes contain carbs, but aren’t as starchy as rice and may help alleviate digestive discomfort in dogs with diarrhea. As with anything, too many may lead to weight gain and gastrointestinal distress in your pup, so be sure that all portions are cooked thoroughly first as raw potatoes contain solanine which is toxic for their bodies and may cause serious issues for them – the latter factor being particularly harmful as raw potatoes contain solanine which contains solanine which causes upset tummies in dogs.
Potatoes can be cooked using various techniques, from baking and boiling, but for best results it’s best to boil without salt, butter or oils being added. They can also be combined with fruits and vegetables such as green beans or strawberries to provide your sick pup with a quick yet nutritious meal.
Plain canned pumpkin is another top recommendation as it is easily digestible and filled with soluble fiber that helps absorb water. When purchasing canned pumpkin, be sure it’s unsweetened without extra sugars or spices added for optimal results.
Chicken
For an easy diet to digest for dogs with diarrhea, consider offering them some boiled chicken and rice. Be sure to cook it without using oils or butter; this combination is gentle on upset stomachs while replenishing essential nutrients lost due to diarrheal episodes.
As well as chicken and rice, other sources such as yogurt or cottage cheese, mashed bananas or special dog probiotics may help soothe an upset stomach in dogs. Bananas provide insoluble fiber that bulks up stool while slowing transit time; their pectins also act as natural laxatives by drawing water out of stools.
Most veterinarians advise withholding food for 12-24 hours following an episode of diarrhea to speed recovery time; however, puppies, senior dogs or those living with preexisting conditions may require feeding more often.
Vegetables
Foods suitable for feeding a dog with diarrhea should be easy on its stomach and rich in fiber to firm up stool formation and promote regularity.
Carrots offer an abundant source of vitamins A and K as well as potassium. Boiled carrots can help soothe an upset digestive tract by being ground into a fine paste before being mixed with rice for use as a digestive remedy.
White potatoes are cooling and low in fat, making them the ideal food choice for dogs suffering from diarrhea. Their starch content also supplies energy without burdening the digestive tract. When selecting canned varieties over frozen or minute varieties that could contain added oils or seasonings that might aggravate his stomach.
Pumpkin is an excellent source of soluble fiber, which can help regulate bowel transit times and soothe irritated tissues for regularity. Furthermore, pumpkin contains prebiotics – plant fibres which encourage the growth of good bacteria within the gut – for enhanced gut health.
