When your dog has diarrhea, it’s generally advised that they be fed a bland diet until their stool returns to normal. Kaopectate and Pepto Bismol may be temporarily given as needed but should never exceed more than 24 hours without consulting a veterinarian first.
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Bananas
As with bananas, mashed potatoes provide another source of starch to soothe a dog’s upset tummy. With its cooling texture and easy digestion, mashed potatoes make for the ideal treat to help with diarrhea symptoms. You can boil, steam or bake the potatoes first to make them easier for your dog to chew and swallow.
White rice can also be an effective food option for dogs with diarrhea as it provides essential nutrition while being mild and easily digested. Just be wary of instant or parboiled varieties; these might aggravate their GI tract further and worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Note that during a period of diarrhea it is not advisable to introduce any new foods as this could increase both frequency and severity of episodes. You should also refrain from giving your dog dairy products and other high-fat foods during this time as these may be difficult for him/her to digest and potentially worsen their situation.
Apples
Apples contain natural laxative properties that help relieve diarrhea by softening stool. Furthermore, apples provide your dog’s immune system with important vitamins C. Before offering your pet apple slices as treats, make sure that all seeds and cores have been removed – these could present a choking hazard and intestinal blockage risks if swallowed while seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide which is toxic in larger doses for dogs.
Your dog will love snacking on apples as a treat or you can add slices to their kibble or wet food for an added fiber and sweetness boost. Apples are safe and nutritious treats for your pup; just watch out for any signs of allergies, intolerances or excess weight gain such as hives or difficulty breathing if too many apples are consumed at once; adding new fruits and vegetables gradually with guidance from a veterinarian who can recommend an optimal nutrition plan tailored specifically for your dog’s diet.
White Potatoes
Your dog needs to rest when suffering from diarrhea, as he or she should refrain from eating his regular food, treats or bones and stay in a quiet location that allows easy access when going potty.
Boiled white rice is an ideal food choice for dogs because it is bland and easily digestible, providing one 1/4 cup per 10 pounds of bodyweight. You should feed your pup approximately 1/4 cup of cooked rice every time they gain 10 pounds in bodyweight.
Carrots can also help dogs suffering from diarrhea by providing high amounts of dietary fiber and potassium, which helps strengthen loose stool. Carrots also bulk it up so it becomes more solid.
Your dog will benefit from receiving some mashed potatoes made up from only plain white mashed potatoes that do not contain butter or oil. Pumpkin can also be an option, provided it’s 100% canned pumpkin puree from your grocery store or pet-safe pumpkin powder; pie filling contains sugars that could lead to diarrhea in dogs.
Fiber Supplements
If your pup has sensitive bowels or chronic digestive issues, they may require additional fiber than can be obtained through food alone. Your veterinarian can help select an effective dietary supplement suitable for them – probiotics with multiple strains of healthy bacteria can be especially helpful, or products like Glandex and No Scoot chews which contain insoluble fiber can bulk up their stool and reduce gas.
As soon as a dog starts experiencing diarrhea, it is crucial that they stay hydrated and consume foods that will soothe their system. Your veterinarian may suggest offering a bland diet consisting of one part boiled lean meat like chicken mixed with two parts cooked rice; other options might include mashed potatoes or cottage cheese. Metamucil may be added for extra fiber support to assist the stool return to normal more quickly.
