What to Feed a Dog with Diarrhea
When your dog has diarrhoea, it can be worrying—especially if they seem uncomfortable, tired, or reluctant to eat. Most cases are mild and pass on their own, but the right food can help settle their stomach, ease symptoms and speed up recovery. Knowing what to feed—and what to avoid—makes a big difference during these delicate moments.
Diet plays a crucial role in soothing your dog’s digestive system. For the first 12 to 24 hours, some vets may recommend temporarily withholding food (but not water) to allow the gut to rest, particularly if the diarrhoea was sudden. After that, you can gradually reintroduce bland, easy-to-digest food in small portions.
Plain Cooked Chicken and Rice
One of the most commonly recommended meals for dogs with diarrhoea is plain boiled chicken and white rice. The chicken should be skinless and boneless, and the rice should be well-cooked and soft. This simple meal is gentle on the stomach and provides protein and energy without irritating the gut further.
Feed small portions two to three times a day, and avoid adding oils, seasonings, or other extras. Once your dog’s stools begin to firm up, you can slowly mix this meal with their regular food over a few days to transition them back to their normal diet.
Mashed Pumpkin or Butternut Squash
Plain pumpkin (not the sweetened or spiced pie filling) is rich in soluble fibre, which helps absorb excess water in the digestive tract and can naturally firm up stools. A spoonful added to your dog’s bland meals can provide comfort and help balance their digestion. Butternut squash works similarly and can be lightly boiled or steamed and mashed before serving.
Both are nutritious and well tolerated by most dogs, especially when their stomachs are sensitive.
Boiled White Fish or Turkey
If your dog has a sensitivity to chicken or simply isn’t keen on it, boiled white fish or lean turkey breast are good alternatives. They’re light, low in fat, and easy to digest. Just like chicken, serve them plain and chopped into small pieces, paired with a simple carbohydrate like rice or boiled potato.
These options are especially useful if your dog has had diarrhoea related to food allergies or rich treats.
Probiotics and Gut Support
Probiotics can help restore healthy gut bacteria and speed up recovery from diarrhoea. You can find dog-specific probiotic powders, pastes or chews at pet shops or from your vet. Plain natural yoghurt can also offer gentle probiotic support, but only in very small amounts and only if your dog tolerates dairy.
Probiotics aren’t a meal replacement, but they can work alongside bland meals to get your dog’s digestion back on track.
Foods to Avoid During Recovery
While it’s tempting to offer treats or comfort foods, certain ingredients can make diarrhoea worse. Avoid anything fatty, spicy, or dairy-based. Commercial dog treats, rawhide chews, and high-fat meats can all upset the stomach further. Vegetables that are high in fibre like broccoli or beans may be too rough on the gut during recovery.
Stick to simple, soothing foods until your dog is back to normal.
When to See a Vet
Most cases of diarrhoea in dogs clear up within a day or two with a bland diet and rest. However, if the diarrhoea continues for more than 48 hours, if there’s blood or mucus in the stool, or if your dog shows signs of dehydration, lethargy, or vomiting, it’s time to call the vet. Puppies, older dogs and small breeds can become dehydrated quickly, so don't wait too long to seek help if they’re unwell.
Your vet may recommend medication, further tests, or a prescription diet depending on the cause.
Bone Broth for Gentle Hydration and Recovery
Bone broth is a fantastic addition to a dog’s diet during digestive upset. It's hydrating, rich in nutrients and easy on the stomach. Homemade broth, simmered from beef or chicken bones without seasoning, garlic or onions, is best. Strain it thoroughly and serve cooled in small amounts, either on its own or poured over rice or lean meats.
Not only does it encourage your dog to stay hydrated, it also provides amino acids and minerals that support gut healing. It’s especially helpful if your dog has lost their appetite but still needs nourishment.
Boiled Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
White potatoes and sweet potatoes can be a great carbohydrate source during recovery. They’re bland, filling, and gentle on the digestive tract. Peel and boil them until soft, mash them up with no butter or seasoning, and mix them with plain protein like chicken or fish. Sweet potatoes in particular offer fibre and natural antioxidants that can support healing.
They're a good alternative to rice for dogs that don't tolerate grains well.
Slippery Elm for Natural Gut Support
Slippery elm is a natural herb that forms a soothing, mucilaginous coating in the gut. It can calm inflammation and help reduce diarrhoea, especially in mild cases. It’s available as a powder or supplement designed for pets and is often used as a gentle digestive aid. Always use it under guidance, starting with a small amount mixed into food or water.
This remedy is particularly useful if your dog has chronic digestive sensitivity or stress-related stomach upsets.
Gradual Return to Regular Food
Once your dog’s stool begins to firm up, you’ll need to transition them back to their normal diet gradually. Sudden changes can trigger a new wave of digestive issues. Over the course of two to three days, begin mixing increasing amounts of their regular food into the bland meals.
For example, start with 75% bland food and 25% regular, then move to a 50/50 mix, and so on until they’re fully back to their usual diet.
Watch for Dehydration
Even mild diarrhoea can cause a drop in hydration levels. Along with encouraging your dog to drink clean water, you can offer unflavoured, vet-approved electrolyte solutions made specifically for pets. These help replace lost minerals and keep energy levels stable.
Signs of dehydration include dry gums, sunken eyes, and lethargy. If your dog won’t drink or seems weak, always contact a vet.
Diet-Linked Diarrhoea Causes
Sometimes diarrhoea is triggered by dietary issues that go beyond one bad meal. Sudden changes in food, rich treats, fatty table scraps or poorly digested fillers in commercial food can all lead to upset stomachs. Keeping your dog on a consistent, balanced diet and introducing new foods slowly helps prevent future problems.
If your dog seems prone to digestive issues, a sensitive or grain-free formula may be a better long-term choice.
What to Feed a Dog with Diarrhea
When your dog has diarrhoea, it can be both messy and concerning. Whether it's from a sudden change in diet, stress, mild illness, or something they've eaten on a walk, your first instinct is to help them feel better as quickly as possible. One of the most effective ways to support their recovery is by feeding them gentle, soothing foods that are easy on the stomach and promote normal digestion.
In mild cases, especially when your dog is otherwise bright and active, adjusting their diet for a day or two can make a big difference. The goal is to reduce strain on the gut, replenish lost nutrients and ease your dog back to their normal routine without further upsetting their system.
Chicken and Rice for Gentle Nutrition
A go-to choice for many dog owners and vets is plain boiled chicken and rice. This classic combination is bland, low in fat and easy for dogs to digest. The chicken should be cooked without skin or bones, and the rice should be soft and plain with no seasoning. Start with small portions to see how your dog responds and continue for a couple of days until stools begin to firm up. Once your dog shows signs of improvement, you can gradually mix this bland diet back in with their regular food over the next few days.
Plain Fish or Turkey as Alternatives
If your dog doesn't tolerate chicken well or simply isn't interested, plain white fish or lean turkey breast are excellent alternatives. Like chicken, they’re easy to digest and low in fat, which is ideal when the digestive system is sensitive. Boil the meat without seasoning, shred it into small pieces, and pair it with a simple carbohydrate such as rice or boiled potato to create a balanced, gentle meal.
Mashed Pumpkin and Sweet Potato
Pumpkin is often used as a natural remedy for both diarrhoea and constipation in dogs. It’s rich in soluble fibre, which helps absorb excess fluid in the gut and encourages more solid stools. Make sure to use pure, unsweetened pumpkin—not pie filling or anything with added sugar. Butternut squash or sweet potato can also be used, lightly cooked and mashed before serving. These ingredients are full of nutrients and gentle on your dog’s stomach, making them a good addition to bland meals.
Bone Broth for Hydration and Healing
When your dog has an upset stomach, staying hydrated is just as important as eating the right food. Bone broth is an excellent way to support hydration while also offering nourishment. You can make it at home by simmering bones in water for several hours, then straining out the fat and solids. Serve the broth cooled and in small amounts on its own or mixed with rice or lean meat. It’s packed with amino acids and minerals that help repair the gut lining and provide comfort during recovery.
Slippery Elm for Natural Gut Support
Slippery elm is a herbal remedy that creates a soothing, gel-like coating in the digestive tract. This makes it particularly helpful for easing inflammation and irritation in the gut. It’s available as a powder or capsule and can be added to food in small amounts, depending on your dog’s size and weight. It's a gentle, natural way to support digestive healing, especially in dogs with recurring digestive sensitivity.
Probiotics and Digestive Balance
Adding probiotics can support your dog’s recovery by restoring healthy gut bacteria. You can buy probiotic powders or pastes made specifically for dogs, or in some cases, add a small spoon of plain natural yoghurt to their food. This helps repopulate good bacteria in the gut, which is often disrupted during diarrhoea. Some owners also choose to continue using probiotics long-term to support ongoing digestive health, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
How to Reintroduce Regular Food
Once your dog’s stool begins to firm up and they seem back to their usual self, it’s important to transition back to their regular diet slowly. Mix a small amount of their usual food into their bland meals over the course of a few days. Sudden changes, even after recovery, can trigger a relapse. Gradually increasing the ratio of regular food gives your dog’s digestive system time to adjust and reduces the risk of another upset.
Avoid Foods That Can Make Things Worse
While your dog is recovering, it’s best to avoid rich or fatty foods, treats, dairy products, or anything spicy or processed. Even small bits of cheese, leftover meat, or store-bought treats can irritate a sensitive gut and undo progress. Keep things plain and consistent, and save the extras for when your dog is feeling completely well again.
Watch for Signs of Dehydration or Illness
Most diarrhoea in dogs clears up within a day or two, especially with the right care at home. But if your dog shows signs of dehydration, becomes lethargic, refuses to eat, or has blood or mucus in their stool, it’s time to contact your vet. Puppies, senior dogs and small breeds can become dehydrated quickly, so it’s always safer to check if you’re unsure. A vet may recommend medication, tests, or a special diet to help your dog recover fully.
Summary
Feeding a dog with diarrhoea is about offering calm, simple meals that soothe the gut and help the body recover. Chicken and rice, plain fish, mashed pumpkin, and gentle broths are excellent options that provide comfort without irritation. Natural supports like slippery elm and probiotics can also make a real difference. With the right approach and close attention, most dogs bounce back quickly and happily return to their normal selves.