Diarrhea is a common problem in dogs, and it can be caused by a variety of things, such as eating something they shouldn’t have, a virus, or an underlying medical condition. If your dog has diarrhea, it’s important to feed them a bland diet that will help to firm up their stool and make them feel better.
Here are some of the best foods to feed a dog with diarrhea:
- Plain rice. Plain rice is one of the best foods you can feed a dog with diarrhea. It is bland and easy to digest, and it can help to firm up the stool. You can cook white or brown rice, but white rice is lower in fiber and may be easier for dogs with diarrhea to digest.
- Simple, lean protein. Lean protein sources such as boiled chicken or boiled hamburger are also good options for dogs with diarrhea. These meats are easy to digest and can help to replace the protein that your dog is losing in their stool.
- Pumpkin. Pumpkin is a naturally fiber-rich food that can help to regulate your dog’s digestion and help with any diarrhea it may have recently experienced. The fiber within the pumpkin adds ‘ruffage’ (no pun intended) that firms up a dog’s stool. Pumpkin also contains what are known as prebiotics. These are special plant fibres that promote the growth of beneficial, healthy bacteria that aid gut health, overall.
- Potatoes. Either plain or sweet potatoes are also good options for dogs with diarrhea. Like rice, potatoes are bland and easy to digest. They are also a good source of carbohydrates, which can help to give your dog energy.
- Porridge oats. Porridge oats are another good source of carbohydrates that can help to give your dog energy. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help to firm up the stool.
- Carrots. Carrots are a good source of fiber and vitamins that can help to support your dog’s digestive health. They are also a good source of beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that can help to protect your dog’s cells from damage.
In addition to these foods, you can also give your dog small amounts of plain yogurt or kefir. These foods contain probiotics, which can help to restore the balance of bacteria in your dog’s gut.
Here are some foods that you should avoid feeding your dog with diarrhea:
- Fatty foods. Fatty foods can irritate your dog’s stomach and make diarrhea worse.
- Spicy foods. Spicy foods can also irritate your dog’s stomach and make diarrhea worse.
- Dairy products. Dairy products can be difficult for some dogs to digest, and they can make diarrhea worse.
- Junk food. Junk food is not good for dogs in general, and it can make diarrhea worse.
If your dog’s diarrhea is severe or does not improve after a few days, you should take them to the vet. There may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.
Here are some additional tips for feeding your dog with diarrhea:
- Start with small, frequent meals. This will help to keep your dog’s stomach from getting upset.
- Cook all foods plain and without any seasonings.
- Let the food cool to room temperature before serving it to your dog.
- Offer your dog plenty of fresh water.
- Monitor your dog’s stool and see if it is improving.
If you have any questions or concerns about feeding your dog with diarrhea, you should talk to your vet.
Here are some additional tips to help your dog recover from diarrhea:
- Keep your dog calm and relaxed.Stress can make diarrhea worse, so it’s important to keep your dog calm and relaxed.
- Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink. Dehydration can be a complication of diarrhea, so it’s important to make sure your dog is drinking plenty of fluids.
- Take your dog for short walks. Exercise can help to firm up your dog’s stool.
- Avoid giving your dog treats or table scraps. These foods can irritate your dog’s stomach and make diarrhea worse.
If you follow these tips, your dog should start to feel better within a few days. If your dog’s diarrhea does not improve, or if it gets worse, you should take them to the vet.