What Should I Feed My Dog When They Have Diarrhea?

At Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic, we often get questions from concerned dog owners asking: “What should I feed my dog when they have diarrhea?”

We know how worrying it can be when your dog is experiencing tummy trouble. Diarrhea is not only uncomfortable for your pup, but it’s also messy, smelly, and sometimes alarming for pet parents. Fortunately, with the right approach, especially when it comes to diet, you can help your dog feel better faster. As your trusted veterinary team, we’re here to walk you through what to feed, when to be concerned, and how to safely manage diarrhea at home.

Why Is My Dog Having Diarrhea?

Before adjusting your dog’s diet, it’s important to understand the possible reasons behind the digestive upset.

Diarrhea in dogs can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including:

  • Dietary indiscretion (eating something inappropriate like garbage, human food, or non-edible objects)
  • Abrupt diet changes
  • Stress-induced colitis (common during boarding, travel, or changes in routine)
  • Food sensitivities or allergies
  • Parasites (such as giardia, hookworms, or roundworms)
  • Infections, either bacterial or viral (like parvo, distemper, or salmonella)
  • Chronic illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or Addison’s disease
  • Adverse drug reactions
  • Ingestion of toxins or foreign objects

If your dog has mild diarrhea but seems otherwise normal, active, alert, and drinking water, home care is often appropriate. But if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or are accompanied by other signs (vomiting, lethargy, or blood), please contact us right away.

Step 1: Should I Stop Feeding My Dog?

In mild cases of acute diarrhea, a short fast can give the digestive system time to rest and recover. Withholding food for up to 12 hours may help, especially if your dog got into something they shouldn’t have.

However, fasting is not recommended for:

  • Puppies (especially under 6 months)
  • Small breeds prone to hypoglycemia
  • Senior dogs or those with chronic conditions (like diabetes)

Not sure if fasting is right for your pup? Give us a call. We’re happy to offer personalized advice.

Important: Always make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water, even while fasting, to prevent dehydration.

Step 2: Feed a Bland, Digestive-Friendly Diet

Once your dog’s stomach has calmed (or if skipping meals isn’t an option), it’s time to switch to a bland diet. These gentle meals help reduce gut irritation and encourage normal stool consistency.

The Goals of a Bland Diet:

  • Soothe the digestive system
  • Promote firmer stools
  • Replenish nutrients and hydration

Recommended Options:

  1. Boiled Chicken & White Rice
    A vet favorite! Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (fully cooked and shredded) paired with plain white rice. Avoid spices, oil, or butter.
  2. Ground Turkey & Rice
    For dogs sensitive to chicken, boiled lean turkey is a great substitute.
  3. Extra-Lean Ground Beef & Rice
    Use lean beef, cooked thoroughly and drained to remove fat.
  4. Prescription GI Diets
    If your dog has ongoing or more severe symptoms, a vet-prescribed diet may be the best route. We often recommend:
    • Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d®
    • Royal Canin Gastrointestinal® Low Fat
    • Purina Pro Plan EN®

These diets are specially formulated to be easily digestible, nutrient-dense, and microbiome-supportive.

Step 3: Feeding Instructions – How Much and How Often?

When reintroducing food after diarrhea:

  • Offer small, frequent meals (4-6 times per day)
  • Start with about 1 tablespoon per 10 lbs of body weight
  • Gradually increase the portion size as your dog tolerates it

Once stools begin to normalize, slowly mix their regular food back in over 5–7 days.

Follow this progression:

  • Days 1–3: 75% bland diet / 25% regular food
  • Days 4–5: 50% bland diet / 50% regular food
  • Days 6–7: 25% bland diet / 75% regular food

Transitioning too quickly can lead to a relapse in diarrhea, so take it slow!

Step 4: Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

One of the biggest risks with diarrhea is fluid loss. Make sure your dog has constant access to clean drinking water.

You can also offer unflavored Pedialyte or electrolyte solutions, just check with us first for proper guidance.

In more serious cases of dehydration, we can administer subcutaneous or IV fluids at our clinic to help your pup recover quickly and safely.

Step 5: Use Probiotics to Support Recovery

Diarrhea often disrupts the balance of good bacteria in your dog’s gut. Supplementing with a veterinarian-approved probiotic can support faster recovery and better digestion.

We recommend:

  • Purina FortiFlora®
  • Proviable® by Nutramax
  • Visbiome Vet®

These supplements help restore gut flora, reduce inflammation, and promote stool consistency.

Foods to Avoid During Diarrhea

Until your dog’s GI system is back to normal, steer clear of:

  • Fatty or fried foods
  • Dairy products (yes, even yogurt!)
  • Human foods with spices, seasoning, or sauces
  • High-fiber items like pumpkin (may help later but can worsen acute symptoms)
  • Commercial treats, bones, and table scraps

Step 6: When to Call the Vet

Please don’t wait too long if symptoms persist.

Reach out if your dog has:

  • Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
  • Vomiting in addition to diarrhea
  • Blood in stool (bright red or tarry black)
  • Lethargy, trembling, or collapse
  • Loss of appetite or refusal to drink
  • A pre-existing health condition

We may recommend diagnostics such as:

  • Fecal testing
  • Blood work
  • X-rays or ultrasound
  • Dietary trials or food allergy testing

Managing Ongoing or Chronic Diarrhea

Recurring diarrhea could be a sign of an underlying chronic condition, such as:

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Food sensitivities
  • Addison’s Disease
  • Liver or kidney dysfunction
  • Gastrointestinal foreign bodies

If diarrhea keeps coming back, we’ll help create a comprehensive treatment and diet plan tailored to your dog’s needs.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone, We’re Here to Help

At Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic, we know that dealing with diarrhea isn’t fun, for you or your dog. But with the right care and guidance, your pup can bounce back quickly. From home remedies to advanced diagnostics, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you ever feel unsure or need help choosing the right food plan, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re just a phone call away and always happy to help your dog feel like themselves again.