Quick Answer
Feed your dog a bland diet of boiled chicken + white rice + pumpkin in small, frequent meals (4-6 times daily). Continue for 2-3 days after stools normalize, then gradually transition back to regular food over 5-7 days. See the vet if diarrhea lasts 48+ hours, contains blood, or your dog seems lethargic.
Table of Contents
The 3-Ingredient Bland Diet Recipe
This is the gold standard bland diet recommended by veterinarians worldwide. It's easy to digest, low in fat, and gentle on an inflamed GI tract.
Bland Diet Recipe
Boiled Chicken Breast
Boneless, skinless chicken breast boiled in plain water until fully cooked. Shred into small pieces. No seasoning, oil, or butter.
Plain White Rice
Cook white rice (not brown — brown rice has too much fiber). Use a 2:1 ratio of rice to chicken.
Plain Canned Pumpkin
1-4 tablespoons of plain pumpkin (NOT pie filling). Rich in soluble fiber that absorbs excess water and firms stools.
Important
Make sure you buy plain canned pumpkin, not “pumpkin pie filling” which contains sugar and spices. Check the label — the only ingredient should be pumpkin.
How Much to Feed (Portions by Weight)
Feed smaller portions more frequently — 4-6 small meals instead of 1-2 large ones. This is easier on the digestive system.
| Dog Weight | Per Meal | Pumpkin | Meals/Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 10 lbs | 2-3 tbsp chicken + ¼ cup rice | 1 tsp | 5-6 |
| 10-25 lbs | ¼ cup chicken + ½ cup rice | 1 tbsp | 4-5 |
| 25-50 lbs | ½ cup chicken + 1 cup rice | 2 tbsp | 4 |
| 50-75 lbs | ¾ cup chicken + 1½ cups rice | 3 tbsp | 4 |
| 75+ lbs | 1 cup chicken + 2 cups rice | 4 tbsp | 4 |
Should You Fast Your Dog First?
A 12-24 hour food fast gives the GI tract time to rest and can help mild diarrhea resolve on its own. During the fast:
- Always keep fresh water available — dehydration is the biggest risk with diarrhea
- Offer ice cubes or a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth for hydration
- After 12-24 hours, start with a very small amount of bland diet
Do NOT fast these dogs
Puppies under 6 months, senior dogs, diabetic dogs, dogs under 5 lbs, or dogs with other medical conditions. These dogs need consistent nutrition — go straight to small bland diet meals.
How to Transition Back to Regular Food
Once stools are firm for 2-3 consecutive days, gradually reintroduce regular food:
| Day | Bland Diet | Regular Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-2 | 75% | 25% |
| Days 3-4 | 50% | 50% |
| Days 5-6 | 25% | 75% |
| Day 7+ | 0% | 100% |
If diarrhea returns during reintroduction, go back to 100% bland diet for another 2 days, then try again more slowly.
Do Probiotics Help?
Yes — probiotics can significantly speed recovery from diarrhea. They replenish beneficial gut bacteria that get flushed out during diarrhea episodes. Veterinary studies show probiotics can reduce diarrhea duration by 1-2 days.
- FortiFlora — the most vet-recommended probiotic powder. Sprinkle on food.
- Probiotic chews — easier to give daily, dogs eat them as treats
- Plain yogurt — a tablespoon of plain unsweetened yogurt contains natural probiotics (but skip if your dog is lactose intolerant)
Products for Dogs With Diarrhea
Native Pet Organic Pumpkin Powder
Organic pumpkin fiber powder for digestive support. Just add water. Helps firm up loose stools.
PetLab Co. Probiotic Chews for Dogs
Digestive probiotic chews with 8 strains of beneficial bacteria. Supports gut health and firm stools.
Under the Weather Bland Diet for Dogs
Freeze-dried bland diet (chicken & rice) for dogs with upset stomachs. Just add water — vet recommended.
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Foods to Avoid During Diarrhea
Never Feed
- ✗ Fatty or greasy foods
- ✗ Dairy products (most dogs are lactose intolerant)
- ✗ Spicy or seasoned foods
- ✗ Raw meat or eggs
- ✗ Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic
- ✗ High-fiber foods (during active diarrhea)
Safe Alternatives
- ✓ Boiled chicken breast (no skin)
- ✓ Plain white rice
- ✓ Plain canned pumpkin
- ✓ Boiled lean ground turkey
- ✓ Plain boiled potatoes (no skin)
- ✓ Bone broth (low sodium, no onion/garlic)
When Diarrhea Needs the Vet
Most cases of dog diarrhea resolve with a bland diet within 24-48 hours. See your vet if:
- Diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours despite bland diet
- You see blood in the stool (bright red or dark/tarry)
- Your dog is vomiting AND has diarrhea simultaneously
- Your dog is lethargic, weak, or won't drink water
- You see signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, skin tenting)
- Your dog is a puppy under 6 months — puppies dehydrate rapidly
- You suspect your dog ate something toxic
Emergency Signs
Bloody diarrhea + vomiting + lethargy can indicate parvovirus (especially in unvaccinated puppies) or hemorrhagic gastroenteritis — both require immediate emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to feed a dog with diarrhea?+
How long should I feed my dog a bland diet?+
Should I withhold food from a dog with diarrhea?+
Can I give my dog pumpkin for diarrhea?+
When should I take my dog to the vet for diarrhea?+
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