What Food to Feed a Dog With Diarrhoea? Tummy Turbulence

Navigate the challenge of feeding a dog with diarrhea with insights into suitable dietary choices. Uncover the optimal foods to soothe your canine companion’s stomach and promote a swift recovery from digestive upset.

What Food to Feed a Dog With Diarrhoea?

Dealing with a dog that has diarrhoea can be quite messy and concerning for any pet parent! One of the crucial aspects of managing this issue is ensuring that your dog receives the right nutrition; the importance of proper nutrition during diarrhoea should not be underestimated.

Proper nutrition can help soothe your dog’s upset stomach, provide essential energy, and support the healing process. Small, frequent meals are often recommended. This eases the burden on the digestive system and helps prevent overloading the stomach.

It’s essential to steer clear of fatty or greasy foods, as these can exacerbate diarrhoea. Stick to lean protein sources and easily digestible carbohydrates.🍽 Let’s see some other options as well.

Temporary Fasting

This involves temporarily withholding food from your dog for a period of 12-24 hours. It allows the digestive system to rest and recover, similar to hitting the reset button. As fasting helps clear the system, giving it a mini-reboot, much like restarting a computer!

“Surprisingly, for most healthy adult dogs, the best way to help their system recover is a 24-hour⏲️ food fast. However, for very young puppies, senior dogs, or those with health issues, consult your vet for guidance.🥼 They might recommend a shorter fast or none at all”, suggests Dr Sandra Mitchell at PetMD.

Bland Is Grand

When your dog’s tummy is in turmoil, a bland diet can work wonders! The goal is to give the digestive system something gentle and easy to handle. Here is a recipe idea for a bland diet:

• A go-to bland diet recipe consists of plain, boneless, skinless chicken and white rice.🍚

• Cook the chicken thoroughly, removing any bones or skin, and mix it with cooked white rice.

• The ratio is typically 2 parts rice to 1 part chicken.🍗

• You can also try other bland options like boiled lean ground beef or turkey with rice.

• Smaller, frequent meals are easier on the stomach than one or two large meals.

Monitor your dog’s response to the bland diet and adjust portion sizes as needed. Gradually transition back to their regular food over several days, to avoid upsetting their system again. A spoonful of dog gravy granules mixed into the bland diet can also help encourage picky eaters to eat

Commercial Prescription Diets

Prescription diets are specially formulated by veterinary nutritionists to provide precise nutritional support for various gastrointestinal conditions. They often contain highly digestible ingredients and specific fiber types that can help manage diarrhoea, reduce inflammation, and promote intestinal healing. 💊

Some prescription diets include novel protein sources, which can be beneficial for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Controlled levels of fat and fiber in these diets help regulate the digestive process, making them ideal for dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disorders.

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian will allow them to monitor your dog’s progress and make any necessary adjustments to the prescription diet.

Home Cooked Diets

Homemade diets can be an effective way to provide tailored nutrition to dogs with diarrhoea. These diets are often easier to digest and can help soothe your dog’s upset stomach. Here are some recipes:

• A basic recipe may include boiled lean meats like chicken or turkey, easily digestible carbohydrates like white rice, and fiber-rich additions like pumpkin.

• Lean meats provide essential protein, while rice and pumpkin can help firm up stools and ease digestion.

• Onions and garlic, for example, are toxic to dogs and should be strictly avoided.

• Other potentially harmful foods include grapes, raisins, chocolate🍫, and certain artificial sweeteners like xylitol.

Homemade diets provide an alternative to commercial kibble. What is kibble dog food? Kibble is the hard, dry dog food made of carbohydrates, protein, fats, and nutrients that is a popular choice for many pet owners. It comes in bags as pellets or nuggets.

Always research ingredients thoroughly and double-check with your vet to ensure your homemade meals are safe and nutritious.

Hydration

Diarrhoea can lead to rapid fluid loss, which can result in dehydration, a potentially serious condition^[1]. Dehydration can lead to lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes, and in severe cases, organ damage. Keeping your dog well-hydrated helps flush out toxins and supports overall bodily functions.

Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times, especially during bouts of diarrhoea. Monitor their water intake to ensure they’re adequately hydrated. You can do this by noting how much water is consumed daily.

If your dog is hesitant to drink, consider offering ice cubes, ice chips, or water flavored with low-sodium chicken or beef broth to entice them to drink more.

Identifying the Cause of Diarrhea

Determining between acute and chronic diarrhoea is essential to ensure your dog receives the necessary care and treatment:

Acute Diarrhoea

Here are the signs of acute diarrhoea^[2]:

• Sudden onset of loose or watery stools.
• Often caused by dietary indiscretions, infections, or dietary changes.
• Typically lasts for a few days to a week.
• May be accompanied by symptoms like vomiting or lethargy.
• Generally, self-limiting and may not require immediate veterinary attention.

Chronic Diarrhoea

Here are the signs of chronic diarrhoea:

• Persists for more than three weeks or recurs frequently.
• Can be caused by food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, or infections.
• May result in weight loss, dehydration, or other concerning symptoms.
• Requires a veterinary evaluation to identify the underlying cause.
• Treatment often involves dietary management and medication.

Probiotics and Digestive Supplements

Administering probiotics to your dog is relatively straightforward. Most supplements come in the form of capsules, powders, or chews that can be easily added to your dog’s food. It’s crucial to be consistent with administering probiotics, as regular use can yield the best results.

“Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms🦠 that can play a significant role in maintaining a healthy digestive system for dogs. They can also aid in reducing inflammation in the gut and improving overall gastrointestinal function”, says the experts at WebMD.

When selecting a probiotic supplement for your dog, opt for products specifically formulated for canines. Ensure the product has a guaranteed analysis of live bacteria cultures and is from a reputable manufacturer.

Monitoring and Adjusting

Keep a close eye on your dog’s overall condition, including their energy levels, appetite, and demeanor. Be attentive to any changes in behaviour or the severity of diarrhoea, as these can indicate improvement or deterioration.

Tip: Maintain a diary📙 to track what your dog eats and the frequency and consistency of their bowel movements. Include details such as the type and quantity of food, any supplements💊 or medications given, and notes on their stool’s appearance.

If the diarrhoea begins to improve, you can gradually transition back to their regular diet. Your vet may recommend dietary modifications, additional tests, or changes in medications based on your monitoring records.

If your dog’s diarrhea improves but they still beg and plead for food, read our guide on how to stop dogs from begging for food for some tips on curbing that behavior

FAQs

Summary

But to sum it up in doggy terms, ‘What food to feed a dog with diarrhoea?‘ We’ve got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need. Remember that every dog is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Be patient, and if things don’t improve, don’t hesitate to call the pros. With a bit of care and the right dietary choices, your dog will be back to their tail-wagging, goofy self in no time!” 🐾🐕

Reference:

1. Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.-b). Dehydration. | Cleveland Clinic.
2. Gastroenteritis in dogs | VCA Animal Hospital | VCA Animal Hospitals.