Imagine your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea. It’s a helpless feeling, right? You just want to help them feel better.
A bland diet is often the first line of defense. It’s designed to be super easy to digest. It’s low in fat and fiber so it doesn’t put extra stress on your dog’s upset stomach. Think of it as a temporary reset button for their digestive system.
While this article will give you a good overview of what a dogs bland diet is all about, it’s really important to talk to your vet. They can figure out what’s causing the tummy trouble in the first place and make sure a bland diet is the right approach. This article will cover what a bland diet is, why it’s used, what foods are appropriate, how long to feed it, and how to support your dog’s digestive health during recovery.
What is a Bland Diet for Dogs?
When we say “bland” in the context of dog food, we mean food that’s easy to digest and gentle on your dog’s stomach. Bland diets are low in both fat and fiber to reduce the workload on the digestive system. They’re also often high in carbohydrates to give your dog energy.
Regular dog food can contain ingredients that are hard to digest, especially when your dog has an upset stomach. A bland diet is designed to be non-irritating and easy to process.
There are two main types of bland diets: homemade and commercial. Homemade bland diets are often used for short periods. Commercial bland diets can be nutritionally complete, so they’re okay to use for longer periods, if your vet recommends it.
Why Feed Your Dog Bland Meals?
If your dog is under the weather with digestive issues, your vet may recommend a bland diet. But what’s the point? Here’s a look at some common reasons why bland, easily digestible food is often the best medicine.
Bland Diets for Dogs with Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, and it can have a number of causes, from a dog eating something they shouldn’t have to infections or parasites. A bland diet gives your dog’s GI tract a chance to rest and recover, which can help reduce inflammation and irritation.
Bland Meals During Recovery from GI Surgery
After GI surgery, bland food that’s easy to digest is key to easing stress on the digestive system as it heals. It’s super important to carefully follow your vet’s instructions for post-operative feeding — they’ll have a specific plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
Bland Diets for Stress Diarrhea (or Diarrhea from Other Causes)
Stress can really mess with your dog’s gut, disrupting the normal balance of bacteria and leading to diarrhea. A bland diet provides nutrients that are easy to process and helps minimize further irritation when your pup’s feeling anxious.
Low-Fat Bland Diets for Dogs with Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is another condition where a bland diet can be helpful. Because high-fat foods can make pancreatitis worse, a low-fat bland diet is often just what the doctor ordered.
Bland Meals for Dogs with Other Medical Conditions
Bland diets can also be beneficial for dogs with conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), megaesophagus, or megacolon.
But remember, a bland diet is usually just one part of a bigger treatment plan. It’s essential to get a diagnosis and treatment plan from your vet, so they can address the underlying cause of your dog’s tummy troubles.
Where Can I Get a Bland Diet for My Dog?
If your dog’s tummy is troubled, you have a couple of options for getting a bland diet in front of them.
Homemade Bland Diets
If you’re in a hurry, you can whip up a bland diet at home using a few easily sourced ingredients. Boiled chicken (no skin, no bones) and white rice are frequently used. You can also use lean ground beef that has been boiled, drained, and rinsed. Some veterinary nutritionists recommend adding a small amount of fiber to the diet, such as plain canned pumpkin.
Keep in mind that these homemade bland diets are not nutritionally complete enough for long-term feeding, so they’re best used for a few days to give your dog’s system a chance to recover.
Prescription Bland Diets Available Through Veterinarians
If you think your dog might need to be on a bland diet for more than a few days, you may want to consider a commercial diet. These are nutritionally complete and balanced for long-term use.
These diets are often available through your veterinarian, who can assess your dog’s particular health situation and recommend the best option.
What bland foods can I feed my dog?
When your dog’s tummy is upset, a simple, easily digestible diet is best. Here are some safe and effective choices:
Carbohydrate Sources
- White rice. Plain white rice is easy on the digestive system and low in fiber, making it a good choice when your dog has diarrhea or vomiting.
- Sweet potato (boiled, skin removed). Sweet potatoes provide carbohydrates and some vitamins. Be sure to boil them until soft and remove the skin, as the skin can be difficult to digest.
- Plain pasta (cooked). Like white rice, plain, cooked pasta is easily digestible.
Protein Sources
- Boiled, skinless, boneless chicken breast. Chicken breast is a lean protein source that’s easy to digest. Make sure it’s thoroughly cooked, with the skin and bones removed.
- Lean ground turkey (boiled and drained). Ground turkey is another good protein option. Be sure to boil it and drain off any excess fat.
- Plain, nonfat cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is a source of protein and calcium.
- Eggs (boiled or scrambled). Eggs are an easy-to-digest protein source. Be sure they’re fully cooked.
A safety note about homemade bland meals
When preparing bland meals for your dog, it’s essential to use plain, unseasoned ingredients. Avoid adding salt, spices, or oils, as these can further irritate your dog’s digestive system.
It’s also important to remember that homemade bland diets are intended for short-term use only. They are not nutritionally complete for long-term use, and nutrient deficiencies can occur if they’re not properly balanced. If your dog needs to be on a bland diet for more than a few days, talk with your veterinarian about a nutritionally complete option.
How much of the bland diet should I feed my dog?
The right amount of bland food for your dog depends on their size and weight. It’s best to start with small, frequent meals to avoid overwhelming their digestive system.
Consider these general guidelines:
- Small dogs (under 20 pounds): Begin with ¼ to ½ cup of the bland diet per meal.
- Medium dogs (20-50 pounds): Start with ½ to 1 cup per meal.
- Large dogs (over 50 pounds): Feed 1 to 2 cups per meal.
Divide your dog’s total daily food amount into 4 to 6 smaller portions and feed them throughout the day. For example, if your medium-sized dog typically eats 2 cups of food daily, divide that into 4 meals of ½ cup each.
Keep a close eye on your dog’s appetite and stool quality. If they seem hungry, you can slightly increase the portion sizes. If their stools become loose or they vomit, reduce the amount you’re feeding.
Remember that these are just general guidelines. Adjust the portion sizes based on your dog’s individual needs and always consult with your vet if you have any concerns.
How long should I feed my dog a bland diet?
How long your dog needs a bland diet depends on why their stomach was upset in the first place. A dog who ate something they shouldn’t have might only need a bland diet for a few days. A dog with a more complex medical condition may need it for longer.
In general, vets recommend feeding a bland diet for a few days, up to a week. Usually, two or three days is enough to resolve the symptoms.
Once your dog seems better, you should slowly mix their old food back in with the bland diet. But it’s always a good idea to talk to your vet for personalized advice. They can help you figure out how long your dog needs the bland diet and when to switch back.
How else can I support my dog’s digestive health?
A bland diet can help calm an upset digestive system, but there are other ways to keep your dog’s gut happy and healthy.
Probiotics for dogs
Probiotics are the good bacteria that live in your dog’s gut. When your dog’s digestive system is out of whack, probiotics can help restore the balance of bacteria.
Different types or strains of probiotics have different effects. Talk with your vet about the best probiotic supplement for your dog’s specific needs.
Prebiotics for dogs
Prebiotics are food for the good bacteria. They’re non-digestible fibers that feed the probiotics in your dog’s gut.
Some vegetables and supplements, such as chicory root and dandelion greens, are excellent sources of prebiotics.
Canned pumpkin
Plain canned pumpkin is a good source of fiber, which can help with both diarrhea and constipation.
Be sure to use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which can contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to dogs.
What to watch out for
While a bland diet can help your dog feel better, it’s important to keep a close eye on them. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Worsening GI upset: This includes non-stop vomiting or diarrhea, or any blood in their vomit or stool.
- Dehydration: Signs include lethargy, eyes that look sunken, and dry gums.
- Changes in appetite or behavior: If your dog doesn’t want to eat, or seems reluctant to eat, let your vet know.
- Pain or discomfort: This can manifest as whining, restlessness, or guarding their abdomen.
If your dog’s GI issues don’t improve within 48 hours, it’s important to seek veterinary attention.
Work with your veterinarian
Remember, this article doesn’t replace your vet’s expertise! Always talk to your veterinarian:
- Before you start your dog on a bland diet.
- While your dog is eating a bland diet.
- When you’re ready to switch your dog back to their regular food.
A bland diet isn’t a substitute for veterinary care. It’s important to figure out what’s causing your dog’s tummy troubles. Your vet can diagnose the problem, recommend the right treatments, and keep a close eye on your dog while they recover. They can also help you choose the best food for your dog’s specific needs.
Final Thoughts
A bland diet can be a helpful way to give your dog’s upset stomach a chance to rest and recover. These diets provide easily digestible nutrients that are gentle on the GI tract.
However, it’s always best to talk with your veterinarian before putting your dog on a bland diet and during the time they are eating it. Your vet can help you decide if a bland diet is right for your dog and can monitor their progress.
When used appropriately and with veterinary supervision, a bland diet can be a valuable tool for managing canine digestive upset.