What to Feed a Dog With an Upset Stomach?

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Let’s turn our attention to a dog with an upset stomach, which is probably one of the most common, yet always worrying cases.

Such a thing can really break your heart, isn’t it?

The usually loud and merry one that now looks sad, maybe even a little nauseous and making too many trips to the garden.

But be brave! Because for many mild, short term stomach rumbles, a bit of gentle care and a careful diet can do great things.

This is a guide for minor, temporary situations. If your dog is seriously ill and shows severe symptoms, the very first and most important step should be a visit to the vet.

Recognizing a Mild Upset Stomach

How do we know if it’s just a passing phase or something more serious? Here are a few signs of a mild upset:

• Occasional Vomiting: Perhaps once or twice, without much effort, and they seem otherwise okay afterwards.
• Loose Stools/Mild Diarrhea: Their stools might be a bit soft or watery, but not excessively frequent, and crucially, without any blood.
• Reduced Appetite: They might turn their nose up at their usual meal, but still show some interest in food or treats.
• Slight Lethargy: A bit quieter than usual, perhaps sleeping more, but still responsive and happy to see you.

When to Call the Vet (Crucial Advice)

Now, this is paramount. There are times when a rumbling tummy is a serious matter, and you mustn’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following:

• Severe or Frequent Vomiting/Diarrhea: Especially if it’s projectile or happens many times in a short period.
• Blood in Vomit or Stool: Any sign of fresh red blood or dark, tarry stools is a red flag.
• Extreme Lethargy, Weakness, or Collapse: If your dog is unusually weak, unresponsive, or can’t stand.
• Signs of Pain: Whining, whimpering, a hunched posture, or guarding their abdomen.
• Bloated Abdomen: A distended or hard belly can indicate a serious condition.
• Symptoms Lasting More Than 24 Hours: If mild symptoms persist beyond a day, it’s time for professional advice.
• Vulnerable Dogs: Puppies, very old dogs, or those with known health conditions (like diabetes or kidney disease) should see a vet sooner rather than later.

The First Step: Rest the Digestive System

For an adult dog with a mild upset, the very first thing we do is give their digestive system a much-needed holiday.

• Fasting: This means no food for a period. It allows the stomach and intestines to settle down and begin their recovery. For most healthy adult dogs, a fast of 12 to 24 hours is appropriate. However, never fast puppies, very small breeds, or senior dogs without first consulting your vet.
• Water is Key: Even during a fast, hydration is absolutely vital. Offer small, frequent amounts of fresh, clean water. Dehydration can quickly become a serious concern, especially if there’s been vomiting or diarrhea.

Introducing Bland Foods: The Gentle Re-Entry

Once the fasting period is over, and if your dog hasn’t vomited for several hours and seems a little brighter, we can begin to reintroduce food. The goal here is to provide easily digestible nutrients that won’t irritate their sensitive digestive tract.

The golden rule is small, frequent meals. Think of it as tiptoeing back to normal eating.

Here are some recommended bland food options:

• Boiled Chicken (skinless, boneless) & White Rice:
  • Preparation: Simply boil boneless, skinless chicken breast until thoroughly cooked, then shred it finely. Cook plain white rice (overcooked is perfectly fine, even preferred).
  • Ratio: A good starting point is one part chicken to two parts rice.
  • Why it works: This combination offers highly digestible protein and a simple carbohydrate, both gentle on the stomach.
• Boiled Lean Ground Beef & White Rice:
  • Preparation: Boil lean ground beef until cooked through, then drain all the fat away. Mix with plain white rice.
  • Ratio: Again, typically one part beef to two parts rice.
  • Why it works: A good alternative if your dog is sensitive to chicken, providing similar benefits.
• Plain Canned Pumpkin (NOT pie filling):
  • Preparation: Ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin puree, with no added spices or sugar.
  • Why it works: A wonderful source of soluble fiber, which can help firm up loose stools.
  • How much: Offer a small spoonful or two mixed with other bland food.
• Boiled Potatoes (plain, peeled):
  • Preparation: Boil potatoes until very soft, then mash them. Ensure they are peeled.
  • Why it works: Another easily digestible simple carbohydrate.
• Cottage Cheese (low-fat, plain):
  • Preparation: Ensure it’s plain, low-fat cottage cheese with no added ingredients.
  • Why it works: For some dogs, this can be a source of easily digestible protein. Introduce a very small amount first to see how they tolerate dairy.
• Scrambled Eggs:
  • Preparation: Cook plain scrambled eggs without any butter, oil, milk, or seasonings.
  • Why it works: Eggs are a highly digestible source of protein and are often well-tolerated by sensitive stomachs.

What to AVOID: During this delicate time, steer clear of fatty foods, rich foods, spices, most dairy products, commercial dog food (for now), and any treats. These can all exacerbate an upset stomach.

The Feeding Schedule: A Gradual Approach

Patience is a virtue, especially when nursing a poorly pup back to health.

• Day 1 (After Fasting): Offer very small amounts of the bland food – perhaps just 1-2 tablespoons for a medium-sized dog – every 2-3 hours. Watch them closely for any signs of vomiting or worsening diarrhea.
• Day 2 (If Tolerated): If they’ve kept the food down and seem to be improving, you can slightly increase the portion size and reduce the frequency, aiming for 3-4 small meals throughout the day.
• Day 3-5 (If Tolerated): Continue to increase the bland food portion. Now, you can begin to mix in a very small amount of their regular dog food. Gradually, over several days, increase the ratio of their regular food to the bland food until they are back on their normal diet.

Hydration: The Unsung Hero

I cannot stress this enough: keeping your dog hydrated is paramount.

• Constant Access: Always ensure they have access to fresh, clean water.
• Encouraging Drinking: If they’re reluctant to drink, try offering ice cubes – many dogs find these appealing. You can also offer small amounts of low-sodium chicken or beef broth (ensure it contains no onion or garlic, which are toxic to dogs).
• Signs of Dehydration: Be vigilant for signs like sunken eyes, dry or tacky gums, and a loss of skin elasticity (gently pinch the skin on their back; if it doesn’t spring back quickly, they might be dehydrated). If you suspect dehydration, contact your vet immediately.

Probiotics: A Helping Hand (Optional)

Once the vomiting has stopped and your dog’s appetite has returned, you might consider introducing probiotics.

• Why: Probiotics can help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in their gut, which can be disrupted during an upset stomach.
• Types: Look for dog-specific probiotic supplements. Alternatively, a small amount of plain, unsweetened yogurt (if your dog tolerates dairy) can also provide some beneficial bacteria.

Wrap Up: Patience and Observation

Most mild cases will resolve quickly with this bland diet and rest.

But always, always remember this: you know your dog best.

If you are ever in doubt, if symptoms worsen, or if your gut tells you something isn’t quite right, do not hesitate.

Pick up the phone and speak to your veterinarian. They are your best ally in ensuring your beloved companion returns to their happy, healthy self.

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