Top Solutions for Dog Diarrhea: What to Feed a Dog with Diarrhea
What Causes Diarrhoea in Dogs?
Dietary Changes: Abrupt changes in diet or consuming inappropriate food items can upset a dog’s stomach and lead to diarrhea.
Food Allergies or Intolerances: Dogs can develop allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients in their food, resulting in gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.
Ingestion of Foreign Objects: Dogs may ingest non-food items such as toys, rocks, or garbage, which can irritate the digestive tract and cause diarrhea.
Bacterial or Viral Infections: Pathogens such as bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli) or viruses (e.g., Parvovirus, Canine Distemper) can infect a dog’s digestive system and cause diarrhea.
Parasites: Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, giardia, or coccidia can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems in dogs.
Stress or Anxiety: Emotional stress or anxiety can sometimes manifest as digestive issues in dogs, including diarrhea.
Medications or Toxins: Certain medications, toxins, or chemicals can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and lead to diarrhea in dogs.
Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, or cancer can result in chronic or recurrent diarrhea in dogs.
It’s essential to consult with a veterinarian if your dog experiences diarrhea, especially if it persists for more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
Replenish Fluids
Provide Access to Water: Ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so encouraging your dog to drink water helps prevent dehydration and replenishes lost fluids.
Offer Electrolyte Solutions: Consider offering electrolyte solutions specifically formulated for dogs or diluted chicken broth. These can help replace lost electrolytes and encourage hydration.
Adjust the Diet: Temporarily switch your dog to a bland diet to soothe the digestive system. Offer easily digestible foods such as boiled chicken (without bones or skin) and plain white rice in small, frequent meals. Avoid feeding rich or fatty foods during this time.
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your dog’s condition and monitor the frequency and consistency of their bowel movements. If diarrhea persists for more than a day, or if your dog shows signs of dehydration (e.g., lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums), contact your veterinarian for advice.
Limit Access to Food: Consider temporarily withholding food for 12-24 hours to give your dog’s digestive system a chance to rest. However, always ensure access to water during this time.
Seek Veterinary Care: If your dog’s diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as blood in the stool, vomiting, or abdominal pain, seek prompt veterinary care. Your veterinarian can diagnose the underlying cause of the diarrhea and recommend appropriate treatment.
Bland Diet
Opt for a bland diet consisting of easily digestible foods. Boiled white rice and boiled chicken (without bones or skin) are commonly recommended. These foods are gentle on the stomach and can help firm up stools.
Plain Pumpkin
Plain, canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) can be beneficial for dogs with diarrhea. Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements. Start with small amounts and gradually increase as tolerated.
Low-Fat Options
Avoid feeding fatty or rich foods, as these can exacerbate digestive issues. Stick to low-fat options to reduce the risk of further upsetting the stomach.
Probiotics
Consider adding probiotics to your dog’s diet. Probiotics can help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which may aid in resolving diarrhea faster.
Hydration
Ensure your dog stays hydrated by providing access to clean, fresh water at all times. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so encouraging your dog to drink water is essential.
Small, Frequent Meals
Instead of feeding large meals, offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help prevent overloading the digestive system and provide a more manageable workload for the stomach.
Specially-Formulated Dog Foods
Prescription Diets: Your veterinarian may recommend prescription diets formulated specifically for digestive health. These diets often contain highly digestible ingredients and may include added nutrients to support gastrointestinal function.
Sensitive Stomach Formulas: Many commercial dog food brands offer formulas designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These diets typically feature limited ingredients, easily digestible proteins, and may include added fiber or prebiotics to promote healthy digestion.
Low-Residue Diets: Low-residue diets are formulated to minimize the amount of undigested material in the intestines, which can help reduce stool volume and frequency. These diets may be recommended for dogs with diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues.
Hydrolyzed Protein Diets: Hydrolyzed protein diets contain proteins that have been broken down into smaller, more easily digestible fragments. These diets are often recommended for dogs with food allergies or intolerances that contribute to digestive upset.
Grain-Free Options: Some dogs with sensitive stomachs may benefit from grain-free dog foods, as grains can be difficult for some dogs to digest. Grain-free formulas typically feature alternative carbohydrate sources such as sweet potatoes or peas.
Wet or Canned Foods: Wet or canned dog foods tend to have higher moisture content compared to dry kibble, which can be beneficial for dogs with diarrhea to help maintain hydration. Additionally, the soft texture of wet food may be easier for dogs to digest.
Veterinary Guidance: Before switching your dog to a specially formulated diet, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian. They can assess your dog’s individual needs and recommend the most appropriate diet based on factors such as age, breed, underlying health conditions, and the severity of the diarrhea.
When selecting a specially formulated dog food for diarrhea, look for products labeled as “digestive care,” “sensitive stomach,” or “intestinal health.” Always transition your dog to a new diet gradually to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal upset.
Is Pasta Good For Dogs With Diarrhoea?
Feeding pasta to dogs with diarrhea is not typically recommended as it may exacerbate gastrointestinal issues. Pasta is a carbohydrate-rich food that can be difficult for dogs to digest, especially if they are experiencing digestive upset. Additionally, many types of pasta contain wheat or gluten, which some dogs may be sensitive to, potentially worsening diarrhea symptoms.
Instead of pasta, it’s best to focus on feeding bland, easily digestible foods to dogs with diarrhea. Boiled white rice and boiled chicken (without bones or skin) are commonly recommended as part of a bland diet for dogs with digestive issues. These foods are gentle on the stomach and can help firm up stools.
If you’re looking to add variety to your dog’s diet while they recover from diarrhea, you can consider offering other bland, easily digestible foods such as plain canned pumpkin or plain boiled sweet potatoes. These foods provide additional nutrients and fiber without the potential digestive upset that pasta may cause.
However, if you’re unsure about what foods are safe to feed your dog during bouts of diarrhea, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian for personalized guidance. They can assess your dog’s condition and provide recommendations tailored to their specific needs, helping to ensure a speedy recovery and optimal digestive health.
