What dog food for diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is an unpleasant, though not uncommon, part of dog ownership, and always seems to strike at the worst possible moment. Loose stools can have various causes, from gastrointestinal illness to nutritional imbalance.

Several foods can help reduce or ease your dog's diarrhoea. But first, it's worth understanding what actually causes it.

What causes diarrhoea in dogs?

Diarrhoea is loose or watery stools, usually occurring in larger quantities and/or more frequently. The main causes are:

• Parasites, such as tapeworms, hookworms and coccidia.
• Viruses, such as parvovirus (also known as parvo).
• Bacterial infection, for example salmonella.
• A sudden change in your dog's diet, as his digestive system does not have time to adjust to the new food.
• Stress or anxiety.
• Feeding your dog highly processed, unhealthy foods.

At first, it can be difficult to tell whether your dog's diarrhoea is simply the result of a change in diet, or something more serious such as a virus. The key is how long it lasts.

What to do if your dog has diarrhoea?

1. Replenish fluids

If your dog has diarrhoea, it's not necessarily a cause for alarm, but if these episodes persist, consult a veterinarian urgently, as it could be something more serious. After a bout of diarrhoea, one of the most important things to do is rehydrate your dog. Diarrhoea causes a significant loss of water from the body, and this needs to be replaced.

2. Nutrition: Should you feed a dog with diarrhoea?

As well as replenishing fluids, you may want to withhold food for 12 to 24 hours to give your dog's digestive tract a chance to recover. There is a chance that feeding your dog within this timeframe will simply result in the food coming straight back up.

What can I give my dog for diarrhoea?

So, what is the best food to give your dog once they've rehydrated and fasted? Generally speaking, the simpler, the better. A bland, highly digestible diet is the recommended approach during recovery from acute diarrhoea [1]. Below are the best foods to try.

1. Plain rice

Rice is one of the best foods you can give a dog with diarrhoea. Mainly because it is so easy for dogs to digest. With a high level of fibre that absorbs water, rice can help stabilise your dog's stools. Use white rice where possible, above all, ensure it is plain.

Packaged or instant rice often contains flavourings, additives and spices that can irritate your dog's gastrointestinal tract, so freshly cooked, plain white rice is what you want. After cooking, allow the rice to cool to room temperature; if it's too hot, it can irritate your dog's gut again.

2. Simple, lean protein (e.g. plain chicken)

Low-fat protein sources are another good choice if your dog's stomach is feeling sensitive. Meats such as turkey and chicken breast (skin removed) are relatively easy for your dog to digest, lean is a good thing here.

Boil the chicken and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Let it cool to room temperature before serving. This can be given on its own or with the plain rice prepared earlier.

3. Potatoes (plain white or sweet)

Potatoes contain easily digestible starches, making them a reasonable dietary choice for dogs with diarrhoea. They also contain dietary fibre, which can help firm up stools. Never feed your dog raw potatoes, they contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid that is toxic to dogs [2][3].

To prepare, rinse, peel and boil them, then mash into a smooth paste. Allow to cool before feeding. If your dog has diabetes, avoid potatoes given their relatively high sugar content.

4. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a naturally high-fibre food that can help regulate your dog's digestion and alleviate diarrhoea. It also contains prebiotics, plant fibres that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which helps prevent diarrhoea from recurring.

The best way to prepare pumpkin for a dog with diarrhoea is to use standard tinned pumpkin. This is preferable to fresh pumpkin, as it has a lower water content; extra water can contribute to loose stools. Make sure the tinned pumpkin you buy is as pure as possible, with no additives or flavourings added.

5. Oatmeal

Oatmeal porridge, when prepared correctly, can be a good way to help regulate your dog's bowel movements, acting as a binding agent in much the same way as rice. Fully cooked porridge is high in dietary fibre, note that it is important the oats are fully cooked, as raw oats can upset your dog's stomach.

The fibre works by absorbing moisture and slowing gastric emptying, resulting in firmer stools. Cook with water and do not add sugar or other flavourings.

6. Carrots

When cooked and mashed, carrots are a great food to use when reintroducing your dog to eating after a bout of diarrhoea. Carrots are high in dietary fibre, which helps thicken stools and absorb excess water.

As well as helping with diarrhoea, carrots are a good source of vitamin A, support dental health, and are rich in beta-carotene, which benefits your dog's eyesight.

7. Specially formulated dog food

Some dog foods are specially formulated with the gastrointestinal system in mind. These products, often marketed as food for sensitive stomachs, typically contain high levels of prebiotics and other ingredients that promote a more stable gut environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much chicken and rice should I feed my dog with diarrhoea?

That depends on your dog's size and breed. As a general rule, start with a smaller portion than you would normally give at mealtimes, this gives your dog's stomach a better chance to adjust and prevents it from being regurgitated. Aim for a 50-50 split between carbohydrates and protein.

Is pasta good for dogs with diarrhoea?

Plain cooked pasta, such as macaroni, is generally fine, pasta is made from simple ingredients that are unlikely to irritate a dog's gastrointestinal tract. As with all these foods, allow it to cool before giving it to your dog.

Is scrambled egg good for dogs with diarrhoea?

Yes. Simply cooked scrambled eggs are good for dogs with diarrhoea. They're packed with protein and easy to digest, so they're unlikely to make things worse.

Is rice or porridge better for dogs with diarrhoea?

They're much the same when it comes to benefits. Both contain good fibre and are easy to digest, so it probably comes down to what your dog naturally prefers.

When should I be concerned about diarrhoea in my dog?

A one-off episode isn't something to worry too much about. But if it persists beyond a day, or if it's accompanied by vomiting or other symptoms, consult a veterinarian.

What soothes a dog's stomach and helps with diarrhoea?

Hydration is the most important thing. Beyond that, bland food and time are the best tools. The foods listed above are the most reliable options.

Can chicken give dogs diarrhoea?

The only reason chicken would cause diarrhoea is if it hasn't been prepared properly, undercooked, skin left on, or seasoned. The lean meat itself should not cause diarrhoea.

Conclusion

Diarrhoea is far from pleasant, but it is even less pleasant for your dog. Hydrating, fasting briefly, and then carefully reintroducing bland food is the most reliable way to manage an acute episode. Seek veterinary advice if you're concerned or if symptoms persist.