Feeding Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
Bland Diet (Chicken & Rice): What to Feed a Dog With Diarrhea
A gentle chicken-and-rice diet is the most common home first aid for diarrhea and upset stomach. We cover the exact ratio, prep, dosing, and when to see a vet.
When to see a vet IMMEDIATELY
- •Blood in stool or vomit
- •Lethargy, not drinking, or not eating for 24+ hours
- •Repeated vomiting, especially if water won't stay down
- •Swollen or painful abdomen, whimpering
- •Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, or worsening symptoms
This article is informational and does not replace veterinary examination.
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Bland Diet (Chicken & Rice): What to Feed a Dog With Diarrhea
A gentle, easy-to-digest meal, the "bland diet", is the most common home first aid when your dog has diarrhea or a mild upset stomach. The idea: low-fat, low-irritant, easily digestible food that calms the gut.
When to use it
- Mild diarrhea (dog is otherwise lively, eating and drinking)
- After a single vomiting episode, to settle the stomach
- Temporary soft stool from a food change
- Recovery from a mild upset stomach
⚠️ Do NOT use it as self-diagnosis if: bloody diarrhea/vomit, lethargy, fever, symptoms lasting longer than 24–48 hours, or a puppy/senior/chronically ill dog. Those need a vet.
The exact recipe
Ratio: 1 part cooked chicken + 2 parts cooked white rice.
Ingredients:
- Skinless, boneless chicken breast
- White rice (white is better than brown — easier to digest)
- Nothing else: no salt, oil, spice, onion, or garlic
Preparation:
- Boil the chicken in water (not in oil), with no fat or seasoning
- Shred it into small pieces
- Overcook the rice a bit so it's softer and easier to digest
- Mix 1:2, let it cool to lukewarm
Dosing
- Start with small portions, frequently (4–6 smaller meals a day)
- The daily amount is roughly the usual calories, but less is fine at first
- Always keep fresh water available (diarrhea dehydrates)
Transitioning back to normal food
If the stool firms up after 2–3 days, gradually reintroduce the usual food over 3–5 days:
- Day 1: 75% bland + 25% food
- Day 2: 50–50%
- Day 3: 25% bland + 75% food
- Day 4: 100% food
Helpful add-ons
- Pumpkin puree (plain, unsweetened): the fiber helps firm the stool
- Probiotic (dog-specific): supports the gut flora
- More on these in our separate articles
When to see a vet IMMEDIATELY
🚨 Don't wait with the bland diet if:
- Bloody diarrhea or vomit
- Lethargy, weakness, collapse
- Distended belly (suspect bloat!)
- Won't drink / keeps vomiting for over 24 hours
- A puppy or senior dog (dehydrates faster)
This is informational content and does not replace a veterinary exam. For persistent or severe symptoms, see your vet.
Free tool — no sign-up
Enter weight and activity level — 10 seconds and you get the daily portion.
References
- 1.WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee — WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2021. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.Unterer S, Strohmeyer K, Kruse BD, Sauter-Louis C, Hartmann K — Treatment of aseptic dogs with haemorrhagic gastroenteritis with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid: a prospective blinded study. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 25(5):973–979, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.00765.x (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.Mortier F, Strohmeyer K, Hartmann K, Unterer S — Acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome in dogs: 108 cases. Veterinary Record 176(24):627, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.103090 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 4.National Research Council (US), Committee on Animal Nutrition — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 5.FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) — Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. FEDIAF, 2024. https://europeanpetfood.org/self-regulation/nutritional-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
