Feeding Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
Dog Diarrhea: What to Feed, When to Call the Vet
If your dog has diarrhea, adjusting their diet is often the first step to recovery. Learn what to feed and when it's time to consult your veterinarian.
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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Dog Diarrhea: What to Feed & When to Call the Vet
Why Does Diarrhea Occur?
Common causes include:
- Sudden diet change
- Spoiled food
- Stress
- Infection
- Food allergies
The First Few Hours: Don't Starve Your Dog
Long fasting isn't needed: for mild diarrhea, early small bland meals help the gut recover faster. In an otherwise healthy adult dog, pause feeding for a few hours at most, then start a bland diet in small, frequent portions.
Never fast puppies, toy or miniature breeds, senior or chronically ill dogs, or diabetic dogs on insulin: a skipped meal can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Always provide fresh water, even during the pause.
Then: A Bland Diet
- Boiled white rice (70%) and boiled chicken (30%), skin and bone removed
- Or: boiled sweet potato, turkey
- In small portions, 4–6 times a day
When to Return to Regular Food?
Gradually, just like when transitioning to a new food.
When to See a Vet Immediately?
- If there is blood in the stool
- If accompanied by vomiting
- If the dog is lethargic, listless or not drinking
- If it's a puppy: don't wait, call the vet on the first day
- If it doesn't improve within 24–48 hours
- Act faster for senior, chronically ill or diabetic dogs too
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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.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
