
If your dog is experiencing digestive issues, a bland diet can be a lifesaver. A simple boiled chicken and white rice combination is a great place to start, as it's easy to digest and can help firm up stool.
This diet is often recommended because chicken is low in fat and easy on the stomach. White rice, on the other hand, is a complex carbohydrate that can help slow down the digestion process and prevent loose stools.
A bland diet can be a temporary solution to help your dog feel better while you figure out the underlying cause of their digestive issues. It's essential to note that a bland diet should only be used for a short period, usually up to 7-10 days, as it can lead to nutrient deficiencies if continued for too long.
In some cases, a bland diet may also include boiled potatoes or pumpkin, which can help add fiber and moisture to your dog's stool.
Related reading: Boiled Chicken Water for Dogs
What to Feed Your Dog
When feeding your dog a bland diet, it's essential to provide foods that are easily digestible.
Start with small amounts, about 1 tablespoon, and see if vomiting occurs. If not, you can gradually increase the amount and frequency to ¼ of their usual diet 4 times a day.
Boiled lean meat, such as chicken, hamburger, or turkey, mixed with boiled white rice is a good example of a bland diet.
Avoid adding spices or seasonings, and skim off any fat from the boiled meat.
White fish and cooked sweet potato are also good options, as they offer nutrition and are mild on the stomach.
If your dog is small, start with a teaspoon of food and see how they tolerate it. If they keep the food down, you can slowly increase the quantity.
Here are some examples of bland diets:
- Boiled lean meat mixed with boiled white rice
- White fish and cooked sweet potato
- Potatoes or oatmeal (if rice is unpalatable)
- Plain yogurt (to re-establish healthy gut flora)
- Canned pumpkin (plain, without spices)
- Stage II meat baby food (recommended by vets)
- Commercially available bland diets from your veterinarian
Remember, bland diets should not be continued for the long term, as they lack some nutritional requirements your dog needs.
Why Feed a Bland Diet?
Feeding a bland diet to your dog can be a lifesaver when they're experiencing an upset stomach. A bland diet can help settle your dog's stomach and reduce inflammation in their gastrointestinal tract.
Rich foods can irritate your dog's gut and prolong the healing process, so it's best to stick with a bland diet for a short period. A homemade bland diet is fine for occasional use, but it's not suitable for long-term use.
The goal of a bland diet is to provide nourishment to your dog without irritating their GI tract. By feeding a bland diet for 3-4 days, you can help your dog's gut reset and heal itself.
Readers also liked: Bland Food for Dogs with Upset Stomach
Why to Feed a Bland Diet?
A bland diet is a temporary solution to help your dog feel better when they're experiencing gastrointestinal upset. It's not meant for long-term use, as it lacks some essential nutrients your dog needs.
The goal of a bland diet is to provide easily digestible foods that won't irritate your dog's gut further. This means avoiding fatty foods, seasonings, and oils that can cause gas and stomach upset.
Curious to learn more? Check out: What Dog Food Is Best for Dogs with Diabetes
If your dog is small, start with a small amount, about 1 tablespoon, and gradually increase the quantity if they tolerate it. You can mix boiled lean meat, like chicken or turkey, with boiled white rice for a simple and easily digestible meal.
Some examples of bland diets include boiled lean meat, boiled white rice, white fish, cooked sweet potato, and plain yogurt. These foods are mild on the stomach and can help re-establish healthy gut flora.
A bland diet should not be continued for the long term, as it lacks some nutritional requirements your dog needs. It's best to use it as a temporary solution to help your dog feel better and then gradually transition them back to their regular diet.
Here are some examples of bland foods that you can try:
- Boiled lean meat (chicken, turkey, etc.)
- Boiled white rice
- White fish
- Cooked sweet potato
- Plain yogurt
- Canned pumpkin (without spices)
- Stage II meat baby food (recommended by vets)
Remember to start with small amounts and gradually increase the quantity if your dog tolerates it.
White Fish
White fish is a great option for a bland diet because it contains little fat and is easily digestible, making it perfect for soothing a tummy upset.
It's also a novel protein source if your dog hasn't come into contact with it before, which can be beneficial for their diet.
White fish alone won't provide your dog with all the nutrients they need long term, but it can help with settling their stomach.
If this caught your attention, see: White Meat for Dogs
Diet for Dogs with Issues
If your dog is experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) upset, a bland diet can be a lifesaver. A bland diet is not balanced for long-term health, but it can be helpful for GI upset in the short term.
The goal of a bland diet is to provide nourishment to your dog without irritating their GI tract. This means using easily digestible foods that are low in fat and seasonings. You can start by offering small amounts of bland food, about 1 tablespoon, and then gradually increase the amount and frequency over time.
Some examples of bland diets include boiled lean meat, such as chicken, hamburger, or turkey, mixed with boiled white rice. You can also try white fish and cooked sweet potato, which are mild on the stomach and provide essential nutrients.
If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, you can try adding canned pumpkin to their bland diet. Pumpkin can help firm up stool and promote healthy digestion. However, make sure to use plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie mix, which can be high in sugar and spices.
A fresh viewpoint: Can French Bulldogs Eat Pumpkin
A bland diet typically consists of easily digestible foods such as cooked rice, oatmeal, and boiled lean meat. Here are some examples of bland foods you can try:
Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet, especially if they have a underlying medical condition.
Feeding Your Dog
Start with small amounts of bland food, about 1 tablespoon, to see if your dog can tolerate it. If not, you can gradually increase the amount and frequency to ¼ of their usual diet 4 times a day.
Boiled lean meat, like chicken, hamburger, or turkey, mixed with boiled white rice, is a good starting point for a bland diet. Fat should be skimmed off boiled meat to prevent stomach upset.
To re-establish healthy gut flora, you can offer plain yogurt, which can also make bland food more palatable. Canned pumpkin, without spices, may help firm up stool after diarrhea.
Here are some examples of bland diets:
- Boiled lean meat with boiled white rice
- White fish and cooked sweet potato
- Potatoes or oatmeal
- Plain yogurt
- Canned pumpkin
- Stage II meat baby food
- Commercially available bland diets
How Much to Feed Your Dog?
When feeding your dog a bland diet, it's essential to offer small amounts frequently to improve their symptoms. This can be especially helpful if your dog needs a temporary bland diet for a stomach upset.
Offering a portion of bland diet similar in size to your dog's normal food is usually fine for a week or two. You can always increase the amount if they seem hungrier than normal.
If the bland diet is going to continue past a couple of weeks, it's best to find a limited ingredient dog food that's complete & balanced. This ensures your dog gets the calories, vitamins, and minerals they need to stay healthy.
Transition to Normal Diet
Once your dog's GI upset starts to resolve, it's time to transition back to their regular diet. This process should take about 10 days, but can be adjusted based on your dog's individual needs.
Start by reintroducing your dog's normal diet once their stools have been back to normal for at least 24 hours. You can begin by mixing a small amount of normal diet with the bland diet.
Each day, reduce the amount of bland diet and increase the amount of regular dog food, while keeping the total daily amount and frequency the same. This will help your dog gradually get used to their normal diet again.
Continue to restrict treats, table scraps, and bones until your dog has gone a week without any signs of diarrhea. If soft stools are not starting to resolve within 72 hours or worsen, it's best to consult with your veterinarian.
Keep plenty of fresh and clean water available at all times to help your dog stay hydrated during the transition period.
Shop All Weather
If you're looking for a reliable dog food brand, consider Under The Weather. Their products are manufactured in Vermont, a region known for its high standards in food production.
Under The Weather's formulas are carefully crafted to exclude common allergens and irritants. Their Rice, Chicken & Pumpkin Freeze Dried Bland Dog Food, for instance, contains no meat by-products, gluten, artificial flavors, dyes, or chemicals.
Some dog owners may find it reassuring to know that Under The Weather's products are made with wholesome ingredients. Their formulas are designed to provide the best possible nutrition for your furry friend.
Additional reading: Does Hot Weather Affect Dogs Eating
Frequently Asked Questions
What bland food can I give my dog?
For a bland diet, feed your dog boiled chicken or turkey, poached fish, scrambled eggs, low-fat cottage cheese, or plain rice and pasta. These foods are easily digestible and can help settle your dog's stomach.
Are scrambled eggs OK for a dogs bland diet?
Yes, scrambled eggs can be a part of a dog's bland diet when cooked without oil, butter, or other ingredients. This makes them a nutritious and easily digestible option for dogs on a limited diet.
Is pasta a bland food for dogs?
Yes, unseasoned boiled spaghetti noodles can be a bland food option for dogs. They are a simple carbohydrate choice that can be included in a bland diet for dogs.
Sources
- https://wagwalking.com/wellness/bland-food-to-help-sick-dogs-recover-faster
- https://www.raisedrightpets.com/blog/bland-diet-for-dogs/
- https://tier1vet.com/bland-diet-for-dogs/
- https://www.minocquavets.com/bland-diet
- https://www.petfood.express/products/under-the-weather-rice-chicken-freeze-dried-bland-dog-food.html
Featured Images: pexels.com