At Empire Ranch Veterinary Hospital, we know that when your dog has diarrhea, it can be distressing, not just for your pet, but for you too. Whether it’s a sudden change or something that’s been building for a while, one of the first questions pet owners ask us is:
“What can I feed my dog when they have diarrhea?”
As your local veterinary partners in the heart of the Empire Ranch community, we want to equip you with the practical information you need to make informed decisions at home. From understanding what’s causing your dog’s digestive upset to choosing the right foods and knowing when to call us, this guide covers it all.
First, Why Is My Dog Having Diarrhea?
Dogs get diarrhea for many reasons, some minor and some more serious. At Empire Ranch, we always look at the big picture, considering your pet’s history, lifestyle, and risk factors. The most common causes we see include:
- Dietary indiscretion – getting into trash, eating human food, or scavenging outdoors
- Sudden food change – even switching to a high-quality diet too quickly can cause GI upset
- Stress – like boarding, travel, home renovations, or major life changes
- Parasites – such as giardia, coccidia, or hookworms
- Viral or bacterial infections – including parvovirus, distemper, or bacterial overgrowth
- Food allergies or intolerances – often show up as chronic soft stools or intermittent diarrhea
- Medications – particularly antibiotics, NSAIDs, or certain supplements
- Chronic conditions – such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), pancreatitis, or Addison’s disease
- Foreign body ingestion or toxin exposure
Sometimes, diarrhea resolves on its own in a day or two. Other times, it can be a sign of something that requires veterinary attention. Understanding the difference is key.
Step 1: Should I Withhold Food?
In mild cases, when your dog is still acting normal, drinking water, and not vomiting, withholding food for 12 hours can help settle the stomach and give the intestinal tract a short rest.
But fasting is NOT recommended if your dog is:
- A puppy (especially under 6 months)
- A small or toy breed, who may be prone to hypoglycemia
- A senior dog or one with chronic conditions (like diabetes or kidney disease)
If you’re unsure, reach out to us at Empire Ranch. A quick consult can help you determine whether fasting is appropriate for your specific pet.
Hydration tip: Even if you withhold food, always offer plenty of clean water. Dehydration is a primary concern with diarrhea, especially in hot or dry climates like ours.
Step 2: Introduce a Bland Diet
After the fast, or if your dog shouldn’t fast, the next step is a gentle, bland diet that’s easy on the digestive system.
Goals of a bland diet:
- Help calm the gut
- Replenish energy and hydration
- Support healthy stool formation
Here are some options we regularly recommend at Empire Ranch:
1. Boiled Chicken and White Rice
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh
- Boil plain and shred, no seasoning or oil
- Pair with fully cooked white rice (not brown rice, which is harder to digest)
- Start with small portions: 1 part chicken to 2 parts rice
2. Boiled Ground Turkey and Rice
- A great protein alternative if your dog is sensitive to chicken
- Use lean ground turkey, cooked and drained well
3. Boiled Lean Ground Beef and Rice
- Choose 90% lean or higher and drain off all fat
- Best for dogs who don’t tolerate poultry
4. Prescription Gastrointestinal Diets
In more serious or recurring cases, we may recommend GI-specific diets like:
- Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d®
- Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat®
- Purina Pro Plan EN®
These diets are formulated to support digestive healing, improve stool consistency, and promote gut health. If needed, we can send you home with a few starter cans or a bag to get you through the first few days.
Step 3: How Much to Feed and When
Start with small, frequent meals to avoid overwhelming your dog’s GI system:
- Feed 4–6 small meals per day
- Begin with 1 tablespoon per 10 pounds of body weight per meal
- Gradually increase as tolerated without a return of loose stools
Once stools begin to improve, slowly transition back to your dog’s regular food over the course of 5–7 days:
- Days 1–2: 75% bland diet, 25% regular food
- Days 3–4: 50/50 blend
- Days 5–6: 25% bland, 75% regular food
- Day 7: Full return to your dog’s normal diet
This gradual transition helps prevent recurrence of GI upset.
Step 4: Hydration Is Key
Dogs with diarrhea lose a lot of fluids, so hydration is just as important as food during recovery.
Watch for signs of dehydration such as:
- Dry, sticky gums
- Sunken eyes
- Fatigue or listlessness
- Skin that doesn’t snap back quickly when pinched
Offer fresh water regularly, and if your dog is refusing to drink, try:
- Adding a little low-sodium chicken broth
- Offering ice cubes or crushed ice
- Mixing unflavored Pedialyte into water (with our guidance)
If your dog appears dehydrated or you’re concerned, call Empire Ranch right away. We can provide subcutaneous fluids in-clinic or discuss next steps if more advanced care is needed.
Step 5: Add a Probiotic to Support Gut Health
Diarrhea can throw off the natural balance of good bacteria in your dog’s gut. Adding a vet-recommended probiotic can help speed recovery and restore that healthy balance.
Some of our favorites include:
- Purina FortiFlora®
- Proviable® from Nutramax
- Visbiome Vet®
We carry these at Empire Ranch or can help you order the correct version through our trusted pharmacy. Always choose a product designed for dogs, as human probiotics aren’t the same.
Step 6: What Not to Feed During Recovery
Certain foods can make diarrhea worse. During recovery, avoid giving:
- Fatty meats (like bacon, sausage, or skin-on poultry)
- Dairy products (yogurt, cheese, milk)
- Spicy or seasoned food
- Treats or chews not made for sensitive stomachs
- High-fiber items like pumpkin early on (these may help later, but can worsen active diarrhea)
Stick to the basics until your pet is fully back on track.
When to Call Empire Ranch Veterinary Hospital
While many cases of diarrhea can be managed at home, others need veterinary evaluation. Call us right away if your dog is experiencing any of the following:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24-48 hours
- Vomiting along with diarrhea
- Blood in the stool (bright red or dark black/tarry)
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Weakness, shaking, or collapsing
- Pre-existing conditions that complicate recovery
- If your dog is very young, very old, or has a compromised immune system
At Empire Ranch, we offer in-house diagnostics like fecal analysis, bloodwork, ultrasound, and abdominal imaging, so we can get answers fast and start appropriate treatment if needed.
Chronic or Recurrent Diarrhea: Is Something Else Going On?
If your dog has repeated or long-term bouts of diarrhea, it may point to an underlying chronic issue. Common causes include:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
- Pancreatitis
- Addison’s Disease
- Liver or kidney disease
- Stress-induced GI disease
- Foreign body ingestion or partial obstructions
We’ll help you identify patterns, run the right tests, and build a treatment plan that’s tailored to your dog’s long-term health and comfort.
Final Thoughts from Your Empire Ranch Team
At Empire Ranch Veterinary Hospital, we believe that great veterinary care starts with education, compassion, and community. We’re here not just to treat your pets, but to empower you with the tools and support you need to make confident decisions at home.
Remember:
- Mild diarrhea can often be managed with rest, hydration, and the right diet
- Persistent or severe symptoms deserve prompt veterinary attention
- You’re never alone – our dedicated team is always just a call away
If your dog is experiencing diarrhea and you’re unsure what to do, don’t hesitate to contact Empire Ranch Veterinary Hospital.
We’re here to help every step of the way, from food recommendations to diagnostic care and beyond.
