Diarrhea is something every dog owner has to deal with at least once in their pet’s life. This is a common problem and can have many different causes, some more serious than others. Severe diarrhea or diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy should be seen by a veterinarian.
However, if your dog has mild diarrhea or intermittent symptoms and no other signs, simply changing what he eats for a few days may alleviate the symptoms.
8 options for feeding a dog with diarrhea
Here are a variety of vet-approved options you can give to dogs with mild diarrhea.
1. water only
If your dog is a healthy adult, going without food for 24 hours may work wonders. This gives your digestive tract a chance to cleanse and heal. However, don’t withhold hydration or withhold food from puppies, seniors, or dogs with other health conditions. They may not be able to survive long journeys without nutrition. Check with your veterinarian before withholding food as a treatment for diarrhea to see if it’s a good idea for your pup.
2. bone broth
Bone broth is a great addition to their diet even if your pup is fasting or just doesn’t have a bit of an appetite. Contains enough water to keep your dog hydrated and provides delicious nutrition. Best of all, bone broth is the epitome of a highly digestible food, so it relieves your dog’s digestive tract of extra work while you try to sort things out. Bone broth can be given as a flavor enhancer to your dog’s water, as a food topping, or on its own.
3. fiber
Fiber is an excellent regulator of digestion. It works by promoting intestinal motility, drawing water into the stool, and increasing bowel movements. In cases of mild diarrhea, your dog’s digestive system may just need the extra fiber that it needs to harden the stool. Fiber can be safely added to your dog’s diet via canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), flaxseed, green beans, or broccoli (without added salt, butter, oil, seasonings, etc.) please). Consult your veterinarian to find out what is best and how much to feed. Dogs with long-term diarrhea problems may do better with a high-fiber dog food.
4. rice
Not only is white rice easy to digest, it’s also rich in carbohydrates that give your dog the energy they need. Rice is often used as part of a bland diet to reintroduce dogs to solid food after fasting or illness. Be careful not to add seasonings or cook with butter or oil. Rice should only be fed for a few days as it does not contain complete nutrition. If fed for a long period of time, your dog may become deficient in certain important nutrients.
5. lean protein
Dogs cannot survive on carbohydrates alone, so boiled chicken or lean hamburgers are often added to white rice to increase the protein content of bland meal recipes. It also keeps your dog feeling full for longer, so he doesn’t have to constantly beg for more food while his body is trying to recover. Protein is delicious and will feed your dog even when he doesn’t want to. Remove excess fat and cook the meat thoroughly without adding any additional seasonings.
6. mashed potatoes
Potatoes are a high-carbohydrate food that can provide your dog with the energy he needs when he’s not feeling well. It’s also high in fiber and easy to digest, but you should be careful to only serve plain mashed potatoes. Leave out all the delicious add-ins we enjoy, like milk, butter, and seasonings. Only feed boiled and mashed foods to your dog. Mashed potatoes can also be mixed with lean proteins such as boiled chicken or hamburgers as part of a lighter meal.
7. baby food
Baby food is specially formulated for human babies to be easy to digest and nutritious. That also applies to our furry friends. However, there are precautions to be taken when giving baby food. Only baby food should be used without adding additional seasonings. Stage II varieties tend to have a mix of protein and carbohydrates, as well as vegetables that add vitamins. Be sure to remove salt, garlic, onions, etc.
8. special dog digestive system diet
There’s no need to run out of dog food and buy a new bag because your pet has occasional diarrhea. Instead, special digestive diets are usually reserved for dogs that experience diarrhea on a more regular or long-term basis. These work in several different ways. Some contain limited ingredients and are therefore less likely to cause food allergies, while others have increased amounts of fiber or contain probiotics and prebiotics to support a healthy gut. Some are.
Causes of mild diarrhea in dogs
Diarrhea can be the result of something that directly affects your digestive tract or your entire body. It can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
Dogs tend to use their mouths to explore the world and may eat things that their stomachs want them to eat but don’t. Diarrhea caused by spoiled food, a sudden change in diet, or too much human food often resolves within a day or two, but other symptoms may or may not appear. .
Other causes of diarrhea include infection or illness. There are many microorganisms that love your dog’s digestive system and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Of course, if these signs are severe or last more than a few days, consult your veterinarian. Otherwise, trying the food options on these lists may help.
Diarrhea can also be caused by stress, anxiety, food allergies, parasites, or other illnesses. Therefore, if the diarrhea does not improve within a few days, or if the situation starts to worsen, it is best to seek veterinary attention. .
When to see a veterinarian for dog diarrhea
Mild cases of diarrhea may subside within a few days, especially if your puppy is well. However, there are cases where diarrhea will not go away unless you fight it. This means the stool doesn’t solidify within 48 hours, and your dog will also experience vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Consult your veterinarian about this problem, as it may not be solved by making small changes to your dog’s diet.
If your dog cannot stop severe diarrhea or if he is becoming dehydrated, he should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
conclusion
Diarrhea is a common problem for our canine companions. Severe cases require prompt veterinary attention, while mild cases may respond to withholding food, feeding a bland diet, and increasing fiber. Prolonged cases of diarrhea may require a more long-term solution, which often involves changing the dog’s diet to a dog food with digestive aids. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s diarrhea so they can recommend the best course of action.
Featured image credit: marialevkina, Shutterstock
