What Can I Feed My Dog for an Upset Stomach? Vet-Approved Remedies
If your dog has a gurgly belly, loose stool, or suddenly refuses dinner, it is natural to wonder: what can I feed my dog for an upset stomach? The good news is that many mild stomach upsets can be supported at home with simple, veterinarian-recommended foods such as boiled chicken, plain rice, pumpkin, and plenty of fresh water.
However, not every tummy trouble is “just something they ate.” Vomiting, diarrhea, appetite changes, and low energy can sometimes point to infection, toxin exposure, pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, or another condition that needs veterinary care. This guide from the PetNest Home Editorial Team explains safe food options, what to avoid, when to call your vet, and how to help your dog recover comfortably.
First: When an Upset Stomach Needs a Vet
Before changing your dog’s food, look at the full picture. A mild upset stomach may improve with a bland diet, but certain symptoms should never be ignored.
Call your veterinarian promptly if your dog has:
- Repeated vomiting or vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours
- Bloody diarrhea, black/tarry stool, or blood in vomit
- A swollen, hard, or painful abdomen
- Extreme lethargy, weakness, collapse, or pale gums
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums or sunken eyes
- Suspected toxin exposure, spoiled food, medication, or foreign object ingestion
- Diarrhea in a puppy, senior dog, pregnant dog, or dog with a medical condition
- Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
For more help reading your dog’s body language and behavior, see our guide on is my dog sad or sick 5 signs your pup is in pain.
Trusted veterinary resources such as the American Veterinary Medical Association also recommend contacting a veterinarian whenever symptoms are severe, persistent, or unusual for your pet.
Should You Fast a Dog With an Upset Stomach?
For some healthy adult dogs, a short food break may help calm the stomach. Many veterinarians suggest withholding food for a limited period, often around 6 to 12 hours, while continuing to offer small amounts of water. This is not appropriate for every dog.
Do not fast puppies, toy breeds prone to low blood sugar, diabetic dogs, pregnant dogs, senior dogs, or dogs with chronic illness unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to.
If your dog cannot keep water down, vomits repeatedly, or seems weak, skip home fasting and call your vet.
Best Foods to Feed a Dog With an Upset Stomach
Once vomiting has stopped and your dog seems interested in food, start with small portions of bland, low-fat foods. The goal is to give the digestive system something gentle and easy to process.
1. Boiled Chicken and White Rice
This classic bland diet is often recommended by veterinarians for short-term digestive upset. Use plain, skinless, boneless chicken breast and plain cooked white rice. Do not add oil, butter, salt, garlic, onion, sauces, or seasoning.
A common starting ratio is about one part chicken to two parts rice. Offer a small spoonful or two for small dogs, or a few tablespoons for medium to large dogs, then wait to see how they tolerate it.
2. Plain Pumpkin Puree
Plain canned pumpkin can help support stool quality because it contains soluble fiber. It may help with mild diarrhea or constipation, depending on the situation.
Use 100% plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling often contains sugar, spices, and other ingredients that are not suitable for dogs.
3. Boiled Sweet Potato
Plain cooked sweet potato is another gentle, fiber-rich option. Remove the skin, cook until soft, and mash it without butter, sugar, or seasoning. Serve in small amounts because too much fiber can worsen gas or loose stool.
4. Plain Scrambled Egg
A plain egg cooked without butter, oil, milk, salt, or seasoning may be easy for some dogs to tolerate. Eggs are protein-rich, so keep the portion small, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or a history of pancreatitis.
5. Low-Sodium Bone Broth
Plain, low-sodium broth can encourage hydration and make bland food more appealing. Choose broth with no onion, garlic, or heavy seasoning. Many store-bought broths contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs, so read the label carefully.
6. Veterinary Probiotics
Dog-specific probiotics may help support a healthy gut microbiome, especially after diarrhea or a sudden food change. Ask your veterinarian which probiotic is appropriate for your dog. Human probiotic supplements are not always ideal for pets.
For additional veterinary guidance on digestive upset, PetMD’s dog health resources can be a helpful starting point, but your own vet is the best source for advice tailored to your dog.
Comparison Table: Gentle Foods for Dogs With Upset Stomachs
| Food | Best For | How to Serve | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiled chicken and white rice | Mild diarrhea, temporary bland diet | Plain, low-fat, small portions | Avoid skin, bones, salt, oil, and seasoning |
| Plain pumpkin puree | Stool support and fiber | Mix a small amount into food | Use pumpkin puree, not pie filling |
| Boiled sweet potato | Gentle fiber and bland calories | Cooked, peeled, mashed, unseasoned | Too much may cause gas or loose stool |
| Plain scrambled egg | Small protein boost | Cooked without oil, butter, milk, or seasoning | Use cautiously in dogs needing low-fat diets |
| Low-sodium broth | Encouraging hydration | Offer alone or mix with bland food | Must be free from onion and garlic |
| Veterinary probiotic | Gut support after digestive upset | Follow label or vet instructions | Choose dog-specific products when possible |
How Much Should You Feed?
After an upset stomach, smaller meals are usually better than one large meal. Start with a small portion and monitor your dog for vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or discomfort.
A simple feeding plan for mild upset stomach:
- Step 1: Offer water in small amounts frequently.
- Step 2: If vomiting has stopped, offer a small bland meal.
- Step 3: Feed small portions every few hours instead of one full meal.
- Step 4: If your dog improves, continue bland food for 24 to 48 hours.
- Step 5: Slowly transition back to regular food over 2 to 3 days.
If symptoms return when you reintroduce regular food, call your veterinarian. Your dog may need a different diet, parasite testing, medication, or further evaluation.
Foods to Avoid When Your Dog Has an Upset Stomach
Some foods can irritate the stomach further, while others are unsafe or toxic for dogs. When in doubt, keep it plain and simple.
Do not feed your dog:
- Greasy meats, bacon, sausage, or fried foods
- Dairy products such as milk, cream, or cheese
- Onion, garlic, chives, or foods cooked with them
- Chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, or xylitol
- Spicy foods, sauces, gravy, or heavily seasoned leftovers
- Bones, especially cooked bones
- Rich treats, rawhide, or unfamiliar chews
- Large amounts of new food all at once
Even “healthy” foods can upset your dog’s stomach if introduced too quickly. During recovery, consistency matters.
Common Causes of Upset Stomach in Dogs
Knowing the likely cause can help prevent the next episode. Dogs are curious, and many stomach upsets come from everyday situations.
Possible causes include:
- Eating table scraps or fatty foods
- Sudden diet change
- Food intolerance or allergy
- Eating grass, trash, spoiled food, or foreign objects
- Stress, travel, or routine changes
- Parasites or infections
- Medication side effects
- Hair ingestion from licking or shedding
- Underlying conditions such as pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease
If your dog also makes unusual noises, coughs, snorts, or grunts, you may find our article on why is my dog grunting like a pig normal vs concerning signs helpful for understanding when sounds are normal and when they are concerning.
Hydration: The Most Important Home Support
Dogs with vomiting or diarrhea can lose fluids quickly. Encourage small, frequent drinks rather than letting your dog gulp a large bowl of water at once, which may trigger more vomiting.
You can also ask your vet whether an oral electrolyte solution is appropriate. Never give sports drinks, sugary beverages, or human medications unless your veterinarian specifically approves them.
Can Grooming Help Prevent Some Stomach Upsets?
While grooming is not a treatment for vomiting or diarrhea, it can support your dog’s overall comfort. Dogs that shed heavily may swallow loose hair while licking themselves, which can sometimes contribute to gagging, hair in stool, or mild digestive irritation.
Regular brushing with a gentle tool, such as the PetNest Home De-Shedding Glove, helps remove loose fur before your dog swallows it. If your dog has been sick on the couch, rug, or car seat, our reusable Mini Fur Scraper can help lift embedded pet hair from fabrics without batteries, refills, or waste.
For seasonal coat care, read our guide to 7 vet approved tips to deal with excessive pet shedding in spring.
How to Transition Back to Normal Dog Food
Once your dog’s stool is improving, appetite is back, and vomiting has stopped, do not rush straight into a full bowl of regular food. A gradual transition is gentler on the gut.
Try this simple transition:
- Day 1: 75% bland food, 25% regular food
- Day 2: 50% bland food, 50% regular food
- Day 3: 25% bland food, 75% regular food
- Day 4: 100% regular food, if symptoms do not return
Some dogs need a slower transition, especially if they have sensitive stomachs. If your dog relapses, pause and contact your vet.
FAQ: What Can I Feed My Dog for an Upset Stomach?
Can I give my dog rice for diarrhea?
Plain cooked white rice is commonly used as part of a short-term bland diet for mild diarrhea. It is usually served with plain boiled chicken. If diarrhea is severe, bloody, or lasts more than a day, call your veterinarian.
Is pumpkin good for a dog’s upset stomach?
Plain pumpkin puree can be helpful for mild stool irregularity because it contains fiber. Use small amounts and avoid pumpkin pie filling, which may contain sugar and spices.
Can dogs eat bananas when they have an upset stomach?
A small amount of banana may be tolerated by some dogs, but it is not usually the first choice for an upset stomach because it contains natural sugar. Bland foods like rice, chicken, and pumpkin are more commonly recommended.
Should I give my dog Pepto-Bismol or human stomach medicine?
Do not give human medications without veterinary approval. Some products can be unsafe for certain dogs or may interfere with other medications and medical conditions.
How long does a dog upset stomach usually last?
Mild stomach upset may improve within 24 to 48 hours with rest, hydration, and bland food. If symptoms persist, worsen, or include red flags like blood, repeated vomiting, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian.
What if my dog will not eat bland food?
If your dog skips one meal but is otherwise bright and drinking water, monitor closely. If your dog refuses food for more than 24 hours, seems weak, or has other symptoms, call your vet.
Conclusion
So, what can you feed your dog for an upset stomach? For mild cases, the safest at-home options are usually plain boiled chicken and white rice, small amounts of plain pumpkin, boiled sweet potato, low-sodium broth, and veterinarian-approved probiotics. Keep portions small, avoid rich or seasoned foods, and focus on hydration.
Most importantly, trust your instincts. If your dog seems seriously unwell, symptoms are intense, or something feels “off,” contact your veterinarian. Quick guidance can prevent a small problem from becoming a bigger one.
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Author Note
Written by: PetNest Home Editorial Team. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog’s health, age, diet, and medical history.
