Dog Tips

What to Give a Dog With Diarrhea: Foods for Dogs With Diarrhea

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Key Points
  • A bland diet—like boiled chicken, plain rice, pumpkin, or probiotics—can help soothe mild diarrhea.
  • Short fasting may be helpful, but only under the right circumstances and never for puppies or senior dogs without veterinary guidance.
  • Persistent diarrhea, blood in stool, or additional symptoms require a prompt vet visit.

Dog diarrhea can be stressful for both pet parents and pups. While mild cases often clear up with simple dietary changes, persistent or severe diarrhea may signal something more serious. Knowing what foods to give, when to fast, and when to see a vet can help you respond quickly and keep your dog comfortable.

What to Feed a Dog With Diarrhea

When diarrhea is mild and your dog otherwise seems fine, a bland diet can help calm their stomach:1

  • Boiled chicken and rice – gentle on the digestive system.

  • Plain canned pumpkin – a good source of fiber to help firm up stools.

  • Probiotics – support healthy gut bacteria and aid digestion.

  • Plain boiled potatoes (without skin, butter, or seasoning) – another easy-to-digest option.

Fasting for Dogs With Diarrhea

Some vets recommend a short fasting period (12–24 hours) to let your dog’s stomach settle.2 However:

  • Puppies, senior dogs, or very small breeds should not fast without vet guidance.

  • Always provide access to fresh water to prevent dehydration.

When to See a Vet for Dog Diarrhea

While mild cases often resolve, some signs mean you should call your vet right away:

  • Diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours

  • Stool contains blood or black/tarry material

  • Severe vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite

  • Signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums, weakness)

  • Recent toxin ingestion or foreign object suspected

FAQs About What to Give a Dog With Diarrhea

  • What can I give my dog to stop having diarrhea? Start with a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice, or pumpkin. If diarrhea doesn’t improve within 24–48 hours,1 or symptoms worsen, call your vet.

  • Is scrambled egg good for a dog with diarrhea? Yes, plain scrambled eggs (without butter, oil, or seasoning) can be gentle on the stomach and provide protein. Keep portions small.

  • What home remedy can I give my dog if he has diarrhea? Home remedies include feeding plain pumpkin, boiled chicken and rice, or plain yogurt with probiotics. Always check with your vet if diarrhea is severe or persistent.

  • What food stops diarrhea in dogs? Foods that can help stop diarrhea include plain boiled chicken, white rice, pumpkin, boiled potatoes, and low-fat cottage cheese. Stick to small, frequent meals until stools normalize.

Key Takeaway

Mild diarrhea in dogs often clears up with a bland diet and rest, but it’s important to watch closely for warning signs. Foods like boiled chicken, rice, and pumpkin can help, but if your dog shows severe symptoms, has diarrhea that lasts more than two days, or seems very unwell, contact your veterinarian right away. Being prepared helps pet parents respond calmly and keep their dog healthy.

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Article author Charlie Gardner

I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!

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Sources
  1. Boyers, Lindsay. “What Do You Feed a Dog With Diarrhea?” Chewy, 6 May, 2025, https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/food-and-nutrition/what-to-feed-dog-with-diarrhea.

  2. Mitchell, Sandra. “What To Feed a Dog With Diarrhea,” PetMD, 16 May, 2025, https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/what-to-feed-a-dog-with-diarrhea.

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