Most dogs experience diarrhea at some point in their lives. If the diarrhea is bloody, see your vet right away. However, you can treat milder cases of upset stomach at home. These five foods might help your dog to feel better.
1. White Rice
White rice is easy for dogs (and humans!) to digest. It contains soluble fiber that helps to soak up water in the bowel, which can help to combat diarrhea. Unlike brown rice and other grains, white rice contains very little insoluble fiber, which can irritate a sensitive stomach. Boil rice in water and allow it to cool a little before serving it to your dog.
2. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is another good source of soluble fiber, which is a useful home remedy for diarrhea. Serving canned pumpkin is the easiest way to give your dog the benefits of this useful food. You can also boil fresh pumpkin until it is soft and mash it into a puree. Be sure to let it cool before you serve it to your dog.
3. Egg
Eggs are a good source of protein for dogs that aren’t feeling up to eating their usual food. Never give your dog raw eggs, as they sometimes contain harmful bacteria that could make the diarrhea worse. Instead, boil the eggs and mash them up in the dog’s bowl.
4. Lean Meat
When your dog is feeling up to eating meat again, stick to low-fat options like chicken breast or extra-lean ground beef. Too much fat can irritate an already sensitive digestive system. However, lean meat is a good source of protein.
5. Yogurt
Plain live yogurt can help your dog to recover from diarrhea, and even help to prevent future incidents. The beneficial bacteria in the yogurt colonize the gut, helping to crowd out harmful bacteria that cause diarrhea. Be sure to give only plain yogurt, rather than anything flavored with sugar or fruit, which could be harmful to your dog.
Next time your dog suffers from an upset stomach, try feeding these foods to aid recovery. If the diarrhea continues, see your vet to find out what is wrong with your dog.