At Low Cost Veterinary Surgery Clinic Scottsdale, we see pets from all walks of life and we understand that when your dog is sick, you want to help them feel better quickly and affordably. One of the most common questions we hear from pet parents is:
“What should I feed my dog if they have diarrhea?”
It’s a fair question and an important one. Diarrhea can be mild and short-lived, or it can be a symptom of a deeper health issue. Knowing what to feed, when to worry, and how to care for your dog at home can make a huge difference, not just in your dog’s comfort, but also in avoiding unnecessary vet visits and expenses.
This guide is designed to give you everything you need to know about feeding your dog during a bout of diarrhea, including step-by-step advice and affordable food options you can try at home.
Understanding Why Dogs Get Diarrhea
Before you reach for the rice and chicken, it helps to understand why your dog might be having diarrhea in the first place. Here are some of the most common causes we see:
- Eating something they shouldn’t: table scraps, garbage, bones, or spoiled food
- Abrupt changes in diet: switching foods too quickly without a transition
- Stress or anxiety: moving, boarding, fireworks, or loud construction nearby
- Parasites: such as giardia, hookworms, or roundworms
- Viral or bacterial infections: like parvovirus, distemper, or salmonella
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Medication reactions: especially antibiotics or anti-inflammatories
- Underlying illness: such as IBD, pancreatitis, Addison’s disease, or even ingestion of a foreign object
Many mild cases are caused by something simple and pass within a day. But prolonged, frequent, or severe diarrhea can indicate something more serious.
Step 1: Should You Withhold Food?
When your dog first starts showing signs of diarrhea and is otherwise active, alert, and drinking water withholding food for about 12 hours can give the digestive system a chance to reset.
However, fasting is NOT recommended for:
- Puppies under 6 months
- Small breed dogs (under 10 lbs), who are prone to low blood sugar
- Senior dogs or dogs with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or kidney disease
If you’re unsure, it’s always safest to check with a veterinary team. A quick call or consultation can help you avoid unnecessary complications.
Most importantly, keep your dog hydrated. Offer clean, fresh water at all times. Mild electrolyte solutions (such as unflavored Pedialyte) may be helpful, but only under veterinary guidance.
Step 2: Introduce a Bland Diet
Once your dog’s stomach has had time to rest, or if skipping meals isn’t appropriate, the next step is to offer a bland, easily digestible diet.
Purpose of a bland diet:
- Gentle on the stomach and intestines
- Helps firm up loose stool
- Supports hydration and energy without irritation
These affordable, vet-approved options can be cooked right at home:
1. Boiled Chicken & White Rice
- Skinless, boneless chicken breast, boiled and shredded
- White rice (not brown rice), fully cooked and unseasoned
- Start with a small amount: 1 part chicken to 2 parts rice
2. Boiled Ground Turkey & Rice
- An affordable alternative for dogs who don’t do well with chicken
- Use lean ground turkey, fully cooked and unseasoned
3. Boiled Extra-Lean Ground Beef & Rice
- Be sure to drain all fat after cooking
- Use the leanest beef you can find (90% or higher)
4. Canned Pumpkin (pure, not pie filling)
- This can be introduced later in the recovery process (not during the early stages)
- Add 1–2 teaspoons to meals to support stool formation once diarrhea has improved
5. Prescription Gastrointestinal Diets (optional)
If diarrhea becomes persistent or is linked to chronic health issues, we may recommend veterinary diets like:
- Hill’s i/d®
- Royal Canin Gastrointestinal®
- Purina Pro Plan EN®
These may be more expensive but are specially formulated for dogs with sensitive digestive systems. We can work with you to find an affordable option that works with your budget.
Step 3: Feeding Schedule and Portions
When reintroducing food, stick with small, frequent meals to avoid overwhelming the gut.
- Feed 4–6 small meals per day, starting with 1 tablespoon per 10 lbs of body weight
- Watch closely for any worsening of symptoms
- As your dog improves, gradually increase the amount and reduce the frequency
When it’s time to transition back to your dog’s regular food, do it slowly over 5–7 days:
- Days 1–2: 75% bland diet / 25% regular food
- Days 3–4: 50% bland / 50% regular
- Days 5–6: 25% bland / 75% regular
- Day 7: Back to normal feeding (if stools are fully firmed)
This prevents a sudden overload on the gut that could bring diarrhea right back.
Step 4: Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Diarrhea causes your dog to lose fluids and essential electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration fast, especially in warm climates or if your dog is small, senior, or already sick.
Watch for signs of dehydration:
- Sticky or dry gums
- Lethargy
- Sunken eyes
- Skin tenting (when the skin doesn’t bounce back after being pinched)
What to do:
- Offer small amounts of water frequently
- Use ice chips or unflavored Pedialyte if recommended
- In moderate or severe cases, we offer low-cost fluid therapy at our clinic, including subcutaneous fluids for at-home management or IV fluids for more serious dehydration
Step 5: Consider a Probiotic
Adding a probiotic helps restore healthy gut bacteria disrupted by diarrhea. These are especially helpful if your dog is recovering from antibiotics or a GI infection.
Affordable, vet-approved options include:
- FortiFlora® by Purina
- Proviable®
- Visbiome Vet® (can be expensive, but potent – ask us about generic options)
We often have single-dose packets or sample-sized versions available at a lower cost if you’re trying to manage expenses.
What Not to Feed Your Dog During Recovery
While it may be tempting to offer a favorite treat, some foods can make things worse. Avoid the following while your dog is recovering:
- Fatty meats or table scraps
- Cheese or milk (many dogs are lactose intolerant)
- Raw or undercooked food
- Bones or chews
- Commercial treats with dyes, preservatives, or artificial flavors
- High-fiber foods like pumpkin (unless recommended later in the recovery phase)
When to Call Low Cost Veterinary Surgery Clinic
We believe that pet care should be accessible and transparent. If you’re not sure whether your dog’s diarrhea needs veterinary attention, give us a call. We’ll walk you through your options and help you avoid unnecessary costs.
Please reach out right away if you notice:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24–48 hours
- Vomiting in addition to diarrhea
- Blood in the stool (bright red or black/tarry)
- Refusal to eat or drink for 24 hours
- Weakness, shaking, or lethargy
- Pre-existing conditions that complicate care
We can perform low-cost diagnostics including fecal testing, bloodwork, or imaging, and we’ll always explain options before moving forward with any treatment.
Long-Term or Recurring Diarrhea? Here’s What Could Be Going On
If your dog experiences diarrhea frequently, they may be dealing with a chronic digestive issue. Common culprits include:
- Food sensitivities or allergies
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Pancreatic problems (EPI or pancreatitis)
- Addison’s disease
- Liver or kidney conditions
- Intestinal parasites or foreign body ingestion
We’ll work with you to create a long-term management plan that fits your dog’s needs and your budget – whether that’s with food trials, supplements, or ongoing support.
Final Thoughts: Affordable Care, Compassionate Support
At Low Cost Veterinary Surgery Clinic, we believe that every pet deserves care no matter your budget. Diarrhea is a common issue, and in many cases, it can be managed effectively at home with the right food, hydration, and observation.
If your dog isn’t improving or if you’re unsure what to do next, don’t wait. Give us a call. We’re here to help you feel confident, informed, and supported without high-pressure sales or surprise costs.
Questions? Call us today or stop by.
We’re proud to serve our community with honest, affordable veterinary care and we’re always here for you and your best friend.
