When your dog needs a special diet for an upset tummy

A dog with an upset tummy often needs a little help to get better faster. You can help by giving them food that's easy and gentle on their stomach to digest. This is called a bland diet. There are specific foods for this, or you can even make your own! Here, we’ll explain the different options and when a bland diet is the right choice for your dog.

Shop-bought bland diets

Most major pet food brands offer special bland diet foods, often as dry or wet options. If your dog is experiencing acute vomiting or diarrhoea, they're at risk of dehydration, so wet food might be a better choice as it contains more liquid. If they need to eat this type of food long-term, dry food might be more convenient. If you have a puppy, always check that the food is suitable for them.

Homemade bland diets

You can easily make bland food at home. Boiled rice, boiled white fish, or boiled plain chicken are good examples. However, remember that this type of diet isn't balanced for the long term. If your dog needs a bland diet for an extended period, or if they're a young, growing dog, it's best to choose a commercial option that contains all the nutrients they need.

When can I give my dog a bland diet?

You can offer a bland diet if your dog is vomiting and/or has diarrhoea, but their general condition isn't otherwise affected. Bland food is gentle and easy to digest, which can help their digestive system recover more quickly.

When should I NOT give my dog a bland diet?

Vomiting and diarrhoea can often be managed at home, but there are certain symptoms that mean you need to see a vet straight away. These include:

• Blood in their stool or vomit (unless it's just small streaks of bright blood in the diarrhoea of an otherwise healthy dog)

• Frequent vomiting where they can't keep any food or water down

• Their general condition is affected

• They show no interest in drinking or eating

• They show signs of pain

If you're unsure whether a bland diet is the right choice for your dog, it's always best to ask your vet for advice.