The Bland Diet — Your Dog’s Best Friend During Tummy Troubles

Few remedies are as trusted—or as effective—as the classic bland diet when your dog is navigating diarrhea or an upset belly. Gentle, easy to digest, and soothing to the GI tract, a bland diet can help firm loose stools, calm inflammation, and give your dog’s digestive system time to recover.

Whether it’s your first time preparing a bland diet or you want to refine your approach, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.

Why the Bland Diet Works

A bland diet is designed to:

• Minimize digestive workload

• Reduce intestinal irritation

• Provide simple, easily absorbed nutrients

• Support stool formation

• Allow the gut to “reset” after a flare-up

Because it’s low-fat, low-fiber, and gentle on the stomach, it’s often one of the first at-home treatments veterinarians recommend.

What to Include in a Bland Diet (Vet-Approved Foods)

Most bland diets follow the same formula: one lean protein + one simple carbohydrate.

1. Lean Proteins

Choose proteins that are gentle on digestion:

• Boiled chicken breast (skinless, boneless)

• Boiled ground turkey (extra lean)

• Boiled white fish (cod or tilapia — no seasoning)

These proteins provide essential amino acids without adding fat that could worsen diarrhea.

2. Simple Carbohydrates

These help bind stool and provide easily digestible energy:

• White rice

• Plain mashed potatoes

• Plain pasta (less common, but works for sensitive dogs)

White rice remains the most popular because of its binding properties.

Bland Diet Recipes

Here are a few simple, safe recipes you can prepare at home:

Chicken & Rice (Most Popular)

• 1 cup boiled chicken breast

• 2 cups cooked white rice

• Shred chicken and mix thoroughly with rice

Turkey & Potato Mash

• 1 cup lean ground turkey

• 1–2 boiled potatoes, mashed (no butter/salt)

• Combine after fully cooking both ingredients

Fish & Rice

• 1 cup boiled white fish

• 2 cups cooked rice

• Great for dogs sensitive to poultry

How Much to Feed Your Dog

Smaller, more frequent meals are best during recovery. Offer:

• Small dogs: 1–2 tablespoons every 2–3 hours

• Medium dogs: ¼–½ cup every 3–4 hours

• Large dogs: ½–1 cup every 3–4 hours

Gradually increase portion sizes as your dog improves.

Avoid large meals—too much food too quickly can worsen symptoms.

How Long Should Dogs Be on a Bland Diet?

Most dogs should eat a bland diet for:

• 24–48 hours for mild diarrhea

• Up to 3–5 days if symptoms are improving gradually

Once stools begin to firm and your dog returns to normal energy, you can slowly transition back to their regular food.

How to Transition Back to Normal Food

A sudden switch back can cause symptoms to return, so follow this gentle progression:

Day 1: 75% bland diet + 25% regular food
Day 2: 50% bland diet + 50% regular food
Day 3: 25% bland diet + 75% regular food
Day 4: 100% regular food

Extend the schedule if your dog has a history of sensitive digestion.

Helpful Add-Ons—Only If Your Vet Approves

Some dogs benefit from additional gentle boosters:

• Plain canned pumpkin (fiber helps regulate stool)

• Dog-safe probiotics (restore healthy gut bacteria)

• Bone broth (hydration + nutrients)

Avoid anything with seasoning, fats, oils, or dairy during this period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure the bland diet works effectively:

• Do not use brown rice—it’s harder to digest

• Avoid seasoning (even salt)

• Don’t mix in treats

• Skip fatty proteins like ground beef

• Don’t overfeed, even if your dog seems hungry

Gentle, consistent simplicity is the key.

When a Bland Diet Is Not Enough

Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences:

• Diarrhea lasting longer than 48 hours

• Blood in stool

• Repeated vomiting

• Signs of dehydration

• Extreme lethargy

• Diarrhea in a puppy or senior dog

A bland diet can support healing—but it can’t treat serious conditions.

Final Thoughts

A bland diet is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support your dog through diarrhea or an upset stomach. Light, soothing ingredients help calm the digestive system, while controlled portions allow the gut to rest and recover. With mindful preparation and gradual transitions, you can help your dog bounce back quickly and comfortably.