Bland Diet for Dogs: Treat Upset Stomachs, Vomiting, & Diarrhea [2024]

Has your veterinarian ever recommended you feed your dog a bland diet after he or she experienced a digestive flare up? Bland diets, which are highly digestible, gentle meals, can help dogs recover from diarrhea, vomiting, or even symptoms of IBS.

Bland diets have been one of the go-to treatments for dogs experiencing stomach issues. This guide will review what a bland diet is and what it’s for, provide guidelines on feeding your dog a bland diet, and give some examples of bland diet recipes for dogs. Read on to find out more about this diet for your furry companion. 

What is a bland diet for dogs?

A bland diet for dogs is a meal plan that’s low in fat and contains easily digestible carbohydrates. This type of diet is recommended by veterinarians and designed to soothe and reset your dog’s gastrointestinal system. 

The typical components of a bland diet include lean protein sources and carbohydrates. Protein, essential for healing and recovery, is often provided through boiled chicken (without the skin and bones) or beef.

Both ingredients are known for their high digestibility and minimal fat content. For carbohydrates, plain boiled white rice is a popular choice due to its low fiber content, which is easier on a sensitive stomach.

Additionally, portion control and frequency are important factors in feeding your dog a bland diet. Small, frequent meals are recommended to ease digestion. Transitioning back to regular food should be done gradually, mixing in increasing amounts of the dog's regular diet with the bland food over several days. You can also use a complete and balanced Bland Diet as a regular meal or topper for chronic digestive problems.

When To Feed Your Dog a Bland Diet

A bland diet can be a highly effective solution for various canine digestive issues. 

 

Upset Stomach

For dogs experiencing an upset stomach, a bland diet can help reduce irritation. Typical foods in this diet are chosen for their low fat and simple composition that reduces strain on the digestive system and gives your dog’s stomach time to heal. 

 

Vomiting

When a dog is vomiting, any veterinarian would recommend a diet that is simple, easy to keep down, and reduces inflammation. With its soothing properties and easily digestible ingredients, a bland diet can help settle your dog’s stomach and reduce the frequency of vomiting. 

 

Diarrhea

If your pup has diarrhea, a bland diet helps firm up bowel movements and restore normal intestinal function. A bland diet usually has low fiber content, which helps in reducing the amount and frequency of your dog’s stool. This can provide relief to the digestive tract, allowing it to heal. 

 

Other Digestive Issues

For chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a bland diet can help manage symptoms when they flare up. At the same time, it provides your dogs with the necessary nutrients they need to feel better.

 

Rule Out Serious Conditions

Veterinarians often recommend a bland diet as a diagnostic tool to rule out more serious conditions. If a dog's symptoms improve on this diet, it suggests that their issues are dietary rather than indicative of a more severe underlying condition. 

This approach is important in formulating long-term dietary strategies for your dog’s general well-being.

Best Bland Diets for Dogs

The best bland diets for dogs are simple, easy to prepare, and highly digestible, making them ideal for pups experiencing digestive discomfort.

 

Standard Bland Diet for Dog Recipe

The standard bland diet consists of boiled, unseasoned white rice, and boiled, diced chicken breast, with skin and bones removed. This combination provides a balance of carbohydrates and protein, which is essential for your dog's recovery. 

The chicken should also be unseasoned. When cooking meat, use a meat thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that it's safe for your dog to consume.

 

Bland Diet for Dogs Allergic to Chicken

Chicken, despite being a popular and generally healthy protein source for dogs, can cause allergies in some dogs. 

For dogs allergic to chicken, the bland diet can be modified by replacing chicken with other protein sources. Options include lean turkey, beef, or even fish like salmon, cooked in the same manner: boiled or pan-fried without seasoning and thoroughly drained to remove fat. These alternatives provide the necessary protein without triggering allergic reactions, making them suitable for dogs with specific food allergies. 

 

Bland Diet for Dogs with Add-ons

To enhance nutrition and variety in a bland diet, add-ons can be included, like: 

• Canned or pureed pumpkin
• Bone broth

Remember to introduce these add-ons gradually and in moderation to ensure they don't upset your dog's sensitive stomach. This approach allows for a bit of diversity in the diet, which is good for picky eaters, while still retaining the bland diet’s gentle nature. 

 

Best Bland Diet for Dogs

If you need to feed your dog a bland diet, whether it’s for a sudden upset stomach or an ongoing digestive problem, KOHA Bland Diet is a convenient and easy to serve solution! Available in chicken or beef, KOHA Bland Diet is made with highly digestible white rice and pumpkin to support digestion, to help get your pup’s tummy back on track.

KOHA Bland Diet is ready to serve, with no cooking or preparation required. It has all of the necessary vitamins and minerals your dog needs, making it a great option as a complete & balanced diet. Save yourself time from prepping and cooking chicken and white rice, and simply serve KOHA Bland Diet instead.

 

Guidelines on Bland Diet for Dogs

While a bland diet is effective in setting your pup’s upset stomach and normalizing bowel movements, it still depends on how well you adhere to the guidelines to ensure your dog’s health and safety. 

 

How Much to Feed Your Dog with a Bland Diet

The amount of bland diet to feed your dog depends on their size and weight. If you are feeding a homemade bland diet, a general rule is to offer about 1/4 to 1/3 cups of food per 20 pounds of body weight per meal. Here are some recommendations: 

Small Dogs (up to 20 lbs): Offer about 1 to 1.5 cups of bland diet per day, divided into 4-5 small meals.

Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): Provide 2 to 3 cups daily, split into 3-4 smaller servings.

Large Dogs (over 50 lbs): Typically need 3 to 4.5 cups per day, divided into 2-3 meals.

Divide the recommended daily intake into multiple small meals (4-6 times a day) to avoid overburdening the digestive system. Always observe your dog's response to the diet; if they show signs of hunger or discomfort, adjust the portion sizes accordingly, keeping in mind their overall nutritional needs. If your dog turns out to be allergic to chicken or other ingredients in the diet, switch it up with alternative protein sources or add-ons. 

For an easier solution, you can feed KOHA Bland Diet to your dog, and simply follow the directions on the packaging. For adult dogs, feed 1 pouch per 15 lbs. of body weight per day. KOHA Bland Diet can also be used as a tasty meal mixer to enhance your pooch’s diet and make it easier to digest. As a mixer, feed ½ the serving amount of KOHA Bland Diet with ½ the serving amount of current food.

Lastly, ensure that your dog always has access to fresh water, since hydration is very important for recovery. 

 

How Long to Feed Your Dog a Bland Diet 

Although it can sometimes be used to manage symptoms of a chronic digestive issue in dogs, a bland diet is typically a short-term solution that’s meant to manage acute gastrointestinal symptoms. 

Generally, dogs should be on this diet for 3 to 5 days. However, the exact duration can vary based on the severity of the symptoms and the dog's response to the diet. Some dogs may benefit from a complete and balanced bland diet for all their meals.

If you’re serving KOHA Bland Diet to your dog, it can be served to your dog as a permanent part of their diet. It’s complete and balanced, so your dog will receive all of the nutrients they need in an easy to digest diet. It can also be served as a daily meal topper.

 

How to Stop Feeding Your Dog a Bland Diet

Gradually transition your dog back to their regular diet to avoid upsetting their stomach again. Start by mixing a small amount of their regular food with a bland diet. Start with a ratio of 25% regular food to a 75% bland diet. Over 5 to 7 days, gradually increase the proportion of regular food while decreasing the bland diet.

Watch for any signs of gastrointestinal distress during this transition. If symptoms reoccur, revert to the bland diet and consult your veterinarian. This cautious approach ensures a smooth dietary transition and avoids sudden changes, safeguarding your dog's digestive health.

 

Provide the Best Bland Diet for Dogs

Ensuring your dog's quick recovery from gastrointestinal distress starts with choosing the best bland diet. The right blend of highly digestible ingredients not only soothes your pet's stomach but also supports their overall health during recovery. Remember, a bland diet is more than just food; it's a bridge to better health, offering balanced nutrition while your furry friend’s digestive system heals.

When selecting a bland diet, consider KOHA’s gently formulated Bland Diet. Crafted with your dog's delicate digestive system in mind, KOHA Bland Diet is made from premium, easily digestible ingredients.

If your dog is allergic to grains and grain by-products, KOHA also offers a variety of grain-free dog food options. 

Explore KOHA’s range of dog foods and find the perfect fit for your furry friend.