Bland Diets for Dogs: Simple Meals to Soothe Digestive Issues

When your dog’s tummy is upset, a bland diet is one of the best ways to help them recover. A diet made from simple ingredients can help reset their system and resolve common tummy troubles. Check out our favourite bland diets for dogs.

A simple, easy-to-digest meal can work wonders in soothing digestive issues, from diarrhea and vomiting to general stomach discomfort. But what exactly constitutes a bland diet for dogs, and which options are the best?

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the best bland diet options for dogs, why they’re effective, and how to transition your dog back to their regular food. We’ll also answer some common questions to help you make the best choice for your dog’s health.

What Is a Bland Diet for Dogs?

This type of diet is part of a short-term feeding plan that is designed to be gentle on your dog’s stomach and support them through minor digestive issues.

It typically consists of plain, easily digestible foods that don’t irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) system. This approach is particularly helpful after episodes of vomiting, or diarrhea, or when your dog is recovering from illness or surgery.

The goal is to provide nutrition without overloading the digestive system with heavy or rich foods. Bland diets are typically low in fat and high in fibre, allowing your dog’s digestive tract to rest and heal.

Here are a few reasons a bland dog diet might be recommended:

• • Dog Diarrhea
  • Dog Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Recovery From Illness
  • Post-Surgery

Though these diets are a useful recovery tool, it's important to talk to your vet about when and how long to use bland dog diets. They are designed to be a temporary measure, and you'll need to transition your pet back to a complete and balanced diet after the illness or issues are resolved.

Best Bland Diets for Dogs

You never know when dog digestive issues are going to flare up. Whether your dog has an affinity for eating garbage, stealing the cat's food, or is recovering from a recent illness or injury, having a few easy-to-feed bland diets on hand will eventually come in handy.

Here are a few meal-replacement bland diets for dogs that you can pull out in a pinch:

1. Under the Weather Bland Diets

Under the Weather Bland Diets for Dogs are made with human-grade ingredients like chicken, rice, and electrolytes. Designed to offer simple and gentle nutrition to dogs that need a little time to recover, these freeze-dried meals are easy to prepare and feed. They have a long 3-year shelf life, making them perfect to keep on hand for potential issues.

2. Grandma Lucy's Simple Replacements

Grandma Lucy's Simple Replacements offers a wholesome, freeze-dried bland diet designed to soothe your dog’s digestive system. Made with limited, high-quality ingredients like chicken or pork and paired with simple, gentle carbohydrates, these meals are easy to prepare and gentle on sensitive stomachs.

3. Koha Limited Ingredient Bland Diets

Koha Limited Ingredient Bland Diets for Dogs are crafted to provide gentle, easy-to-digest nutrition for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. These palatable wet food pouches feature premium, single-source proteins and minimal ingredients, these meals help reduce the risk of food sensitivities while offering essential nutrients.

Homemade Bland Dog Diet Recipes

If you don't have a premade bland dog diet on hand, there are some simple homemade recipes that are pretty quick to whip up when you need them.

These bland meals all share a common formula, which is one lean protein and one complex carbohydrate. This basic recipe template is designed to offer core nutrition in the most easily digestible format.

Here’s a list of the top homemade bland diet recipes to soothe your dog’s digestive woes:

1. Boiled Chicken and Rice

One of the most popular and effective bland diets for dogs is boiled chicken breast and rice. This combination provides lean protein from the chicken and carbohydrates and fibre from the rice, giving your dog energy while being easy on the stomach.

Simply boil the chicken, chop it up into safe bite-sized pieces, and mix it with some cooked white rice. You can also blend or shred the chicken for easier chewing. Make sure to let it cool before offering it to your pet.

If you don't have chicken handy, then lean ground beef can be substituted. Just make sure to boil and drain the ground beef to help remove the excess fat.

How to Boil Chicken for Dogs

Boiling isn't the first method you might think of when it comes to cooking a chicken breast, but it's the best way to ensure your dog gets a totally bland and simple protein that is easy to digest. Plus you will end up with some chicken-flavoured water that can be used to offer your dog additional moisture in their meals to support their digestive recovery. 

Here's a quick rundown of how to properly boil chicken for dogs:

• • • Start with skinless, boneless chicken breasts and place them in a pot in a single layer.
    • Cover the chicken with water and bring to a boil. Continue to cook on a low boil for 10 minutes or until cooked through.
    • Remove the chicken breast from the water and shred or chop the chicken.
    • Allow it to cool completly before feeding.
    • Retain some of the chicken water to add to your dog's bland meals or freeze it into ice cubes for later use.

2. Ground Turkey and Sweet Potatoes

Turkey is another lean meat option that works well in a bland diet, while sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and gentle on the stomach. The fibre from the sweet potatoes can help regulate digestion, making this option ideal for dogs with upset stomachs or diarrhea.

This recipe only has a few simple steps. Start by peeling and steaming (or baking) the sweet potatoes until fork tender. Boil and drain the ground turkey. Roughly mash the sweet potatoes and mix them with the turkey. Add a little extra water to hydrate the food.

3. Scrambled Eggs and Pumpkin

This healthy pumpkin omelette for dogs is a popular bland diet go-to. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein, and they’re easy on the stomach. To further support digestion, use plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and contains both soluble and insoluble fibre, making it a great solution for both constipation and diarrhea.

Whip up some scrambled eggs, but don't use any oils or butter. And definitely skip the seasonings. Stir in some plain pumpkin puree, let it cool, and serve.

How Long Should Your Dog Stay on a Bland Diet?

It's true that bland diets aren't complete and balanced, and are not meant to be fed long-term, but they can be a quick and effective way to help resolve digestive issues.

Bland diets are typically recommended for a few days to a week, depending on your dog’s condition. Once your dog’s digestive issues subside, you can gradually reintroduce their regular food.

To transition back to their normal diet:

• • Start by mixing a small portion of regular food with the bland diet (25% regular food, 75% bland diet).
  • Gradually increase the ratio over a few days until your dog is back to their usual diet.

If your dog doesn’t start to show signs of improvement after a few days or their symptoms worsen, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. 

Tips for Feeding a Bland Diet

Bland diets for dogs are designed to ease the digestive process temporarily and allow the body time to heal itself. In addition to choosing the right diet, there are some other tips and tricks to help support your dog through their digestive woes. 

• • Smaller, more frequent meals: Feed your dog small amounts of the bland diet multiple times a day (every 3-4 hours), rather than two or three large meals. This will help avoid overloading their digestive system.
  • Hydration is key: Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water. Dehydration is a common issue with vomiting and diarrhea, so keeping your dog hydrated is critical. Don't be afraid to add water to their food to ensure proper hydration.
  • Kickstart Digestion: Chewing and breaking down chunks of food is the first step in digestion, so mashing, blending, or pureeing bland dog diets can make the meals even gentler on the tummy.
  • Skip the Seasonings: The key word in bland diet is bland. Homemade bland diets should be free from salt, pepper, oils, and any other seasonings. Stick to plain, boiled, or steamed ingredients. If you are using a store-bought bland meal for dogs, skip unnecessary additives, like meal toppers and non-essential supplements.
  • Skip the Snacks: Your dog may give you some side-eye for this, but it's a good idea to take a break from regular treats and chews until your dog's digestive health is back to normal.
  • Try Probiotics: When managing common digestive issues, probiotics for dogs can help to restore healthy gut balance and support proper digestion.

Choosing the Right Bland Diet for Your Dog

When your dog is suffering from digestive problems, switching to a bland diet is a simple and effective way to help them feel better. Whether you choose the classic chicken and rice combo or experiment with other options like Grandma Lucy's Simple Replacements, these meals provide the nutrition your dog needs while allowing their stomach to recover.

With a little care and attention, your dog will be back to their energetic, happy self in no time!

If you are not sure that a bland diet is right for your dog, then it's best to talk to your vet first. Bland dog diets can be a useful tool for resolving digestive issues, but are not going to address the underlying issue. It's important to investigate the cause and rule out serious health concerns.

Bland Dog Diet FAQs

How long should I keep my dog on a bland dog diet?

A dog bland diet is typically recommended for 3 to 5 days, depending on your dog’s condition and how well they’re recovering. Once your dog’s digestive issues start improving, gradually transition them back to their regular food over several days. If your dog’s symptoms persist or worsen, consult your veterinarian.

What bland food for dogs is best for diarrhea?

The most common bland food for dogs with diarrhea is boiled chicken and white rice. This gentle combination helps firm up loose stools and provides easily digestible protein and carbohydrates. Other options include boiled turkey with sweet potatoes or plain scrambled eggs with a spoonful of canned pumpkin.

Can I add any seasonings to a bland dog diet?

No, a bland dog diet should not include any seasonings, oils, or butter. Plain, unseasoned foods like boiled chicken, rice, or ground beef are the safest choices for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Adding salt or spices could further irritate your dog’s digestive system.

What should I do if the bland food for dogs doesn’t improve my dog’s symptoms?

If your dog doesn’t show improvement after a couple of days on a bland diet, or if symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea worsen, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian. Sometimes, more severe underlying issues may require treatment beyond a bland food regimen.