Guide to feeding your dog a bland diet safely

Dogs have robust digestive systems but sometimes they get upset due to things they find to eat. When your dog vomits or has diarrhoea, feeding a bland diet can help soothe their stomach and aid recovery. This guide explains why, how, and for how long to feed a bland diet, with safe step-by-step instructions and important vet advice for dog owners in the UK.

Why feed your dog a bland diet?

A bland diet is recommended to give your dog’s digestive system a break during upset caused by vomiting or diarrhoea. It consists of simple, easy-to-digest foods that help relieve symptoms and allow healing. Most UK vets suggest feeding a bland diet under guidance, especially before or during treatment, because it reduces further irritation and supports faster recovery.

Step 1: Withhold food and water briefly

When your dog first shows signs of being sick or suffering diarrhoea, withhold all food and water for around two hours. This pause helps settle their stomach. After two hours, if your dog seems better and is no longer vomiting or having diarrhoea, you can offer fresh, clean water in small amounts. If they tolerate water well, proceed to small meals of bland food as described next.

Step 2: Prepare the bland diet correctly

A typical bland diet for dogs in the UK involves a simple mix of 50% boiled lean meat and 50% plain boiled rice. Suitable meats include skinless chicken breast or turkey. Boil the meat thoroughly without adding salt, oil, butter, or seasonings to keep it gentle on your dog’s system. The rice should be plain and boiled until soft and fluffy. Avoid any fats, spices, or flavourings as they can worsen vomiting or diarrhoea.

Step 3: Offer small, frequent meals

Start feeding your dog very small amounts of the bland diet, such as a tablespoon at a time, to check if they tolerate it without vomiting. Feed this gradually every two hours. If after a few hours your dog is comfortable and not vomiting, you can increase portions to half a cup at a time. Keep meals frequent but small to avoid overloading the digestive system. Always ensure that fresh water is available at all times.

Step 4: Duration of bland diet feeding

You should usually feed your dog a bland diet for around two days minimum. This period allows their digestive system to recover fully from the stomach upset. If symptoms persist longer than 48 hours or worsen, contact your vet for further advice. For mild cases, after two days of bland feeding, you can start mixing your dog's regular food slowly with the bland diet over the next few days, gradually increasing the regular food until they return to a normal diet.

Step 5: Transitioning back to normal food

After the initial bland diet period, gradually reintroduce your dog's usual food by mixing it in small amounts with the bland diet. For example:

• 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

If any symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea recur during transition, slow down the process and consult your vet if needed.

Step 6: Important safety and care tips

• Always cook meat thoroughly and avoid raw or undercooked products to prevent bacterial infections.
• Do not add any seasoning, oils, fats, or butter to bland food as these irritate the stomach and may be toxic.
• Keep your dog well hydrated with fresh water and consider offering cooled boiled chicken water to encourage drinking.
• Feed the bland diet only short-term since it lacks essential nutrients for long-term health.
• Monitor your dog closely, and if symptoms do not improve within a few days or if your dog becomes lethargic, refuses to drink water, shows blood in vomit or stool, or has other concerning signs, seek veterinary care promptly.
• Maintain good hygiene by preparing small fresh meals, refrigerating or discarding leftovers swiftly to avoid contamination.

When to see a vet

If your dog's vomiting or diarrhoea continues for more than 24 hours, or if you see blood in vomit or faeces, seek veterinary attention immediately. Also, consult a vet if your dog shows signs of dehydration, weakness, abdominal pain, or other worrying symptoms. Puppies, elderly dogs, and those with pre-existing health conditions should receive veterinary assessment sooner in cases of digestive upset.

Conclusion

Feeding a bland diet is a useful, gentle way to help your dog recover from mild digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhoea. Prepare simple boiled lean meat and plain rice in equal parts without seasoning, start with small frequent meals, and feed for around two days followed by a gradual return to regular food. Remember to always consult your vet if symptoms persist or worsen, and never use a bland diet as a long-term feeding solution. Responsible preparation, feeding practices, and timely vet advice will ensure your dog's swift and safe recovery.

For more pet care advice, always rely on professional veterinary guidance to keep your dog healthy and happy.