Updated by Sheryl on Dec 6, 2021
If your puppy has diarrhea or he has shown signs of abdominal discomfort along with lost interest in eating, you may be advised by your vet to feed him a smooth, bland diet to feel better. A bland diet will not irritate his stomach or digestive tract, and it can actually help him feel better while still providing him with adequate nutrition.
Bland diets for dogs are often low in fiber, low in fat, and readily digested in order to provide relief to a dog's disturbing gastrointestinal system. Effective bland diets usually comprise a single, lean protein source and a single, simple carbohydrate source, with no other ingredients. If you don't want to use a renowned commercial prescription GI diet, you may manufacture your own.
TIP: Always make sure that there is plenty of fresh and clean water available while offering a bland diet to your canines.
Medical ailments are the reasons your dog may require a bland diet. Veterinary care should be sought if your dog has been exhibiting indications of gastrointestinal discomfort for more than 26-48 hours and the symptoms do not subside on their own. Your veterinarian will rule out major conditions such as blockages, renal disease, tumors, and infestations, as well as germs that can cause stomach discomfort, such as E.Coli, before treating your pet.
As soon as you've received a diagnosis, your treatment plan will likely involve bland food for your pup for at least a few days to allow him to recover.
Bland diets for dogs are typically considered to be short-term remedies for dogs suffering from transitory gastrointestinal problems. If your pup has a naturally delicate stomach, you may feed him any nice commercial bland meal prepared with chicken, rice, vegetables, and egg for the rest of his life. The mixed diet is gentle on a dog's tummy while yet giving the balanced nourishment that he or she requires over the long run to thrive.
When preparing your own custom bland diet, there are a few steps to take into consideration:
For minor GI distress, it is usually suggested to refrain from feeding for 6-24 hours (depending on the dog) before resuming feeding. You should, however, only administer tiny amounts of water. Providing bland food may be an option if they are having trouble keeping water down after this period of relaxation.
When starting a bland diet for dogs, start with very little amounts of food to get them used to it (from 1 tbs to a small meatball, depending on the type and size of your dog). It is possible to give them a bit extra if they do not vomit after around 2-3 hours. As long as there is no further vomiting, it is recommended to try to eat often and in small portions. If your dog is tolerating the lesser dosages that are being given, you can gradually increase the amounts.
After all gastrointestinal symptoms have subsided, it is often advisable to maintain a bland diet for another 1-3 days to ensure continued improvement. Afterward, gradually include your pet's usual food into the mixture over the following few days until they are back on their regular feeding schedule. Homemade bland diets are not nutritionally adequate and should not be followed for an extended period of time.
If your dog isn't feeling well, bland food might not be the most enticing option for him. That's OK with most dogs, but if your dog hates it, then keep cool and don't compel them to consume anything. If your dog is avoiding eating one of the ingredients (such as rice), you may try substituting a different carbohydrate for it.
Consult your veterinarian if your dog is refusing to eat or drink anything at all. They may be able to propose a prescription food that will be more enticing to your pup than the diet you now have. While prescription food is not the most cost-effective method to feed your dog, if he or she would not eat a home-cooked bland meal, it is an excellent approach to ensure that they get the balanced nutrition and live a healthy lifestyle.