What to feed a dog with diarrhoea?

WHAT CAUSES DIARRHOEA IN DOGS?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Throughout their lives, most dogs will experience some kind of digestive-related problem. Diarrhoea is one of the most common and, in the most acute cases, can cause a lot of concern for their owners. This digestive disorder usually lasts a few hours or, at most, a couple of days, although depending on the cause, it may last longer. A dog can suffer episodes of diarrhoea due to a change in diet, stress, viruses, parasites, food poisoning, food intolerances, gastritis and other digestive tract problems. As long as the diarrhoea is not accompanied by other symptoms, your dog is still eating or at least drinking water, and its duration does not exceed 48 hours, you can treat it at home by following some feeding recommendations. Until your pet recovers, you should offer a bland, easily digestible diet that is low in fat and contains all the essential nutrients. Here's what you can feed your dog if they have diarrhoea.

---

Water or broth

A dog with acute diarrhoea is more likely to suffer from dehydration. So make sure your pet drinks plenty of fluids, either water or homemade broths made from lean meat, white fish or vegetables (without salt or other seasonings, of course). If your best friend finds it difficult to drink, you can use a spoon or syringe to give them fluids. It is very important to keep them hydrated. If you find that you are not succeeding, you will need to take them to the vet as soon as possible.

---

Moro soup

Moro soup is a recipe made with carrots that is very effective in cutting canine diarrhoea. If your best friend is suffering from severe diarrhoea, you can prepare it to stop or reduce bowel movements and soothe the irritation of the digestive tract. To do this, simply boil 500 grams of carrots in a litre of water until they are cooked. During cooking, add water so that the broth does not reduce too much. When the carrots are ready, mash them and offer this cream to your pet. Boiled carrots have great astringent properties and are rich in soluble fibre, which will help to relieve diarrhoea, as well as providing your dog's body with numerous minerals and vitamins. The oligosaccharides present in this vegetable help the digestive system to expel the pathogens responsible for diarrhoea.

---

Turkey or rabbit meat

Animal protein is the mainstay of the canine diet. In the case of a dog with diarrhoea, lean meats such as turkey or rabbit are the most advisable. White fish is also recommended. These foods provide protein of high biological value and other basic nutrients for the body, and are also easy to digest. In this case, we can serve the meat and fish boiled and mashed to facilitate our pet's digestive process.

---

Pumpkin, sweet potato and apple

Vegetables are a highly recommended food for dogs with diarrhoea, especially those that are easy to digest, such as pumpkin, sweet potato, apple or the aforementioned carrot. Pumpkin, in particular, is a very effective option for treating canine diarrhoea because it contains fibre, antioxidants and potassium, a mineral that is crucial to boost for the duration of the diarrhoea, as blood levels could drop too low with the loss of electrolytes. Although many people believe that boiled rice is the best option for dogs with diarrhoea, it can cause inflammation and more digestive problems, so we recommend replacing it with pumpkin, a much safer and more beneficial option. To prepare these vegetables, you can boil them and mash them into a puree, so your best friend's digestive system won't have to work so hard. A perfect dish for a dog with diarrhoea will be made up of 80% lean meat and 20% of one of these boiled vegetables or fruits.

---

Cooked oatmeal

Oatmeal boiled in water or porridge is a food that is often recommended for people with diarrhoea or vomiting. It is also very beneficial for dogs, as its high soluble fibre content lines the digestive tract and delays gastric emptying. You can buy a preparation of instant oatmeal to have it ready quickly and soothe your dog as soon as possible. Another benefit is that it has a probiotic effect, as it stimulates the production of positive bacteria in the intestine.

---

Egg

Boiled, scrambled or omelette eggs are an interesting food for dogs with diarrhoea. Not only does it provide quality protein, but it is also full of essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for boosting the immune system and the animal's energy during these days.

---

Phytotherapy to relieve diarrhoea

There are a wide variety of plants with beneficial effects on your dog's digestion that can help them feel better during diarrhoea. Some of the most effective are camomile, peppermint, basil and fennel. Slippery elm is also widely used to relieve diarrhoea, as it has astringent effects and reduces inflammation in the digestive tract. These plant actives are available on the market in various forms, such as drops, tinctures, essential oils or tablets. Ideally, consult your vet about the most appropriate method and dosage.

---

Probiotics

Once your dog is feeling a little better, the diarrhoea has subsided and they are eating relatively normally, you can start them on probiotics, which will help to restore their intestinal flora and boost their immune system. You can give your pet natural probiotic foods, such as yoghurt or kefir (if they are not lactose intolerant), sauerkraut or green beef tripe. Another option is to buy them in tablet or powder form.

• Do dogs with diarrhoea need to fast?

In some cases of diarrhoea it may be advisable for your dog to fast for 6-12 hours. This will give your dog's digestive system time to rest and recover. During the fast it is very important that you give your pet water, first in small amounts and gradually increase the volume. After this period, we recommend that you start offering them some Moro soup and see how they tolerate it. If all goes well and the diarrhoea does not worsen, you can start a soft diet combining some of the foods mentioned above. Until your dog is feeling better and their stools return to normal, it is best to increase the frequency of feedings and decrease the amount of food you give them at one time. This will help your pet's digestion to be lighter. On the other hand, puppies, senior dogs or dogs with weakened immune systems should never be fasted, as there is a risk of dehydration.

---

• When should you see a vet if your dog has diarrhoea?

There are many causes of diarrhoea in dogs. It is normal for your pet to suffer from diarrhoea at some point in their life. However, if these are very frequent or if other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, bloody stools or lethargy appear during diarrhoea, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible, as it could be due to a more complex health problem. If it's a one-off, you know what to do and what you can feed your dog with diarrhoea - we hope they get better soon!