Whether you’re a proud puppy owner or a seasoned pet parent, an upset tummy in your fur baby is something you’re bound to experience. I’ve had my fair share of digestive problems in dogs, with my most recent pup ending up at the emergency vet at 4 am! 

Of course, speaking to your veterinarian is always the first step when your pooch has diarrhea, stomach cramps, or is vomiting. But in a mild case of abdominal discomfort or recovery from something more sinister, certain types of foods are gentle and soothing for your pet’s tummy. 

I’ve dealt with many cases of upset stomachs in my dogs, and I want to share my secret to helping rectify those issues affordably and without fuss. 

Chicken and Rice 

My go-to for an upset stomach in dogs is boiled chicken and rice. It’s a simple and economical meal to prepare and is gentle on your fur baby’s gut. When your pooch has been struggling with vomiting and diarrhea, I recommend white rice and chicken breast meat. White rice is easier to digest and binds the stool. Only once your dog’s stomach settles can you introduce brown rice. It has fiber for gut health and is packed with minerals and B vitamins that support cardiovascular and metabolic functions. 

Just recently, my girl Roxy-Mae vomited nonstop after eating the back of my boot! She eventually brought the piece of boot up, but we did end up at the emergency vet for X-rays and scans. Because of the inflammation, she received pain medication and needed a gentle diet. I prepared the white rice with a very soft consistency, so there’s no risk of hard grains irritating their throat. You can add a pinch of salt, but I usually prepare unseasoned chicken and rice. 

Chicken and Pasta 

Another quick and easy meal that is gentle on your dog’s stomach is chicken and pasta. Regular pasta is easy to digest and a great carbohydrate choice for dogs with stomach problems. 

Use regular macaroni and cook until soft. Don’t add any oil or spices to the pasta to avoid any digestive irritation, and feed in moderation. 

High Fiber Vegetables for Dogs with Digestive Issues 

When your pup struggles to form firm stools, it’s time to include high-fiber vegetables that are also gentle on digestion. Cooked pumpkin (not canned) and squash are great additions. I usually mix the rice and chicken with the boiled pumpkin. 

Both pumpkin and squash contain many fibers that absorb excess water and help firm stool. You can also feed these veggies to constipated dogs, as the high fiber keeps the intestines moving. Another benefit is the introduction of prebiotics that support gut health and recovery. 

Probiotics to Settle an Upset Stomach in Dogs

Whenever my dogs have an upset stomach, my go-to is a probiotic supplement. Probiotics consist of the good bacteria your dog’s gut needs to recover. Because these supplements help with digestion, your fur baby can better absorb nutrients to strengthen their immunity and overcome diarrhea. Additional benefits include relief from abdominal distress, a reduction in yeast, and far less gas! 

You can purchase probiotic powder and sprinkle it over your dog’s food daily. Most commercial dog foods have probiotics in them, but I suggest using a supplement before reintroducing your pet’s regular kibble. This way, inflammation in your pet’s stomach is significantly reduced, and their natural gut microbiome is restored. 

Gradually Introduce Dry Dog Food 

As soon as you notice an improvement in your pet’s diarrhea, you can slowly introduce their regular dry food. I start with half chicken and rice and half kibble. Over the course of the week, you can reduce the chicken and rice (or pasta) and return to a normal feeding regime. 

The reason for the gradual reintroduction of dry food is to avoid further stomach issues. This may not happen with every dog, but my fur babies have gone right back to abdominal upset when feeding their kibble too quickly after bland meals. 

Once your pup has fully recovered, be sure to introduce immune-boosting supplements and ensure that they have enough fiber in their diet for healthy bowel movements. High-fiber foods include boiled pumpkin, squash, broccoli, and blueberries. 

How to Help Dogs with Cancer and Upset Tummies

One of the most common symptoms of cancer in dogs is diarrhea. Whether from the actual cancer or medication, loose stools are uncomfortable and draining for your pet. I always suggest a chicken and rice diet for two or three days, but a product I swear by is called Diomec. It is a fast-acting probiotic supplement that replenishes electrolytes and binds toxins.

When Roxy-Mae was sick, she received Diomec, and within a day or two, her stomach settled nicely. While she doesn’t have cancer, she unknowingly ate plastic that was sitting in her gut. Once the plastic was brought up, the bland rice diet definitely helped her recover.

Tips to Prevent an Upset Stomach in Dogs 

Some dogs can tolerate a wide range of foods, while others, like my Roxy-Mae, have a very sensitive gut. The only real way to avoid digestive problems in your fur baby is to pay attention to their diet, improve nutrition, and remove objects or plants that could make them extremely ill. 

In terms of diet, avoid spicy and fatty foods that are common causes of vomiting and diarrhea in pets. In addition to controlling scraps, you should never instantly switch your dog’s food. When swapping food brands, do it slowly, preferably over a week. And lastly, if you have a chewer, pack your shoes, plastics, and even socks away. Roxy-Mae always steals wood and sticks, which not only irritates her stomach but also risks injuring her mouth. 

Sticking to a nutritious diet with supplements, including fish oil, probiotics (if absent from their diet), and high-fiber vegetables, will go a long way toward managing gut health. 

When to See a Veterinarian 

Your trusted vet should always evaluate severe vomiting and diarrhea. When Roxy started vomiting, I didn’t wait for 24 hours to pass before taking her to the vet. Stomach issues in dogs can range from obstructions and poisoning to torsion and food intolerances. If your pet’s symptoms are frequent, increasing in severity, and they’re uninterested in food and water, it’s time to call the vet. A general food intolerance may leave your pooch with an upset tummy in terms of soft or loose stool, but their demeanor won’t change, and they’ll still be interested in food and water.

At some stage, your pup may experience an upset tummy. Eating certain plants, drinking dirty water, and food intolerances are several causes of loose stools in dogs. When your pooch develops diarrhea, monitor them and introduce a bland diet of chicken and rice or chicken and pasta. But if their symptoms don’t improve over a day or two and they lose interest in food and water, it’s time to see the vet. Please feel free to share your remedies or experiences with your fur baby’s upset stomach. I look forward to reading them!