Andy Montoya
Diarrhea is a common issue in dogs, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a change in diet, viral disease, or toxins. Most cases of acute diarrhea are treated with a bland, digestible diet, and veterinarians recommend a fasting-plus-bland-diet plan for dogs with mild diarrhea. This usually involves feeding a small amount of food every two to three hours, with a 1:1 ratio of boiled meat to rice. Probiotics and fiber additives are also recommended to support gastrointestinal health. While cheese contains beneficial nutrients, it is high in fat and calories, and too much can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea in dogs, especially those with lactose intolerance. Therefore, it is not suitable as a standard part of a dog's diet but can be given occasionally in small amounts as a treat.
Why dogs get diarrhea and the best foods to give them
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea causes | Food allergies, viruses, bacteria, anxiety, stress, raw meat, spoiled food, certain human foods, lactose intolerance |
| Foods to avoid | Fatty foods, bacon, sausage, cheese, processed foods, raw meat, spoiled food, chocolate, blue cheese, garlic, chives |
| Best foods | Bland, high-fibre foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, boiled chicken, rice, plain eggs, plain mashed potatoes, oatmeal, cottage cheese, yoghurt |
| Foods to help with constipation | Fibre, soluble fibre |
| Foods to avoid with diarrhoea | Raw eggs |
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What You'll Learn
A bland diet is recommended for dogs with diarrhea
Therefore, it is recommended that dogs with diarrhea be fed a diet that is high in fibre and low in fat. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains are good options. A bland diet of plain cooked rice and boiled, unseasoned, boneless, and skinless chicken breast is often recommended. Chicken is a quality protein that is easily digested, and white rice is more bland than brown rice. Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs can also help dogs with diarrhea, but it is important to make sure they do not show any adverse reactions.
Oatmeal is another good food for dogs with diarrhea, as it is a natural source of soluble fibre, which helps to firm up the dog's stool. It is important to choose minimally processed oatmeal, such as steel-cut oats, and to avoid adding any sugar or flavouring. Fibre supplements such as Metamucil or SunFiber can also be beneficial, but it is important to consult with a veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dog's diet.
In addition to dietary modifications, it is important to keep your dog well-hydrated if they are experiencing diarrhea. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends withholding food for 12-14 hours while providing adequate amounts of fresh water. However, fasting is only recommended for healthy adult dogs, as puppies and geriatric dogs are at risk of developing low blood sugar if they do not eat. If your dog's diarrhea is chronic or repeated, it is important to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
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Probiotics and fiber additives can help soothe the digestive system
Probiotics are live microorganisms that promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria. They can be found in foods such as plain, unsweetened cottage cheese, yoghurt, and other fermented foods. Probiotics are beneficial for dogs with diarrhoea as they can help to regulate bowel movements and improve digestion. However, it is important to introduce probiotics gradually and in small amounts, as too much can worsen diarrhoea.
Fibre is another essential nutrient for dogs with diarrhoea. It helps to firm up loose stools and restore regularity. Soluble fibre, in particular, can help to reduce diarrhoea. High-fibre foods include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and oatmeal. Oatmeal is a good choice for dogs with diarrhoea as it is naturally high in soluble fibre, which helps to delay gastric emptying and control diarrhoea. It is important to introduce high-fibre foods gradually to a dog's diet, as too much fibre too quickly can worsen diarrhoea.
In addition to probiotics and fibre, it is crucial to feed a dog with diarrhoea a bland and easily digestible diet. Boiled chicken and rice is a common recommendation, as chicken is a quality protein source that is easy to digest, and rice is bland and helps to settle the gastrointestinal tract. Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs can also be beneficial, but raw or undercooked eggs should be avoided due to the risk of salmonella bacteria.
While cheese can be a good source of protein and essential fatty acids for dogs, it is high in fat and can be difficult for some dogs to digest due to lactose intolerance. As such, cheese should only be given in small amounts as an occasional treat, and low-fat varieties should be chosen to minimise the risk of upsetting your dog's stomach.
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Fasting may be recommended for dogs with diarrhea
If your dog has diarrhea, withholding food for 12 to 24 hours is recommended, along with providing frequent access to small amounts of fresh, clean water. This gives the gastrointestinal tract time to settle and can help clear the cause of the digestive upset. After the fasting period, it is important to slowly introduce simple, bland foods to your dog's diet.
Bland foods are easy for your dog's system to digest and are less likely to cause further upset. Good options for a bland diet include boiled chicken and rice, scrambled eggs, and plain mashed potatoes. Oatmeal is another excellent choice, as it is naturally high in fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and slow the passage of food through the digestive tract.
In addition to fasting and a bland diet, probiotics and fiber additives can be beneficial for dogs with diarrhea. Probiotics help keep the digestive system healthy, and fiber regulates bowel movements. Canned pumpkin is a great source of fiber for dogs with diarrhea. It is important to introduce new foods gradually and to monitor your dog's condition closely. If diarrhea persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your veterinarian for advice and potential medication.
It is important to note that chronic diarrhea in dogs can be a sign of parasites, disease, or dietary allergies. If your dog's diarrhea does not improve with dietary changes, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause and determine the best course of treatment.
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Diarrhea can be caused by dietary changes, stress, or infections
Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by dietary changes, stress, or infections. Dogs can be sensitive to dietary changes, and some common foods may cause diarrhea. For example, cheese is high in fat, and while not toxic, it can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea if consumed in large quantities. Dogs can also be lactose intolerant, and milk products can trigger loose stools. Other dairy products, such as cottage cheese and yogurt, can be included in a dog's diet in small amounts, as they are high in probiotics, protein, and fat, which can help treat diarrhea. However, too much cottage cheese can worsen diarrhea.
Dietary changes are not the only cause of diarrhea in dogs. Stress and anxiety can also be factors. Anxious or stressed dogs may have trouble digesting their food, leading to diarrhea. Some common signs of stress in dogs include panting, pacing, drooling, and vomiting. If you suspect your dog is stressed, try to provide a calm and quiet environment.
In addition to stress, infections or chronic illnesses can cause diarrhea in dogs. It could be due to parasites or diseases that require veterinary attention. Dogs can also get sick from many of the same viruses and bacteria that cause diarrhea in humans, so keeping their vaccinations up to date is essential.
To prevent and treat diarrhea, it is recommended to feed dogs a diet that is high in fibre and low in fat. A bland diet of boiled chicken and rice is often suggested, as chicken is a quality protein that is easily digested, and rice helps to firm up the dog's stool. Oatmeal is also recommended as it is a good source of soluble fibre, which helps control diarrhea. It is important to introduce high-fibre foods gradually and ensure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water.
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Cheese can cause diarrhea in dogs due to lactose intolerance
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it can cause diarrhea due to lactose intolerance. Many dogs do not produce enough lactase to break down the lactose found in dairy products, which can trigger an upset stomach and loose stools. Therefore, it is recommended to only feed small amounts of cheese to dogs as an occasional treat. Low-fat cheeses like cottage cheese, low-fat mozzarella, and low-fat goat cheese are generally safer options. However, even these cheeses should be given sparingly, especially if your dog is lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerance in dogs can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and an upset stomach. It is important to monitor your dog's health after feeding them cheese to ensure they can handle dairy products. If your dog experiences diarrhea or other digestive issues after consuming cheese, it is best to avoid including it in their diet.
In addition to lactose intolerance, there are other reasons why cheese can cause diarrhea in dogs. Cheese is high in fat, and consuming large amounts can lead to acute pancreatitis, a serious and potentially life-threatening illness. Therefore, it is crucial to limit the portion size of cheese given to dogs and avoid making it a regular part of their diet.
To prevent diarrhea in dogs, it is recommended to feed them a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat. Instead of fatty foods like cheese, provide your dog with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Keeping your dog's vaccinations up to date is also important, as they can get sick from similar viruses and bacteria that cause diarrhea in humans.
If your dog experiences chronic diarrhea, it is essential to consult your veterinarian. They can help identify the source, which could be parasites, disease, or a change in your dog's food formulation. Your veterinarian may recommend a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice to help settle your dog's gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, fiber supplements like SunFiber can be beneficial in controlling diarrhea and improving digestion.
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Frequently asked questions
A bland diet is recommended for dogs with diarrhea. This includes neutral-tasting, easy-to-digest foods like boiled chicken breast and cooked white rice. Probiotics and fiber additives such as canned pumpkin, plain Greek yogurt, and sweet potatoes are also recommended.
Cheese contains lactose, which dogs are unable to break down in their digestive systems, leading to lactose intolerance. This causes bloating, discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, most cheeses are high in salt and fat, which can cause stomach upsets, dizziness, dehydration, and vomiting.
Low-fat cheeses like cottage cheese, low-fat goat cheese, low-fat mozzarella, and cheddar cheese are safer for dogs. However, it's important to keep the portion size small as too much cheese can cause an upset stomach and even lead to acute pancreatitis. Aged cheeses like Swiss, parmesan, and cheddar cheese are also better options as they contain lower levels of lactose.
