If your dog or cat has an episode of vomiting or diarrhea, we sometimes suggest a bland diet.

Below are our instructions we use for minor problems. If your dog is lethargic, weak, or the vomiting or diarrhea is consistent, please call us at (740) 587-1129.

Instructions for Feeding a Bland Diet to a Dog

The general rule for feeding a bland diet to dogs is as follows:

• Withhold both water and food for 3 – 6 hours.
• If there is no vomiting after that period of time, water can be started. Start with only a couple tablespoons or even an ice cube. If there is no vomiting, offer more water 20 to 30 minutes later. Only offer small amounts at a time. There is a natural desire to sometimes over-drink which can immediately lead to more vomiting. Go slow. If there is no vomiting of the water after 2 to 3 hours, then you can slowly begin a bland diet.
• A bland diet can be made from boiled lean meat (chicken, hamburger or turkey) mixed 50/50 with boiled white rice. Do not use any additives such as butter, salt, garlic, or seasoning. ??Start with a very small amount such as one tablespoon or a small meatball sized portion. If there is no vomiting after 2 hours, you can offer a little more.
• Gradually the quantity can be increased and the frequency increased. For example, instead of 2 Tbsp. every 2 hours, you can gradually increase the amount to maybe a ½ cup every 3 or 4 hours. This will differ based on the size if your pet.
• Generally if this plan is working, you can feed this diet for 1 to 2 days then begin gradually mixing your pet’s normal food. Over the following couple days, slowly decrease the bland diet and increase the regular food until he or she is back on his normal food.
• If your pet continues to vomit, has diarrhea, you notice blood in the vomit or stool, is lethargic or won’t eat – please call us.