Your dog has loose stools and you wisely consulted your veterinarian who may have given you medications that will help with diarrhea. But you wonder if food choices affect loose stool. Yes, they do. The best thing to feed dogs with loose stool boils down to providing reasonable nutrition through food that’s bland and high in fiber.
The most basic option for foods for dogs with loose stools is to add fiber. Adding fiber (with can also help with constipation) helps firm up diarrhea. Fiber soaks up fluid and slows the food’s passage through the digestive tract so there is more time for water to be absorbed.
Oatmeal for Diarrhea in Dogs
Feeding oatmeal to dogs with diarrhea helps because it’s high in fiber, but the oatmeal must be minimally processed plain oatmeal, like those made from steel-cut oats. Other excellent sources of fiber for dogs include plain (emphasis on plain) canned pumpkin, beet pulp, brown rice, carrots, and apple slices.
Many dogs like sweet potatoes, and they have plenty of good nutrients as well as healthy fiber (no seasoning!). Feed them cooked, not raw.
Kale and green beans are other possible fiber sources. Added vegetables should be plain, not buttered or spiced.
Chicken and Rice for Diarrhea in Dogs
Along with fiber, your dog still needs quality protein and easily digested foods. Boiled chicken with rice is a standby for dogs with diarrhea for good reason. Chicken is quality protein that is easily digested and, if you use brown rice, you are adding some nice fiber, too.
Other Bland Food to Give Your Dog with Diarrhea
Scrambled eggs will help dogs with diarrhea, and dogs love scrambled eggs – but stick to just plain eggs. Don’t add milk or cheese, in case your dog is sensitive to dairy products.
Plain mashed potatoes (even the instant ones) are often very easy on a dog’s digestive tract. These easily digested foods are also good for a dog recovering from a bout of vomiting.
Finally, Metamucil may help a dog with diarrhea. You don’t have to feed much. Small dogs only need one-quarter of a teaspoon. Read more about Metamucil for dogs and dosages.
With any of these suggestions, try a small amount first. Not every dog can tolerate all these recommended foods. One of my own dogs responded to potatoes and rice with soft stools and horrible gas!