Bland Diet 

Decreased appetite, upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting make caring for a sick dog stressful for both you and your pet.

A bland diet can help relieve some of these symptoms while also giving your dog the nutrition he needs to recover.  

NOTE – A veterinarian should be consulted as well as may be an indication of a more serious problem.

  • If vomiting and diarrhea persists for longer than 24 hours and/or your pet is not acting normally
  • Is very young (less than 6 months old)
  • Is old (more than 10 years old)
  • Has a pre-existing disease (especially kidney disease)

Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs. Plus, this bland meal is easy to prepare.

All you need are boneless, skinless chicken breasts and rice. White rice is lower in nutritional value than brown rice, but its blandness makes it more suitable for upset stomachs. NO oils, butter, or seasonings!

Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and cut or shred it into small, bite-sized pieces for your dog, since enthusiastic canines might choke on this unexpected treat.  You can also use a chicken broth with the plain white rice as well.  

How much should you feed of the bland diet?

Please use the below guidelines, unless otherwise noted by your Veterinarian;

Dogs weighing <5 pounds: Feed a total of about 1⁄2 cup, split into smaller amounts throughout the day.

Dogs weighing 5 – 15 pounds: Feed a total of about 1⁄2 – 3⁄4 cup, split into smaller amounts throughout the day.

Dogs weighing 16 – 30 pounds: Feed a total of about 1 – 1 1⁄2 cups, split into smaller amounts throughout the day.

Dogs weighing 31 – 50 pounds: Feed a total of about 1 1⁄2 – 2 cups, split into smaller amounts throughout the day.

Dogs weighing 51 – 75 pounds: Feed a total of about 2 – 3 cups, split into smaller amounts throughout the day.

Dogs weighing 76 – 99 pounds: Feed a total of about 3 – 4 cups, split into smaller amounts throughout the day.

Dogs weighing >100 pounds: Feed a total of 4 – 5 cups, split into smaller amounts throughout the day.

Feeding Instructions: Take your total amount & break it into 4 – 6 meals per day (i.e., if your total per day is 3 cups, then feed your dog 1⁄2 cup 6 times a day, allowing about 2 hours between each meal).

This bland diet is not a substitute for a complete and balanced dog food, so it should not become his/her regular food.