If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, the last thing you want to do is feed them something that will make it worse. In this article, we will discuss the best diet for a dog with diarrhea and provide some tips on stopping stomach upset and creating a healthier, happier pet.
Causes of diarrhea in dogs can vary from diet to infection. Mild cases of diarrhea in otherwise healthy dogs are typically nothing to worry about and are likely just due to something the dog ate. However, some causes, like chronic illness, require veterinary advice.
Dogs can have sensitive stomachs or may eat something they shouldnt, which can cause them to have diarrhea. This could be anything from table scraps to garbage or even another animals feces. In cases like this, the upset stomach typically isnt serious and can usually be treated at home. That is, as long as the dog hasnt eaten something toxic, such as onions or garlic.
A virus, bacteria or parasite can cause diarrhea in dogs. A bacterial or viral infection can cause serious health problems, as can a parasitic infestation. These issues can even be deadly in some dogs, so if you suspect that your dog has internal parasites or a problem like canine parvovirus, seeking treatment is crucial.
Dogs with intestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or pancreatitis may have bouts of diarrhea. Both conditions can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain and other symptoms. However, with pancreatitis, dogs sometimes present a tell-tale sign of pancreatitis called the “praying position.” In this position, the dog lowers its front legs and head to the floor and leaves its rear end elevated.
Intestinal tract issues can be fatal if left untreated. If your dog shows symptoms of pancreatitis or dehydration due to an upset stomach that causes intense vomiting or diarrhea, see a vet for diagnosis and treatment.
Some medications, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Typically, the vet will warn you in advance if diarrhea is a common side effect of medication.
Either way, its a good idea to contact the vet who prescribed the medication to let them know your pets reaction and get their advice.
Certain types of cancer, including intestinal cancer, can cause diarrhea in dogs, as can intestinal blockages. That said, if symptoms persist in a dog with diarrhea, the pet should undergo a thorough evaluation to find out the underlying cause of their upset stomach.
Allergies are a common cause of diarrhea in dogs. Dogs can develop food allergies to any type of food, but some of the most common allergens include beef, dairy, chicken and soy. If your dog is allergic to one of these foods, he or she may experience diarrhea as a result. They may also vomit or scratch more than usual.
If you believe allergies may be causing your dogs diarrhea, a vet can help you monitor the dogs regular diet to find out the specific food causing an allergic reaction. If necessary, vets can also perform allergy tests to pin down the offending ingredient.
Its not just diet that can cause diarrhea in dogs; anxiety and stress can also be a factor. 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 think your dog may be stressed (for example due to hot weather), try to provide them with a calm and quiet environment. You may also consider talking to your veterinarian about anxiety medications or behavioural therapy. A common cause of anxiety could be the arrival of a baby.
Is your furry friend experiencing tummy troubles? You’re probably searching for gentle remedies to help your pup feel better. One option that many pet owners turn to is cottage cheese. But can dogs eat cottage cheese for upset stomach issues? The answer is yes – cottage cheese can be a beneficial food for dogs with digestive issues, but there are important nuances to understand before feeding it to your canine companion
As a dog owner myself I’ve been through the stress of watching my pup deal with an upset tummy. It’s never fun for either of you! That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide about using cottage cheese as a remedy for canine digestive problems.
Why Cottage Cheese Can Help Your Dog’s Upset Stomach
Cottage cheese offers several benefits that make it an excellent option for dogs dealing with digestive issues:
Easy Digestibility
When your dog has an upset stomach, you want to provide food that won’t further irritate their digestive system. Cottage cheese is gentle on the stomach because the protein is already partially broken down, making it easier for your dog’s compromised digestive system to process and absorb.
Probiotic Content
Many varieties of cottage cheese contain live cultures of beneficial bacteria. These probiotics can help restore the balance of gut flora, which might have been disrupted during episodes of digestive upset. Probiotics work by:
- Colonizing the intestines
- Enhancing immune response
- Improving nutrient absorption
- Strengthening the intestinal barrier
- Suppressing harmful bacteria growth
Bland Nature
The relatively neutral flavor and simple composition of cottage cheese make it less likely to further irritate a sensitive stomach. Strong flavors and complex ingredients can overwhelm a dog already dealing with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Quality Protein Source
Even with an upset tummy, your dog still needs protein for energy and tissue repair. Cottage cheese provides a readily available source of protein that’s gentle on the digestive system.
High Moisture Content
The high moisture content in cottage cheese helps with hydration, which is crucial when your dog is experiencing diarrhea and potentially becoming dehydrated.
Nutritional Benefits of Cottage Cheese for Dogs
Beyond helping with upset stomachs, cottage cheese offers several nutritional benefits for dogs:
- Protein: Essential for muscle growth and repair
- Calcium and Phosphorus: Important for bone health and development
- Vitamin B12: Supports a healthy nervous system
- Riboflavin: Aids in energy production
- Potassium: Maintains proper heart and muscle function
- Selenium: Has antioxidant properties and supports immune health
Potential Risks and Considerations
While cottage cheese can be beneficial, it’s not appropriate for all dogs in all situations:
Lactose Intolerance
Just like humans, some dogs are lactose intolerant. If your dog lacks the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose (the sugar found in dairy products), cottage cheese might cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea—making their symptoms worse instead of better.
Fat Content
Some varieties of cottage cheese have high fat content, which can potentially worsen GI issues in some dogs, especially those prone to pancreatitis. It’s best to choose low-fat or non-fat versions.
Sodium Levels
Cottage cheese can be relatively high in sodium. While dogs need some sodium, excessive amounts can be problematic, particularly for dogs with kidney or heart conditions. Look for low-sodium options when available.
Not a Complete Diet
Remember that cottage cheese shouldn’t replace your dog’s regular food for extended periods as it doesn’t provide all the nutrients they need for overall health.
Underlying Conditions
An upset stomach might be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or are accompanied by concerning signs like lethargy, blood in stool, or severe abdominal pain, consult your veterinarian immediately.
How to Introduce Cottage Cheese to Your Dog’s Diet
If you decide to try cottage cheese for your dog’s upset stomach, here’s how to do it safely:
- Start small: Begin with just a tablespoon or two for small dogs and a quarter to half cup for larger breeds.
- Monitor closely: Watch for any adverse reactions like increased gas, bloating, or worsening diarrhea.
- Mix it with bland foods: Combine cottage cheese with other easily digestible foods like boiled white rice or plain boiled chicken.
- Gradual increase: If your dog tolerates it well, you can slowly increase the amount over a few days.
Determining the Right Serving Size
As a general guideline, you can start by feeding your dog about 1 tablespoon of cottage cheese per 10 pounds of body weight per day. However, this is just a starting point – the actual amount may vary depending on:
- Your dog’s size
- Age
- Activity level
- Any underlying health conditions
Other Gentle Remedies for Dogs with Upset Stomachs
While cottage cheese can be helpful, there are other options you might consider for your dog’s digestive issues:
Hydration Support
Diarrhea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. You might also offer:
- Chicken broth (low sodium)
- Electrolyte solutions formulated for dogs
Additional Soothing Foods
These foods can complement cottage cheese or serve as alternatives:
- Boiled white rice: Helps firm up stools and provides easily digestible carbohydrates
- Pumpkin puree: High in fiber, helps regulate bowel movements and soothes the digestive tract
- Plain boiled chicken: Provides lean protein without irritating the digestive system
- Plain yogurt: Contains probiotics (choose lactose-free if your dog is lactose intolerant)
Common Questions About Cottage Cheese for Dogs
What kind of cottage cheese is best for dogs with upset stomachs?
Low-fat or non-fat, low-sodium cottage cheese is generally best. Look for varieties with live and active cultures for probiotic benefits, and avoid flavored options with added sugars or artificial ingredients.
How long should I feed my dog cottage cheese for an upset stomach?
Cottage cheese should only be a temporary part of your dog’s diet—typically for 1-3 days while their stomach is upset. Once symptoms improve, gradually transition back to their regular food.
Can puppies have cottage cheese for upset stomachs?
Yes, but exercise extra caution. Puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, so start with even smaller amounts than you would give an adult dog and monitor them closely for adverse reactions.
What if my dog is lactose intolerant?
If your dog is lactose intolerant, cottage cheese isn’t suitable. Consider alternatives like lactose-free plain yogurt, pumpkin puree (not pie filling!), or a simple chicken and rice diet.
Can cottage cheese help with diarrhea in dogs?
Yes! The probiotics in cottage cheese can help restore gut flora balance, which is often disrupted during episodes of diarrhea. The soothing nature of cottage cheese can also help calm the irritated digestive system.
My dog refuses to eat cottage cheese. What can I do?
Some dogs simply don’t like the taste or texture. Try mixing it with other bland foods like boiled chicken or rice to make it more appealing. If they still refuse, consider other bland diet options.
When to See a Veterinarian
While cottage cheese can be a helpful home remedy, some situations require professional veterinary care. Contact your vet if:
- Symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours
- Your dog shows signs of dehydration (dry gums, loss of skin elasticity)
- There’s blood in the vomit or stool
- Your dog appears lethargic or in pain
- Your dog refuses to eat or drink
- Your dog has a known medical condition that might be complicating matters
Final Thoughts
Cottage cheese can be a valuable tool in your doggy first-aid kit when it comes to upset stomachs. Its gentle nature, probiotic content, and easy digestibility make it a good option for many dogs experiencing digestive distress.
However, every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Always introduce new foods gradually, monitor your dog’s response carefully, and don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure or if symptoms don’t improve.
Remember, while cottage cheese can help settle your dog’s stomach in the short term, it’s important to identify and address the underlying cause of digestive issues for long-term health and happiness.
Have you tried cottage cheese for your dog’s upset tummy? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Developing a Healthy But Bland Diet
When your furry friend has stomach problems, you want to put as little stress on their stomach as possible. When a dogs stomach is upset, and its fed its regular food, it can lead to more diarrhea. Bland foods, however, generally dont upset the stomach.
If youve been searching “diet for dog with diarrhea,” youve come to the right place. Below weve put together a list of a few bland foods that usually make good dog food when your pet has diarrhea.
White and sweet potatoes are two of the best options to feed a dog with diarrhea. They are both bland and gentle on the stomach, so they can help reduce diarrhea and restore balance to the digestive system. White and sweet potatoes are also great sources of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, making them good for your dogs health.
Never serve a white or sweet potato raw. Raw potatoes can be toxic to dogs and must be cooked before consumption. Its typically best for dog owners to bake or boil the white or sweet potato and mash it before serving it to their canine companion.
Boiled white rice can fill your dogs stomach and give them the helpful calories they need to maintain strength and overall health while also having a limiting effect on the animals intestinal tract. The rice is easy to digest, and dog owners can mix it with lean protein to create a filling but bland meal.
It also has soluble fibre, which can help firm up the dogs stool.
One food often recommended for a dog with diarrhea is canned pumpkin. Canned pumpkin is a good source of fibre, which helps regulate the dogs digestion. As such, its usually inoffensive in the bowels and can actually help slow diarrhea. It also contains plenty of Vitamin A and other vitamins and minerals that contribute to your pets overall health.
Dog owners should not feed a dog pumpkin pie filling, which includes ingredients not suited for a dog with diarrhea. Plain canned pumpkin should be provided to the animal instead.
Bananas have many benefits to offer dogs on bland diets for stomach issues like diarrhea. For one, bananas contain pectin, a soluble fibre good for soothing the GI tract. They also give the dog much-needed moisture and potassium.
Dogs only need a little banana to give them energy and sustenance, usually about 5ml per 4.5 kilograms.
Applesauce is another easily-digested food product thats full of moisture and vitamins. The soluble fibre and plentiful water in applesauce can assist in replacing lost fluids and lessening the occurrence of diarrhea. As with pumpkin, dog owners should not feed a dog applesauce with additional ingredients. It should be plain and unsweetened.
Keep in mind that not all vets recommend that you feed fruit to a dog with diarrhea and recommend starchier, bland food instead.
A dogs regular food typically includes lean protein, and its usually okay to feed a dog lean protein food when it has diarrhea. Turkey, skinless chicken breasts and lean ground hamburger meat are very digestible if theyre not cooked with butter, oil or seasoning.
As mentioned above, lean proteins like cooked chicken can be mixed with rice or other foods to give the dog a well-rounded meal that doesnt irritate its GI tract.
Why Is Fibre Important?
Fibre is an important nutrient for dogs with diarrhea because it helps to regulate bowel movements. Soluble fibre can reduce diarrhea and restore regularity. Many foods are high in fibre, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
There are a few things to keep in mind when feeding your dog a high fibre diet. First, make sure to gradually increase the amount of fibre in their diet. Too much fibre too quickly can worsen the dogs diarrhea. Second, make sure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water. A diet high in fibre can cause dehydration, so make sure that your dog stays well hydrated.
In addition to diet, theres a lot you can do to stop diarrhea and get your dog back on track.