It seems obvious to say: A dog with diarrhea is not a pleasant situation for anyone involved (especially the pup!). But as a dog parent, you’ll run into this digestive issue a few times in your life.

But before you can learn how to stop diarrhea in dogs, you first need to learn what types of things can cause it.

Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

When your dog has diarrhea, the first thing you probably wonder is, “what did they eat?!” But really, many things can cause dog diarrhea, from parasites and viruses, to stress and scraps on the street.

If you notice symptoms of an upset stomach, don’t panic. Keep an eye on how it progresses and changes in their behavior, and make sure to give them a lot of fresh water to replenish their fluids. You might also want to feed them a bland diet or temporarily stop feeding altogether to let their digestive tract recover.

If things don’t seem to improve in a day or two, it’s best to bring them to their vet to see what could be wrong.

Reducing Food For Dogs With Diarrhea

When trying to get your dog’s digestive system back on track, a good rule of thumb is to feed them a bland diet. That’s because these foods are less likely to make their stomach worse. 

Depending on how your dog’s symptoms are progressing, it might also be a good option to withhold food for 24 hours and allow their digestive system to recover. But always talk to your vet to see if fasting is the right dog diarrhea treatment for your pup.

When your pup seems ready to eat again, start with a small amount of food first. This will both help them ease back into solid food and give you a chance to see how their body reacts.

The 7 Best Foods For Dogs With Diarrhea 

So, wondering what to feed dogs with diarrhea? Here are the top 7 foods to try out.

1. Lean Protein

Low-fat proteins with zero seasoning are also easy to digest while also providing nutrition.Try lean protein sources like boiled chicken breast (no skin or bones), lean ground hamburger, or turkey.

2. Rice

Plain rice, plain and simple, is super easy to digest and won’t irritate or overwork your dog’s digestive system. Plus, its high fiber content helps your dog’s diarrhea become more solid.

Our Salmon and Sweet Potato Kibble with Brown Rice features both rice and sweet potato, two great ingredients for a dog with diarrheal

3. Potatoes

Cooked potatoes, including sweet potatoes, have starches that are easy for your dog to digest. They also provide fiber that can help firm up your dog’s stools to help remedy their diarrhea. But be sure you fully cook potatoes before feeding them—raw potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs.

4. Pumpkin

When you search “how to stop dog diarrhea,” a top result is usually canned pumpkin. Many dog parents reach for canned pumpkin when deciding what to give a dog for upset stomach and vomiting.

That’s because its high fiber content helps ease diarrhea, and its natural prebiotics promote healthy gut bacteria. Just be sure to buy canned pumpkin with no added seasoning or flavoring as that can slow their recovery.

You can also add a bit of canned pumpkin to your dog’s usual meals if their stomach upset is mild.

When your pup is ready for treats again, try our easy-to-digest Pumpkin and Salmon Jerky!

5. Oatmeal

Another food for dogs with diarrhea is plain oatmeal. Similar to other options on our list, its high fiber content will help firm up your dog’s stools. Just be sure to fully cook the oats and use only water (no seasoning or flavoring).

6. Carrots

Boiled carrots offer both fiber and vitamins that can help your dog recover from their tummy issues. Our Organic Grain-Free Chicken Dog Food With Carrots Kibble is a great option to incorporate carrots into your dog’s daily diet for good digestive health.

7. High-Quality Dog Food

Of course, you don’t have to wait until your dog is having poop issues to take care of their digestive system! Some dog food brands (like ours!) have recipes that support healthy digestion on a regular basis.

Depending on the cause of your dog’s diarrhea, your dog might also benefit from a food made for specific health conditions. For example, feeding a hypoallergenic food, grain free dog food or a novel protein food (food made from a type of protein your dog has not eaten before) may help dogs who suffer diarrhea due to allergies.

What is the best dry dog food for diarrhea?

Try a grain-free combination of high-protein kibble and superfoods. Look for a blend with prebiotics / probiotics to help promote healthy bacteria in the stomach, which is ideal for dogs with diarrhea. Avoid foods with fillers, artificial additives, or rich, fatty components that could worsen the condition. Always consult your vet for tailored recommendations, especially if diarrhea persists.

What is the best wet dog food for diarrhea?

• The best wet dog food for diarrhea should be easily digestible, low in fat, and made with gentle ingredients that soothe the digestive system. Look for ingredients like boiled chicken and pumpkin. 

• Avoid foods with fillers, artificial additives, or rich, fatty components that could worsen the condition. Always consult your vet for tailored recommendations, especially if diarrhea persists.

What is the best puppy food for diarrhea?

• When a puppy has diarrhea, it's essential to provide gentle, easily digestible food to soothe their stomach. Options like boiled chicken and white rice, plain cooked pumpkin, or a bland diet dog food can help. 

• Always ensure your puppy stays hydrated, as diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly.

FAQs

Is salmon good for dogs with diarrhea?

• Salmon can be good for dogs with diarrhea if given in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Salmon is a highly digestible protein that's gentle on a dog's stomach. It’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can support your dog's immune system and decrease inflammation. Salmon can also be a good alternative for dogs with allergies to more common proteins like chicken.  

• Cooked, plain salmon is a gentle, easily digestible protein that can help soothe your dog's digestive system. However, avoid feeding raw or smoked salmon, as it may carry harmful parasites or bacteria. 

Are sweet potatoes good for dogs with diarrhea?

• Yes, sweet potatoes can be beneficial for dogs with diarrhea. They are rich in dietary fiber, which can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools. Sweet potatoes also contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and potassium, that support overall health. 

• However, they should be cooked and served plain (boiled or steamed) without any added seasonings, butter, or sugar. 

• Start with small portions to ensure your dog tolerates them well. If diarrhea persists for more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your veterinarian for further guidance.