Fun facts about a bland diet for dogs

Updated 18/12/24

A bland diet for dogs isn’t as dull as it sounds. As tough as pups might like us to think they are, some can be sensitive when it comes to their tummies and digestive systems. Let’s find out a bit about why bland diet foods could help our doggos.

Key takeaways

• Bland diet dog foods are great for helping unwell pups or those recovering from gastrointestinal (GI) surgery
• While some dog food brands have specially formulated bland diets, other foods like boiled white rice and cooked chicken can also be used in some cases
• Always talk to your vet before doing anything to change your dog's diet

What is a bland diet for dogs?

A bland diet for your pup means one that is low in fiber and fat, but high in protein and simple carbohydrates to make it highly digestible. This type of food is easier on the digestive system than one with lots of fats, flavors, and more complex ingredients to break down. Vets may recommend replacing your pets' daily food with a bland diet for multiple reasons.

Why would I need to give my dog a bland diet?

They have gastroenteritis AKA an upset stomach

Just like us humans, if we catch a stomach bug the best thing for us to eat are plain, basic foods like rice and bread. Dogs can also suffer from stomach upset, which may be referred to as gastroenteritis. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. Sometimes, your vet will recommend waiting for the illness to pass if symptoms are mild. However, if your pet has been sick for a few days, they can easily become dehydrated, so your vet may recommend treatment to help with this. Always speak to your vet about the best approach.

Recovering from digestive system surgery

Any type of surgery is stressful on the body, but when it’s on the digestive system it can make things complicated when it comes to eating food. To make it as easy as possible, a bland food diet will be the most gentle thing for their tummies and intestines after an operation.

Stress-related diarrhea

Some pooches are more anxious than others, and a few can end up with inflammation of their large intestine when they become stressed or scared. This is known as stress-induced colitis. Older dogs or pups who have had gastrointestinal (GI) issues before will be more prone to this. However, a bland diet can help to prevent things from becoming too messy when things are stressful.

Helps with certain medical conditions

Just as with surgery, other illnesses can put a dog’s body under extra strain and stress, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or inflammatory bowel disease. Giving them bland diet foods will help to reduce GI problems in affected animals.

What are bland diet foods?

Prescription bland food products

Your vet will be able to recommend brand food for dogs that they’ll sell at their clinic. The advantage of these diets is that they have accurate feeding instructions and are nutritionally balanced for long-term use. 

Carbohydrates at home

There are loads of bland diet recipes out there, but make sure you run them past your vet first.​ A go-to food most dogs can eat is boiled white rice in small amounts. Remember, never give a dog uncooked rice or brown rice as this will make their upset stomach worse. Talk to your vet about using the right portion size for your dog.

Proteins at home

Cooked chicken (off the bone) and boneless white fish are great examples of bland diet foods for dogs. Again, you’ll need to start with small amounts at first to get them used to their new bland diet and prevent any further tummy aches. Many dogs enjoy eating cooked chicken and fish, so it is a great way to encourage them to eat. However, this diet is not complete and will be lacking in essential nutrients if fed long-term.

How long should I feed them a bland food diet?

This will depend on your doggo’s overall health. Old pups or those with a long-term health condition might have to switch to a bland diet permanently to relieve their symptoms. For other pups with a simple stomach upset, it might only need to be for a few days or weeks. Remember, a home-cooked chicken and rice-based bland diet may be ok for a few days, but will be lacking in nutrients in the long term. It is always best to chat with your vet to come up with a bland diet food plan to suit what’s best for them.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

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