When your furry friend is suffering from an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea, it can be a distressing experience for both you and your pet. One of the most common and effective ways to help your dog's digestive system recover is by introducing a bland diet until they are feeling better.
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A simple and palatable option that many veterinarians recommend is a diet of chicken breast or lean ground beef and white rice. This article will guide you through what a bland diet is, why it's beneficial, how to prepare it, and the appropriate serving sizes for your canine companion.
What is a Bland Diet?
A bland diet for dogs consists of easily digestible foods that are low in fat, fiber, and protein, but high in carbohydrates. The goal is to provide nutrition that is gentle on the gastrointestinal system, allowing it to rest and recover.
Think of it as the canine equivalent of the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) diet or a low residue diet for humans. This type of diet is often recommended for short-term use to manage acute gastrointestinal upset.
Why Chicken or Beef and Rice?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a naturally low-fat protein that will entice your dog to eat even when his or her stomach is upset. Chicken is often used as a more affordable meat alternative.
While boiled chicken and rice is a classic bland diet, lean ground beef and rice is also an excellent choice. Lean ground beef is a highly palatable source of protein for dogs, which can be beneficial when their appetite is low due to stomach issues.
It's crucial to use lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) and to boil it to remove as much fat as possible, as fat can exacerbate digestive problems.
White rice is the preferred carbohydrate for a bland diet because it is easy to digest and helps to bind the stool, which is beneficial for diarrhea. It's important to use plain white rice, not brown rice or other whole grains, as they are higher in fiber and can be harder for a sensitive stomach to process.
How to Prepare a Bland Diet
Preparing a bland diet for your dog is simple. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Choose Your Ingredients: You will need chicken breast or lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) and plain white rice. Do not add any oils, fats, or seasonings (including salt).
- Cook the Protein: Boil the chicken or ground beef in water until it is thoroughly cooked. Once cooked, drain off any fat, chop or break up the cooked meat as needed to speed along the cooling and portion easily.
- Cook the Rice: Cook the white rice according to the package directions, but do not add any salt or butter. I prefer to cook my rice so that it is a bit mushy, rather than dry, when making for this bland diet.
- Combine the Ingredients: The recommended ratio of rice to chicken or beef is typically 2:1 or 3:1. This means for every one part of boiled ground beef or chicken, you should add two to three parts of cooked white rice.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving it to your dog. *I frequently cool all of the ingredients on large rimmed baking sheets before combining.
- Store for More Feedings: Rice should be cooled and stored quickly, which is why I suggest spreading the rice and protein out in a thin layer to speed up the cooling process. I package individual portions in storage bags and refrigerate up to 3 days worth, then freeze any remaining portions.
Serving Size Guide
The amount of food your dog needs will depend on their weight. It's best to divide the total daily amount into several small meals throughout the day to avoid overwhelming their sensitive stomach.
Here is a general guideline for daily serving sizes (table 1):
| Dog's Weight | Daily Serving of Bland Diet |
|---|---|
| Under 5 lbs | About ½ cup |
| 5 - 15 lbs | About ½ - ¾ cup |
| 16 - 30 lbs | About 1 - 1 ½ cups |
| 31 - 50 lbs | About 1 ½ - 2 cups |
| 51 - 75 lbs | About 2 - 3 cups |
| 76 - 99 lbs | About 3 - 4 cups |
| Over 100 lbs | About 4 - 5 cups |
These are general guidelines, and the exact amount can vary based on your dog's age and activity level. For highly active dogs, you may need to increase the serving size slightly, while less active or overweight dogs may require less.
Always monitor your dog's condition and adjust the amount as needed. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian for specifics.
Transitioning Back to a Regular Diet
A homemade bland diet is intended for short-term use, typically for a few days. Once your dog's stool has returned to normal for at least 24 hours, you can begin to gradually reintroduce their regular food.
A slow transition is key to avoiding another upset stomach. A good approach is to mix their regular food with the bland diet over several days (table 2):
| Day 1-2 | 75% bland diet and 25% regular food. |
| Day 3-4 | 50% bland diet and 50% regular food. |
| Day 5-6 | 25% bland diet and 75% regular food. |
| Day 7 | 100% regular food. |
When to Consult a Veterinarian
While a bland diet can be very effective for mild digestive issues, it's not a cure-all. You should consult your veterinarian if:
- Your dog's vomiting or diarrhea is severe or contains blood.
- Your dog is very young, very old, or has a pre-existing health condition.
- Symptoms persist for more than 48 hours.
- Your dog is lethargic, dehydrated, or showing other signs of serious illness.
Your veterinarian can diagnose the underlying cause of your dog's stomach upset and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, they may suggest a prescription gastrointestinal diet.
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