Foods That Help Settle a Dog's Upset Stomach

At a glance

• Boiled chicken and white rice is the most widely recommended short-term bland diet for dogs with an upset stomach
• Plain pumpkin (not pie filling) is high in soluble fibre and helps regulate both loose stools and constipation
• Plain, low-fat yoghurt and kefir provide live cultures that support gut bacteria recovery
• Fasting for 12 to 24 hours before introducing bland food gives the gut a chance to settle
• Persistent vomiting, blood in stools, or symptoms lasting more than 48 hours need veterinary attention

What should I feed my dog when their stomach is upset?

Boiled chicken and white rice is the go-to bland diet for dogs with an upset stomach, and there is a good reason it has been recommended for decades. Both are easy to digest, low in fat, and gentle enough to let an irritated gut recover without working too hard. Plain white rice also helps bind loose stools, which makes it particularly useful when diarrhoea is the main symptom.

The key word here is plain. No butter, no seasoning, no stock. Just boiled chicken breast — skin removed — shredded and mixed with cooked white rice at roughly a 1:3 ratio (one part chicken to three parts rice). Serve it at room temperature in smaller portions than your dog's usual meal, and offer it two to three times a day.

If your dog is vomiting, hold off on food entirely for 12 to 24 hours and make sure they have access to fresh water throughout. Reintroducing food too quickly can make things worse. Once the vomiting settles, start with very small amounts of the bland diet and build up gradually.

Are there other foods that help beyond chicken and rice?

Yes, and a few of them are worth keeping in your kitchen specifically for this purpose.

Plain pumpkin is one of the most effective gut-settling foods available. It is high in soluble fibre (the type that absorbs water and forms a gel in the intestine), which regulates digestion in both directions. It helps firm up loose stools and can ease constipation. Use plain tinned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices. One to four tablespoons mixed into food, depending on your dog's size, is a reliable starting point.

Plain boiled sweet potato works in a similar way to pumpkin. It is gentle, starchy, and provides a small amount of soluble fibre. Mash it and mix it into the bland diet once your dog is ready to eat again.

Plain, unsweetened yoghurt or kefir contains live bacterial cultures (probiotics) that help restore the natural balance of gut bacteria after it has been disrupted. This is particularly useful after a course of antibiotics or a bout of diarrhoea. Choose full-fat, live culture varieties with no added sweeteners, and avoid anything containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. A tablespoon per day is sufficient for most dogs.

Bone broth (plain, no onion or garlic) is easy on the stomach and encourages dogs to drink more, which helps with hydration. It is not nutritionally complete on its own but works well as a short-term supportive addition.

If gut sensitivity is an ongoing issue rather than a one-off episode, what actually supports the gut microbiome long-term is worth understanding in more detail. Targeted prebiotic and probiotic support can make a meaningful difference for dogs that are prone to digestive flare-ups.

How do I transition back to normal food without causing another upset?

Going straight back to your dog's regular food after a stomach upset is one of the most common mistakes owners make. Even if your dog seems fine, their gut is still recovering, and an abrupt switch can trigger another round of loose stools.

The standard approach is to spend three to four days transitioning. Start with 75% bland diet and 25% regular food, then move to 50/50, then 75% regular food, and finally back to a full normal portion. If symptoms return at any stage, go back a step and move more slowly.

If your dog is currently on dry kibble and has recurring digestive issues, switching to a fresh food diet follows the same gradual approach, and many owners find it worthwhile long-term. Fresh, minimally processed food is inherently easier on the gut than heavily extruded kibble because the ingredients are more bioavailable, meaning more of the nutrition actually reaches the body rather than passing through undigested.

Marleybones Lush Lamb is a useful option to consider for dogs with a sensitive stomach. Lamb is a novel protein for many dogs (meaning they are less likely to have built up a reaction to it), and the Pantry Fresh format uses freshly prepared ingredients slow-cooked in-pack with no preservatives, no fillers, and no freezing required.

For dogs that need additional digestive support beyond food alone, Marleybones also makes a dog gut health supplement formulated with prebiotics and probiotics, including chicory root, to support the gut microbiome directly.

If symptoms are severe, involve blood, or persist beyond 48 hours despite dietary management, speak to your vet. There may be an underlying cause that needs proper investigation and treatment.

Every dog is different — build your personalised Marleybones feeding and health plan tailored to your dog's age, size, and health requirements.

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FAQs

How long should I feed my dog a bland diet?

Most dogs need two to four days on a bland diet before transitioning back to their normal food. If symptoms resolve within 24 hours, you can start the gradual transition sooner, but do not rush it. A slow reintroduction reduces the risk of the upset returning.

Can I give my dog scrambled egg when they have an upset stomach?

Yes. Plain scrambled egg, cooked without butter or oil, is easy to digest and provides a gentle source of protein. It is a useful alternative to chicken if you do not have any to hand. Avoid adding salt, milk, or any seasoning.

Is white rice or brown rice better for a dog with an upset stomach?

White rice is better for an upset stomach. It is lower in fibre than brown rice, which makes it easier to digest and more effective at binding loose stools. Brown rice is the healthier long-term option but is too fibrous when the gut is already irritated.

What foods should I avoid giving a dog with an upset stomach?

Avoid high-fat foods, dairy other than plain live yoghurt, anything heavily seasoned, and rich proteins like fatty mince. These are harder to digest and can worsen symptoms or, in the case of high-fat meals, trigger more serious conditions like pancreatitis.

When should I take my dog to the vet for an upset stomach?

See a vet if your dog is vomiting repeatedly, shows blood in their vomit or stools, is lethargic, appears to be in pain, or if symptoms have not improved after 48 hours. Puppies and senior dogs should be seen sooner, as they are more vulnerable to dehydration.

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