At Tempe Lake Veterinary Clinic and Pet Resort, we know how stressful it is when your dog isn’t feeling well, especially when it involves diarrhea. Whether it’s a minor upset stomach or something more concerning, we understand how quickly it can become messy, worrisome, and even disruptive to your routine.
As your local partners in pet health here in the Tempe community, one of the most common questions we get is:
“What should I feed my dog when they have diarrhea?”
We’re here to help you understand what’s going on, what foods can help your dog recover, and when it’s time to call in professional support. This guide walks you through the best approach to managing diarrhea safely and comfortably from the first signs of trouble to full recovery.
Why Dogs Get Diarrhea: Common Causes We See in Tempe
There are many possible reasons your dog may be experiencing diarrhea, ranging from mild digestive irritation to more serious underlying health issues. Some of the most common causes we see at our clinic include:
- Dietary indiscretion – dogs love to explore, and sometimes that means getting into trash, street snacks, compost piles, or even stealing table food.
- Sudden change in food – switching brands or formulas without a gradual transition can upset the gut.
- Stress-related colitis – we see this often after boarding, travel, or major changes in a dog’s environment. Even thunderstorms and fireworks can trigger GI symptoms.
- Parasites – like giardia, roundworms, coccidia, or hookworms, especially common in dogs who visit dog parks, groomers, or splash in Tempe Town Lake.
- Bacterial or viral infections – including parvovirus, distemper, or salmonella.
- Food allergies or intolerances – which may take time to diagnose but are increasingly common.
- Chronic gastrointestinal conditions – like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), or Addison’s disease.
- Reactions to medication – including antibiotics, NSAIDs, or new supplements.
- Toxin ingestion or foreign body – including bones, toys, or plants.
If the diarrhea is mild and your dog is otherwise happy, active, and drinking water, you may be able to manage things at home. But if symptoms last more than 24 hours, or you notice vomiting, blood, lethargy, or other unusual signs, it’s best to give us a call.
Step 1: Should I Withhold Food?
In some cases, especially after dietary indiscretion or mild tummy upset, withholding food for a short period, usually around 12 hours, can allow the digestive tract to rest. But fasting isn’t always appropriate, so it’s important to be cautious.
Do not withhold food if your dog is:
- A puppy, especially under 6 months
- A toy or small breed (who can quickly become hypoglycemic)
- A senior or a dog with chronic health issues (such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems)
If your dog fits into any of these categories, or if you’re not sure if fasting is safe, please give us a call. Our Tempe Lake team is happy to offer individualized advice based on your pet’s age, breed, and medical history.
Hydration tip: Even during a fast, it’s essential to keep your dog drinking water. Diarrhea leads to fluid loss, so keep their bowl full and clean.
Step 2: Transition to a Bland Diet
After the stomach has had time to settle, or if fasting isn’t a good idea, the next step is feeding a bland, easily digestible diet to support gentle recovery.
What’s the goal of a bland diet?
- Soothe and protect the digestive lining
- Provide gentle, nourishing energy
- Help firm up stool consistency
- Restore electrolyte balance
Here are some vet-recommended bland meal options we commonly advise here in Tempe:
1. Boiled Chicken and White Rice
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, fully boiled and shredded.
- Pair with plain, fully cooked white rice (not brown rice, which is harder to digest).
- Serve in small portions, starting with a 1:2 ratio of chicken to rice.
2. Boiled Ground Turkey and White Rice
- For dogs sensitive to chicken, lean turkey is a great alternative.
- Ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and not seasoned.
3. Extra-Lean Ground Beef and White Rice
- Use 90% lean or higher.
- Cook thoroughly and drain all fat before mixing with rice.
4. Veterinary Prescription Diets
For more severe cases or dogs with chronic GI conditions, we often recommend prescription gastrointestinal formulas like:
- Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d®
- Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat®
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN®
These diets are scientifically formulated to reduce GI inflammation, improve nutrient absorption, and support the gut microbiome.
If you’re unsure which option is best, let us know, we can make a recommendation and have some of these options available in-house at the clinic or through our online pharmacy.
Step 3: How Much to Feed and How Often
As your dog begins eating again, frequent, small meals are key. We recommend starting with:
- 1 tablespoon of food per 10 lbs of body weight, 4–6 times a day
- Monitor for any changes, especially gas, vomiting, or a return of loose stools
As your dog begins to improve and stools begin to firm up, you can slowly reintroduce their regular food. We suggest transitioning over 5–7 days using the following schedule:
- Days 1–2: 75% bland diet / 25% regular food
- Days 3–4: 50/50 mix
- Days 5–6: 25% bland / 75% regular
- Day 7+: Resume normal diet if stools remain firm
This slow reintroduction minimizes the risk of another GI flare-up.
Step 4: Stay on Top of Hydration
Tempe’s hot climate makes hydration even more important. Diarrhea can lead to rapid fluid loss, especially in active dogs or those spending time outdoors.
Tips to keep your dog hydrated:
- Offer fresh water frequently (you can even flavor it lightly with low-sodium broth for picky drinkers)
- Try offering ice cubes or small amounts of unflavored Pedialyte (check with us on the proper dosage first)
- Look out for signs of dehydration: dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, or dark yellow urine
For moderate to severe dehydration, our team can provide subcutaneous fluids or IV therapy right here at the clinic.
Step 5: Support Recovery with Probiotics
A healthy gut relies on a balanced microbiome. Diarrhea disrupts this balance, and adding a high-quality, dog-safe probiotic can help restore normal gut function faster.
We often recommend:
- FortiFlora® by Purina
- Proviable® from Nutramax
- Visbiome Vet®
We carry several of these in clinic and are happy to walk you through which product is best for your dog’s current condition and lifestyle.
Step 6: Foods to Avoid While Your Dog’s Gut Heals
Until your dog is fully recovered, avoid foods that can trigger or prolong diarrhea:
- Fatty meats or fried foods
- Dairy (many dogs become lactose intolerant during GI distress)
- Spices, oils, or seasoned foods
- High-fiber options like pumpkin or sweet potato – these may help later but can worsen early-stage diarrhea
- Commercial treats, table scraps, or new chews
Stick to the bland basics and avoid introducing anything new until your dog is back to normal.
When to Call Tempe Lake Veterinary Clinic
We love it when things resolve quickly with a bland diet but some cases do need a vet’s attention. Please call us if your dog experiences:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24-48 hours
- Vomiting in addition to diarrhea
- Blood in stool (either bright red or black and tar-like)
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Weakness, shaking, or other concerning changes in behavior
- A history of chronic illness or recent medication changes
Our team may recommend in-house diagnostics like a fecal test, bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, or imaging if we suspect something more serious is going on.
Chronic or Recurring Diarrhea: What Else Could It Be?
If your dog frequently struggles with loose stools, it could point to a long-term issue, including:
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Pancreatitis or EPI
- IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
- Addison’s Disease
- Liver or kidney disease
- Obstructions or foreign body ingestion
At Tempe Lake, we can work with you on a personalized plan that may include prescription diets, medications, allergy testing, or GI panels to get to the root cause.
Final Thoughts: We’re Here to Help You and Your Pet Feel Better
At Tempe Lake Veterinary Clinic and Pet Resort, we see our patients and clients as part of the extended family. Whether your dog is staying with us in our pet resort or coming in for a same-day appointment, we treat every case of diarrhea with compassion, experience, and practical solutions.
If you’re ever unsure about what to feed your dog, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you make the best decisions so your dog can get back to feeling happy, healthy, and tail-wagging again.
Call us anytime or schedule an appointment online. We’re always happy to help!