A bland diet of plain boiled chicken and white rice is a common first step for dogs with upset stomachs.
Your dog throws up on the rug, then turns down breakfast. Your first instinct might be to offer a favorite treat or a fatty scrap to coax them into eating. That’s usually the wrong move.
When a dog is sick, the digestive system needs a break. Most veterinarians recommend a temporary bland diet of simple, low-fat foods to settle the stomach. This article covers the go-to options, how to prepare them, and when a vet visit is the safer bet.
The Standard Bland Diet for Upset Stomachs
The most widely recommended diet for a dog after vomiting or diarrhea is a simple mix of unseasoned, boneless, skinless chicken breast and white rice. These ingredients are low in fat and easy to digest, giving the irritated gastrointestinal tract a chance to recover.
Beyond chicken and rice, several other foods are commonly suggested. Plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), bone broth, and meat-based baby food can all be gentle on a sick dog’s stomach. Some dogs also tolerate plain boiled sweet potatoes, potatoes, or even plain pasta and porridge as short-term options.
While chicken and rice works well for many dogs, a complete and balanced gastrointestinal support diet from your veterinarian may be a better fit for dogs with chronic issues or more serious conditions.
Why Bland Food Soothes an Upset Stomach
A dog’s digestive system is sensitive to fat, fiber, and spices. When it’s already irritated, rich or exotic foods can worsen vomiting and diarrhea. Bland foods minimize digestive workload.
- Plain boiled chicken or turkey: Provides lean protein that’s easy on the stomach. No skin, bones, or seasoning.
- White rice: Easily digestible carbohydrate that helps firm up stools.
- Plain pumpkin: Contains soluble fiber that can help absorb excess water in the gut, but use sparingly.
- Bone broth: Offers hydration and electrolytes while being gentle. Make sure it’s low-sodium and onion-free.
- Sweet potatoes or potatoes: Plain boiled versions are mild and can add variety without triggering more upset.
These foods are typically fed in small, frequent portions to avoid overwhelming the stomach. Most dogs start showing improvement within 24 to 48 hours.
How to Prepare and Serve the Diet
Preparation is straightforward. Boil boneless, skinless chicken breast until fully cooked, then shred or dice into bite-size pieces. Cook white rice according to package directions, using only water (no salt, butter, or oil). A common ratio is about 75% rice to 25% chicken, though this can be adjusted based on your dog’s tolerance.
If you want to include other options like sweet potatoes for dogs, simply boil them until soft and mash or cube them. Avoid adding any seasonings or fats. For bone broth, use a plain, low-sodium variety or make your own by simmering bones (without onions or garlic) and straining thoroughly.
Store prepared chicken and rice in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, or freeze portions for up to 2 months. Always reheat gently and serve at room temperature — never hot, as that can further irritate the stomach.
| Food | Preparation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Boiled, no skin/bones | Best single protein option |
| White rice | Boiled in water only | Use white rice, not brown (too much fiber) |
| Plain pumpkin | Canned or boiled, no additives | Start with a tablespoon for small dogs |
| Bone broth | Low-sodium, onion-free | Can be given alone or poured over rice |
| Lean ground beef | Boiled, drained, no fat | Use sirloin; avoid high-fat blends |
Feed small meals every 3–4 hours rather than one large portion. If your dog refuses to eat, do not force-feed — loss of appetite can be a sign that the illness needs veterinary attention.
Foods to Avoid When Your Dog Is Sick
While you want to encourage eating, some foods can make things worse. Fatty or rich items are especially risky because they can trigger pancreatitis — a painful and serious inflammation of the pancreas.
- Fatty meats: Hot dogs, bacon, ribs, fried chicken, and fatty cuts of beef should be avoided entirely. These can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.
- Seasoned or spicy foods: Garlic, onion, salt, and spices can irritate the stomach and may be toxic to dogs in larger amounts.
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are hard for many dogs to digest and can worsen diarrhea.
- Raw bones or fatty scraps: Bones can splinter and cause blockages; fatty scraps overload the pancreas.
- Too much fiber: Avoid high-fiber foods like brown rice or large amounts of pumpkin. Stick to simple starches and lean protein.
Stick to the short list of bland foods until your dog’s stool returns to normal and vomiting stops. Offering treats or table scraps too early can undo the progress.
When to Return to Normal Food
A bland diet is intended for short-term use only. Most vets suggest continuing it for three to four days after symptoms resolve — meaning no vomiting for at least 24 hours and normal stool for a full day.
If your dog has no appetite, it’s better to stay with bland foods than to try exotic options. Offering chicken, rice, or pumpkin is more likely to be accepted than switching to a new brand of kibble. The pumpkin and bone broth combination can help tempt a picky sick dog while remaining gentle.
Once symptoms are gone, gradually mix in your dog’s regular food over 2–3 days, increasing the proportion of regular food each meal. If vomiting or diarrhea returns, go back to the bland diet and call your vet.
| Timeframe | Feeding Strategy |
|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | Small bland meals every 3–4 hours |
| Day 3–4 | Continue bland diet, monitor stool |
| After symptoms resolve | Gradually transition back to regular food over 2–3 days |
The Bottom Line
When your dog is sick, plain boiled chicken and white rice is a safe, vet-recommended starting point. Other gentle options like pumpkin, bone broth, and sweet potatoes can add variety and hydration. The key is to keep meals simple, low-fat, and unseasoned, and to resume normal feeding only after symptoms have fully cleared. Avoid fatty meats and treats that could trigger pancreatitis or worsen the upset.
If your dog is a young puppy, has a pre-existing condition like kidney disease, or shows no improvement within 24 hours, contact your veterinarian. They can tailor a diet to your dog’s age, breed, and health history, and rule out more serious issues like infections or obstructions.
References & Sources
- Co. “10 Foods to Feed Your Dog When They Are Sick” Sweet potatoes are another food that can be fed to a sick dog as part of a bland diet.
- American Kennel Club. “Food for Dogs Stomach Upset” Other recommended foods for a dog with an upset stomach include plain pumpkin (not pie filling), bone broth, and meat-based baby food.