What Can You Give a Dog for an Upset Stomach? Safe Foods & Portions
What can you give a dog for an upset stomach? A vet-informed guide to bland diet foods, safe portions by weight, preparation tips, and when to call the vet.
A bland diet of plain boiled chicken and white rice is the veterinary gold standard for mild digestive upset. Pumpkin, plain yogurt, and bone broth are also safe options. These foods are easy to digest, low in fat, and help firm up loose stools. However, they are short-term remedies only (24–72 hours). If vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond 24 hours, contains blood, or your dog appears lethargic, contact your veterinarian immediately.
When your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, or simply won't eat, knowing what can you give a dog for an upset stomach is one of the most practical things any owner can learn. The good news: your kitchen already holds most of the solution. A short-term bland diet using simple human foods can settle a mildly upset GI tract and give your dog's digestive system a chance to recover.
But not every "people food" is safe, and portion sizes matter enormously. A 10-pound Chihuahua and an 80-pound Labrador need very different amounts. Below, you'll find exact serving sizes, preparation steps, nutritional breakdowns, and clear red flags that mean it's time to stop home care and call the vet.
The Bland Diet: What Can You Give a Dog for an Upset Stomach?
The bland diet is a well-established veterinary recommendation for managing mild gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion (your dog ate something they shouldn't have), and stress-related digestive upset. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, short-term dietary management with easily digestible, low-fat foods reduces intestinal irritation and allows the gut lining to heal.
The classic combination is boiled, skinless, boneless chicken breast paired with plain white rice at a ratio of 1 part protein to 2 parts carbohydrate. This ratio matters — the rice provides binding fiber and easy calories while the chicken supplies gentle protein without overloading the digestive system with fat.
Beyond chicken and rice, several other human foods can support recovery:
- Canned plain pumpkin (not pie filling) — rich in soluble fiber
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt — provides probiotics (only if your dog tolerates dairy)
- Boiled, skinless turkey breast — an alternative protein if chicken isn't available
- Bone broth (no onion, garlic, or added salt) — encourages hydration
- Boiled, peeled sweet potato — gentle starch with potassium
- Scrambled egg (no butter or oil) — highly digestible protein
Safe Serving Sizes by Dog Weight
Portion control is critical when feeding a sick dog. Overfeeding — even bland food — can overwhelm an already irritated stomach and trigger more vomiting. The general veterinary guideline is to feed approximately 1/3 cup of bland diet per 10 pounds of body weight per meal, offered in 3–4 small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large ones.
| Dog Weight | Chicken + Rice (1:2 ratio) | Pumpkin | Plain Yogurt | Bone Broth | Scrambled Egg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5–10 lb (2–5 kg) | 2–3 Tbsp | 1 tsp | 1 tsp | 2 Tbsp | ½ egg |
| 11–25 lb (5–11 kg) | ¼ – ⅓ cup | 1 Tbsp | 1 Tbsp | ¼ cup | 1 egg |
| 26–50 lb (12–23 kg) | ½ – ¾ cup | 1–2 Tbsp | 2 Tbsp | ½ cup | 1–2 eggs |
| 51–80 lb (23–36 kg) | 1 – 1¼ cups | 2–3 Tbsp | 3 Tbsp | ¾ cup | 2 eggs |
| 80+ lb (36+ kg) | 1½ – 2 cups | 3–4 Tbsp | ¼ cup | 1 cup | 2–3 eggs |
Important: These are per-meal amounts for a bland diet fed 3–4 times daily. Total daily intake should roughly equal your dog's normal caloric intake — a 25 lb dog typically needs about 500–600 calories per day, and 1 cup of chicken-and-rice mixture provides approximately 200–250 calories.
Nutritional Benefits of Each Bland Diet Food
Each food in the bland diet serves a specific digestive and nutritional purpose. Here's what makes them effective for GI recovery:
| Food | Key Nutrients (per typical serving) | Why It Helps an Upset Stomach |
|---|---|---|
| White rice (1 cup cooked) | 205 kcal, 45g carbs, 4g protein, 0.4g fat, 0.6g fiber | Low fiber, highly digestible starch binds loose stools; minimal residue reduces bowel workload |
| Boiled chicken breast (3 oz) | 142 kcal, 27g protein, 3g fat, 0g carbs | Lean, complete protein that's gentle on the stomach lining; low fat prevents pancreatic stress |
| Plain canned pumpkin (1 Tbsp) | 5 kcal, 1.2g fiber, 141mg potassium, vitamin A (1,020 IU) | Soluble fiber absorbs excess water in the GI tract, firming stools; also helps with mild constipation |
| Plain yogurt (1 Tbsp) | 9 kcal, 0.5g protein, 0.5g fat, 0.6g carbs, live cultures | Probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus spp.) support gut microbiome rebalancing after diarrhea |
| Bone broth (1 cup, unsalted) | 30–40 kcal, 5g protein, 1g fat, collagen, glucosamine | Encourages fluid intake in dogs reluctant to drink; collagen supports intestinal mucosa repair |
| Scrambled egg (1 large) | 72 kcal, 6g protein, 5g fat, vitamin B12 (0.45mcg), riboflavin | Highly bioavailable protein with minimal digestive effort; B-vitamins support energy metabolism during recovery |
| Sweet potato (½ cup cooked) | 90 kcal, 2g protein, 3.3g fiber, 255mg potassium, vitamin A | Potassium replaces electrolytes lost through vomiting/diarrhea; soft texture is easy to digest |
According to the American Kennel Club, these foods work because they minimize the digestive effort required while still providing enough nutrition to sustain your dog through a short recovery period. They are not nutritionally complete for long-term feeding — think of them as a 2–3 day bridge back to normal meals.
How to Prepare Bland Diet Foods Safely
Preparation mistakes are the most common reason a bland diet fails or accidentally makes things worse. Follow these steps exactly:
Chicken and Rice — Step by Step
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breast only. Dark meat and skin contain significantly more fat, which can worsen diarrhea and potentially trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.
- Boil in plain water. No salt, no broth, no seasoning, no garlic, no onion. Place chicken in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Shred or finely dice the chicken. Pieces should be no larger than a pea for small dogs, or a small pea-sized crumble for large dogs. This reduces the mechanical work the stomach needs to do.
- Cook white rice separately. Use a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio. Cook until soft and slightly overdone — mushy rice is easier to digest than al dente. Do not add butter, oil, or salt.
- Mix at a 1:2 ratio (one part chicken to two parts rice) and let cool to room temperature (approximately 68–72°F / 20–22°C) before serving. Hot food can irritate an inflamed stomach.
Other Foods — Quick Prep Rules
- Pumpkin: Use only 100% pure canned pumpkin (check the label — it should list only "pumpkin" as the ingredient). Never use pumpkin pie filling, which contains xylitol, nutmeg, or other spices toxic to dogs.
- Yogurt: Must be plain, unsweetened, and ideally low-lactose or Greek-style. Check the label for xylitol (sometimes listed as birch sugar) — this is acutely toxic to dogs.
- Bone broth: Must be homemade or a dog-specific product. Commercial human bone broths almost always contain onion powder, garlic powder, or excessive sodium. If buying, look for products labeled as dog-safe with a short ingredient list.
- Sweet potato: Peel, cube, and boil until very soft. The skin is difficult to digest and should be removed. Do not add butter, brown sugar, or marshmallows.
- Eggs: Scramble in a non-stick pan with no oil or butter, or hard-boil and mash. Avoid runny yolks in sick dogs due to salmonella risk.
Potential Risks and What Happens If Your Dog Eats Too Much
Even safe bland-diet foods can cause problems when portions are too large or when the wrong dog gets them.
Overfeeding Risks
If a dog eats too much bland food too quickly, the most common outcome is a return of vomiting — an overloaded stomach simply can't process the volume. This is why small, frequent meals are non-negotiable. In dogs prone to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV), large meals of any kind are dangerous. For deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, Standard Poodles, and German Shepherds, always divide food into at least 4 small meals and avoid feeding within 1 hour of exercise.
Food-Specific Side Effects
- Chicken: A small percentage of dogs have chicken protein allergies (estimated 5–15% of food-allergic dogs, per veterinary dermatology data). Signs include hives, facial swelling, or worsening GI symptoms. If this happens, switch to turkey or scrambled egg as the protein source.
- Rice: Generally well-tolerated, but diabetic dogs should avoid large amounts of white rice due to its high glycemic index (GI of approximately 73). Brown rice is not recommended for upset stomachs because its higher fiber content increases digestive work.
- Yogurt: Approximately 50% of adult dogs have some degree of lactose intolerance. If your dog has never had dairy, skip the yogurt and use a canine-specific probiotic instead. Signs of lactose intolerance include gas, bloating, and worsening diarrhea within 2–6 hours.
- Pumpkin: Excessive amounts (more than 4 Tbsp/day for a medium dog) can cause loose stools due to too much fiber — the opposite of the intended effect. Stick to the serving sizes above.
- Bone broth: Homemade broth from cooked bones is safe, but never give your dog the actual cooked bones to chew — they splinter and can cause intestinal perforation or obstruction.
Foods That Are Related but Toxic
When preparing bland diet foods, avoid these dangerous look-alikes and common additions:
- Onion and garlic powder — often found in commercial broths and seasoning blends; causes hemolytic anemia in dogs
- Nutmeg — sometimes in pumpkin pie filling; contains myristicin, which causes tremors and seizures
- Xylitol (birch sugar) — found in sugar-free yogurts, some peanut butters, and "diet" products; causes rapid hypoglycemia and liver failure
- Macadamia nuts — sometimes in granola or trail mix; cause weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia
- Raisins and grapes — sometimes added to rice dishes or oatmeal; cause acute kidney failure
- Avocado — contains persin; causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs
If you suspect your dog has eaten any of the foods listed above, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (available 24/7, consultation fee applies) or Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Time is critical — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
How to Introduce Bland Diet Foods and Transition Back
The way you start and stop a bland diet matters as much as the food itself. Here's a timeline that works for most mild cases:
Step 1: Fasting period (12–24 hours for adult dogs only). Withhold food but not water for 12–24 hours to let the stomach rest. Offer small amounts of water or ice cubes every 1–2 hours. Never fast puppies under 6 months, toy breeds under 10 lb, or diabetic dogs — these dogs risk hypoglycemia and should see a vet instead.
Step 2: First meal. Offer approximately half the normal serving size from the table above. For a 25 lb dog, that's about 2 Tbsp of chicken and rice. Wait 2–4 hours and observe. If no vomiting occurs, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Small frequent meals (Days 1–3). Feed the full per-meal portions 3–4 times daily at 4–6 hour intervals. Monitor stool consistency — it should begin firming within 24–48 hours.
Step 4: Transition back to regular food (Days 3–5). Once stools are formed and vomiting has stopped for at least 24 hours, begin mixing regular food back in:
- Day 3–4: 75% bland diet, 25% regular food
- Day 4–5: 50% bland diet, 50% regular food
- Day 5–6: 25% bland diet, 75% regular food
- Day 6–7: 100% regular food
Skipping this gradual transition is the most common mistake owners make. Jumping straight back to kibble after 3 days of bland food can trigger a relapse because the gut's enzyme production has adapted to the simple diet.
Dogs Who Should NOT Get a Home Bland Diet
A home-prepared bland diet is appropriate only for otherwise healthy adult dogs with mild, acute digestive upset. Certain dogs need professional veterinary care from the start:
- Puppies under 6 months: Their small glycogen reserves make fasting dangerous, and dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea can become life-threatening within hours.
- Toy and small-breed dogs under 10 lb (4.5 kg): Same hypoglycemia risk as puppies. A 5 lb Yorkie can become critically dehydrated from just two episodes of vomiting.
- Senior dogs (over 10 years): May have underlying kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer that makes vomiting a symptom of something serious rather than a simple tummy ache.
- Dogs with diabetes: The high carbohydrate content of a rice-based bland diet can destabilize blood glucose, and fasting is contraindicated.
- Dogs with a history of pancreatitis: Even lean chicken contains enough fat to potentially trigger a flare. These dogs need a prescription gastrointestinal diet from their vet.
- Dogs on prescription diets: Disrupting a therapeutic diet (e.g., for kidney disease, urinary stones, or food allergies) can undo weeks of nutritional management.
- Dogs with foreign body ingestion: If you suspect your dog ate a toy, sock, bone, or other non-food object, do not feed anything — go directly to the vet for imaging.
When in doubt, consult your veterinarian before starting any home dietary management. A 15-minute phone call can save you from missing a serious underlying condition.
When to Call the Vet: Red Flags That Mean Stop Home Care
🚨 Call Your Veterinarian Now If You See Any of These:
- Vomiting more than 3 times in 24 hours or unable to keep water down
- Blood in vomit (bright red or dark "coffee grounds" appearance)
- Blood in stool (bright red streaks or black, tarry stools)
- Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours despite bland diet
- Lethargy or collapse — your dog won't get up, seems weak, or is unresponsive
- Abdominal distension — belly looks swollen, feels tight, or your dog is pacing and retching without producing vomit (possible GDV/bloat — this is a life-threatening emergency)
- Signs of dehydration: dry tacky gums, skin that doesn't snap back when gently pinched, sunken eyes
- Fever above 103.5°F (39.7°C) — normal canine temperature is 101–102.5°F (38.3–39.2°C)
- No improvement after 24 hours of bland diet in an otherwise healthy adult dog
- Known or suspected toxin ingestion — human medications, toxic plants, rat poison, chocolate, xylitol
Typical emergency vet visit cost: $150–$300 exam fee, plus $200–$500 for bloodwork and imaging. Early intervention is almost always less expensive than waiting — treating dehydration with subcutaneous fluids costs far less than managing organ damage from delayed care.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, knowing when to seek emergency care versus when to monitor at home is one of the most important skills a pet owner can develop. When symptoms fall in a gray area, most veterinary clinics offer telehealth triage calls — use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol for an upset stomach?
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can be used in dogs at a dosage of approximately 0.5–1 mL per pound of body weight, given every 8–12 hours. However, it contains salicylates (related to aspirin) and should never be given to dogs on NSAIDs, dogs with bleeding disorders, or cats in the household (it's highly toxic to cats). The ASPCA recommends always calling your vet before administering any over-the-counter medication. Many vets now prefer famotidine (Pepcid) at 0.25–0.5 mg per pound twice daily as a safer alternative for acid reduction.
Is scrambled egg good for a dog's upset stomach?
Yes — scrambled egg is an excellent bland diet protein source. It's highly digestible (approximately 91% digestibility in dogs, per feeding studies) and provides complete amino acids. Cook it in a non-stick pan without butter, oil, or seasoning. One egg is an appropriate serving for a 15–30 lb dog. Avoid feeding raw eggs due to salmonella risk and the avidin in raw egg whites, which interferes with biotin absorption.
How long should a dog be on a bland diet?
Most dogs should be on a bland diet for 2–5 days maximum. If symptoms haven't improved within 48–72 hours, veterinary evaluation is needed to rule out parasites, bacterial infections, foreign bodies, or systemic disease. A bland diet is not nutritionally complete — prolonged use can lead to deficiencies in calcium, essential fatty acids, and certain vitamins.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
No, white rice is actually preferred for upset stomachs. Brown rice contains more fiber (1.8g per cup vs. 0.6g for white rice), which increases digestive work and can worsen diarrhea. The goal of a bland diet is minimal digestive residue — white rice achieves this better. The higher glycemic index of white rice is not a concern for a 3–5 day recovery period in non-diabetic dogs.
What about fasting — should I withhold food entirely?
A 12–24 hour fast (with free access to water) can help an adult dog's inflamed GI tract rest and begin healing. This approach is supported by the Merck Veterinary Manual for acute gastroenteritis in otherwise healthy adult dogs. However, never fast puppies, toy breeds, diabetic dogs, or dogs with metabolic conditions. If your dog has been vomiting for more than 12 hours, skip the fast and go straight to the vet — dehydration becomes a bigger risk than continued feeding.
My dog won't eat the bland diet. What should I do?
Try warming the food slightly (to approximately body temperature, 100°F / 38°C) to increase its aroma. You can also add 1–2 Tbsp of warm, dog-safe bone broth on top. If your dog still refuses food for more than 24 hours, this is itself a reason to call the vet — appetite loss combined with GI symptoms can indicate a more serious condition such as a foreign body obstruction, parvovirus (in unvaccinated dogs), or organ dysfunction.
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational guidance and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes for a sick dog, administering any medication, or if your dog's symptoms persist or worsen. Individual dogs may have allergies, comorbidities, or medication interactions that make standard bland-diet advice inappropriate.
Anouk Beaumont
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
