What Can I Give My Dog for a Gurgling Stomach? Safe Foods & Vet Guide
What can I give my dog for a gurgling stomach? Discover safe human foods, exact serving sizes by weight, preparation tips, and when to call the vet.
If you've ever heard your dog's belly making loud, rumbling noises at 3 a.m., you've probably wondered: what can I give my dog for a gurgling stomach? The good news is that several plain human foods can help settle mild digestive upset. The key is knowing which foods are safe, how much to serve, and when those gurgles signal something that requires professional attention rather than a kitchen remedy.
Plain, cooked white rice, boiled skinless chicken breast, canned pure pumpkin (not pie filling), plain unsweetened yogurt, and bone broth are all safe foods to offer a dog with a gurgling stomach. These bland, easily digestible options can help settle mild gastrointestinal upset. However, if gurgling persists beyond 24 hours, is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or refusal to eat, you must consult your veterinarian — these can signal serious conditions like pancreatitis, bloat, or intestinal obstruction.
Why Is My Dog's Stomach Gurgling?
The medical term for stomach gurgling is borborygmi — the sound of gas moving through the intestines during normal digestion. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, occasional borborygmi is perfectly normal. Dogs produce these sounds when:
- Hunger: An empty stomach allows gas to move more audibly through the GI tract
- Dietary indiscretion: Eating something unusual, too fast, or too rich
- Gas buildup: Swallowed air or fermentation of undigested food
- Mild GI upset: A temporary imbalance in gut flora or motility
- Serious conditions: Intestinal parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, foreign body obstruction, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
Before reaching for home remedies, assess the full picture. Normal gurgling with a bright, alert dog who is eating and defecating normally usually resolves on its own. Gurgling combined with other symptoms warrants a different approach entirely.
Safe Foods to Settle Your Dog's Gurgling Stomach
When your dog has mild digestive noise without alarming symptoms, these five human foods form the foundation of a bland, soothing diet. Each has specific properties that make it appropriate for GI upset.
1. Plain Cooked White Rice
White rice is the gold standard bland-diet carbohydrate for dogs. Unlike brown rice, white rice is low in fiber and easy to digest, which is exactly what an irritated gut needs. It provides quick energy without taxing the digestive system.
Nutritional profile (per 1 cup cooked, USDA data): 205 calories, 4.3g protein, 44.5g carbohydrates, 0.4g fat, 0.6g fiber. Contains small amounts of B vitamins (thiamin 0.2mg, niacin 2.4mg) and iron (1.9mg).
2. Boiled Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast
Lean protein that's gentle on the stomach. Chicken breast provides essential amino acids for tissue repair without the fat content that can worsen GI inflammation or trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.
Nutritional profile (per 3 oz cooked, USDA data): 128 calories, 26g protein, 2.7g fat, 0g carbohydrates, 0g fiber. Rich in niacin (10.6mg), vitamin B6 (0.5mg), and phosphorus (196mg).
3. Plain Canned Pumpkin (100% Pure Pumpkin, NOT Pie Filling)
Pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber, which helps normalize bowel movements by absorbing excess water in loose stools and adding bulk. It also contains prebiotics that support healthy gut bacteria.
Nutritional profile (per 1 cup canned plain pumpkin, USDA data): 83 calories, 2.7g protein, 0.7g fat, 19.8g carbohydrates, 7.1g fiber. Excellent source of vitamin A (763mcg RAE — 85% DV for humans), potassium (505mg), and vitamin E (2.5mg).
Critical distinction: Pumpkin pie filling contains xylitol, nutmeg, and spices that are toxic to dogs. Always verify the label reads "100% pumpkin" with no added ingredients.
4. Plain Unsweetened Yogurt (Full Fat or Low Fat)
Yogurt contains live active cultures (probiotics) like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium that can help restore gut flora balance. The fermentation process also reduces lactose content compared to milk, making it tolerable for many dogs with mild lactose sensitivity.
Nutritional profile (per 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt, USDA data): 154 calories, 12.9g protein, 3.8g fat, 17.2g carbohydrates, 0g fiber. Good source of calcium (415mg), phosphorus (329mg), and riboflavin (0.5mg).
5. Bone Broth (Unseasoned, No Onion or Garlic)
Bone broth provides hydration, electrolytes, and easily absorbed nutrients. The gelatin content may help soothe the intestinal lining. It's especially useful when a dog with an upset stomach is reluctant to drink water.
Nutritional profile (per 1 cup homemade beef bone broth, approximate): 39 calories, 2.4g protein, 0.2g fat, 6.1g carbohydrates. Contains collagen-derived amino acids (glycine, proline), calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in small amounts.
Exact Serving Sizes by Dog Weight
Dosing bland foods correctly matters. Too little won't have an effect; too much can worsen digestive distress. The following table provides specific portions for a single meal of a bland diet combination (rice + protein) or individual soothing foods. Feed these portions 2–3 times daily for 1–3 days, then gradually transition back to regular food.
| Dog Weight | Rice + Chicken (per meal) | Pumpkin (per meal) | Yogurt (per meal) | Bone Broth (per meal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 2 Tbsp rice + 1 Tbsp chicken | 1 tsp | 1 tsp | 2 Tbsp |
| 10–25 lb (4.5–11 kg) | ¼ cup rice + 2 Tbsp chicken | 1 Tbsp | 1 Tbsp | ¼ cup |
| 25–50 lb (11–23 kg) | ½ cup rice + ¼ cup chicken | 1–2 Tbsp | 2 Tbsp | ½ cup |
| 50–80 lb (23–36 kg) | ¾ cup rice + ⅓ cup chicken | 2–3 Tbsp | 3 Tbsp | ¾ cup |
| Over 80 lb (36+ kg) | 1 cup rice + ½ cup chicken | 3–4 Tbsp | ¼ cup | 1 cup |
Ratio guideline for rice + chicken: Use approximately 2 parts rice to 1 part chicken by volume. This ratio provides adequate carbohydrates for energy while keeping protein moderate enough not to overwork digestion.
How to Prepare These Foods Safely
Preparation matters as much as ingredient selection. Dogs with upset stomachs need food that is as plain and unprocessed as possible.
Rice
- Rinse 1 cup of white rice under cold water until water runs clear (removes excess starch)
- Cook in 2 cups of plain water — no salt, no butter, no broth with onion/garlic
- Cook until soft and slightly overdone (about 20–25 minutes) — softer rice is easier to digest
- Cool completely to room temperature before serving
Chicken Breast
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breast only — dark meat and skin are too fatty
- Boil in plain water for 15–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Do not add salt, pepper, garlic, onion, or any seasoning
- Shred or dice into bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog's size
- Cool completely before mixing with rice
Pumpkin
- Open a can of 100% pure pumpkin — verify the ingredient list contains only pumpkin
- Scoop the appropriate serving size from the table above
- Can be served at room temperature or slightly warmed (not hot)
- Store opened can in refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze portions in ice cube trays
Yogurt
- Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt — check the label for xylitol (toxic to dogs), which may be listed under "artificial sweeteners"
- Full-fat or low-fat are both acceptable; avoid non-fat varieties that often contain added thickeners and sweeteners
- Serve cold or at room temperature directly from the container
Bone Broth
- Use homemade broth or a commercial dog-specific bone broth (brands like Brutus, Honest Kitchen, or Native Pet)
- If homemade: simmer beef or chicken bones in water for 12–24 hours with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar — absolutely NO onion, garlic, leeks, or chives
- Strain thoroughly to remove all bone fragments
- Skim excess fat from the surface after cooling
- Serve lukewarm — not hot, not ice cold
When NOT to Feed These Foods — and Dogs Who Should Skip Them
While these foods are generally safe, certain dogs need different management:
- Puppies under 6 months: Their digestive systems are still developing. A gurgling stomach in a young puppy can escalate to dehydration rapidly. Consult your veterinarian before offering any home remedy — puppies may need prescription GI diets or subcutaneous fluids.
- Dogs with known food allergies: Chicken is one of the top 5 canine food allergens (along with beef, dairy, wheat, and egg). If your dog has a diagnosed chicken allergy, substitute with boiled lean ground turkey or cooked white fish (cod or tilapia).
- Dogs with diabetes: White rice has a high glycemic index and will spike blood glucose. Diabetic dogs with GI upset need veterinary-directed dietary management.
- Dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD): Bone broth can be high in phosphorus, and chicken breast is high-protein — both may need restriction in CKD patients. Consult your veterinarian for appropriate options.
- Lactose-intolerant dogs: Even yogurt's reduced lactose content may trigger gas and diarrhea in severely intolerant dogs. Skip the yogurt and use pumpkin instead.
- Dogs on prescription GI diets: If your dog is already on a veterinary therapeutic diet (e.g., Hill's i/d, Royal Canin GI, Purina EN), do not add human foods without your vet's approval — you may disrupt the carefully balanced formulation.
What Happens If My Dog Eats Too Much of These Foods?
Even safe foods can cause problems in excess:
| Food | Risk of Overfeeding | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| White Rice | Blood sugar spike, constipation if fed without adequate moisture, nutritional imbalance if used long-term | Lethargy, hard dry stools, decreased appetite after 48+ hours |
| Chicken Breast | Protein overload in dogs with liver/kidney issues, potential allergic reaction | Itching, ear inflammation, vomiting within 1–2 hours |
| Pumpkin | Excess fiber causing diarrhea (ironic given its use for diarrhea), vitamin A toxicity at extreme doses | Loose stools worsening, orange-tinted stools |
| Yogurt | Lactose-related gas and diarrhea, pancreatitis risk from fat in susceptible breeds | Increased gurgling, flatulence, loose stools |
| Bone Broth | Sodium overload if commercial broth contains added salt, fat-related GI upset | Excessive thirst, vomiting, signs of salt toxicity (tremors, seizures at extreme levels) |
If you've accidentally overfed any of these items, withhold food for 12 hours (water only) and monitor. If symptoms worsen or don't resolve within 24 hours, contact your veterinarian.
Foods to Avoid When Your Dog's Stomach Is Gurgling
Well-meaning owners sometimes reach for foods that seem soothing but are actually harmful. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Milk: Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant. Milk will likely worsen gas, gurgling, and diarrhea rather than settle the stomach.
- Bread dough: Raw yeast dough expands in the stomach and produces ethanol — both are dangerous. This includes pizza dough, sourdough, and any unbaked bread product.
- Fatty meats (bacon, sausage, ham): High fat content can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Breeds like Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels are especially predisposed.
- Onion, garlic, chives, and leeks (alliums): These damage red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia. Never add them to homemade broth or any dog food. Toxicity can occur at doses as low as 5g/kg of onion.
- Grapes and raisins: Even small amounts can cause acute kidney injury in dogs. The toxic mechanism was identified in 2021 as tartaric acid, but the threshold dose varies unpredictably between individual dogs.
- Xylitol-sweetened products: This sugar substitute causes rapid insulin release, hypoglycemia, and liver failure in dogs. Check all yogurt, peanut butter, and "sugar-free" product labels.
- Spiced or seasoned foods: Black pepper, chili powder, paprika, and most seasonings irritate the canine GI lining. "Human bland" is not the same as "dog bland."
- Macadamia nuts: Cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. Toxicity can occur at doses as low as 2.4g/kg.
If your dog has ingested any toxic substance, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (available 24/7, consultation fee applies) or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately.
🚨 When to Call the Vet Immediately
Stomach gurgling alone is usually not an emergency. But call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away if your dog's gurgling is accompanied by any of these red-flag symptoms:
- Vomiting more than twice in 24 hours or inability to keep water down
- Diarrhea with blood (bright red or dark tarry/black stools)
- Abdominal distension — a visibly swollen, tight, or painful belly (possible bloat/GDV — this is a life-threatening emergency, especially in deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles)
- Lethargy or collapse — your dog won't get up, seems weak, or is unresponsive
- Pale or tacky gums — lift the lip; gums should be pink and moist, not white, gray, or sticky
- Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours (12 hours for puppies)
- Signs of pain: whining, pacing, "prayer position" (front end down, rear end up), restlessness, or guarding the abdomen
- Gurgling that has persisted for more than 48 hours despite bland diet management
Expected vet visit costs (2026 estimates): Initial exam $65–$120, abdominal X-rays $200–$450, bloodwork panel $150–$300, ultrasound $350–$600. Emergency after-hours visits typically add $100–$200 to the base exam fee. If surgery is needed for a foreign body obstruction, expect $2,000–$7,000 depending on complexity and region.
How to Introduce Bland Foods Safely
When your dog's stomach is gurgling and you've ruled out emergency symptoms, follow this step-by-step introduction protocol:
- Fast for 12 hours (adult dogs only). Withhold food but provide free access to fresh water or small amounts of bone broth every 1–2 hours. This gives the GI tract a rest. Do NOT fast puppies under 12 months, toy breeds under 10 lb (risk of hypoglycemia), or dogs with diabetes without veterinary guidance.
- Start with bone broth or water. After the fast, offer 1–2 tablespoons of lukewarm bone broth (appropriate to your dog's weight from the serving table above). Wait 30 minutes. If no vomiting occurs, proceed to step 3.
- Offer a small bland meal. Serve half the recommended portion from the serving table — rice and chicken mixed together, at room temperature. Wait 1–2 hours and observe.
- Monitor for 24–48 hours. If the first small meal is tolerated, feed the full recommended portion every 4–6 hours (3–4 small meals per day). Watch for: normal stool formation, reduced stomach noise, return of appetite, and normal energy levels.
- Transition back to regular food over 3–5 days. Once stools are firm and gurgling has stopped, begin mixing regular food back in: Day 1 — 75% bland diet / 25% regular food. Day 2 — 50/50. Day 3 — 25% bland / 75% regular. Day 4 — 100% regular food if no symptoms return.
This gradual approach prevents re-irritating a healing gut. Rushing back to a rich regular diet too quickly is the most common reason bland-diet attempts fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat scrambled eggs for an upset stomach?
Yes — plain scrambled eggs cooked without butter, oil, or seasoning are a good bland-diet protein alternative, especially for dogs with chicken allergies. One egg provides 6.3g protein and 4.8g fat. Serve ½ egg for dogs under 20 lb and 1 whole egg for dogs over 20 lb per meal. However, eggs are higher in fat than chicken breast, so dogs with pancreatitis history should skip them.
Is Pepto-Bismol safe for a dog's gurgling stomach?
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is sometimes used in dogs, but only under veterinary direction. The salicylate component is related to aspirin and can cause GI bleeding, particularly in dogs on NSAIDs or steroids. Typical veterinary-recommended dosing is 0.5–1 mL per pound every 8 hours, but your vet must confirm this is appropriate for your specific dog. Never give Pepto-Bismol to cats — it is toxic to them.
How long should I feed a bland diet before calling the vet?
If your dog's gurgling stomach hasn't improved within 48 hours on a bland diet, or if symptoms worsen at any point, contact your veterinarian. A bland diet is a short-term bridge, not a treatment for underlying disease. Prolonged GI symptoms may indicate parasites (giardia, roundworms), food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, or other conditions requiring diagnostic testing and targeted treatment.
Can I give my dog ginger for a gurgling stomach?
Small amounts of fresh ginger are generally safe for dogs and may help with nausea. Grate approximately ¼ teaspoon of fresh ginger root into food for a medium-sized dog (25–50 lb). However, ginger can thin the blood and should not be given to dogs on anticoagulant medications or before surgery. Consult your veterinarian before using ginger regularly.
My dog's stomach gurgles every morning before breakfast — is that normal?
Morning gurgling on an empty stomach is very common and usually harmless. It simply means gas is moving through an empty GI tract. If your dog is otherwise healthy, eating well, and producing normal stools, you can try splitting their daily food into smaller, more frequent meals or offering a small bedtime snack (1–2 tablespoons of their regular kibble) to reduce overnight fasting time. If morning gurgling is accompanied by vomiting yellow bile (bilious vomiting syndrome), your veterinarian may recommend an antacid like famotidine at 0.25–0.5 mg/kg twice daily.
Are there commercial bland diets I can buy instead of cooking?
Yes. Prescription GI diets like Hill's Prescription Diet i/d, Royal Canin Gastrointestinal, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN are formulated to be highly digestible and nutritionally complete — unlike homemade rice and chicken, which is not balanced for long-term feeding. These require a veterinary prescription. Over-the-counter options include Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin and Royal Canin Digestive Care, which are formulated for easier digestion but are not equivalent to therapeutic GI diets.
This article provides general educational information and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes for a dog experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, especially if your dog is a puppy, senior, pregnant, or has pre-existing health conditions.
Anouk Beaumont
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
