What Should Dogs With Diarrhea Eat?
Diarrhea is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in dogs. An easily digestible diet is essential to prevent it, and since the intestinal tract of our four-legged friends is very sensitive, for one reason or another, they suffer from it very often. What should dogs with diarrhea eat?
As with humans, diarrhea in dogs can lead to fatigue, dehydration, loss of electrolytes and many other problems for the animal. The owner must know how to deal with this pathology in the right way, otherwise it could reappear. In this article, we tell you what dogs with diarrhea should eat.
Why do dogs get diarrhea?
In general, diarrhea occurs with liquid stools three or more times a day. Failing this, diarrhea is also considered to be a situation in which the patient has one or more stools with mucus, pus, or blood within 24 hours or less.
Veterinarians estimate that nearly 30% of dogs arriving at their clinics have acute diarrhea, but they usually heal on their own in less than two weeks, which is why in many cases it is not necessary to go to a specialist urgently.
However, if the diarrhea shows blood or pus, if the dog exhibits fever or other symptoms, or if the gastrointestinal upset persists for more than two weeks, a visit to the vet is essential. Many diarrhea are caused by viruses, parasites or bacteria, i.e. infections that require specific treatments.
What should dogs with diarrhea eat?
First of all, it must be emphasized that the most conservative treatment consists in depriving the dog of any type of food for a period of 12-24 hours. If not, very small pieces of food can be offered between long intervals. In addition, the dog must drink a lot of water.
In general, dietary changes in dogs with diarrhea are based on the following points:
- It must be composed of foods that are easily digestible but which provide a high energy intake in the form of proteins and carbohydrates.
- They must contain fiber and other prebiotic elements, which help restore the animal’s bacterial flora.
Your vet will be able to advise you on the diet for a dog that is feeling unwell. Either way, here is a list of some foods that can be a good option for dogs with diarrhea. Here they are:
- White rice : white rice is rich in vitamins and minerals, which is why it is able to restore the substances lost in the stool. It also provides a lot of energy.
- Boiled chicken breast without bones or skin : this meat has only 2% fat and a large amount of quality protein.
- Oats : Oatmeal contains 1.7 grams of fiber per 100 grams of total weight, a non-negligible figure. As we have said, fiber helps restore the animal’s intestinal flora.
- Watermelon: due to its high water content, this fruit is ideal for a dog with diarrhea, because it will help you fight the dehydration caused by intestinal problems.
- Boiled egg : Boiled egg contains many essential vitamins and trace elements.
In most cases, it is recommended that the diet in dogs with diarrhea after the first 12-24 hours of its onset should consist of boneless boiled rice and chicken. As your dog improves, you can start giving him treats.
Not everything can be taken care of at home
Despite the advice presented here, it is essential to make a distinction: not all diarrhea can be treated at home. Some of these clinical pictures are caused by intestinal parasites or very aggressive bacteria, which is why antibiotic or antiparasitic treatment is necessary.
If your dog does not improve over the course of days, if you notice that he is sleeping too much or his stools show blood, you should take him to the vet immediately. When faced with certain diseases, quick action can save your four-legged friend’s life.
