Bland Diet for Dogs: What to Feed and How to Do It Right

If your dog has been vomiting, has diarrhea, or is recovering from a GI illness, your vet has probably recommended a bland diet. But what exactly does that mean? What foods qualify, how much should you give, and how long should you keep your dog on it? Here's everything you need to know.

What Is a Bland Diet for Dogs?

A bland diet consists of simple, easily digestible foods that are low in fat and fiber. The goal is to give the digestive system a break while still providing enough nutrition to sustain your dog. It's not a long-term diet — it's a short-term therapeutic tool used during and after GI illness.

The Classic Bland Diet: Chicken and Rice

The most widely recommended bland diet for dogs is plain boiled chicken and white rice. Here's how to prepare it:

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast. Boil in plain water with no seasoning, salt, or oil. Shred or chop into small pieces.
• Rice: Use plain white rice (not brown — it's harder to digest). Cook until soft and slightly mushy.
• Ratio: Mix 1 part chicken to 2–3 parts rice.

Other Bland Diet Options

Chicken and rice is the classic, but there are other vet-approved bland options:

• Plain boiled turkey (no skin, no seasoning)
• Plain scrambled eggs (cooked in a non-stick pan with no butter or oil)
• Plain sweet potato (boiled or baked, no skin, no seasoning)
• Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling — just pure pumpkin)
• Plain cottage cheese (low-fat, in small amounts)

Add Pumpkin for Extra Digestive Support

Plain pumpkin is one of the most effective additions to a bland diet. Its soluble fiber helps regulate digestion — firming up loose stools and keeping things moving if your dog is constipated. Add 1–4 tablespoons per meal depending on your dog's size.

Nummy Tum Tum Organic Pumpkin is a pantry staple worth keeping on hand — it's 100% pure pumpkin with no additives, and the cans are easy to portion and store.

How Much to Feed on a Bland Diet

Feed smaller portions than usual, more frequently:

• Offer about 25–50% of your dog's normal daily food amount
• Divide into 4–6 small meals throughout the day
• Gradually increase portion size as your dog improves

How Long to Keep Your Dog on a Bland Diet

Most dogs stay on a bland diet for 2–5 days. Once they've had 24–48 hours without symptoms, begin transitioning back to their regular food:

• Days 1–2: 75% bland, 25% regular food
• Days 3–4: 50/50
• Days 5–6: 25% bland, 75% regular food
• Day 7: Back to normal

What to Avoid on a Bland Diet

• Fatty meats (beef, pork, lamb)
• Seasoning, salt, garlic, or onion
• Dairy (except small amounts of low-fat cottage cheese)
• High-fiber vegetables
• Treats or table scraps

When to See the Vet

A bland diet is appropriate for mild GI upset, but contact your vet if:

• Symptoms don't improve after 48 hours
• Your dog has bloody vomit or diarrhea
• Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has a health condition
• Your dog is showing signs of pain or severe lethargy

Final Thoughts

A bland diet is one of the simplest and most effective tools for helping a dog recover from digestive upset. Stick to plain, simple ingredients, feed small amounts frequently, and transition back to regular food gradually. When in doubt, your vet is always the best guide.