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What to Feed a Dog With an Upset Stomach: Beyond Chicken and Rice
Editor's Note: Originally published in 2022. Updated June 2026 to reflect current information and answer some of the most common questions we hear from pet parents.
If you've ever called your veterinarian, asked a dog-loving friend, or searched Google after your dog had diarrhea, chances are you've heard the same advice:
"Feed chicken and rice."
It's probably one of the most common recommendations out there, and for many dogs it has been used successfully as a short-term bland diet.
But over the years, we've had plenty of pet parents walk into Poochie Moochie asking the same question:
"Is chicken and rice the only option?"
The short answer?
Not necessarily.
Chicken and rice isn't wrong, and for some dogs it may be perfectly appropriate. But digestive upset can have many causes, and what works beautifully for one dog may not be the best fit for another.
First Things First: When Should You Contact Your Veterinarian?
Not every upset stomach can be managed at home.
Please contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog:
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Has repeated vomiting.
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Has bloody diarrhea or black stools.
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Appears painful or bloated.
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Is weak or lethargic.
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Is refusing water.
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Shows signs of dehydration.
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Has symptoms lasting longer than 24 hours.
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Is a puppy, senior, diabetic, or has another underlying medical condition.
Sometimes digestive upset is simply the result of eating something they shouldn't have. Other times, parasites, pancreatitis, infections, food sensitivities, or even a foreign body obstruction can be responsible.
When in doubt, it's always better to play it safe.
Why Has Chicken and Rice Been Recommended for So Long?
Chicken and rice became popular because both ingredients are generally easy to digest and relatively low in fat.
Cooked chicken provides protein, while white rice supplies carbohydrates that many dogs tolerate well during short periods of digestive upset.
And for some dogs, that's enough.
But dogs are individuals.
That's something we see every day.
What If Chicken Doesn't Agree With Your Dog?
While many dogs do well with chicken, sensitivities to chicken aren't uncommon.
Some dogs seem to thrive on it, while others experience recurring digestive upset, itchy skin, or chronic ear issues that improve when different proteins are introduced.
If you've noticed that your dog consistently struggles with chicken, it may be worth discussing alternative proteins with your veterinarian.
Turkey, rabbit, pork, duck, and fish are examples of proteins that some dogs tolerate well.
Is Rice Necessary?
Rice has traditionally been included because it's bland and easy to digest.
However, not every dog needs rice, and some dogs may do well with other sources of fibre and carbohydrates.
The goal isn't necessarily to follow one recipe.
It's to support hydration, provide gentle nutrition, and address the underlying cause of the digestive upset.
Supportive Foods Worth Considering
Pumpkin
Plain pumpkin purée is one of our favourite additions for mild digestive upset.
Because it's rich in soluble fibre, pumpkin may help support normal stool consistency and can be useful for both diarrhea and constipation.
Just make sure you're using plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
For pet parents looking for convenient options, we carry frozen pumpkin purée by Big Country Raw, as well as Thrive dehydrated pumpkin powder. Dehydrated pumpkin is especially handy to keep in the cupboard, as you simply add water when needed.
Bone Broth
Bone broth can be a wonderful way to encourage hydration, especially in pets that aren't feeling their best.
Many dogs and cats find it irresistible, and adding moisture to the diet can help support recovery after vomiting or diarrhea.
For those looking for ready-to-serve options, we carry bone broths from Open Farm, which are popular additions to meals or can be served on their own.
Turkey
If chicken doesn't seem to agree with your dog, cooked turkey is another lean protein that many pets tolerate well.
Sweet Potato
Cooked sweet potato provides fibre and nutrients and is another gentle option that some dogs do very well on.
As with any new food, introduce it gradually and monitor your dog's response.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm has been used traditionally to help soothe the digestive tract and is commonly recommended by holistic veterinarians and pet owners as supportive care.
If you're interested in trying slippery elm, we carry Thrive Slippery Elm Powder, which can easily be added to meals as directed.
What About Fasting?
It's not unusual for a dog with an upset stomach to skip a meal or two.
Healthy adult dogs may tolerate short periods without food, but puppies, toy breeds, diabetic dogs, and pets with certain medical conditions should never be fasted without veterinary guidance.
Fresh water should always be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat rice when they have diarrhea?
Chicken and rice has traditionally been used as a bland diet, and many dogs tolerate it well. However, some dogs may do better with alternative options depending on the underlying cause of their digestive upset.
Is pumpkin good for dogs with diarrhea?
Plain pumpkin contains soluble fibre and is commonly used to help support healthy stool consistency.
Is bone broth good for dogs?
Bone broth can help encourage hydration and may be especially appealing to pets recovering from illness or digestive upset.
Can I fast my dog if they have an upset stomach?
Healthy adult dogs may tolerate short periods without food, but puppies, diabetic dogs, toy breeds, and pets with medical conditions should always be evaluated by a veterinarian before fasting.
When should I take my dog to the veterinarian for diarrhea?
Seek veterinary care immediately if your dog has:
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Blood in the stool.
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Repeated vomiting.
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Signs of dehydration.
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Severe lethargy.
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Pain or bloating.
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Symptoms lasting longer than 24 hours.
The Bottom Line
If your veterinarian has recommended chicken and rice, there's no need to panic. It has been used successfully for years and may be perfectly appropriate for many dogs.
But it's important to remember that there isn't one single answer that works for every pet.
Some dogs may benefit from different proteins. Others may do better with added fibre or additional digestive support. And sometimes recurring digestive issues are a sign that a deeper conversation with your veterinarian is needed.
At Poochie Moochie, we're passionate about helping pet parents understand all of their options. Whether your dog eats kibble, canned food, gently cooked meals, or raw, our goal is the same as yours:
Helping your pet feel their best.
References and Further Reading
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Aussie Pooch: Why Chicken and Rice May Not Be the Best Bland Diet for Sick Dogs
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Dogs Naturally Magazine: Prescription Diets: Taking a Closer Look.
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