9 Best Foods for Dogs With an Upset Stomach

In this article, you’ll learn how to help your dog recover from an upset stomach and how to make them feel better with food that you already have at home!

Seeing your dog with an upset tummy is never easy, but if you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ve had to deal with it at least once. Upset stomachs are pretty common in dogs, and most of the time, they don’t require a trip to the vet.

German spitz dog on a bed snuggled in a pink blanket

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That’s why it’s good to know which bland foods can help when your dog isn’t feeling their best. With a few simple tips, you can help settle their stomach and make sure they’re back to their happy, tail-wagging selves in no time.

General advice on how to help dogs with an upset stomach

Withhold food for a couple of hours

The first thing to remember is that it’s okay to withhold food for a while!

It’s perfectly fine to let your dog rest for a few hours before offering them any food. For most upset stomach issues, 4–6 hours without food is enough.

If your dog is dealing with severe vomiting and diarrhea, then a 12-hour fasting period may be a better solution. Your dog is smart, and they will signal if they need more time!

However, in most cases, a couple of hours without food is just fine.

Keep your dog hydrated

If you notice that your dog has a dry mouth, dry gums, and isn’t peeing much, they are probably dehydrated.

It’s very important to give your dog plenty of water, especially if they vomit or have diarrhea.

Introduce food back gradually

My final general tip for you is to keep portions small and avoid giving them too much food!

The main reason is that your dog will be hungry. When they’re really hungry, there’s a chance they’ll overeat, which is why it’s important to give them small portions and introduce food back gradually.

collage with text about 9 Foods for Dogs With an Upset Stomach

Best foods for dogs with an upset stomach

Foods for dogs with an upset stomach should be bland, easy to digest, and full of high-quality fiber to soak up excess water and help with diarrhea. They should also provide good nutrients!

Let’s start with the number one food—cooked white rice, which can help most dogs.

1 White rice

White rice is one of the best foods for dogs with an upset stomach! That’s why I put it first!

White rice is gentle on your dog’s digestive system and helps with the following:

diarrhea

stomach acid

vomiting

feeling sluggish and refusing food

Unlike brown rice, which has more fiber, white rice is low in fiber and high in starch, making it ideal for dogs with an upset stomach.

A classic go-to meal for dogs with an upset stomach is plain-cooked white rice mixed with plain-cooked chicken or turkey. This combination is mild, easy to eat, and provides both protein and carbs to help your dog bounce back.

How to prepare rice for your dog

You already know this, but start by rinsing the rice to remove extra starch.

I learned this from a local chef: the best white rice is rinsed five times before cooking!

Cook the rice without any added salt, oil, or butter.

Once it’s cooked, let it cool down to room temperature and mix it with some cooked chicken or turkey. Your dog will feel so much better!

2 Cooked chicken or turkey

I already mentioned mixing rice with cooked chicken or lean turkey meat as one of the best combinations for dogs with an upset stomach!

Lean poultry meat is a fantastic source of protein and is gentle on your dog’s digestive system.

Always make sure the meat is boneless and skinless to avoid any issues with digestion or choking hazards. And never give your dog raw chicken or turkey, especially if they’re dealing with an upset stomach!

Both chicken and turkey are considered lean protein sources, and both can help settle your dog’s stomach while providing the energy boost they really need when they’re dealing with diarrhea or vomiting.

Most vets suggest boiling the meat so you can prepare it without adding extra fats or oils.

Simply use a shallow pan, cover the meat with water, put the lid on, and cook until tender.

Not all table scraps are safe for dogs

If you already have some cooked chicken or turkey at home, you can give some to your dog, but only if it’s made without heavy creams or butter.

One thing I always end up doing is giving my dog some of the roast turkey by choosing meat from the inside, which is usually free from spices or salt!

Maybe you already have something like that at home!

3 Pumpkin

Pumpkin is one of the best foods for dogs with an upset stomach, and honestly, it works like magic. The secret is in its fiber—it has both soluble and insoluble fiber, which are amazing for regulating digestion.

I wrote more about it in my article about feeding dogs pumpkin and squash, so you can check it out if you’re interested in more details.

Here’s how it helps:

Soluble fiber absorbs extra water in your dog’s digestive tract. This is super helpful if your dog has diarrhea because it firms up those loose stools.

Insoluble fiber, adds bulk to the stool and helps it move through the digestive system. So, if your dog is constipated, pumpkin can help get things moving again.

This perfect balance of fibers is why pumpkin is such a great choice for soothing upset stomachs!

What’s the best pumpkin for dogs?

Cooked, plain pumpkin is best for dogs. Here are some options!

Pumpkin puree and cooked pumpkin are your best bets. They’re gentle, easy to digest, and full of nutrients like vitamins A and C. Plus, they’re mild enough not to upset your dog’s already-sensitive tummy.

Canned pumpkin is another great option, but here’s the catch—it has to be 100% pure pumpkin. Make sure it doesn’t have any added salt, sugar, or spices. Pumpkin pie filling? Nope. That’s full of stuff your dog doesn’t need, like nutmeg or sweeteners, and it can actually be harmful.

Baby food pumpkin can also be a lifesaver. It’s basically cooked pumpkin, and if it’s free from additives, it’s safe and super convenient.

How to feed pumpkin to your dog

If you’re using fresh pumpkin, cook it first! Remove the seeds and skin, then steam, boil, or bake it until soft. Mash it up or puree it before serving. Or you can just cut it into small pieces.

Canned pumpkin or baby food pumpkin is ready to go—just make sure it’s plain and additive-free.

Start with small amounts:

Small dogs: 1–2 teaspoons.

Larger dogs: 1–2 tablespoons.

4 Sweet potatoes

If you don’t have any pumpkin at home, sweet potatoes will do. They are a good option for dogs with an upset stomach, especially if they’re experiencing difficulty pooping.

Sweet potatoes are high in insoluble fiber, which can help make their poop less runny.

Sweet potatoes vs. pumpkin: Which is better?

It’s not about one being better than the other—both are fantastic foods for dogs with an upset stomach.

Cooked pumpkin is slightly higher in fiber, and that’s why it’s great for both diarrhea and constipation, but sweet potatoes are quite similar. Choose whatever you have on hand, or even use both.

How to serve sweet potatoes to your dog

Here’s how to safely prepare sweet potatoes for your dog:

Cook them thoroughly: Peel the sweet potatoes, then boil, steam, or bake them until soft. You can cut them into small pieces or mash them with a fork.

Skip the seasonings: You are cooking for a dog with an upset stomach, so don’t add any salt, butter, or spices—your dog doesn’t need these, and they can upset their stomach further.

5 Eggs (scrambled or boiled)

whole and hard-boiled eggs cut in half in a bowl with some parsley

Eggs also belong to this group of fantastic foods for dogs with an upset stomach.

Some of us may look at eggs as heavy, nutrient-dense options, but they are actually very gentle on the stomach. And they are easy to digest!

They are also a great source of protein, iron, and nutrients that will give your dog strength when they’re dealing with an upset stomach.

Why are eggs good for upset stomachs?

Eggs are full of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and healthy fats. All these nutrients help dogs to recover.

Plus, eggs are very gentle on the digestive system, so they are easy to eat, especially if your dog is dealing with vomiting or diarrhea.

How to prepare eggs for your dog

When feeding your dog eggs, keep it simple:

Scrambled eggs: Cook them plain, without any butter, oil, salt, or spices. A small portion of fluffy scrambled eggs can be a great meal for your dog.

Boiled eggs: Hard boil the eggs, peel the shell and chop or mash them before serving.

Raw eggs? Not a good idea!

It’s tempting to crack an egg raw over your dog’s food, especially if you saw something similar on social media. But don’t give your dogs raw eggs!

Raw eggs are especially dangerous if your dog is dealing with an upset stomach! Always cook the eggs, even if you know that you buy high-quality eggs and organic produce.

6 Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the best bland foods for dogs with an upset stomach! It’s full of good fiber and has a soothing effect on the stomach.

It’s a good option for dogs that are dealing with diarrhea as it’s rich in soluble fiber. Soluble fiber absorbs excess water in your dog’s system, so it has the power to firm up their poop and stop diarrhea!

How to prepare oatmeal for your dog

Cook the oatmeal in a plain and simple way:

Use plain oats: Choose unflavored, unsweetened oatmeal with no added sugars or artificial ingredients. Avoid instant oatmeal with added flavors or spices.

Cook it thoroughly: Boil the oats in water (never milk, as some dogs are lactose intolerant). Cook until soft and let it cool completely before serving.

Serve in small portions: Start with 1–2 teaspoons for small dogs and 1–2 tablespoons for larger dogs.

What about toppings?

Skip the toppings! While we may love to add sugar, honey, or fruit to our oatmeal, your dog’s upset stomach won’t appreciate it. Keep it plain to avoid upsetting their tummy further.

And never add raisins to your dog’s oatmeal, as raisins are toxic to dogs!

7 Carrots

Raw carrots are a great treat, but if your dog is dealing with stomach issues, then you’ll have to give them cooked ones!

Carrots can help your dog regulate digestion and stop diarrhea. Plus, they are full of good vitamins and minerals that will give them energy!

Carrots are high in insoluble fiber, which helps turn those runny stools into solid ones and helps with mild cases of diarrhea.

8 Yogurt

You probably read that most dogs are lactose intolerant, but new studies actually prove that dogs evolved over time while living with people and that most dogs in Europe and North America can eat dairy products. You can read more about it here.

That’s why I put yogurt on the list of best foods for dogs with an upset stomach!

Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, can be a great option for diarrhea and vomiting. It has probiotics that help your dog restore healthy bacteria in the gut.

The probiotics in yogurt contain live bacteria cultures that help replenish the good bacteria in your dog’s gut. These good bacteria are important for digestion and can help ease diarrhea and other stomach issues by improving the overall balance of your dog’s microbiome.

Yogurt also contains prebiotics, which feed the good bacteria and help them thrive, making yogurt a dual-action food for gut health. Probiotics and prebiotics together will stabilize your dog’s digestive system.

What kind of yogurt is best for dogs?

Not all yogurt is created equal. Here’s what to look for:

Plain and unsweetened: Avoid yogurts with added sugar, flavors and sweeteners (pay attention to xylitol, because it’s toxic to dogs).

Low-fat or non-fat: Higher-fat yogurts can be harder for dogs to digest, especially if they already have an upset stomach.

Live and active cultures: Look for labels that say the yogurt contains live and active cultures, as these are the probiotics that benefit your dog’s gut.

Just please be careful and only give your dog yogurt if you know that they can tolerate lactose!

9 Ginger (small quantities)

We all know that ginger is the best option for nausea and vomiting. Surprisingly, it has a similar effect on dogs!

You just need to be careful, as ginger is super spicy and can irritate your dog’s stomach in huge amounts. So, you need to give them only a pinch of grated ginger to help them with bloating and gas.

Why is ginger good for upset stomachs?

Ginger has compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which help calm the stomach and ease nausea.

Here’s the deal: when your dog’s stomach is upset, those compounds act like a natural anti-nausea medicine. They reduce inflammation in the stomach lining (you know, that queasy, uneasy feeling) and help food move through the digestive tract so it doesn’t just sit there, causing more problems.

Plus, ginger messes with the “nausea signals” between the stomach and the brain. Basically, it tells your dog’s brain, “Hey, we’re fine down here!” so they feel less sick.

If your dog tends to get carsick, a little ginger might be worth trying. You could even give them a small piece of a low-sugar ginger biscuit—just make sure there’s no xylitol, chocolate, or anything else that’s not safe for dogs.

How to safely serve ginger to your dog

When feeding ginger to your dog, it’s important to use only small amounts and stick to fresh, plain ginger. Here’s how:

Peel and grate: Use a small piece of fresh ginger, peel it, and grate or finely chop it.

Mix it in food: Add a pinch (no more than 1/8 teaspoon) to your dog’s food, like rice or boiled chicken, to help with digestion.

When to call the vet

While the majority of dogs recover from an upset stomach at home, some dogs may need extra help. If your dog has digestive issues for more than 24 hours, especially if we’re talking about vomiting, and if you already tried foods from this list, then consider calling your vet.

Additionally, if you notice any of the symptoms below, please call your vet!

Persistent vomiting or diarrhea: Lots of vomiting and constant diarrhea for more than 24 hours.

Blood in vomit or stool: This is serious and can indicate that your dog has internal injuries or problems.

Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy, even when you play with them or ask them to go outside.

Loss of appetite: Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours.

Abdominal pain or bloating: Hard or swollen tummy. Sometimes, your dog won’t even let you touch their tummy.

It’s never easy to see our dogs deal with an upset tummy, but if you try some of these foods from the list, you will help them recover and give them the nutrients they need to bounce back!

Here’s a quick recap of the best foods we’ve covered:

Best Foods for Dogs with Upset Stomachs

Food	Vomiting	Diarrhea	Bloating and Gas
Sweet potatoes		🐾
Eggs	🐾
Oatmeal		🐾
Carrots		🐾
Yogurt		🐾
Ginger			🐾

Each of these foods can help your dog recover. Whether your dog is dealing with bloating, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, or just feeling a little off, these options can help them feel better.

Love, life, and fur forever!