Every dog parent has run into their fair share of tummy issues. An upset stomach - low appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, or a combination of all three is  stressful to deal with.

While your vet should always be the first stop for treatment, there are safe home remedies and gentle foods for dogs with upset stomachs that may help ease digestion until they’re feeling better.

 

How To Treat Your Dog’s Upset Stomach at Home

Many things can cause your dog’s stomach problems, from parasites and viruses, to stress, overeating, or scraps picked up on the street.

If you notice symptoms of an upset stomach, don’t panic. Keep an eye on how it progresses, noting any changes in their behavior, appetite, and energy levels. Make sure they always have access to plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated and help flush their system. You can also support recovery with a bland, easy to digest diet or briefly stop feeding altogether to let their digestive tract recover if your vet advises it.

If things don’t seem to improve in a day or two, it’s best to bring them to their vet to see what could be wrong.

 

What to Feed a Dog with an Upset Stomach (5 Best Foods)

When trying to get your dog’s digestive system back on track, a good rule of thumb is to feed them a bland, gentle diet made of foods that are easy to digest. These foods are less likely to irritate the stomach and can sometimes help firm up stools or calm nausea.

Here are the five best foods to feed dogs with an upset stomach:

 

1. Plain Rice

Cooked plain white rice is easy to digest and gentle on a dog’s stomach. The starchy carbs can help firm loose stools during diarrhea. Serve it plain and fully cooked - no seasoning, butter, or oil.

 

2. Simple, Lean Protein 

Low-fat proteins with no seasoning, like plain boiled chicken breast or turkey breast (no bones or skin), are easy to digest and gentle on a dog’s upset stomach. They provide protein and nutrients without extra fat, supporting recovery during digestive upset.

Note: Some dogs may be allergic to chicken. If your dog has known sensitivities or you’re unsure, consider alternatives like plain lean beef, fish, or a hypoallergenic protein recommended by your vet.

 

3. Potatoes 

Cooked plain potatoes, including sweet potatoes, have starches that are easy for dogs to digest and gentle on an upset stomach. They also provide starch and fiber that can help firm up loose stools during diarrhea. Always serve potatoes fully cooked and unseasoned.Never feed raw potatoes; they contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs.

 

4. Pumpkin

Many dog parents reach for plain canned pumpkin when deciding what to give a dog with an upset stomach or vomiting. That’s because its soluble fiber content can help ease diarrhea, and its natural prebiotics promote a healthy gut microbiome. Just be sure to buy canned pumpkin with no added salt, sugar, seasoning, or flavoring because additives can irritate sensitive stomachs.

You can also add a small amount of canned pumpkin to your dog’s usual meals if their stomach upset is mild.

 

5. Dog Food That’s Good for the Gut

Some dog foods (like ours) are designed to be highly digestible for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Our recipes use gentle ingredients like the ones above, plus patented probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome.

Foods That Help Dogs With Upset Stomachs (Final Tips)

No one wants their furry friends to be sick with an upset stomach or digestive issues. Whatever the cause, we hope these five gentle foods for dogs with upset stomachs help them return to their happy, healthy selves. If symptoms persist, worsen, or include vomiting and diarrhea, consult your veterinarian for the best course of action.