What to feed your dog with an upset stomach

Some common signs of an upset stomach in dogs include:

• Decreased appetite
• Excessive, or issues with, urination and bowel movements
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
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Emergency signs include:

• Trouble breathing
• Hard, distended abdomen
• Inability to stand or lack of coordination
  

If your dog is showing any of the above emergency signs, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

There are many reasons why your dog could have an upset stomach or be experiencing diarrhea, but some instances could be more serious than others. 

Common reasons include:

• A sudden change of diet
• Scavenging or eating leftovers
• Infections
• Inflammation e.g. Colitis
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f your dog has been vomiting often and seems tired or weak, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

You may be thinking chicken and rice will do the trick, but your dog could be missing key nutrients that they need with this approach. Furthermore, deficiency in some nutrients can actually delay the recovery of the GI tract.

In fact, it is found that home-prepared bland diets, like chicken and rice, are deficient in at least 17 essential vitamins and minerals including:
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• B vitamins, which are critical for cell maintenance and growth.
• Electrolytes, which are critical for hydration.
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At Royal Canin, we know that finding dog food that is made precisely to help dogs with digestion is key to getting them back on the road to recovery. Balanced veterinary diets, like those in the Royal Canin Gastrointestinal range, can help support digestive function and a healthy microbiome.

You should always provide your pet with fresh, clean water, even when they aren’t under the weather.

While one-off vomiting is not usually a cause for concern, there are some things that you should do to ensure that they recover quickly.

1. Provide your dog with fresh water. Do not restrict access to water, but monitor their intake as too much water, too quickly can result in more vomiting.
   
2. Avoid food for a single short period (12-24 hours) if they don't seem hungry.
3. Provide smaller portions of their regular dog food and avoid table foods, especially if they are fatty.
4. Allow your dog to rest and avoid playing or walking them if they aren’t interested.

If your dog has been vomiting often and seems tired or weak, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Although not all digestive issues can be prevented, ensuring that your dog has the right diet is key to good gastrointestinal health.

• Not every canine diet is a one size fits all and some dogs may have sensitivities or additional needs that could be triggered by certain diets. Supporting your dog’s digestive health can keep them feeling their best. Explore our tailored nutrition range for more options.

• Changing your dog’s diet quickly can also cause stomach upset. If you are making dietary changes, be sure to do this gradually by adding small amounts of the new diet to the current one.
• Ensure that your dog cannot access any trash, leftovers, or toxic substances. If your dog is known for scavenging, consider a muzzle when taking them on walks to avoid ingesting anything harmful.

Learn more about preventing an upset stomach in your dog here