What to Feed a Dog With an Upset Stomach
Say No To chicken and Rice
Better Alternatives to the Chicken and Rice Bland Diet
When dogs stop eating we get really upset, and really worried and we’ll often try anything to get them to eat.
When they have GI, inflammatory conditions, and digestive Issues it has long been recommended to feed chicken and rice as a bland diet for our dogs. This is also recommended many times after a surgical procedure to ease them back into solid foods.
I no longer do that.
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If your dog has an upset stomach or isn’t eating after surgery, you’ve probably been told to feed chicken and rice. But that “bland diet” isn’t doing your dog any favors. Here’s what to feed instead to soothe the gut, support healing, and rebuild strength naturally.
When Your Dog’s Tummy Is Off…
It’s stressful when your dog refuses food or has an upset stomach—especially after surgery, antibiotics, or a digestive flare. I’ve been there myself, staring at the bowl hoping this time they’ll eat.
But here’s the truth: the traditional “chicken and rice” bland diet isn’t the best choice for recovery. It’s outdated, nutritionally poor, and can actually fuel inflammation in an already stressed digestive system.
Let’s talk about better options that gently soothe, hydrate, and nourish your dog back to health.
Why Chicken and Rice Isn’t the Best Bland Diet
🐔 Why Not Chicken?
Chicken has long been recommended because it’s lean—but it’s also high in Omega-6 fatty acids, which promote inflammation. If your dog’s gut is already irritated, chicken can make matters worse.
You can achieve that same “gentle protein” goal with:
Lean ground beef or turkey
Lightly cooked pork
White fish (like cod or tilapia)
These provide protein without the inflammatory load.
🌾 Why Not Rice?
Rice—especially white rice—offers very little nutritional value. It’s mostly carbohydrates, which your dog doesn’t need much of, and it can spike blood sugar levels, placing stress on the pancreas.
Long-term, a rice-based diet may contribute to:
Blood sugar imbalance and weight gain
Nutrient deficiencies
Arsenic exposure (common in rice crops)
Gentle, Nourishing Alternatives to the Bland Diet
Here are some simple, healing foods that support your dog’s digestive system while helping them recover naturally.
🦴 Bone Broth
A nutrient-rich, soothing base that promotes hydration and gut healing.
Make your own or choose a low-sodium, dog-safe broth to start.
Offer small amounts several times a day—especially if your dog isn’t eating solids yet.
Packed with minerals and collagen to help repair the gut lining.
👉 Learn more about making bone broth and its benefits.
🥛 Fermented Goat’s Milk
Loaded with probiotics and enzymes, fermented milk helps restore good bacteria in the gut and reduce inflammation after antibiotics or surgery.
It’s hydrating, soothing, and most dogs love the taste.
🌿 Slippery Elm
A natural demulcent herb that coats and calms the digestive tract.
It can be especially helpful if your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, or reflux symptoms.
🎃 Pumpkin
One of nature’s best fiber balancers!
Pumpkin helps normalize stool—whether it’s loose or firm—and provides gentle nutrition.
Use plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) or fresh-cooked pumpkin puree.
💧 Hydration Comes First
Your dog can go several days without eating, but not without water.
If your dog isn’t drinking, bone broth and goat’s milk can encourage hydration and provide minerals for recovery.
If vomiting or diarrhea continues more than 48 hours—or you suspect a blockage—call your vet.
Step-by-Step Healing Approach
Day 1: Bone broth only — small, frequent servings.
Day 2: Add lightly cooked ground meat + veggies + broth.
Day 3: Continue broth, introduce probiotics, and gradually rebuild toward your dog’s normal fresh or homemade diet.
Avoid jumping back to kibble—it’s harsh on a healing gut and can reignite inflammation.
If you were feeding kibble before, now’s the perfect time to transition toward a fresh, whole-food diet that supports long-term wellness.
Chicken and Rice Is Not a Long-Term Diet
Even with peas and carrots added, this combo is not nutritionally complete.
Your dog’s body needs a variety of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that chicken and rice can’t provide.
If you’re unsure where to start, I’ve got you covered with easy recipes and balanced feeding plans designed for recovery and long-term health.
Support Recovery the Natural Way
A temporary loss of appetite can actually be healing—fasting gives the digestive system time to rest.
Your focus should be:
Reducing inflammation
Supporting hydration
Restoring healthy gut flora
Gradually reintroducing nutritious whole foods
If your dog’s symptoms persist, it’s time to look deeper into possible root causes—gut imbalance, poor diet tolerance, or hidden infections.
🌿 Ready to Help Your Dog Feel Better?
Let’s get your dog back to eating and thriving again.
👉 Submit an inquiry for a personalized recovery plan.
No obligations — just a conversation about what your dog needs to heal naturally.
FDA Disclaimer:
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Top 5 Things to Do for a Dog With an Upset Stomach
Offer bone broth or fermented goat’s milk for hydration.
Use Slippery Elm or pumpkin to calm the gut.
Avoid chicken and rice—it’s not truly healing.
Keep portions small and gentle.
Transition back to fresh, whole foods gradually.