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My dog has diarrhea & vomiting after new food. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed

I changed my dogs food about 3 days ago and she has had diarrhea and has been vomiting since I changed food. What should I do from here?

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 25th, 2016

Unfortunately, it is quite common for some dogs to experience GI upset ([vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/vomiting-1/) or [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/diarrhea-1/)) when switching food. As long as Bo is behaving normally otherwise, you may be able to [manage her at home](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea). I recommend withholding food for 12-24 hours. Resume feeding a bland diet (boiled boneless/skinless chicken breast mixed with plain cooked white rice) in small, frequent amounts. Begin with 1 tablespoon of food every hour and gradually increase the amount as long as she doesn't vomit. Feed the bland diet until the stool is consistently normal (usually several days), then transition slowly to the new diet over another 5-7 days. [Veterinary probiotics](https://www.petcoach.co/article/probiotics-and-prebiotics-bacteria-aren-t-all-bad) may be considered to promote gut health. If she continues to vomit and have diarrhea, or develops lethargy, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain in spite of a bland diet, she will need to see a vet as soon as possible.

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41Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Bo is displaying classic signs of dietary indiscretion. This causes diarrhea and vomiting that can resolve on its own in some cases. I would recommend fasting him for 12 hrs, then feed him a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice or cottage cheese for the next 3-4 days. Then slowly transition him back to his normal dog food (either the one you just switched to or the previous food he did fine on). You can also perhaps give probiotics (i.e. Culturelle over the counter) for the next 7-10 days to help promote intestinal health and recovery. If Bo still has diarrhea and vomiting for more than 24-48 hrs then he may need stronger medications to help him recover, which you can get from your veterinarian. Just remember no sudden food changes in the future. If you are to switch brands of food then you have to do it slowly over the course of a week (7 days). And preferably in Bo's case, try not to switch at all because he is highly sensitive to change.

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    30Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on April 3rd, 2017

    You don't mention Charlie's age, but this could be a simple case of stress colitis brought on by your daughter's absence. After withholding food for 24 hours, you could start him back on a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (50%) and boiled white rice (50%) in small portions (1/4 - 1/2 cup) every 4 hours. If he improves, the vomiting and diarrhea stops, and he returns to normal, continue this for 24 hours and then transition slowly back to his normal diet. If he worsens, or doesn't improve after 12 hours of this diet, take him in for a veterinary visit to determine exactly what is wrong. Stress colitis often responds well to antibiotics, so if that is what it is he should return to normal soon.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 11th, 2019

    I would be worried as well about the length of Bambi's diarrhea. There's no picture attached to your post, so I can't see her poop, but a new flavor of dog food can certainly lead to diarrhea. I can give you a home remedy to see if that helps. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, she starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. Best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on May 14th, 2018

    Diarrhea from dietary change is typically self limiting, so if you feed a bland diet (such as boiled chicken and rice ) for a few days it may resolve. However, if something more concerning is going on then he will not likely improve. If he vomits, refuses to eat, or other wise acts sick then he should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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