Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has diarrhea and blood, what bland food can I feed him?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 20 lbs

my 11 year old, 20 lb, Schipperke/Pug, has had diarrhea since night before last. He still wants to eat and drink. Not sure what to feed him. I gave him a small amount of scrambled egg whites and a little bit of dry white toast yesterday at lunch time. Then I gave him a small can of dog food in the evening. Also water all day off and on. He still has the diarrhea not as bad as yesterday, but I noticed a little blood in his stool this morning. Can't get his vet today.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 9th, 2017

Poor Buddy! Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of conditions, including parasites, viruses, "garbage gut" from eating different foods or treats, among many others. Buddy may be having a bit of blood in his stool from irritation to the colon or parasites. Since you can't take him to the vet today and he is otherwise eating and drinking normally, try withholding food for the next 12-24 hours. After that time, offer boiled white meat chicken and white rice (1 cup of the 50:50 mixture for every 10 pounds of body weight, divided into 2-4 smaller meals) for the next few days. After several days on this bland diet, gradually mix in his normal dog food over another 5-7 days. However, if his diarrhea continues or worsens, if he becomes lethargic, stops eating and drinking, or has more blood in his stool, Buddy will need to go to his vet for further evaluation. I hope this helps and that he feels better soon!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 6th, 2017

    Withhold food for 24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet in small, frequent amounts. Feed until the stool is normal before transitioning slowly to Diesel's regular diet. A bland diet can be plain white rice mixed with one of the following: cooked/drained ground beef, ground turkey, cottage cheese or boiled boneless/skinless chicken breasts. If the diarrhea worsens or if Diesel develops other symptoms, have him examined by your vet.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 23rd, 2017

    He could have an infection, parasite, or colitis from something that he ate. If he is acting normal otherwise, you could withhold food for the day and then try a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice and see if that helps. If not, he needs to be examined by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can test a stool sample for parasites and prescribe medications to help treat the problem. You could also add a probiotic to his diet, like Fortiflora or Proviable.

    Vote icon

    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored