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How to transition dog from bland diet to normal food after diarrhea?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 6 years and 2 months old | 93 lbs

Can I feed my dog dry food after 4 days of having diarrhea? She is being treated for hookworms and she seems to be doing better. When can I go back to her normal food? She is in a bland diet , only rice and chicken, some potatoes and eggs. I know I need to go back gradually, but when?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 21st, 2018

Hello! Glad to hear Bella is doing better! I generally recommend feeding only the bland diet for a total of 3-5 days, generally until the stool is formed. Then, slowly transition her back to her normal diet over one week so that her GI tract can re-adjust to her normal food. :) I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 25th, 2018

    I recommend feeding the bland diet for at-least three days even if the stool starts to look more normal. If you have done the diet for this long, then you can start introducing his normal diet over the next two weeks and don't need to wait for the stool to be completely formed. If the diarrhea returns, then It's best to have a vet evaluate him. I hope that helps and Trick gets better soon.

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