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My dog is throwing up bile and won't eat. What food helps his upset stomach?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Male | neutered | 1 year and 5 months old | 22 lbs

My dog, Earl, has been throwing up bile some mornings and it’s getting worse. I know it’s bilious vomiting syndrome and we already talked to the vet about it and she just said to feed him more often, which we did, but it’s still getting worse. Not only that, but his appetite is decreasing. He’s outright refusing to eat now so I’m guessing his stomach doesn’t feel good. What type of food would help the acidity and make him want to eat again? High fiber? Low fat?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 2nd, 2019

Honestly we rarely have to put these dogs on a special diet but if I had to pick a diet I would say high fiber which may help with GI motility. A prescription diet from your vet like Hill's w/d would be best. I would use the canned version. I am a bit worried that the diagnosis is not correct. There are many other reasons why a dog could be vomiting bile (parasites, partial GI obstruction, GI motility disorder, cancer, endocrine disorder, food intolerance/allergy, etc). Did he have any blood testing done? X-rays? I think you have already done what should be tried for simple bilious vomiting syndrome. Since he hans't improved and is actually worse, I strongly recommend you consult with your vet about more testing. I am also concerned as this is a diagnosis usually seen in older dogs; Earl is young to have this issue. In the meantime you can try giving him some over the counter antacid (famotidine) 10mg once a day but only give this until you can get him back to your vet. ( https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Maximum-Strength-Acid-Reducer-Famotidine-Tablets-20mg-200-Ct/24360533 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Earl. I would actually recommend that he sees his veterinarian. While bilious vomiting syndrome can cause vomiting in the early morning or after periods of extended fasting, appetite level is not commonly affected. Therefore, I suspect something else is causing his current episodes of vomiting. Based on his exam findings, diagnostic testing may be recommended. He could also possibly benefit from a prescription low fat diet. These are highly digestible diets that are easy on the gastrointestinal system. I hope this information helps!

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