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Dog has diarrhea after sudden food change or new brand. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 4 years and 2 months old | 15 lbs

My dog was eating canned food but he had one left. in the meantime I gave him dry food. The next day I gave him canned food from a different brand and now he has diarrhea. What should I do? Thank you

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 20th, 2018

A sudden change in diet including switching brands can be enough to cause diarrhea in a dog. I can give you a home remedy to try for Chiquitin, and I would switch back to his normal brand of dog food. 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 his normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, he starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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