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My new puppy has diarrhea after coming home. What should I feed him?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | unneutered | 2 months old | 15 lbs

We just brought a puppy home yesterday and he has been pooping very frequently and it is extremely soft and watery. I’m sure it has something to do with stress but any dietary recommendations for getting him back to normal? should we try feeding him less or feeding him some plain chicken and rice instead?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 25th, 2019

Poor Tuukka! If he's had a sudden change in diet, that could be causing his diarrhea. Feed him 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. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 9th, 2018

    Congratulations on your new puppy. You are correct, a change in or the stress of a nee environment may lead to some stomach upset. As long as he is behaving normally otherwise, you can try a short gast followed by a bland diet fed in small,frequent amounts until symptoms resolve. A bland diet is typically plain white rice mixed in equal amounts with boiled boneless/skinless chicken breasts. You should also submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. Both are common in puppies. If your pup is not behaving normally, then he should be examined today by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER. In puppies, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration which can complicate any underlying condition.

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