When your dog has an upset stomach, a bland diet is the immediate answer: a soft, highly digestible meal low in fiber, fat, and protein, high in carbohydrates. Think of it as a rest period for your dog's digestive system. The classic combo of boiled white rice and boiled chicken breast is familiar, but we now have much better options.
In our testing of bland food approaches over the last year, we found that traditional boiled chicken and rice diets are outdated because they're not nutritionally complete. If you feed them for more than a few days, your dog misses out on essential vitamins and minerals. Long-term use of homemade bland diets can cause nutritional deficiencies, that's not opinion; it's documented by veterinary nutritionists at institutions like the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. For a broader look at what makes a diet complete, check out our ultimate dog food buying guide.
The commercial option is the way to go if you can get it. KOHA Pet makes a Limited Ingredient Bland Diet wet food with chicken, white rice, and pumpkin, it's cooked, ready to serve, and complete and balanced for everyday feeding. Dave's Pet Food offers a Restricted Diet Bland Chicken and Rice formula that's carrageenan-free using a single animal protein source. Under the Weather sells a freeze-dried bland diet you can keep in your pantry for emergencies. There are prescription options like Hill's i/d Digestive Care and Royal Canin Gastrointestinal. We evaluated these by checking ingredient labels for completeness, single-protein sources, and minimal additives. The convenience factor alone makes commercial diets worth it, you don't cook, you don't guess portions, and you don't worry about whether your dog is getting enough taurine for heart health. If your dog has ongoing sensitivities, you might also explore our guide to the best dog food for allergies & sensitive stomach.
Homemade is still valid for short-term use, perfectly safe for days or weeks with your vet's guidance. The standard recipe: boil white rice (1 part rice to 3 parts water, 20-25 minutes), boil chicken breast (10-15 minutes, no skin, no bones), mix 2 cups rice with half a cup of finely chopped chicken. Feed 25% of your dog's normal meal amount every 6-8 hours. Store in the fridge for up to 48 hours, or freeze in portions. Feed the bland diet for 4-5 days with no treats or other food sources until stools are firm. For protein swaps, you can use pork loin, egg whites, low-fat cottage cheese, 7% lean ground beef, or plain low-fat yogurt. For carbs, try boiled potatoes, boiled spaghetti, or Minute rice.
Most people mess up by skipping the fasting step. Before starting any bland diet, your dog needs to fast for 12 to 24 hours (young animals no more than 12 hours). Fasting lets the intestinal system relax and reduces acid secretions that irritate the gut lining. During the fast, offer small amounts of water or ice chips. Never fast a sick animal, as veterinarians warn, it may cause disease progression and death.
The transition back to regular food is where most people fail too. You can’t just switch back to kibble. Start with 75% bland diet and 25% normal food for two days. If stools stay firm, move to 50/50 for two days, then 25/75 for two days, then 100% normal food on day seven. If stools loosen at any point, go back a step. Minimize treats for a week after the transition. For a smoother long-term plan, see our guide on how to set up a dog food feeding routine.
Something they don’t tell you: bland diets are low in fiber, so your dog may not poop for a day. That’s normal. The diet is designed to rest the gastric system and promote normal stool formation.
You should see a vet if your dog is physically sick, bland diets aren’t treatment for sick animals. Also if vomiting or diarrhea persists over 24 hours, if there’s blood, if your dog is lethargic, or if they’re a puppy or senior.
My take? Keep a commercial bland diet in your pantry. Under the Weather’s freeze-dried option is shelf-stable. You don’t want to be boiling chicken at 2 AM when your dog has diarrhea. KOHA’s wet food is ready to serve. Dave’s is single-protein. These are dumb not to have on hand. I learned this the hard way when my dog ate something gross on a walk, I had to race to the store for chicken and rice. Never again. For more everyday feeding tips, see our best dog food for everyday use guide.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this article may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Last updated: July 2025. This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet.
FAQ
How long can a dog eat a bland diet? For homemade versions, up to 4-5 days under vet guidance. Commercial bland diets can be fed longer since they are complete and balanced.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? White rice is preferred because it's easier to digest. Brown rice has more fiber, which can upset the stomach further.
Is chicken and rice enough for my dog? No, it lacks key nutrients like taurine and calcium for long-term use. Use it only short-term or switch to a commercial blend.
What if my dog won't eat bland food? Try warming it slightly or adding a bit of low-sodium broth. If they refuse for 24 hours, consult your vet.
Can I freeze homemade bland diet? Yes, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
