Is your furry friend feeling under the weather? When your dog is suffering from diarrhea or an upset stomach, it's stressful for both of you. Fortunately, a simple, vet-recommended bland diet can provide fast relief and get them back on their paws.

This gentle combination of chicken, rice, and pumpkin is the go-to remedy for soothing a dog's digestive system. It’s easy to make and provides the nutrients your dog needs to recover.

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Why Does the Chicken, Rice, and Pumpkin Diet Work?

This simple three-ingredient meal is powerful because each component serves a specific purpose in healing your dog's gut.

✅ Boiled Chicken: Provides essential, easy-to-digest lean protein for energy and muscle repair without the fat that can irritate the stomach.

✅ White Rice: A simple carbohydrate that is gentle on the digestive tract. Its low fiber content helps bind stool and firm up diarrhea.

✅ Plain Pumpkin: This is a superstar ingredient. Its soluble fiber helps absorb excess water in the gut (for diarrhea) and adds bulk to stool (for constipation).

Vet-Approved Bland Diet Recipe for Dogs

How to Prepare the Meal: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken, let it cool, and shred it with two forks. Discard the cooking water.

Step 2: Cook the White Rice

1. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the white rice according to package directions. Do not add any salt or oil.
2. For best results, use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio (e.g., 2 cups water for 1 cup of rice).

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cooked rice, and plain pumpkin.
2. Allow the food to cool completely to room temperature before serving to your dog.

Feeding Guidelines: How Much Should I Give My Dog?

Start by feeding your dog the same volume you would for their regular kibble. For example, if your dog eats 1 cup of kibble per meal, start with 1 cup of the homemade mixture.

• Transitioning Back: After 2-3 days, or once their stool returns to normal, you can begin to slowly reintroduce their regular food. Start by mixing 75% homemade food with 25% kibble.
• Monitor: Gradually increase the kibble ratio over the next few days until they are fully back on their regular diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long should my dog be on this bland diet?

Typically, a bland diet is used for 2-3 days. It's designed for short-term relief, not as a long-term balanced diet unless specifically supplemented under veterinary guidance.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

It's best to stick with white rice. Brown rice contains more fiber, which can be harder for a dog's sensitive stomach to digest during a period of intestinal distress.

3. My dog won't eat it. What should I do?

Try warming the food slightly to enhance its aroma. You can also pour a small amount of warm, sodium-free chicken broth over the top to make it more appealing.

4. Is this diet nutritionally complete for long-term feeding?

No. On its own, this recipe lacks essential vitamins and minerals (like calcium and fatty acids) required for long-term health. If you need to feed it for more than a few days, please consult your veterinarian about adding necessary supplements.

Share Your Story!

Has this chicken, rice, and pumpkin recipe helped your dog? Do you have any other tips for managing a sensitive stomach? Share your experience in the comments below to help other pet parents!