A bland diet is a homemade solution for the pets recovering from an upset stomach. Bland diets are fed to pets are recommended to be given to your pet after they have not experienced any vomiting or diarrhea for a period of time. As a pet owner, it's important to understand what a bland diet is, how long a bland diet can continue and when it's time to see the veterinarian.
When your pet is first stricken with vomiting or diarrhea, it's important to give your pet's stomach time to rest. Even giving your pet water can cause more vomiting. To stop the problem, refrain from giving your pet anything to eat or drink for at least 4 to 6 hours. After waiting a period of time and allowing your pet's stomach to settle, give your pet a small amount of water to see if he or she can keep it down. If your pet is able to drink water without vomiting, offer your pet small amounts of a bland diet.
A bland diet is homemade diets that will help your pet get calories and nutrients while recovering from a stomach upset. Bland diets consist of foods that are easily digestible and appealing to pets. These diets provide pets with some of the nutrients and calories they need to recover but are not enough to sustain your pet over the long-term.
Bland diets typically consist of two ingredients: a meat (like beef, chicken or fish) and a filler ingredient (like oatmeal, potato or white rice). To prepare your pet's bland diet, cook the filler ingredient and boil the meat. Do not season the food. Once the two ingredients have been prepared, mix two parts filler with one part meat, then feed the diet to your pet in small quantities. For small dogs, start with a teaspoon of food at a time and for larger dogs, a tablespoon. When your dog proves that he or she is able to keep the food down for an hour or more, try feeding your dog larger quantities of food.
After feeding your dog a bland diet for a few days, start to mix in your dog's normal food with the bland diet. Your dog should be completely weaned off the bland diet in a matter of a week. If your dog is still unable to keep down ordinary pet food, or if your pet displays more serious symptoms than vomiting or diarrhea, talk to your pet's veterinarian right away. Keep in mind that bland food diets for dogs are nutritionally insufficient for dogs, and continued symptoms of gastrointestinal upset could be indicative of a larger problem.
For more pet nutritional counseling in Mokena, contact the Mokena Animal Clinic at 708-479-2811. We can help your pet get the calories and nutrients that your pet needs in order to return to wellness.
