Updated 11 April 2026
Bland Diet for Dogs: Recipes, Portions, and How Long to Use It
A bland diet is a short-term intervention for acute digestive upset: vomiting, diarrhoea, or refusal to eat. It is not a long-term solution. Here is exactly what to prepare, how much to feed, and when to call the vet.
When to Use a Bland Diet
A bland diet is appropriate for acute stomach upset: a dog that vomited once or twice, has had a day of loose stools, or is refusing their regular food after eating something unusual. It gives the GI tract a rest by providing easily digestible food with minimal irritants.
A bland diet is not appropriate as a long-term feeding strategy. It is nutritionally incomplete. It lacks adequate vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and the full amino acid profile your dog needs. If your dog requires ongoing dietary management, transition to a commercial sensitive stomach formula. See our top picks comparison.
Classic Bland Diet Recipes
Chicken and Rice
The standard recommendation from most veterinarians.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Plain white rice (not instant)
- Ratio: 1 part chicken to 2 parts rice
- Boil chicken in plain water, 12 to 15 min
- Shred into small pieces
- No salt, oil, or seasoning
Approx 150 cal per cup
Turkey and Pumpkin
Good alternative if your dog is sensitive to chicken.
- Lean ground turkey (93% lean)
- Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
- Ratio: 1 part turkey to 1 part pumpkin
- Brown turkey with no oil, drain fat
- Mix with pumpkin
- Pumpkin adds soluble fibre
Approx 130 cal per cup
White Fish and Potato
Novel protein option for dogs with multiple sensitivities.
- Cod or tilapia fillet (boneless)
- Peeled, boiled white potato
- Ratio: 1 part fish to 2 parts potato
- Bake or steam fish with no oil
- Mash potato until soft
- Flake fish and combine
Approx 140 cal per cup
Portion Guide by Dog Weight
Start with the lower end of the range. Feed small, frequent meals rather than one or two large meals. The goal is to keep portions small enough that the stomach is never overloaded.
| Dog Weight | Per Meal | Meals/Day | Daily Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lbs | 2 to 3 tbsp | 4 to 6 | 1/2 to 3/4 cup |
| 20 lbs | 1/4 to 1/3 cup | 4 to 6 | 1 to 1.5 cups |
| 30 lbs | 1/3 to 1/2 cup | 4 to 5 | 1.5 to 2 cups |
| 50 lbs | 1/2 to 2/3 cup | 3 to 4 | 2 to 2.5 cups |
| 70 lbs | 2/3 to 3/4 cup | 3 to 4 | 2.5 to 3 cups |
| 90 lbs | 3/4 to 1 cup | 3 to 4 | 3 to 3.5 cups |
How Long to Feed a Bland Diet
For most acute upsets, 2 to 3 days on a bland diet is sufficient. If symptoms resolve within 24 hours (stools firm up, vomiting stops, appetite returns), you can begin transitioning back to regular food on day 3. If symptoms are still present after 3 full days on a bland diet, contact your veterinarian.
Do not extend a bland diet beyond 5 days without veterinary guidance. The nutritional deficiencies become significant after about a week, particularly for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with chronic conditions.
Transition Back to Regular Food (5-Day Schedule)
| Day | Bland Diet | Regular Food | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 75% | 25% | Monitor stool quality closely |
| Day 2 | 75% | 25% | If stools are firm, proceed to Day 3 |
| Day 3 | 50% | 50% | Reduce meal frequency to 3 per day |
| Day 4 | 25% | 75% | Almost back to normal |
| Day 5 | 0% | 100% | Resume normal feeding schedule |
Red Flags: When a Bland Diet Is Not Enough
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows any of these symptoms:
- !Blood in stool or vomit (bright red or dark/tarry)
- !Vomiting more than 3 times in 24 hours
- !Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
- !Lethargy or inability to stand
- !Visible abdominal distension or pain when belly is touched
- !Signs of dehydration: dry gums, skin tenting, sunken eyes
- !Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours despite bland diet
Common Mistakes
Using seasoned chicken
Boil plain, boneless, skinless chicken breast in water only. No salt, garlic, onion, butter, or oil.
Feeding too much too soon
Start with tiny portions (2 to 3 tablespoons for small dogs). Increase gradually over 24 hours if tolerated.
Using instant rice
Cook regular white rice with extra water for softer texture. Instant rice has different starch properties and may not settle as well.
Extending beyond 5 days
A bland diet is nutritionally incomplete. If symptoms persist past 3 days, see your vet rather than continuing.