What to Feed When Your Pet Has Diarrhea: A Guide to Soothing Their Tummy with Nature’s DIET®

At Nature’s Diet, we know how distressing it can be when your pet has diarrhea. Whether it’s caused by a sudden change in diet, stress, or an underlying health issue, diarrhea can leave your pet feeling uncomfortable and dehydrated. That’s why our Simply Raw line includes gentle, soothing ingredients like carrots, pumpkin, and offer goat milk supplements, which are scientifically shown to support digestive health. In this article, we’ll explore what to feed your pet when they have diarrhea, how our ingredients help restore balance, and what steps you can take to get them back on track.

There can be many causes of diarrhea in pets, but what you feed them can help soothe their symptoms.

Understanding Diarrhea in Pets

Diarrhea is a common issue in pets and can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Dietary changes or indiscretions (e.g., eating something they shouldn’t)

• Food allergies or intolerances

• Stress or anxiety

• Infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic)

• Underlying health conditions

While mild diarrhea can often be managed at home, persistent or severe cases require veterinary attention. Always consult your veterinarian if your pet’s diarrhea lasts more than 24–48 hours, is accompanied by other symptoms (e.g., vomiting, lethargy), or if you have any concerns.

Key Ingredients for Soothing Diarrhea

At Nature's Diet, we’ve carefully selected ingredients that are gentle on the stomach and effective at restoring digestive balance. Here’s how some of our star ingredients work their magic:

1. Carrots: The Gentle Digestive Aid

Carrots are a mild, easily digestible vegetable that can help soothe your pet’s upset stomach.

• Rich in Soluble Fiber: The soluble fiber in carrots absorbs excess water in the intestines, helping to firm up loose stools.

• Low in Fat: Carrots are low in fat, making them easy on the stomach and less likely to exacerbate digestive issues.

• Packed with Nutrients: Carrots provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health, even when your pet isn’t feeling their best.

Our Simply Raw balanced meals, containing human-grade carrot among other raw ingredients, are a customer favorite for pets with sensitive stomachs, providing a gentle and nutritious way to support digestive health. We also offer a digestive carrot supplement to feed with their food.

2. Pumpkin: The Digestive Superfood

Pumpkin is a well-known remedy for digestive issues, thanks to its high fiber content and soothing properties.

• Balances Digestion: The soluble fiber in pumpkin helps regulate bowel movements, easing both diarrhea and constipation.

• Hydrating: Pumpkin’s high water content helps prevent dehydration, which is a common concern with diarrhea.

• Gentle on the Stomach: Pumpkin is low in fat and easy to digest, making it an ideal choice for pets with upset stomachs.

In addition to carrot, our Simply Raw meals are formulated with pumpkin to provide a boost of fiber and hydration for pets with digestive issues. We also offer a pumpkin and apple fiber supplement that can be fed with their food.

3. Goat Milk: The Probiotic Powerhouse

Goat milk is a natural source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health.

• Restores Gut Flora: The probiotics in goat milk help replenish the beneficial bacteria in your pet’s gut, promoting digestive balance.

• Easy to Digest: Goat milk is naturally lower in lactose than cow’s milk, making it gentler on the stomach.

• Hydrating: Goat milk’s high moisture content helps prevent dehydration, which is especially important for pets with diarrhea.

Our Whole Cream Goat Milk Powder is a great choice for pets needing support for both their digestion and hydration.

A bland diet, supplemented by foods like carrot, pumpkin, and sweet potato can help pets to handle digestive stress.

What to Feed Your Pet When They Have Diarrhea

When your pet has diarrhea, it’s important to provide a bland, easily digestible diet that won’t further irritate their stomach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Fasting (Short-Term)

For adult pets, a 12–24 hour fast can give their digestive system a chance to rest and recover. Always provide access to fresh water to prevent dehydration. Note: Do not fast puppies, kittens, or pets with underlying health conditions without consulting your veterinarian.

2. Introduce a Bland Diet

After fasting, gradually introduce a bland diet made up of easily digestible ingredients. Some options include:

• Boiled or Freeze Dried Chicken or Turkey (skinless and boneless)

• White Rice (plain, cooked)

• Carrots (cooked and mashed)

• Pumpkin (plain, canned, or cooked)

Our Simply Raw recipes, like Turkey & Carrot or Beef & Pumpkin, can also be used as part of a bland diet, providing balanced nutrition while being gentle on the stomach.

3. Small, Frequent Meals

Feed small, frequent meals to avoid overwhelming your pet’s digestive system. Gradually increase portion sizes as their stool returns to normal.

4. Reintroduce Regular Food

Once your pet’s diarrhea has resolved, slowly reintroduce their regular food over the course of 3–5 days to avoid triggering a relapse.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Diarrhea

While diet plays a critical role in managing diarrhea, there are other steps you can take to support your pet’s recovery:

1. Hydration is Key

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so ensure your pet has access to fresh, clean water at all times. You can also offer electrolyte solutions designed for pets, with your veterinarian’s approval.

2. Monitor Their Symptoms

Keep an eye on your pet’s stool consistency, energy levels, and appetite. If diarrhea persists or worsens, consult your veterinarian.

3. Reduce Stress

Stress can exacerbate digestive issues. Provide a calm, comfortable environment and plenty of love and attention to help your pet relax.

Why Choose Nature’s Diet® products for Digestive Health?

At Nature’s Diet, we’re committed to creating pet food that supports every aspect of your pet’s health—including their digestion. Our Simply Raw line is crafted with premium, minimally processed ingredients that nourish your pet from the inside out.

• Scientifically Formulated: Our recipes are designed to provide the nutrients your pet needs for optimal digestive health.

• Biologically Appropriate: We believe in keeping ingredients as close to their natural state as possible, ensuring maximum nutrient retention.

• Trusted Quality: We source our ingredients from trusted suppliers and prioritize transparency in every step of the process.

FAQs

Q: Can I give my pet over-the-counter medications for diarrhea?

A: Always consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any medications. Some human medications can be toxic to pets.

Q: How long should I feed a bland diet?

A: Feed a bland diet until your pet’s stool returns to normal, typically 2–3 days. Gradually reintroduce their regular food over the next few days.

Q: Are Simply Raw recipes suitable for pets with food allergies?

A: Yes! Our recipes are made with hypoallergenic ingredients and are free from common allergens like grains and artificial additives.

Restore Digestive Balance with Simply Raw

We’re passionate about helping pets feel their best, even when their tummies are upset. With ingredients like carrots, and pumpkin, our Simply Raw line is designed to soothe your pet’s digestive system and restore balance. Supplements like Goat Milk and Digestion Bone Broth can support animals in need of extra help with digestion.