While you should always consult with your personal veterinarian whenever your pet is ill, your vet may suggest that you monitor your dog at home and provide therapies for mild conditions. 

Since kids (and even adults) rely on Pedialyte to restore electrolytes and combat dehydration, you may think about administering it to your dog when she experiences vomiting or diarrhea. 

How does it work? And—more importantly—is it safe to give to your dog? Here is everything you need to know about using Pedialyte for dehydration in dogs.

What Is Pedialyte?

Pedialyte is a commercially-available, over-the-counter oral electrolyte solution specially formulated to help prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance in infants and children. When Pedialyte is consumed and absorbed by the gut into the bloodstream, it will help maintain proper water and electrolyte properties inside the blood. 

Pedialyte, which was developed by a physician and is sold by Abbott Laboratories based in Columbus, Ohio, has been available in the United States since the 1960s. Its formula is based on electrolyte rehydration products developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 1940s as a supportive therapy for children affected by acute gastroenteritis, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and vomiting and diarrhea.

Pedialyte supplies us with the important electrolytes sodium, potassium, and chloride, which the body loses via vomiting, diarrhea, and poor appetite. It contains a higher electrolyte content compared to plain water. It also contains some dextrose, a sugar easily broken down into glucose, the most basic energy source which helps feed gastrointestinal cells to prompt a quicker recovery from gastrointestinal disease. 

The electrolyte drink can also help improve pediatric hydration secondary to the stomach flu, food poisoning, sweating caused by heat or exercise, and travel. Additionally, some adults swear by its effectiveness as a hangover remedy. It is also marketed to aid pregnant women experiencing morning sickness.

In addition to its flavored and unflavored classic version, Pedialyte also comes in powder and freezer-pop forms as well as other liquid formulations, including AdvancedCare and AdvancedCare Plus, which contain prebiotics and 33 percent more electrolytes, respectively.

Electrolytes for Dogs: Understanding the Benefits

Maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance is as important for the health of your dog as it is for human children. Water makes up the majority of the body composition of both dogs and humans, so staying hydrated is vital for normal cellular and organ function. 

Water is also the main component of blood, which helps carry important molecules, such as oxygen, to every cell in a dog’s body. Furthermore, water maintains blood pressure and helps flush toxins out of the body as the kidneys filter the bloodstream. 

Electrolytes are essential to preserve water balance as well as aid electrical impulses in a dog’s muscles and nervous system. 

Important Electrolytes for Dogs

Key electrolytes for dogs include sodium, potassium, and chloride. These electrolytes are primarily kept in balance by the kidneys and a complex hormonal system known as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). This balance can become thwarted due to disease processes, such as gastrointestinal upset.

Let’s take a closer look at how each of these electrolytes functions in a dog’s body:

Sodium is integral for water balance. The body loses sodium because of persistent vomiting and diarrhea, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and endocrine disorders such as hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease). When sodium levels drop too low (known as hyponatremia), dehydration occurs. Severe hyponatremia can cause neurological impairment due to swelling of the brain.

Potassium is fundamental for a dog’s muscle and cardiac contractions. Hypokalemia, or low potassium concentration in the blood, may arise due to poor appetite, CKD, and vomiting. Weakness, incoordination, and poor muscle action result.

Chloride is sodium’s buddy. It tends to follow and bind to sodium as the salt NaCl. Chloride balances sodium and potassium in cellular electrical activities. 

These three electrolytes are vital for complex bodily processes, which help keep our pets healthy.

Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

When your dog has lost a significant amount of fluid and electrolytes through either vomiting or diarrhea, he may show signs of dehydration.

Dehydration in dogs can range from mild to severe. In any case, you should contact your veterinarian for advice on what to do if your pup is showing any of the following symptoms of dehydration in dogs:

• Lethargy and appearing tired
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Constant panting
• Dry nose, mouth, and gums
• Sunken eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea

Dehydration in dogs is considered a medical emergency when you notice persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and suspected heat stroke. Don’t wait to bring your dog to the vet in this case. Resolving dehydration in your dog can be as simple as replenishing his electrolytes through fluids, but it can also point to other, more significant health problems your vet can detect.

Some dogs who are severely dehydrated may require hospitalization to determine the cause. The last thing pet parents need to worry about when their dog’s health is in danger is emergency veterinary bills. But pet parents who have a pet health insurance policy in place, like those offered by Lemonade, can breathe a big sigh of relief.  Consider signing your pet up for coverage to help you cover the costs of things like injuries, emergency care, hospitalization, and more.

Can Dogs Drink Pedialyte?

Now that you know how important electrolytes are for our dogs’ health and the signs of dehydration to look out for, you may wonder if your dog can drink Pedialyte safely. 

It’s typically safe to administer small amounts of the classic, unflavored Pedialyte solution orally to dogs on a short-term basis to help replenish fluids and electrolytes lost via mild vomiting or diarrhea. 

However, Pedialyte is only a supportive therapy to help manage the symptoms associated with dehydration and electrolyte depletion. It does not stop ongoing fluid losses and is not a cure for underlying disease processes. It also won’t correct severe dehydration in dogs or treat significant electrolyte imbalances. 

If a pet is sick and dehydrated enough to require Pedialyte, she should really see a veterinarian for treatment, including more effective means of hydration therapy, such as injectable fluid administration. Therefore, only give Pedialyte to your dog under the direct guidance of your personal veterinarian.

When Will a Vet Recommend Pedialyte for My Dog?

Your veterinarian might permit at-home Pedialyte use for mild, self-resolving cases of vomiting or diarrhea. However, other veterinary-approved electrolyte replacements may prove better options. 

At other times, your vet may instruct you to avoid Pedialyte altogether, as it may worsen gastrointestinal illness or delay other treatments. For instance, your vet may recommend withholding food and liquids for several hours to help calm the stomach if your dog is vomiting. In this instance, Pedialyte use may trigger more vomiting by further irritating an already inflamed stomach lining. 

Pedialyte is not a cure for puppies (or dogs) with parvovirus, which causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea as well as destruction of red and white blood cells and even death. To improve prognosis, seek veterinary care for your sick puppy before being administering Pedialyte at home.

Is Pedialyte for Dogs Backed By Research?

Keep in mind that, while there are studies showing the benefits of electrolytes for hydration in dogs, no published research has been conducted to validate Pedialyte’s safety and efficacy in pets. It is specially formulated to meet the electrolyte needs of children, not dogs, whose needs slightly differ. For instance, the sodium content in Pedialyte is higher than the corresponding canine requirement.

What Kind of Pedialyte Should I Give My Dog?

If your vet permits you to offer Pedialyte to your dog, choose the unflavored form over flavored varieties. Of the various flavors (including strawberry, mixed berry, grape, bubble gum, and coconut), no flavor is necessarily better than any other though your dog may have her own preference. While real grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, the grape flavoring in Pedialyte is artificial and does not contain actual grapes. However, the unflavored version is less likely to further nauseate or irritate the gastrointestinal tract of a sick animal, making it a better choice.

How to Give Dogs Pedialyte

When giving Pedialyte to dogs, do not offer large amounts at a time. This can trigger further vomiting. 

You can dilute it as one part Pedialyte to one part water or else offered as is without diluting. Some dogs may be more inclined to drink it plain while others prefer it diluted in water. 

Unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian, you may offer your dog a few laps of solution to drink every 1-2 hours. The recommended dose is approximately 2-4 mL of Pedialyte per pound of body weight. 

You can also freeze the solution and offer it to your pup as ice cubes. If your vet has instructed you to feed your dog (likely a bland diet as she recovers from gastrointestinal disease), you can also pour the Pedialyte dose over food as long as your dog still eats the meal. If your dog is picky, you may dissolve a low sodium bouillon cube to entice your dog to drink the Pedialyte.

Only give Pedialyte orally and as a free choice to your pet. Forced oral syringe feeding (without a needle) is not ideal. If your dog is sick enough to require syringe-feeding, she is sick enough to go to the vet.

If vomiting persists or returns, discontinue use and consult your vet. To reiterate, only give your dog unflavored Pedialyte if authorized first by your veterinarian. 

Pedialyte Side Effects for Dogs

While unflavored Pedialyte is safe in small doses, it may worsen vomiting in some dogs. 

It’s important not to administer more than the amount of Pedialyte your veterinarian recommends. You do not want to overcorrect electrolytes, causing an overdose. High levels of sodium (hypernatremia) can cause high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid loss from the brain while elevated potassium (hyperkalemia) can cause severe cardiac issues, including low heart rate (bradycardia), abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), and cardiac arrest in extreme cases. 

Since Pedialyte contains higher levels of sodium than is ideal for dogs, dogs with fluid retention, such as those with congestive heart failure (CHF), should avoid Pedialyte in most instances. Also, dogs with diabetes should avoid Pedialyte due to its sugar content. 

Flavored Pedialyte contains artificial sweeteners which can further irritate the gastrointestinal tract, may not be suitable for dogs with food allergies, and may interfere with normal gut flora (healthy gastrointestinal bacteria). 

The biggest problem that Pedialyte can cause is giving pet parents a false sense of security when a veterinary visit may be necessary. That’s why it’s extremely important to discuss your dog’s illness with your veterinarian first.

Can Dogs Drink Gatorade and Other Electrolyte Drinks?

Dogs should not be given Gatorade or other electrolyte sports drinks formulated for humans.

While Pedialyte has its own caveats for when it is safe to be used, it is much safer for use in dogs than other human electrolyte replacement drinks, such as Gatorade and Powerade. These drinks can worsen gastrointestinal upset in pets. 

Traditional Gatorade contains roughly twice the sugar and half the electrolyte content in comparison to Pedialyte. Additionally, some Gatorade products contain sucrose, a sweetener which can worsen diarrhea (and thereby, dehydration) by drawing water out of the bloodstream and into the gut. In contrast, Pedialyte products contain no sucrose. 

Sugar-free sports drinks which contain the artificial sweetener xylitol should also be avoided in dogs as xylitol is toxic to pets, causing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and liver failure, which can lead to seizures or death. You should also avoid making your own sugar water/electrolyte solution unless advised by your veterinarian since the recipe may contain incorrect amounts of sugar and salt.

In conclusion, avoid sports drinks and only use Pedialyte after consulting your personal veterinarian. 

The post Can Dogs Drink Pedialyte? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But what about nutritional yeast for dogs? Can these potential benefits translate to our canine companions? 

We asked veterinary experts to weigh in on the advantages and caveats of nutritional yeast products for dogs. As a reminder, any conversation about supplements should begin with your trusted veterinarian.

What is Nutritional Yeast?

Yeast is a tiny, single-celled organism classified as a fungus. Of the approximate 1,500 current species of yeast, one of the most extensively studied is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, widely used in food and beverage production. The most notable forms of the S. cerevisiae species are baker’s yeast, the ingredient that causes bread to rise; and brewer’s yeast, which plays an important role in beer fermentation (1). 

Another important type of yeast is nutritional yeast (AKA nooch), sold as supplements, food additives, meat replacers, and seasonings. One way vegans and vegetarians use nutritional yeast is as a substitute for cheese, says Dr. Joe Bartges, professor of medicine and nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine, at the University of Georgia in Athens. “It has a nutty or cheesy kind of flavor. We put it on our popcorn.”

In nature, S. cerevisiae is found on grapes and other fruits (2). Food and supplement manufacturers harvest it by feeding yeast a sugar carbohydrate like sugar cane or beet sugar. It’s then heated—where it becomes deactivated—then washed, dried, and packaged (3). 

Nutritional yeast is a complete protein (it contains adequate amounts of essential amino acids) that contains glutathione (4), an antioxidant that protect against diseases caused by free radical damage, like cancer and heart disease. It’s also high in fiber, and contains vitamin powerhouses like riboflavin, thiamine, and B-12, and minerals like calcium and potassium (5). It’s important to note that nutritional content varies, depending on whether the product has been fortified, a practice that varies by manufacturer.  

Additionally, one human study showed nutritional yeast to be useful in affecting immune system response, reducing inflammation, and treating diseases associated with diarrhea (6).

Is Nutritional Yeast Good for Dogs?

Studies showing the benefits of nutritional yeast for dogs are minimal, but there are a few ways it can potentially be useful.

Provides Added Nutritional Content

The main reason for pet parents giving dogs a nutritional yeast product is for its protein and vitamin B content, says Dr. Lindsey Bullen, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist with Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas. “However, if a pet is on a commercial diet formulated to meet nutrient standards set forth by AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control  Officials), the pet should be receiving all essential nutrients needed to live and thrive,” she says. 

Nutritional yeast are often used for vitamin B deficiency in cases where nutrients aren’t being absorbed properly due to a gastrointestinal disorder, says Bullen. “However, nutritional yeast supplements contain small amounts of each vitamin, necessitating large quantities of supplementation,” she explains. “Additionally, if the pet does have underlying GI disease, there are more effective ways to administer b-vitamins (for example, injections).”

Additionally, experts say that because nutritional yeast (and brewer’s yeast) is inactive, it doesn’t have the same benefits of products containing live yeasts and is not considered a probiotic.

Improves the Taste of Dog Food

Nutritional yeast for dogs can be used as a flavor enhancer to encourage animals to eat more, says Dr. Jessica Romine, a veterinary internal medicine specialist at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. “This is from the glutamic acid. You may recognize this from its salt form, MSG, sometimes used in human cooking.” 

In a study of adult female Beagles, researchers sought to test, in part, the palatability of s. cerevisiae as a dietary supplement. Dogs fed the diet containing nutritional yeast consumed their food at a higher rate (a ratio of 1.9:1) than the dogs fed the control diet (7).   

Aids in Intestinal Health

Nutritional yeast may reduce fecal E. coli counts, which can improve intestinal health and overall improvement in immune function, says Dr. Lisa Pinn McFaddin, medical director at Independent Hill Veterinary Clinic in Manassas, Virginia.

How to Give Nutritional Yeast to Dogs

Products containing nutritional yeast are widely available, formulated for both humans and pets. How do you determine which is most appropriate for your dog?  

Pet parents may be directed to use nutritional yeast meant for humans in their dog’s diet, but it’s important to discuss this addition with a veterinarian. Human supplements aren’t made with pets in mind, says Bullen. “I would have a product evaluated by a veterinarian or nutritionist to ensure safety and bioavailability before giving it to a pet.”

Quality control within the supplements industry is another issue. “There is no standardization and so different products will have different amounts of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements,” adds Bartges.

Nutritional yeast for pets is also available in supplement form, typically as chewable tablets or powder that can be added to dog food. 

Because formulations vary by product and manufacturer and some contain extra ingredients such as garlic that can be harmful to dogs, it’s best to check with your dog’s veterinarian for dosing recommendations.

Nutritional Yeast Side Effects for Dogs

Nutritional yeast is generally safe, provided it’s purchased from a reliable company, experts say. “As nutritional yeast is primarily B vitamins, and B vitamins are safe with minimal toxicity, it would likely be safe unless it is fortified with other things,” says Bartges.

There are some factors to be aware of, however.

Current Health Conditions

“As with any potentially ‘live’ supplement, caution should be shown with immunocompromised pets or pets with gastrointestinal bleeding,” says Bullen. Dogs can also be allergic to yeast, so they should be monitored for signs of intolerance, adds Romine.

Also, be sure the product you give your dog doesn’t interact with any medications, reminds Bullen. “Always have owners consult with their primary veterinarian before feeding nutritional yeast.”

Gastrointestinal Upset

Large pets need a higher dose of nutritional yeast for any nutritional benefit to take effect, which may lead to gastrointestinal upset, says Bullen. If you see signs of GI problems, discontinue the use of any yeast-based supplements and check in with your veterinarian. 

Potential Weight Gain

Depending on the product, yeast supplements can be high in calories, says Bullen. “The amount would need to be calculated into the pet’s daily caloric intake if the pet is on a weight loss plan or is prone to obesity.”

Potential Toxicity if Given in High Doses

For example, some products contain garlic, says McFaddin. “In low doses it can be safe for dogs, but in high doses can be toxic.”

If taken in very high doses, nutritional yeast can cause flushing, feelings of being hot, and rapid breathing, says Romine. “Theoretically, if it was fed as more than just a sprinkle/topper, it could add too much protein and/or phosphorus to the diet of a dog with chronic kidney disease.”

It’s important to note that nutritional yeast is not the same as baker’s yeast, which Romine says is an important difference. “While baking and brewer’s yeast are known to sometimes support bacteria that can lead to mycotoxin growth, nutritional yeasts typically don’t have any more risk than other supplements.”

Where to Buy Nutritional Yeast for Dogs

Nutritional yeast for human consumption is most commonly sold as granules or flakes. Products are sold through a wide variety of vendors including health food stores, grocers, and online retailers.

Quality control is an important issue to consider when choosing any supplement, including nutritional yeast. “The United States FDA does not regulate supplements, so they do not have to be subjected to controls for safety, efficacy, and purity,” says Bullen. “Some companies have little to no quality control to ensure their products match their label.”

With such variations in quality, how do you choose a reliable product? Start by doing a thorough check of the company’s history, offers Bullen. 

“Always check for supporting research on the company’s website for their products. Credible supplements have peer-reviewed scientific literature that supports their efficacy. A third party can certify supplements by testing them for purity and safety. For human products, one such company is the USP. On veterinary products, the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) verifies the quality and safety of many veterinary supplements.”  

Bullen also recommends asking these questions when choosing a nutritional yeast product for your dog: 

•     Who formulates the product? 
•     What expertise do they have? 
•     Is there a veterinarian and/or PhD involved? 
•     Who can you call if you have questions regarding the product, need advice, or want to discuss a patient who is experiencing an adverse reaction?
•     How long has the company been selling pet supplements? 
•     What sort of testing and quality standards/quality control does the company have? 
•     Is the supplement tested by an independent lab? 

Before giving your dog any nutritional yeast product, it’s best to check with your veterinarian first, especially if he has a health condition or is taking medication or supplements.

The post Nutritional Yeast for Dogs: Benefits and Uses appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But is chicken broth good for dogs? As it turns out, veterinarians approve of this home remedy. However, not all chicken broths are dog-friendly. 

If you’re wondering whether what you have in the pantry is safe for your dog to eat, read on for everything you need to know about chicken broth for dogs including health benefits, how to prepare it, and a few creative ways to add it to your dog’s diet. 

Can Dogs Have Chicken Broth? 

In short, yes—chicken broth is a generally safe addition to make to your dog’s diet. “I routinely recommend chicken broth as a palatability enhancer for dogs with picky appetites,” says Dr. Valerie Parker, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and associate professor of clinical small animal internal medicine and nutrition in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. 

That said, be sure to take a look at the label before you feed your dog any ol’ store-bought chicken broth. Many broths contain additional ingredients like onion and garlic, both of which can be toxic to dogs, says Dr. Deborah E. Linder, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and research assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Grafton, Massachusetts. 

Beyond this, even low-sodium broths can be very high in sodium, which may be a no-no depending on your dog’s unique dietary needs, she says.  

As is true any time you change your dog’s diet, make sure to check in with your veterinarian before you add chicken broth to his food, especially if he has an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. 

Can Dogs Have Chicken Bone Broth? 

Rich in nutrients and collagen, a building block of muscles and joints, bone broth is all the rage these days (1). But how does chicken bone broth for dogs compare to typical chicken broth? 

While Parker notes that there are no studies evaluating the use of chicken bone broth in dogs’ diets, the same rules apply when you’re examining the label. Avoid chicken bone broths with added aromatics like garlic and onion, and opt for a low-sodium or homemade bone broth if you’re watching your dog’s salt intake. 

Benefits of Chicken Broth for Dogs 

Ultimately, the main benefit of chicken broth for dogs is probably what you have in mind for it already—enticing your pup to eat when he’s not feeling super hungry. 

Pouring chicken broth over your dog’s dry food can soften it up and add a flavor boost to a bland diet without further disrupting an upset stomach. 

As for other health claims—a cure-all for gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and constipation, a shiny coat, and more—researchers have yet to dig into them just yet. 

How to Make Chicken Broth for Dogs 

If you don’t have any chicken broth at home, it may be preferable to make it yourself anyway. “Homemade chicken broth is fine for dogs, and it’s sometimes the easiest way to find a broth that excludes onion and garlic,” says Parker.  

Here are steps to prepare homemade chicken broth for dogs:

Step 1: Bring chicken meat to a boil in plain water with no seasoning, says Linder. 

Step 2: Lower the heat and allow it to simmer uncovered for three to four hours, skimming any foam off the top as necessary. 

Step 3: Strain the liquid to remove all chicken meat. Allow it to cool to a safe warm-but-not-hot temperature.

Step 4: When it’s the right temperature, pour some over your dog’s food. 

While chicken and rice is another popular home remedy for dogs with an upset stomach or loss of appetite, this will almost always result in an imbalanced diet, says Parker. Again, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before making any major changes to what goes on your pup’s plate, especially if he’s not feeling well. 

Other Ways to Use Chicken Broth for Dogs 

All in all, any food that isn’t a part of your dog’s complete and balanced diet formulated by a certified veterinary nutritionist (think: their dog food) should make up less than 10 percent of his total daily caloric intake (like treats and snacks), says Parker. Because chicken broth is generally a low-calorie food with about 15 calories per cup, it fits the bill for a great treat or palatability enhancer to add to your dog’s food.

Here are a few creative and fun ways you can add chicken broth to your dog’s diet: 

Make homemade dog treats. All you need to whip up these veterinarian-approved dog treats is flour, oats, peanut butter, and chicken broth. 

Cool off during the dog days of summer with chicken brothsicles. Freeze your dog’s favorite low-calorie treats like strawberries and dog-friendly veggies such as green beans and pumpkin puree with chicken bone broth in popsicle or ice cube trays. If your dog’s a chomper, stuff them inside a chew toy in order to avoid damaging his pearly whites, suggests Parker.  

Create soft-serve “ice cream.” Blend together dog-friendly fruit like seedless watermelon or cantaloupe with plain, unsweetened yogurt and chicken broth to make a dog-friendly version of ice cream. Pour it into a mold or toy, and voilà!   

Spoil your pup with a mini chicken pot pie with whole wheat flour, chicken broth, shredded chicken, carrots, and peas.

Chicken Broth for Dogs FAQ

Is chicken broth good for dogs?

Chicken broth can be a safe addition to your dog’s diet so long as you choose a pet-friendly product that is low in sodium and does not contain potentially harmful ingredients for dogs like onion and garlic.

Can you give dogs chicken broth for upset stomach?

If your dog has an upset stomach, you can try pouring a little chicken broth over his dry food or a bland diet to help entice him to eat. 

Can dogs have chicken broth with onion?

Onion and garlic can be toxic to dogs, so you should avoid chicken broth that contains these ingredients.

Can I put chicken broth in dog food?

Yes, you can pour low-sodium or homemade bone broth on top of your dog’s dry or freeze-dried raw food to soften it up and add a flavor boost.

How much chicken broth can I give my dog?

The appropriate amount of chicken broth will vary based on your dog’s weight and his individual needs. Many products recommend approximately ¼ cup per 20 pounds of body weight. 

Does chicken broth hydrate dogs?

Chicken broth can help promote hydration in dogs, but your dog should still always have access to fresh, clean water. 

The post Chicken Broth for Dogs: Safety, Benefits, and 5 Ways to Use It appeared first on Great Pet Care.

One of the newer options on shelves, freeze-dried dog food, has become an increasingly popular choice in recent years (1). But what is it, exactly? And is it a safe option for your dog? Here’s everything you need to know about freeze-dried dog food.

What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

Humans have been freeze-drying food for a long time. Although for many of us, the prime example is still that “astronaut ice cream” you find in science museum gift shops, the global freeze-dried food market is expected to reach $85.3 billion by 2024 (2)—and part of that number comes from the rise of freeze-dried pet foods (3).

Like the human version, freeze-dried dog food has had all its moisture sucked out through freezing temperatures and a multi-step drying process. The result is a bone-dry, shelf-stable product that can last for years and be plumped back up by simply adding water.

In the case of freeze-dried dog foods, “what you’re getting is a different presentation of raw dog food,” says holistic veterinarian Dr. Ruth Roberts. But unlike fresh raw meat, some freeze-dried raw dog foods also go through high-pressure processing (HPP), a pasteurization process used to decrease quantities of bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. 

Even after HPP, freeze-dried dog food is still considered a raw food. “For pet owners who want to feed raw but are concerned about bacteria, [freeze-dried] is a great way to go,” Roberts says.

Types of Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Freeze-drying is a way to dehydrate dog food, but not all dehydrated dog food is freeze-dried. “Often dehydrated food is one where the water is removed using warm air,” rather than the cold-temperature process used to freeze-dry, says Dr. Joe Bartges, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and professor at The University of Georgia.

Just like other dog foods, freeze-dried products come in a number of formulations, from high-protein, to high-fat/moderate-protein, to varieties more similar to traditional kibble that include carbs like potatoes and legumes. Roberts notes that in any of these freeze-dried varieties, the proteins are still considered raw, and in some cases the starches are, too.

How Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Made?

There are several steps to the freeze-drying process—a technique so old it’s been traced all the way back to 1200 A.D, when Incas freeze-dried their potatoes. 

In the modern version, fresh food is first frozen solid. Then it goes into a vacuum chamber that evaporates nearly all of the solid water (ice). A second drying phase zaps away any lingering water molecules. By the end, roughly 97 percent of the food’s moisture has been sucked out, but many of its nutrients remain.

The Benefits of Freeze-Dried Dog Food

For pet parents who want to feed their dogs a raw diet but worry about finding, handling, and preparing fresh raw meat themselves, freeze-dried food can be a fast and simple alternative. And unlike plain raw meat, “all of the commercially available [freeze-dried] formulas are going to be complete and balanced for all life stages,” Roberts says—as long as you make sure they’ve been formulated to meet the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Pet parents also like that it’s easy to find high-quality, organic ingredients—including grass-fed meats—in freeze-dried dog foods. Processing and additives are usually minimal, too, and even picky eaters tend to like the formulas. 

“For people who like the idea of feeding whole foods but don’t want to cook or make their own, it’s a good option,” Roberts says. She notes that freeze-dried foods may be especially helpful for people who travel with their pets, since the drying process condenses fresh food down into a much smaller, lighter, and shelf-stable form. It also frees up valuable freezer and fridge space, since it lives in pantry-friendly packages. 

Potential Downsides of Freeze-Dried Pet Food Formulas

Roberts has two main concerns about freeze-dried dog food. First, when you take food out of its natural state—in this case, by drying it out and rehydrating it later—it is “never quite as easy to digest as it is in its original form,” she says. Second, it’s “hideously expensive,” she adds, “so the convenience comes at a cost.” 

According to Nielsen data, freeze-dried pet food clocks in, on average, at $33 per pound, compared to $10 or $11 for air-dried or dehydrated pet foods (4).

Many veterinarians also worry about illness-causing bacteria. “Freeze-drying alone, without a prior heating/cooking step, is not an effective way to eliminate microbial pathogens” like Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria, says veterinary nutritionist Dr. Megan Shepherd, who is also a clinical assistant professor of nutrition at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. “Therefore, I recommend avoiding raw and freeze-dried animal tissue-based products, unless the manufacturer can confirm that the finished product is pathogen-free.”

AAFCO, which sets standards for pet foods in the U.S., offers a similar warning on its website, noting that most nutritionally complete pet foods have been heat-treated during manufacturing to prevent microbial contamination. AAFCO further warns that any raw foods you’re feeding your pup could put humans in the house at risk for illness—especially children, elderly people, or anyone with a compromised immune system. And the same bacteria can make your dog sick, too.

How to Feed Your Dog Freeze-Dried Dog Food

You’ll find freeze-dried dog food in any number of forms, from dinner patties to food toppers to bite-sized nibbles. Some foods are formulated to be nutritionally complete (check the label), meaning they can be fed as a sole diet. Other freeze-dried foods can be mixed in or sprinkled on top of regular food, or even be doled out as quick treats.

Always be sure to check the specific instructions listed on the food you choose. Many formulas are intended to be served as-is—which is especially convenient if you’re using them for treats—but some must be rehydrated by crumbling into warm water. Adding water makes freeze-dried food bulkier and more filling, and is especially important for dogs who don’t drink much water on their own.

Where to Buy Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Freeze-dried dog food is widely available. You can find it everywhere from big-box pet retailers to small independent pet health food stores.  

The post Freeze-Dried Dog Food: The Pros and Cons appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Chances are, you’ve put a lot of time and energy into making the best dog food choices for your pup. Proper dog food storage, on the other hand, is often an afterthought for even the most discerning pet parents. 

In light of recent dog food recalls due to common bacterial contaminants like Salmonella and Listeria, you might be wondering: How can I ensure my dog food is safe? For starters, you can check up on your own dog food handling and storage habits.  

Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about proper dog food storage, including common mistakes to avoid and dog food storage ideas, according to veterinarians. 

Why Dog Food Storage Is Important 

“Much like storing our own food, properly storing pet food helps avoid spoilage,” says Dr. Cullen A. Domaracki, a veterinarian and assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences at the Louisiana State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

The best dog food storage solutions not only keep your dog’s food fresh and tasty, but they also protect your pup by keeping mold, bacteria, and household pests like insects and rodents out of his dinner.

So, is your pup’s food safe? Read on for the most common mistakes pet parents make when it comes to dog food storage. 

Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Dog Food 

Dog food storage seems simple enough, but there are a few common mistakes that even the most caring pet parents are susceptible to making.  

Here are seven dog food storage mistakes to cross off your list for a happy and healthy pup:  

Mistake #1: Storing Food in the Garage 

It’s an easy mistake to make, especially if your home is short on storage space. However, excess heat or moisture—common problems in some garages during the summer—can degrade essential oils and break down nutrients in dog food, explains Dr. Julie A. Churchill, Ph.D., a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and professor of veterinary clinical sciences at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in St. Paul, Minnesota. Your dog’s food could also be at greater risk of being exposed to pests like insects and rodents.  

What to do instead: Store your dog food where you’d want to store your own food. Like other pantry items, dry and canned dog food should be stored in a cool, dry place like a dog food storage cabinet. Always keep it in a controlled environment under 80 degrees Fahrenheit, per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Mistake #2: Leaving Dry Dog Food Unsealed 

Fold over or roll up a large bag of dog food, and it might seem like that’s good enough for your pup. 

The problem: Leaving food unsealed is a big mistake, as oxygen causes the fat in the food to go rancid, which ruins the flavor and, in the worst-case scenario, could even make dogs sick, says Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, an experienced companion animal veterinarian based in Alderney, U.K.   

What to do instead: To keep your dog’s dry food fresh, store it in an airtight dog food container, says Woodnutt.

Mistake #3: Pouring Dry Dog Food Out of Its Original Bag 

“Many pet parents will tip dry food into an airtight pet food container, but this can cause the food to go off more quickly, and scratches in the surface of the container can hold bacteria and allow the food to spoil,” says Woodnutt. 

What’s more? The bag dog food comes in often has an oil-resistant liner, which is designed to help retain flavor, adds Dr. Kristi Flynn, an assistant professor in the department of veterinary clinical sciences at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

What to do instead: Store your dog food in the original bag inside a sealed container. As this can make for clunky dog food storage, keep large bags of food in a storage bin and use smaller, more convenient containers that hold about a week of food for feeding time, suggests Flynn. 

If you do decide to pour dog food out of the bag and into a container, at least snap a picture of the barcode and expiration date or cut out that portion of the label, says Churchill. This way, if your pup ever gets sick or you have questions about the quality or safety of the food, you can share this information with the company and the FDA in case there’s a product defect or dog food recall. 

Mistake #4: Regularly “Topping Off” Dry Dog Food

If you already store your dog food in an airtight container, a common mistake is to fill it back up before it’s totally emptied out. The problem with this is that leftover fat and crumbs from dog food can build up inside the container over time and, again, start to go bad. 

What to do instead: Use up all of the food in an airtight container before you refill it. “When the bin is empty, that’s a good reminder that it’s time to wash it out and then add fresh food,” says Churchill. 

Mistake #5: Leaving Canned Food Out Too Long 

We’ve all been there—you feed your dogs, get distracted with other to-do’s around the house, and then find the can of dog food sitting on the kitchen counter hours later. The problem: Wet dog food that’s been left out could become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and flies could also touch down and lay eggs, says Woodnutt. Ugh. 

What to do instead: If it’s been a few hours or longer, don’t risk it. Toss out the canned food in a securely-tied plastic bag in a covered trash can so your pup won’t be tempted to go digging for it. In the future, after you open canned dog food, tightly cover it with a reusable lid or plastic wrap, refrigerate it, and make sure to use it within three days, says Domaracki. 

Mistake #6: Not Taking The Expiration Date Seriously 

Like our own food products at the grocery store, it is hard to pinpoint when any pet food will truly “expire,” says Dr. Domaracki. That said, since the nutritional value of food can’t be guaranteed after that printed expiration date, it’s best not to feed your dog expired food, he says—even if it passes the sniff test.  

What to do instead: Buy a bag of dog food that your pup can eat within a few months of opening, says Dr. Flynn. If the expiration date is looming, consider marking it on your calendar or setting a reminder on your phone.  

Mistake #7: Only Washing Your Dog’s Bowls Once in a While 

Yes, life is so busy. But unwashed dog food bowls can develop bacteria, mold, mildew, and other contaminants, says Domaracki. Naturally, you don’t want any of that anywhere near your pup. 

What to do instead: While it may seem like an extra chore at first, get used to washing your dog’s food and water bowls and measuring scoops with soap and hot water after every single meal, per the FDA. 

Best Dog Food Storage Containers and Tools

Cleaning up your dog food storage routine only takes a few simple tweaks. For proper dog food storage, start with the right storage containers and tools.  

Here are all of the must-haves to include on your next shopping list: 

Airtight dog food containers. For dry dog food storage, opt for airtight containers that are large enough to fit a whole bag of food inside, says Woodnutt. Remember to clean them with soap and warm water after each batch of food. 

Dog food scoops. Measuring scoops are a great way to ensure your dog is gobbling up the appropriate amount of food at each meal. Since recommended amounts on the bag are often too large or don’t take into account your dog’s breed, lifestyle, or body type, check in with your veterinarian for a suggested serving size, says Domaracki. Like dog food bowls, measuring scoops should be cleaned after every use. 

Can lids for wet dog food. Silicone or plastic can lids can help keep a can of wet dog food fresh inside your fridge, says Woodnutt. However, anything you use to cover up your own food—like plastic wrap or food storage containers—should do the trick too, adds Dr. Domaracki. 

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The following guide is designed to help you understand what you need to know about green tripe for dogs, including its origin, the potential benefits and drawbacks, and where to find it.

Because your pup’s nutritional and health needs are unique, a discussion about green tripe dog food–or any new product—should begin with your veterinarian.

What is Tripe?

Tripe is muscle tissue from the stomach of animals like pigs, cows, sheep, and deer. Beef (cow) tripe is the most common.

Each of a cow’s four-chambered stomachs produces a different variety of tripe. Of these, the most widely consumed is honeycomb-textured tripe from the second stomach (reticulum); and smooth tripe, which originates from the first stomach (rumen).

As is the case with other organ meats, tripe is considered a by-product. It’s what remains (the term for it is “offal”) after a farm animal has been killed for its muscle meat for human consumption. By-products have a reputation for being inferior, but offal—including tripe—is more nutritionally-dense than muscle meat (1).

There are also some differences in how tripe is processed. If you were to go to the grocer to buy tripe to cook for dinner, you’d likely find the white or processed kind, which has been bleached in hydrogen peroxide, cleaned, and cooked. This process, experts say, reduces the nutritional content.

The variety used in dog food and as treats is green tripe, which is actually brown in color, although it may have green tints if the farm animal had eaten grass. Green tripe hasn’t been bleached or cooked which means it retains more of its nutritional value.

Is Tripe Good for Dogs?

While the veterinary community hasn’t produced an abundance of data specifically on the nutritional value of tripe for dogs, the following are some factors to consider.

Potential nutritional benefits of tripe for dogs include:

Probiotics. Raw green tripe contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a type of bacteria that originates in an animal’s gut (2). It is thought to improve gut health by controlling populations of harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli and Salmonella, which in turn promotes better gut immunity.

Studies on probiotics for dogs are promising. One study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research found that L. acidophilus can potentially enhance intestinal health and improve immune function in dogs.

Essential fatty acids. Tripe has a good balance of omega-3 (an anti-inflammatory) and omega-6 fatty acids (3). Receiving too much or too little of either of these essential fatty acids is harmful for dogs.

Digestive enzymes. Tripe contains digestive enzymes, which aid the digestive process by breaking down food and making nutrients more accessible (4).

Benefits of Green Tripe for Dogs

Though specific research is limited, green tripe is associated with a number of health benefits for dogs, and has some potential benefits for the environment as well.

Improves gut health. A healthy gut promotes a healthier immune system. The L. acidophilus contained in green tripe is a probiotic.

Aids in digestion. The same enzymes in green tripe that help cows digest food and absorb nutrients do the same for dogs.

Has a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This is important because too much of either of these essential fatty acids can adversely impact a dog’s health.

Can entice picky eaters. The strong smell can be helpful in getting finicky or older dogs who may have a limited sense of smell, to eat their food.

It promotes less waste. Feeding dogs green tripe and other types of offal (which is essentially the leftovers from the animal that humans don’t consume) reduces the need to clear more land for agricultural use, or kill more cows and other animals for pet food.

Potential Drawbacks of Green Tripe for Dogs

As previously mentioned, veterinary research regarding the nutritional value of green tripe for dogs is limited. And there could be some reasons to avoid feeding it to your pup.

Some of the precautions or things to consider include:

Possible contamination from raw tripe. Raw foods are linked to exposure to pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause illness in dogs, as well as people, especially the elderly, children, and immunocompromised individuals.

For this reason, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) generally recommends against feeding pets a raw diet.

If you are interested in feeding any raw diet to your dog, check with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist about how to do so as safely as possible. It’s also a good idea to ask about portion size, how to make the diet complete and balanced and if the diet is appropriate for any medical conditions they may have.

The smell. People who’ve fed raw green tripe to their dogs say it’s quite stinky. While the pungent smell is off-putting to humans, dogs seem to be attracted to it.

Potential problems with the nutrient profile. Some green tripe products show inappropriately high levels of magnesium, copper, and sodium, and only trace amounts of vitamins B1 and B2, with no other B vitamins.

If you want to feed green tripe to your dog, be sure to ask the company selling the product for a nutrient analysis of the product they are selling to you. Bring that information to your veterinarian and have them take a look to make sure it is safe to feed. Tripe should not be fed as a sole food item to your dog.

How to Give Green Tripe to Dogs

Green tripe for dogs comes in a variety of forms. Some of these are composed solely of tripe, while others include ingredients you’d find in regular dog food, like vegetables and supplements.

Here is an overview of forms of tripe and how you can include this ingredient into your dog’s diet.

Raw green tripe. Typically available as frozen or fresh green tripe. If you plan to feed raw tripe to your dog, make sure to consult your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to come up with a plan to keep your pet safe.

Freeze-dried green tripe. Freeze drying is a process that allows tripe to remain on store shelves for longer periods of time without losing its nutrients. Freeze-dried tripe typically comes as nuggets or mini patties. Freeze-drying does not decrease the potential bacterial contamination that can make your dog sick—only cooking it can do that.

Dry green tripe. Also available in kibble form.

Canned green tripe. While canned tripe doesn’t retain as many nutrients as fresh tripe, its strong smell can entice picky dogs to eat.

Green tripe chew sticks. These are intended as treats for dogs and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

If you’re purchasing green tripe from a dog food company, it’s easy enough to follow the serving instructions on the label. If it’s raw green tripe from your local meat vendor, you’ll need to figure out the proper portion to serve.

Whichever form of green tripe you choose, veterinarians recommend feeding a complete and balanced diet to meet a dog’s nutritional needs for a given life stage. In order for a food to be considered complete and balanced, it should be formulated according to standards set by the Association of American Feed Controls (AAFCO). A food that meets AAFCO guidelines will display a statement on the label.

If adding green tripe to your pet’s regular food, make sure the amount given (in addition to all other treats) does not exceed 10 percent of your pet’s daily calorie intake.

Also, quality of tripe varies by manufacturer, especially when it comes to the pet treat market, so look to do business with companies you trust.

Where to Buy Green Tripe for Dogs

As green tripe for dogs has become more widespread, finding it in a variety of forms is relatively easy. Here are a few places where you might look for green tripe for your pup.

Veterinary clinics. This is a good place to start, especially since your veterinarian already knows your dog’s specific nutritional needs.

Pet supply shops, including online retailers. You’ll find many of the commercial varieties of green tripe in stores, including freeze-dried, raw, canned, and dry. Make sure you know where the meat was raised and where it was processed. Products raised and processed in the USA are much safer than products coming from other countries.

Local farms and butchers. Some may have green tripe available, but you’ll still need to understand proper nutritional formulation so that your dog receives the appropriate amount of nutrients, portion control to avoid obesity, and safety protocols.

Grocers and health food stores. Commercial tripe made especially for dogs may be available in a store’s pet aisle. The tripe that stocked in the meat aisle, however, is likely the white, processed kind, intended for human consumption.

If you’re considering feeding green tripe to your dog, the key is to make sure you’re taking precautions and feeding the right kind. It’s also imperative that your pup still receives a complete and balanced diet. Ask your veterinarian if green tripe is a good option for your dog.

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Many dog parents are looking for natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids may reduce body inflammation or help in managing specific medical conditions such as arthritis. But can adding sardines to a dog’s diet make an impact? 

In this article we will examine whether sardines are good for your dog, the risks of feeding sardines, and the best way to determine how many sardines to feed your dog. 

Are Sardines Good For Dogs?

Sardines have positive nutritional value for your dog. Sardines, like other fish, are a great protein source for dogs and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids—such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). 

Sardines are also rich in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, calcium, and the antioxidant selenium.

But although sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they still cannot reach the same levels of EPA and DHA as fortified diets and supplements. 

Pet owners may want to consider an omega-3 supplement rather than directly feeding fish like sardines. Supplements contain less calories and fat, while providing more omega-3 benefits. Ask your veterinarian before giving supplements to your dog.   

Are Sardines Safe for Dogs?

If your dog does not have or is not predisposed to certain conditions such as diabetes, obesity, pancreatitis, or kidney disease, sardines are generally a safe treat to give your dog in small quantities. 

In addition to concerns around overfeeding sardines to dogs, some of the largest safety concerns involve the substance the fish are packed in, whether pet owners need to worry about bones, and if there are any risks of mercury poisoning or toxicity. 

Can Dogs Eat Sardines in Olive Oil?

Many sardines are packed in olive oil. In general, olive oil is excellent for the skin and fur coat of dogs, but feeding dogs sardines packed in olive oil is not recommended. Since sardines are already a high-fat food, we don’t want to be adding additional fat to the treat. 

Consider purchasing sardines packed in water if you plan on feeding them to your dog. 

If you happen to purchase sardines in olive oil, take the sardines out of the tin and let the olive oil drain out of the fish pieces for several hours on a paper towel, rotating occasionally to allow optimum drainage. This method will not get all the olive oil out, but will help to minimize the amount of olive oil on the piece of fish before feeding it to your dog. 

Can Dogs Eat Sardines With Bones?

Some sardines come with bones still inside the fish pieces. These are generally small bones, and may look harmless, but they have the potential to cause problems if ingested by dogs. 

Sardine bones may cause stomach irritation or can even puncture the intestines, creating a life-threatening emergency. 

To be safe, remove all bones before feeding sardines to your dog. 

Should I Worry About Mercury in Sardines?

Generally, no, pet parents who are interested in feeding their dogs sardines do not have to worry about mercury poisoning. 

As bait fish, sardines are pretty low on the food chain and do not live long enough to accumulate significant quantities of mercury. 

Risks of Feeding Dogs Sardines

Sardines are a high-fat food for dogs. Many articles and studies claim that sardines are low in saturated fat—which is true. But saturated fat is only one kind of fat. When it is added to the other forms of fat, sardines wind up being a high-fat food for our canine companions. 

Since feeding sardines means feeding a high-fat food, you want to be cautious in how many sardines you are giving your dog and the fat level of their regular food. 

If their normal dog food is also moderate-to-high in fat, or if you are feeding too many sardines, you could be inadvertently setting your dog up for vomiting, diarrhea, obesity, arthritis, diabetes, or pancreatitis. 

If your dog already has a sensitive stomach, gets diarrhea easily, is already overweight (or is at risk of becoming overweight), has diabetes, has had pancreatitis, or is a breed predisposed to developing pancreatitis, then consider another treat for your dog.

How to Feed Dogs Sardines

If you have decided to feed your dog sardines, work with your veterinarian or a nutritionist to determine the right amount for your dog based on body weight, energy level and dietary needs. Only 10 percent of your pet’s daily calories should come from additives or treats. 

If you have determined that you can safely feed a certain number of sardines per day, then take 1/4 of that amount and feed as a treat or mix it into your dog’s food. It’s important to start with a small amount of sardines, given with food, to make sure your dog’s body tolerates the fat content well. 

If you do not see any throwing up, unwillingness to eat, or diarrhea, then you can increase the amount given slowly, up to the maximum number you calculated above. 

Be very mindful of your pet’s weight after adding sardines to your dog’s diet. If they start to gain weight, decrease the number of sardines fed, increase the amount of exercise your pet gets on a daily basis, or talk to your veterinarian about some weight loss strategies. 

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As soon as your dog shows signs of intestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, not eating), remove food and let their stomach rest for 4-8 hours. Offer small amounts of water or ice chips hourly during the fasting period— if they drink too much, they are likely to start vomiting again. 

While your pet’s stomach is resting, you can start preparing a home cooked bland diet. A good recipe is easy to make, and often can help address the clinical signs you are seeing. You can also ask your veterinarian for a commercial bland diet recommendation if you don’t want to cook at home.

In this article, we will discuss the definition and elements of a bland diet and why certain ingredients are used when cooking one at home. We will also discuss bland diet considerations to help you make the best choices for your dog. 

What is a Bland Diet for Dogs?

A bland diet refers to a food given to a dog that is easily digestible (easily broken down and absorbed into the body). This diet is also called “bland” because it does not have any seasonings, spices, fiber, or fat added. It is designed to meet your dog’s caloric needs but not over-tax the digestive system while it is healing.

When to Use a Bland Diet for Dogs

Dogs with mild cases of intestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea or inappetence (not wanting to eat), often improve when fed a bland diet. However, bland diets should not replace veterinary care. If your dog has bloody diarrhea, ongoing diarrhea, continual vomiting, and is not eating for more than one day or is acting lethargic, it’s important to make a veterinary appointment to rule out potentially serious health problems.

Ingredients in a Bland Diet for Dogs?

A bland diet is a combination of a few simple ingredients. The diet must contain a protein source and carbohydrate source. 

Bland diets for dogs typically consist of:

A low-fat protein. Examples include chicken, turkey, or lean ground beef. Sometimes low-fat cottage cheese is fed instead of meat. A protein source higher in fat is generally too heavy for pets with intestinal upset. High-fat proteins can make vomiting and diarrhea worse and can make dogs that are vomiting from pancreatitis very ill. 

A carbohydrate source. Classically, white rice is used because it is easy to digest and low in fiber. Alternative carbohydrate sources can include oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potato, or potato. 

A probiotic (optional). Balanced intestinal bacteria are incredibly important to our dog’s health. Supplementing dogs with a probiotic can help rebalance the intestinal tract and prevent the worsening of symptoms.

Things to Consider When Feeding a Bland Diet

A bland diet is generally an excellent first step for pets with intestinal upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea). However, sometimes a bland diet is not the correct choice.

There are many causes of intestinal upset, and some of them can be life threatening. If, for example, you witness your pet eat a sock, toy, rock, or other object, and they begin vomiting, the condition can quickly turn fatal. A bland diet will not help.

There are also organ diseases that can cause vomiting and other secondary medical complications. Pets suffering from significant medical conditions will likely eat little if any food, and will likely demonstrate low energy and enthusiasm. A pet who is not eating and exhibiting low energy should be seen by a veterinarian right away.  

A pet who continues to throw up their food after eight hours should be seen by their veterinarian. 

Diarrhea that does not improve with a bland diet after 24 hours likely needs additional medications to help stop the diarrhea. 

Young dogs with intestinal upset need special attention. Puppies get low blood sugar and dehydrated very quickly and their health can decline much more rapidly than adult dogs. If your dog is under 6 months of age, seek veterinary intervention for intestinal upset.

If your young dog is vomiting for more than four hours, has diarrhea for more than six hours, is eating less than normal or not eating and/or has low energy, they need to be seen by a veterinarian right away.

A bland diet is not complete and balanced. A complete and balanced diet has all of the vitamins and minerals a dog needs on a daily basis. The majority of commercially available dog foods are considered complete and balanced. 

Feeding a bland diet is safe on a short term-basis, but if fed too long, it can start to cause nutrient imbalances in a dog, resulting in illness, weight abnormalities, and an inability to protect the body from infectious diseases. 

If your pet needs to be on a bland diet for an extended period of time, the diet needs to be formulated by a veterinary nutritionist to prevent nutrient imbalances. There are also several dog food brands that produce and sell bland diets for dogs if you do not like to or want to cook.

Bland Diet for Dogs Recipe

When cooking a bland diet for your dog at home, the meat should be boiled or cooked without any added butter, oils, or spices. 

You can use the options below to customize a bland diet for your dogs at home, using the recipes based on your dog’s body weight. 

Protein choices = White meat chicken or turkey with no skin, lean ground beef, venison, bison, (90% or above), low fat cottage cheese

Carbohydrate choices = White rice is preferred, can substitute rolled oatmeal, brown rice, potato or sweet potato

DISCLAIMER: Please discuss this recipe with your pet’s veterinarian before feeding it to your pet. Please do not feed your dog any ingredients that you know they are allergic to.

Cooking Directions

1. Bake or boil your protein until cooked through. Cottage cheese is served raw. 
2. Cook the carbohydrate of choice as directed on packaging. Boil, mash, or bake potatoes.
3. Do not add any seasoning, butter, or other fats. 
4. Combine protein source, carbohydrate source in an approximate 1:1 ratio.
5. Stir ingredients together until well mixed.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Wait until the food is room temperature before serving.

Start by giving your dog a portion that is ¼ to ½ of their normal meal size to start. If they eat it and keep it down, then you can give a little more.

Store food in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Warm food to between room temperature and mildly-warm before feeding. Do not feed cold. If after warming, the food feels hot, allow it to cool before feeding your dog. 

Duration of a Bland Diet for Dogs

Continue feeding the bland diet for the next 3-7 days. If your pet is known to have a sensitive stomach, it may be wise to give this food for 5-7 days after symptoms clear. In either case, once symptoms resolve, then slowly transition them back to their normal food over a period of days by mixing regular food with a bland diet.

Within 24 hours of the first meal, you should see improvement. If you do not, then a veterinary exam is needed. In addition, if your pet stops having intestinal upset with a bland diet, but the vomiting and/or diarrhea reappear as you transition back to their normal diet, call your vet.

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For all the canines readily eating their meals, as long as the food packaging has a label from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the food is considered complete and balanced. If the food you feed daily is complete and balanced, you are giving your dog everything they need to live. 

There are a few good reasons to consider switching dog food. If you need to make a diet change (due to a veterinary recommendation or a lifestyle change), following a diet transition timeline will help your dog adapt to the new ingredients, and may help prevent some unwanted consequences. 

This article will help you understand reasons to switch dog food, how to switch diets, and what to do if you accidentally switch too fast. If you do need to make a change, you will be ready.  

Switching Dog Food: Should You Do It? 

There are a few situations in a dog’s life that may justify a food change. 

These include:

• A transition from puppy food to dog food 
• A transition from dog food to a senior dog food
• A transition from kibble to a canned version
• A transition to a veterinary-recommended prescription diet 

Many pet owners will switch from a puppy-specific formula to an adult dog food formula as their puppies grow up. A food change may also be recommended when dogs enter the senior phase of their lives as nutrient and calorie needs change. 

If your dog was born with a medical condition, or develops one during their life, a change in diet prescribed to address the condition may help your pet to feel better and even live longer. For instance, if your dog has digestive problems, your veterinarian may recommend switching to a dog food for sensitive stomachs.

When Switching Dog Food is Not Recommended

There are situations where changing a dog’s diet is not recommended. One such situation is switching a dog’s food to prevent food allergies. Currently, there is no evidence to support this concept. 

Since food allergies develop because of a dog’s genes, and not because of the number of foods they have been exposed to, it is best to keep your dog on the one food they do well on and manage any allergies if/when they become prevalent in your dog’s life. 

How to Switch Dog Food 

A diet transition timeline varies from 10 days to three weeks in duration depending on the individual dog and their individual gut tolerance. 

If your dog’s intestines can manage most foods, then a 10-day diet switch schedule is most appropriate. For more sensitive dogs, it’s best to take things nice and slow and use the longer transition schedule. 

Short Dog Food Transition Timeline

Long Dog Food Transition Timeline

The percentages in the timelines above refer to the quantity of food fed. For example,  if before the transition you were feeding 2 cups of the current food, then day 1 of the transition you would feed 75% of the current food which is 1½ cup. This leaves ½ cups of the new food to fill the bowl.

Regardless of which diet transition schedule is used, it is generally recommended to give your dog a pet-specific probiotic during the transition to help your dog’s stomach break down and digest the new ingredients in a healthy way. Consult your veterinarian to find the best probiotic that is recommended for your dog.

Side Effects of Switching Dog Food

If you didn’t take the time to follow a diet transition schedule, or if you otherwise tried to switch too quickly, you might get to see what intestinal upset looks like. 

Consider a time when you have eaten a brand new cuisine or a food you were otherwise not used to eating. The stomach pain and/or bathroom consequences you experienced are similar to what a dog goes through after eating something their body is not used to. Intestinal upset can manifest as throwing up, little or no appetite, or diarrhea. 

Diet-Switch Diarrhea and What to Do

For dogs, the most prevalent consequence of switching food too quickly is diarrhea. 

When the intestines come in contact with new food suddenly, it can start secreting water into the intestines. Water mixed with these foreign ingredients can then quickly make their way toward your dog’s hind-end and you might see the following symptoms:

• Your dog showing an urgency to go to the bathroom
• Needing to go more frequently
• A softer or liquid stool quality
• Possibly even some blood in the stools 

If you changed your dog’s food suddenly and now they have diarrhea, generally a bland diet is recommended.* 

A bland diet recipe consists of approximately 50 percent white rice and 50 percent boiled, low-fat, boneless, skinless, seasonless chicken or turkey. The white rice helps to absorb the extra moisture in the intestines, while the bland protein provides an easy-to-digest energy source. 

Along with a bland diet, a dog probiotic should be started and given for at least five days. Think of giving a probiotic like an antibiotic course, but instead of killing bacteria, we are simply providing the dog’s system with the bacteria that will help them digest food normally again.  

Keep in mind that a bland diet is not meant to be a long-term solution. It does not provide all of the nutrients that a dog needs, so it shouldn’t be used for more than a few days. If your dog is having vomiting and diarrhea for more than 24-48 hours, he should see a vet.

*If your dog is less than 1 year of age and is having diarrhea for more than 6 hours, bring them to your veterinarian right away for care and rehydration. 

Diet-Switch Vomiting and What to Do

In a small subset of cases, a dog fed a diet they are not used to may throw up (vomit).  

As some of the abnormal food ingredients are sensed by the intestines and absorbed into the body, the brain may initiate a reflex that causes the stomach to push food back up towards the mouth in a forceful manner (retching). The process is complete when the food material is expelled from the body.  

Your dog may throw up once or several times depending on what they have eaten and how sensitive they are. 

If you changed your dog’s food suddenly and now they are vomiting, give them free access to water, but do not give them any food for a couple of hours** to let their stomach rest and recover. 

After 2-4 hours, try giving a small amount, about ¼ of the current meal quantity, of their current (not new) food and see if they are interested and are able to keep the food down. If they do, you can then offer them the remainder of their meal. 

**If your dog is less than 1 year of age and is vomiting, do not withhold food from them. If they continue to vomit for more than 6 hours, bring them to your veterinarian right away to help them stop vomiting and get rehydrated. 

Diet-Switch Inappetence and What to Do

Eating less (inappetence) or not eating at all (anorexia) may result because of stomach upset or nausea when switching dog food. If you have started a diet transition and your dog is now eating less or not eating at all, it is generally recommended to follow the same guidelines as for if your dog is vomiting after eating a new food***. 

Let their stomach rest for a few hours with free access to water. After the rest, try to offer them a small amount of food to see if they will eat it. If they do not, try again in a few hours. 

***If your dog less than 1 year of age and is eating less than normal or not eating at all, do not withhold food from them and be sure they have free access to water. If they are not eating for more than 6 hours, bring them to your veterinarian right away for care. 

When to Switch to Adult Dog Food

Depending on your dog’s breed and individual variation, puppies can become adults at different ages. 

Smaller dogs become an adult at around 8 months of age; medium-sized dogs around 12 months of age; large dogs around 18 months of age; and giant-breed dogs, around 24 months of age. 

When your dog becomes an adult, switching to an adult dog food is highly recommended. While some dogs may do well long-term on puppy or all-life-stages food, the extra calories in these diets can create problems with weight gain and obesity. 

Note: Dog foods labeled “all life stages” have the energy content and composition of puppy food.

How to Pick an Adult Dog Food

Here are a few guidelines to help you choose an adult dog food when the time is right:

• To make the transition as smooth as possible, consider keeping the brand of adult food consistent with the brand of puppy food you were feeding. 
• It is important that the food is “complete and balanced” so that your dog will receive all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need in the correct proportions to support a functioning body. 
• Make sure you are happy with the ingredients list. If you have any concerns, speak to your veterinarian.
• Be sure you are happy with the price tag. Since your dog will be on this long-term, make the food fits within your budget . 

Once you have found the right food for your young adult dog, be sure to follow the diet transition schedule above to minimize stomach upset. 

When to Switch to Senior Dog Food

A dog is more or less considered a senior at around 7-8 years of age. A senior dog food provides fewer calories to your dog during a given meal. The assumption behind the design of a senior diet is that, as dogs age, they are not as active as they once were  and do not need the same number of calories as an active adult dog. 

The problem with that assumption is that each dog is an individual whose energy, appetite, and metabolism are unique to that individual. 

Here are a few guidelines to help you decide whether and when to switch your dog to a senior diet: 

• If your senior dog is healthy, maintaining a healthy body weight: It is generally recommended to continue feeding your dog the adult food they know and love. 
• If your senior dog is healthy but is gaining weight or overweight: A senior diet might be a good idea so you can meet your dog’s calorie needs without the extra weight and stress on their body.
• If your senior dog is seemingly healthy but unintentionally losing weight: Consider an exam with your veterinarian to figure out the cause of weight loss before making a decision about your dog’s diet. 
• If your senior dog has a disease condition (diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, etc.), there are many commercial and prescription diets you can feed to help manage those conditions. 

How to Choose a Senior Dog Food

If you and your veterinarian decide that switching to a senior dog food is correct for your dog, choose a senior dog food with the guidelines below and follow the diet transition (switch) guidelines above according to their intestinal sensitivity.

Guidelines for choosing a senior dog food:

• Look for an AAFCO label stating that the food is complete and balanced
• Consider staying with the brand of food that has worked well in the past
• Consider a formula that includes joint support for arthritis
• Look for ingredients you feel comfortable feeding
• Find a senior dog food that fits within your budget

Switching to Grain-Free or Raw Dog Food

Some of the trendiest dog food diets on the market are grain-free diets and raw food diets. There are pros and cons to choosing either one. Before purchasing either, speak to your veterinarian about your intention to switch so they can guide you in your selection. 

Grain-Free Diet Considerations

Pro: One possible reason for choosing a grain free dog food is a lower incidence of mycotoxins—chemicals created by fungi that can have negative effects on the body when consumed. 

Con: Grain-free diets have lost popularity throughout 2019 after an FDA article made a loose connection between grain-free diets and the discovery of a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Unfortunately, we are unsure of the actual cause of the heart condition. This link needs to be investigated further.   

Raw Diet Considerations 

Pro: Raw diets are claimed to have superior digestibility to kibble and canned diets, increasing the nutrient absorption by the body. However, freshly-cooked diets also boast superior digestibility and are safer to have in your home and feed to your pet. 

Cons: Remember that “raw” means little/no processing has been done to ensure your pet isn’t eating bad bacteria that can cause intestinal upset. Those bacteria can end up on you, your family members, and all over your home. Raw diets have been found to be nutrient deficient and on occasion, have sharp bone pieces that can do damage to the mouth or intestines. 

Switching Dog Food: Final Tips

If you choose to switch your dog’s food due to a lifestyle change, a recommendation from your veterinarian, or a budgetary need, there are some things you should keep in mind. 

Follow these additional tips when changing your dog’s food:

Plan ahead. When a diet transition is needed or desired, planning ahead is important. Starting a diet transition a day or two before going out of town and leaving your dog with a sitter, or before bringing your dog on vacation is asking for trouble. 

Have enough current food. Make sure you start the transition while you still have enough of the current food to last through the whole transition timeline. 

Adjust the timeline if needed. If your dog has intestinal upset during a diet transition, start over and try a slower transition. The same transition speed will likely result in the same intestinal upset.

Observe your dog during and after the switch. After any diet transition, keep a close eye on your dog over the next several weeks. If they appear to be losing or gaining weight, alter the amount you are feeding by 5-10 percent and then watch them again. 

Consult your veterinarian with questions. If you need help with your dog’s daily calorie intake, and how much you should feed, give your veterinarian a call—they know best. 

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