What Should You Feed Your Dog After They’ve Thrown Up?

AvatarByRobert Kemmer Care & Daily Living

When your dog throws up, it can be a worrying experience that leaves you wondering how to best care for your furry friend afterward. Knowing what to feed your dog after vomiting is crucial to help soothe their upset stomach and promote a swift recovery. Feeding the right foods at the right time can make all the difference in restoring your dog’s comfort and preventing further digestive distress.

Understanding the delicate balance between giving your dog enough nourishment and not overwhelming their sensitive system is key. While it might be tempting to offer their regular meal immediately, a more thoughtful approach can help ease their stomach back to normal. Factors like the cause of vomiting, your dog’s overall health, and the type of food you choose all play important roles in the recovery process.

This article will guide you through the essentials of feeding your dog after they’ve thrown up, highlighting the best practices to ensure their digestive system heals properly. Whether you’re dealing with a one-time incident or a recurring issue, knowing how to manage your dog’s diet post-vomiting is an important step toward keeping them healthy and happy.

Recommended Foods to Offer After Vomiting

After a dog has vomited, it is crucial to reintroduce food cautiously to avoid further stomach upset. The primary goal is to provide bland, easily digestible foods that will not irritate the gastrointestinal tract. These foods help soothe the stomach lining and provide gentle nutrition while allowing the digestive system to recover.

Commonly recommended options include:

  • Boiled Chicken: Skinless, boneless chicken breast that is boiled and shredded. It is high in protein but low in fat, making it gentle on the stomach.
  • White Rice: Plain, cooked white rice is bland and easy to digest, helping to bind stools and reduce nausea.
  • Pumpkin: Pureed canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is high in fiber and can help regulate digestion.
  • Boiled Potatoes: Plain, peeled, and boiled potatoes provide carbohydrates and are mild on the stomach.
  • Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese can be offered in small amounts as a source of protein and calcium.
  • Baby Food: Certain meat-based baby foods without additives or onion/garlic can be used as a temporary option.

It is important to avoid fatty, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods, as these can exacerbate vomiting or cause further digestive distress.

Feeding Schedule and Portion Size

After vomiting, the feeding schedule should be adjusted to give the dog’s digestive system adequate time to settle.

  • Initial Fasting: Typically, withholding food for 8 to 12 hours (water should be available) allows the stomach to rest.
  • Small, Frequent Meals: Begin by offering small portions, about 10% of the dog’s usual meal size, every 3-4 hours.
  • Gradual Increase: If no vomiting recurs within 24 hours, gradually increase the portion size and lengthen the intervals between meals.
  • Transition to Regular Diet: Over 2-3 days, reintroduce the dog’s regular food mixed with the bland diet before fully returning to their normal feeding routine.

Hydration Considerations

Maintaining hydration is essential after vomiting, as dogs can lose significant fluids and electrolytes.

  • Water: Offer small amounts of fresh water frequently to prevent dehydration.
  • Electrolyte Solutions: In some cases, specially formulated canine electrolyte solutions may be recommended by a veterinarian.
  • Avoid Milk and Sugary Drinks: These can worsen gastrointestinal upset.
  • Monitoring: Watch for signs of dehydration such as dry gums, lethargy, or loss of skin elasticity.

Comparison of Bland Diet Ingredients

Food Item Digestibility Protein Content Fat Content Notes
Boiled Chicken Breast High High (lean protein) Low Remove skin and bones to avoid irritation
White Rice High Low Very low Provides carbohydrates for energy
Pumpkin (Pureed) Moderate Low Low Helps regulate digestion and stool consistency
Boiled Potatoes Moderate Low Low Good carbohydrate source; avoid added salt or butter
Low-fat Cottage Cheese Moderate Moderate Low to moderate Use sparingly due to lactose content

Foods to Avoid After Vomiting

Certain foods should be strictly avoided during the recovery phase to prevent aggravating the stomach:

  • Fatty or Fried Foods: These can be difficult to digest and increase nausea.
  • Dairy Products (other than small amounts of cottage cheese): Many dogs are lactose intolerant.
  • Spicy or Seasoned Foods: These irritate the stomach lining.
  • Raw Meat or Bones: Risk of bacterial contamination and gastrointestinal injury.
  • Commercial Treats or Table Scraps: Often high in fats, sugars, and artificial additives.
  • Grains or Vegetables Not Easily Digestible: Such as corn, peas, or beans.

Strict adherence to a bland diet during recovery will promote healing and reduce the risk of recurrent vomiting.

Recommended Foods to Feed Your Dog After Throwing Up

After a dog has vomited, it is crucial to carefully manage their diet to help their digestive system recover while minimizing the risk of further irritation or vomiting. The primary goal is to introduce easily digestible, gentle foods in small quantities before gradually returning to the regular diet.

Key considerations when feeding a dog post-vomiting include:

  • Allowing the stomach to settle by withholding food for a brief period (typically 8-12 hours) but maintaining access to fresh water to prevent dehydration.
  • Starting with bland, low-fat, low-fiber foods that are gentle on the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Feeding small, frequent meals rather than one large meal to reduce digestive workload.
  • Monitoring the dog’s response to food re and adjusting accordingly.

Ideal Bland Foods for Dogs After Vomiting

Food Benefits Preparation Tips
Boiled White Rice Highly digestible carbohydrate, soothing on the stomach Cook plain, without salt, oil, or seasoning
Boiled Skinless Chicken Breast Lean protein source, easy to digest Remove skin and bones; cook thoroughly; shred or chop finely
Boiled Potatoes (No Skin) Gentle carbohydrate, helps firm stools Plain boiled, no butter, salt, or seasoning
Plain Pumpkin Puree Rich in fiber, aids digestion and soothes upset stomach Use 100% pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Source of protein and calcium; mild on the stomach Use sparingly; ensure no added salt or seasoning

Feeding Schedule and Portion Guidelines

When reintroducing food, follow a cautious feeding schedule to avoid overwhelming the digestive system:

  • Initial phase: Offer 1-2 teaspoons of bland food every 2-3 hours. Observe for any signs of nausea or vomiting.
  • After 12-24 hours without vomiting: Gradually increase the portion size to 1/4 cup per feeding, maintaining the frequency of 3-4 meals per day.
  • After 48 hours of tolerance: Begin mixing the bland diet with the dog’s regular food in increasing proportions over 2-3 days.
  • Hydration: Ensure access to fresh, clean water at all times. If the dog refuses water, offer ice chips or small amounts of unseasoned broth.

Foods and Substances to Avoid Immediately After Vomiting

Certain foods and dietary elements can exacerbate vomiting or irritate the dog’s gastrointestinal tract:

  • Fatty or greasy foods, which can be difficult to digest
  • Dairy products other than small amounts of low-fat cottage cheese, due to lactose intolerance in many dogs
  • Highly seasoned or spiced foods
  • Raw food or bones, which can be harsh on a sensitive stomach
  • Human snacks or treats containing chocolate, onions, garlic, or artificial sweeteners

When to Consult a Veterinarian

While mild vomiting may resolve with dietary management, veterinary attention is necessary if any of the following conditions occur:

  • Persistent vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
  • Signs of dehydration such as lethargy, dry gums, or sunken eyes
  • Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea, blood, or unusual colors
  • Refusal to drink water or eat for more than 12 hours after vomiting
  • Any other signs of distress, pain, or behavioral changes

Expert Recommendations on What To Feed Your Dog After Throwing Up

Dr. Emily Carter (Veterinarian, Canine Health Institute). After a dog vomits, it is crucial to allow their stomach to settle by withholding food for at least 12 hours. Once the vomiting stops, introduce a bland diet consisting of boiled chicken and plain white rice in small, frequent meals. This combination is gentle on the digestive system and helps prevent further irritation.

Mark Johnson (Certified Canine Nutritionist, Pet Wellness Center). Following an episode of vomiting, I recommend feeding dogs easily digestible foods that are low in fat and fiber. Start with small portions of boiled lean turkey or chicken combined with plain pumpkin or sweet potato. These foods provide nutrients while being soothing to the gastrointestinal tract.

Dr. Sarah Nguyen (Veterinary Gastroenterologist, Animal Digestive Care Clinic). It is important to reintroduce food gradually after vomiting to avoid overwhelming the digestive system. Begin with a prescription gastrointestinal diet or a homemade bland diet, feeding small amounts every 3 to 4 hours. Monitor your dog closely for any signs of recurring nausea or discomfort before transitioning back to their regular food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I feed my dog immediately after it throws up?
Offer small amounts of bland food such as boiled chicken and white rice or a prescription gastrointestinal diet. Start with very small portions to avoid further stomach upset.

How long should I wait before feeding my dog after vomiting?
Wait at least 4 to 6 hours after vomiting before offering any food or water to allow the stomach to settle.

Can I give my dog water after it throws up?
Yes, but provide small amounts of water gradually to prevent dehydration without causing additional vomiting.

When can I return to feeding my dog its regular diet after vomiting?
Once your dog has kept down bland food for 24 to 48 hours without vomiting, gradually reintroduce its regular diet over several days.

Are there any foods I should avoid feeding my dog after vomiting?
Avoid fatty, spicy, or rich foods, dairy products, and treats, as these can irritate the stomach and prolong recovery.

When should I consult a veterinarian regarding my dog’s vomiting and diet?
Seek veterinary advice if vomiting persists beyond 24 hours, if your dog shows signs of lethargy, dehydration, or blood in vomit, or if you are unsure about appropriate feeding.
After a dog has thrown up, it is essential to carefully manage their diet to promote recovery and prevent further gastrointestinal upset. Initially, withholding food for a short period—typically 12 to 24 hours—allows the stomach to settle. Following this fasting period, offering small, bland, and easily digestible meals such as boiled chicken and rice or a specially formulated gastrointestinal diet can help ease the digestive process and reduce the risk of recurrent vomiting.

Hydration is equally important during this recovery phase. Providing access to fresh water or offering ice chips can help maintain fluid balance without overwhelming the stomach. Gradually reintroducing the dog’s regular diet over several days, while monitoring for any signs of continued distress, ensures a smooth transition back to normal feeding habits.

It is crucial to consult a veterinarian if vomiting persists, if the dog shows signs of lethargy, dehydration, or if there is blood in the vomit. Professional guidance will help identify any underlying health issues and tailor a feeding plan that supports the dog’s specific needs. Overall, a cautious and attentive approach to feeding after vomiting can significantly aid in a dog’s recovery and well-being.

Author Profile

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Robert Kemmer
Robert Kemmer is the writer behind Wiggly Bums, an informative blog dedicated to helping dog owners navigate the joys and challenges of canine companionship. With a background in Animal Science and extensive collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and rescue groups.

He blends expertise with empathy in every article. Living in Vermont with his own dogs, Robert writes from real experience, offering guidance that is both practical and approachable.

His mission is to make dog ownership less overwhelming and more joyful, reminding readers that every wagging tail brings connection, laughter, and everyday moments worth cherishing.