Homemade Dog Food for Diarrhea: What to Feed & Avoid

The first time Toby had diarrhea, I felt helpless. He was pacing, restless, refusing food — and I was staring at a bowl of kibble he wouldn’t touch, unsure what would help or hurt. I wanted to soothe him, not guess my way through another upset stomach.

So I turned to my kitchen. Not as a vet, not as an expert — but as a mom and a dog parent trying to help her best friend feel better. And that’s where this guide comes from.

Whether it’s stress, a sudden food change, or something they picked up on a walk, diarrhea can hit any dog — and it’s scary. But with a few gentle ingredients, some love, and a little time, your dog can feel safe, calm, and nourished again.

In this article, I’ll share:

• Vet-informed feeding tips for digestive upset
• Gentle, homemade meals that can help
• Foods to avoid (even the ones that seem “healthy”)
• When to call your vet — and when a home recipe is enough

And if you’re here because you’ve already tried eggs, or want to know how they can support recovery, start with these resources:

• Scrambled Eggs for Dogs: Healthy Treat or Risky Habit?
• How to Cook Eggs for Dogs
• Best Dog Food with Eggs

Let’s make your dog’s next meal a step toward healing.

What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs?

Diarrhea isn’t a diagnosis — it’s a symptom. And while it can be frightening, it’s often your dog’s way of telling you that something in their system isn’t right. The key is to respond with both compassion and observation.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

• Dietary Indiscretion
  Also known as “garbage gut” — when your dog eats something spoiled, fatty, or foreign. Think table scraps, trash, or that mystery item from the sidewalk.
• Sudden Food Change
  Switching from one dog food to another too quickly can upset the gut. Always transition slowly over 5–7 days.
• Stress or Anxiety
  Dogs are sensitive — a move, loud noises, or new environments can trigger digestive upset.
• Food Intolerances or Allergies
  Some dogs react to grains, chicken, or additives in commercial food. Homemade meals can help identify and eliminate triggers.
• Parasites or Infections
  Giardia, worms, or bacterial infections can all cause diarrhea. If symptoms persist beyond 24–48 hours, call your vet.
• Chronic Conditions
  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, or other GI disorders may need long-term dietary management.

If your dog seems lethargic, refuses water, or has bloody stool, don’t wait — contact your veterinarian right away.

For gentle food-based support in mild cases, we’ll explore recipes and recovery steps next. If eggs are on your radar, this breakdown may help:
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

Safe Recovery Foods You Can Make at Home

When Toby’s stomach was off, my first instinct was to withhold food — but what helped most was offering the right food. Bland, soothing, and easy to digest. Nothing fancy. Just calm in a bowl.

Here are some of the safest ingredients to feed your dog during a mild bout of diarrhea:

1. Plain White Rice

• Soft, binding, and very easy to digest
• Helps absorb excess water in the stool
• Best served warm and unseasoned

2. Boiled Chicken (No Skin or Bones)

• Lean protein source that’s gentle on the gut
• Use only white meat, thoroughly cooked
• Avoid seasoning, oil, or fat

3. Scrambled or Boiled Eggs

• Easily digestible protein
• Ideal for dogs with mild upset
• Serve plain — no butter, milk, or salt

For how to prep them safely:
How to Cook Eggs for Dogs

4. Pumpkin (Plain, Not Pie Mix)

• High in soluble fiber
• Helps regulate digestion and stool quality
• Use 1 tsp for small dogs, 1 tbsp for larger breeds

5. Boiled Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes

• Soft carbs that are easy to digest
• Provide energy and comfort
• Skin off, no salt or oil

Sample Recovery Meal

Scrambled egg + white rice + spoonful of pumpkin

Simple, comforting, and Toby-approved.

For more options with longer shelf life, you can also try:
Homemade Instant Pot Dog Food Recipes (Vet-Approved & Easy)

Eggs for Diarrhea: Helpful or Harmful?

If you’ve searched for natural remedies for dog diarrhea, you’ve probably seen eggs listed — and for good reason. They’re one of the most gentle, nutrient-dense proteins you can offer when your dog’s stomach is off.

But like anything, it depends on how and when you use them.

When Eggs Can Help

• Your dog has mild diarrhea or loose stool but is still eating and active
• You’ve ruled out food allergies or fat sensitivities
• You cook them plain — no butter, no milk, no oil

Scrambled eggs are especially effective because they’re easy to digest and contain amino acids that help tissue repair, plus vitamins like B12 and riboflavin that support the gut.

For our go-to gentle egg recipe, check this out:
Scrambled Eggs for Dogs: Healthy Treat or Risky Habit?

When to Avoid Eggs

• If your dog has pancreatitis or a history of fat sensitivity
• If eggs have triggered allergic symptoms in the past
• If your vet has placed your dog on a temporary bland diet (such as boiled chicken and rice only)

In those cases, stick to lean protein and rice, and reintroduce eggs slowly later on.

Want to add a little nutrition boost without the full egg? A light sprinkle of eggshell powder can help support calcium intake — just avoid during active diarrhea episodes.

Best Recipe: Rice + Scrambled Egg Blend

When Toby needed something soft, filling, and easy on his belly, this was the first meal that brought his appetite back. It’s gentle, nourishing, and a comforting middle ground between not eating and reintroducing a full meal.

Gentle Dog Diarrhea Recipe: Scrambled Egg & Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg (scrambled, no butter or oil)
• 1/2 cup plain white rice (cooked, unsalted)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon plain pumpkin (if already introduced)

Instructions:

1. Scramble the egg in a non-stick pan with no oil or seasoning.
2. Let it cool completely.
3. Mix with cooked rice in a small bowl.
4. Add a spoonful of pumpkin for extra fiber (optional).
5. Serve in small, room-temperature portions.

Feeding Tip:
Start with a few tablespoons for small dogs, 1/2 cup for larger breeds. Observe how they respond before feeding more.

For a richer rotation of egg-based meals, try the full guide:
Best Dog Food with Eggs: Homemade Recipes & Vet Tips

What to Avoid During GI Episodes

When your dog is dealing with diarrhea, it’s just as important to know what not to feed as it is to know what to offer. Even foods that seem harmless — or even healthy — can make things worse.

Avoid These During Digestive Upset

• High-Fat Foods
  Fatty meats, cheese, butter, or oil can irritate the gut and worsen symptoms. Avoid all extras when preparing eggs or meat.
• Seasonings and Spices
  Salt, pepper, garlic, onion — even in small amounts — are toxic or irritating to dogs.
• Dairy Products
  Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and even small amounts of milk or cheese can trigger gas, bloating, or loose stools.
• Bones and Raw Chews
  Can splinter, cause blockages, or introduce bacteria that further upset digestion.
• Commercial Treats or Rich Table Scraps
  Often full of artificial additives, sugar, and preservatives that strain the digestive system.

During recovery, keep it bland, simple, and safe. Cooked lean protein, soft carbs like white rice, and gentle additions like plain pumpkin or soft-boiled eggs work best.

If you’re unsure about egg prep or feeding frequency, this guide can help:
How to Cook Eggs for Dogs (And When to Avoid Them)

When to Call the Vet + Comforting Conclusion

Diarrhea can often be managed at home — but it’s important to know when to ask for help. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

Call Your Vet If:

• Diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours
• There’s blood in the stool
• Your dog is lethargic, vomiting, or refusing water
• You suspect your dog ingested something toxic
• Your dog has a pre-existing condition like diabetes or pancreatitis

Don’t wait. You know your dog better than anyone.

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Homemade food may not solve every health problem — but when done with love and knowledge, it can offer your dog comfort in moments when they need it most.

For Toby, those first bowls of scrambled egg and rice were more than a meal. They were reassurance. A reset. A reminder that even on the messy days, he was safe, cared for, and never alone.

If you’re here looking for answers, you’re already doing the right thing.

One bowl at a time — that’s how we heal.

If you’re here, you’re not alone. Welcome to the pack.