What are 5 common foods to feed dogs if they have an upset stomach

If you’ve ever watched your dog turn away from their food, then spend the next hour pacing and whimpering, you know the panic of an upset stomach. New dog owners, like my cousin with a 6-month-old border collie puppy named Scout, often rush to find solutions. Scout got into the trash last week—snacking on a half-eaten burrito—and spent the night vomiting. The vet suggested simple, gentle foods to calm his gut, and by the next day, he was nibbling again. When your dog’s stomach is upset, the right foods can soothe irritation and help them bounce back—here are five common ones that work.

An upset stomach in dogs usually means their digestive tract is inflamed, making it hard to process regular food. Fatty, spicy, or high-fiber foods can worsen the irritation, so the goal is to feed something easy to digest, low in irritants, and gentle on their gut. Think of it like when you have a stomach bug—you reach for rice or toast, not pizza. These five foods work because they’re bland, low in fat, and help firm up stools or coat the stomach lining, giving the digestive system a chance to heal. Scout’s vet explained that the key is to avoid anything that requires a lot of work to break down.

First on the list is boiled chicken breast—shredded, boneless, and skinless. It’s lean protein that’s easy to digest, and most dogs love the taste. My cousin gave Scout a few small pieces, and he ate them right up. Second, plain white rice (cooked without salt or butter) helps bind stools and soaks up excess stomach acid. Mix a little with the chicken for a balanced meal. Third, plain pumpkin (canned, not pie filling) has fiber that regulates digestion—just 1-2 teaspoons for small dogs, like Scout, calms both diarrhea and mild constipation. Fourth, boiled sweet potato (mashed, no seasoning) is gentle and packed with nutrients, giving your dog energy without upsetting their stomach. Fifth, plain yogurt (unsweetened, with live cultures) adds good bacteria to their gut, but only use a tiny bit—too much dairy can backfire.

To use these foods, start small. Offer 1-2 tablespoons of one food at a time, waiting 2-3 hours to see if it stays down. If your dog keeps it down, gradually increase portions over 1-2 days before mixing in their regular food. In apartments, store cooked chicken or rice in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for later. Always warm food to room temperature—cold food can irritate their stomach. Reward your dog with praise when they eat, using positive reinforcement to make mealtime less stressful.

Feeding an upset stomach ties into responsible pet care. Keep your dog’s rabies vaccine current—all U.S. states require it, and a healthy gut supports their immune system. When walking, carry extra poop bags (fines for leaving waste hit $150 in many cities) in case of accidents, and avoid letting them scavenge—trash is a top cause of stomach upsets. In shared spaces, clean up messes quickly with enzymatic cleaner to respect neighbors. Never scold a dog for an upset stomach; they can’t help it, and kindness helps them recover faster. With these simple foods, you’ll have your pup feeling better in no time.