Has your dog ever woken you up in the middle of the night with a worried look and an unhappy tummy? It is a stressful experience for any pet parent. When your furry friend is dealing with diarrhea or vomiting, you want to help them feel better as quickly as possible. Many vets recommend a bland diet, but knowing exactly how to prepare rice for a sick dog can be confusing. Should you use white or brown? How much should you feed them? These questions often leave owners feeling unsure during a time when their pet needs them most.
Choosing the right approach to a bland diet is vital for your dog’s recovery. Using the wrong type of rice or adding the wrong ingredients can sometimes make digestion even harder for a sensitive stomach. You want to provide relief, not cause more discomfort. That is why having a clear, simple plan is so important for your dog’s health.
In this guide, you will learn the exact steps to prepare the perfect rice meal for your pup. We will cover the best types of rice to use, how to cook it properly, and when you should call your veterinarian for extra help. By the end of this post, you will feel confident in your ability to soothe your dog’s upset stomach at home. Let’s look at how you can get your best friend back to their happy, energetic self.
Top Rice For Dog Upset Stomach Recommendations
- NO COOKING NECESSARY: When your vet suggests feeding your dog a bland chicken and white rice diet, there's no need to waste time cooking. KOHA Bland Diet is convenient and ready-to-serve!
- PERFECT FOR SENSITIVE STOMACHS: KOHA Bland Diet is ideal for dogs struggling with loose stool, diarrhea, and upset stomach. This gently formulated limited ingredient dog food has just one protein source (chicken) for easy digestion. It also includes white rice and pumpkin to support healthy stools and regularity.
- FEED DAILY OR USE AS A TOPPER: This bland diet for dogs can be fed exclusively to your pup, or be used as a topper to enhance their current diet.
- FOR CHRONIC UPSET STOMACH OR FLAREUPS: Whether your dog suffers from chronic digestive issues, or is experiencing a flareup from things like stress, medication, or travel, KOHA Bland Diet can be fed to help get their tummy back on track!
- NO FILLERS OR ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS: KOHA Bland Diet uses only the most high quality ingredients. This sensitive stomach dog food is free from junky fillers like peas, potatoes, corn, soy or artificial preservatives that can cause digestive issues.
- SAY GOODBYE TO DOG TUMMY TROUBLES: Whole Life Pet's chicken and rice blend is like a cozy hug for your dog’s belly. This sensitive stomach dog food is perfect for recovery from diarrhea or vomiting, giving your furry friend quick comfort and relief – your go-to for dog digestive support!
- INTERIM DIGESTIVE CARE DOG FOOD: Got a pup feeling under the weather? Our bland diet is the answer for dog parents needing a quick, reliable anti-diarrheal for dogs. With just two simple ingredients – no mess, no fuss – providing gentle support for your dog's gut health.
- RELIEVE UPSET STOMACH FOR DOGS: Hydration and comfort in one meal? Yes, please! Our easy-to-prepare chicken and rice formula is ideal for dog stomach relief, soothing your dog’s digestion. Once they bounce back to their playful self, easily transition back to regular food.
- READY IN 5 MINUTES: If your dog isn't feeling their best, whip up Whole Life Pet's hydrating, gentle meal in just 5 minutes—just add water! This dog food for sensitive stomachs is perfect for recovery days when your furry friend needs extra love and care.
- HUMAN-GRADE, SAFETY ASSURED: Made in our own Human Grade Facility, Whole Life Pet wellness dog food is FDA registered and Third Party Certified BRC, AA rated. Crafted to human edible standards, we promise premium pet digestive relief for dogs – because they simply deserve the best!
- Natural Stomach Relief – Formulated with pumpkin, slippery elm, and ginger root to help ease occasional upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, gas, and mild diarrhea in dogs.
- Gentle Digestive Support – Soothes the GI tract with chamomile and elm bark, promoting smoother digestion and helping maintain stool consistency naturally.
- Probiotic + Prebiotic Balance – Contains Bacillus coagulans (1B CFU) and FOS to support healthy gut flora, improve nutrient absorption, and encourage bowel regularity.
- L-Glutamine for Gut Health – Helps strengthen the intestinal lining, supports nutrient uptake, and promotes recovery from digestive discomfort.
- Safe & Easy to Use – Powder blends with food, chicken-flavored for palatability. Made in the USA, GMP-certified, veterinarian approved – a natural alternative for everyday digestive care
- Triple support for stomach, skin and immune system health
- Highly digestible formula that is gentle on the stomach for optimal nutrient absorption
- Enriched with Vitamin E and Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids, for healthy skin and a lustrous coat
- Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, for a healthy immune system
- Delicious taste that dogs love
- Formulated high in protein to meet the needs of highly active small dogs
- High protein formula, with real salmon as the first ingredient
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health
- Used to be known as FOCUS Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon
- Sunflower oil rich in omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- 24/7 COMFORT FOR YOUR DOG: Vitalize Alimend K9 dog digestive support offers all-day comfort for dogs suffering from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Its natural formula works around the clock for chronic stomach issues, helping your dog feel healthy
- THRIVE WITH BETTER DIGESTION: This supplement uplifts digestion and nutrient absorption, supporting your dog’s overall health. By supporting gastrointestinal function, it ensures better uptake of essential nutrients, helping your pet thrive
- GENTLE CARE FOR ALL AGES: With naturally sourced ingredients like MHB3 Hyaluronan and (Lion's mane) extract. the digestive supplements for dogs promote gastric health without altering stomach pH. Safe for continuous use, and it’s perfect for dogs of all ages
- ALL-NATURAL STOMACH CARE: Perfect for senior dogs or those on NSAIDs prone to gastric ulcers, this supplement helps protect your pet’s stomach from common issues like abdominal issues and loss of appetite for quality of life and comfort.
- EXPERT-BACKED GUT SUPPORT: With over 50 years of expertise in developing prebiotics like Amaferm, this upset stomach dog supplement is clinically backed to support gut health. It helps stimulate microbial enzyme production and promotes probiotics growth
- 𝐍𝐎 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 - 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐃𝐃 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑! When dogs experience digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, vets recommend feeding a “bland diet” to soothe the digestive tract until normal digestion is restored. Shelf life: 36 months from manufacturing date. EXP date Printed on the back of the pouch near the bottom seal as EXP MM/YY.
- 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃-𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 - Freeze-dried dog treat bland diet features a carefully crafted blend of nutritious ingredients, including oats, turkey breast meat, sweet potato powder, and slippery elm powder. Specifically formulated to soothe and support dogs and puppies with poor digestion or upset stomachs. Enhanced with a powerful electrolyte blend to boost hydration and energy.
- 𝐕𝐄𝐓-𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐕𝐄𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 - This tasty bland diet dog food is expertly formulated and approved by veterinarians with simple and natural top-notch, human-grade ingredients. Specifically designed for dogs with pancreatitis, these diets can help alleviate digestive strain, reduce inflammation, and support faster recovery of dogs with digestive tract concerns. Bland Diets can also be used as a topper to help ease your dog’s transition back to their regular diet.
- 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 - Just add water and this freeze-dried formula re-hydrates in minutes! With a 3-year shelf life, being prepared with a quick and healthy meal solution for when your dog is feeling under the weather, has never been easier! Keep a few Bland Diets in your pantry so when a digestive issue develops, you can skip the prep and get your pup feeling better faster!
- 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐔𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐔𝐒𝐀 - With only the highest quality human grade ingredients, FREE OF By-Products, Gluten, Artificial Flavors, and Dyes.
- PERFECT FOR SENSITIVE STOMACHS: This limited ingredient dog food has just one protein source (chicken) for easy digestion. KOHA Bland Diet also includes highly digestible pumpkin and brown rice to support healthy stools and regularity.
- PRE & PROBIOTICS FOR DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Made with pre & probiotics to promote a healthy gut microbiome and aid digestion!
- COATED IN BONE BROTH: Every bite of KOHA Bland Diet is coated with delicious bone broth, which gives an irresistible taste that dogs love. Bone broth is a natural source of nutrients that supports gut and immune health.
- SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: A good source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to support your dog's skin & coat health
- NO FILLERS OR ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS: KOHA Bland Diet uses only the most high quality ingredients. This sensitive stomach dog food is free from junky fillers like peas, potatoes, corn, soy or artificial preservatives that can cause digestive issues.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Rice for Your Dog’s Upset Stomach
When your dog has an upset stomach, their digestive system needs a break. Many veterinarians recommend a bland diet to help soothe their gut. Plain white rice is the gold standard for this recovery period. However, not all rice products are created equal. This guide helps you choose the best options for your furry friend.
1. Key Features to Look For
- Purity: Look for plain, unseasoned white rice. Avoid any rice that contains salt, onion, garlic, or butter. These ingredients can harm your dog.
- Texture: Choose a rice variety that cooks down to a soft, mushy consistency. This texture is the easiest for your dog to digest.
- Preparation Time: Quick-cook or instant rice is often better than brown rice for an upset stomach. It is easier on the digestive tract.
2. Important Materials and Ingredients
The best choice is simple, long-grain white rice. You should avoid brown rice during a stomach flare-up. Brown rice contains more fiber and a tough outer hull. This can be hard for a sick dog to break down. Stick to white rice that has had the hull and bran removed. This makes it gentle and easy to absorb.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality depends on how you prepare the rice. Boiling the rice in excess water makes it softer and more hydrating. Never use chicken or beef broth from a can, as these often contain hidden onions or too much sodium. If you want to add protein, use plain, boiled chicken breast with no skin or fat. Adding fats or oils will reduce the quality of the meal and may irritate your dog’s stomach further.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Most dog owners find that a simple mix of 75% rice and 25% boiled chicken helps their dog recover within 24 to 48 hours. Use this diet for short-term digestive issues like mild diarrhea or vomiting. If your dog does not improve after two days, please see a vet. Always introduce the bland diet in small, frequent meals rather than one large bowl.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use instant rice for my dog?
A: Yes, instant white rice is safe. It is actually very easy to digest because it is pre-cooked and dried.
Q: Is brown rice better for dogs?
A: Brown rice is healthy for daily use, but it is too high in fiber for a dog with an upset stomach. Stick to white rice.
Q: Should I add salt to the rice?
A: No. Never add salt or other seasonings. Dogs do not need extra salt, and it can dehydrate them.
Q: How much rice should I feed my dog?
A: Start with small portions. A general rule is about one cup of the rice-and-chicken mixture per 10 to 20 pounds of body weight.
Q: Can I mix the rice with their regular kibble?
A: When your dog is sick, stop the kibble entirely. Give them only the rice and chicken until their stool becomes firm again.
Q: How long should I keep my dog on a rice diet?
A: Keep them on the bland diet for 2 to 3 days. Slowly mix in their regular food over the next few days after they recover.
Q: Can I use pre-packaged rice pouches?
A: Only if the label says “plain” and contains no oils, salts, or flavorings. Check the ingredients list carefully.
Q: Is rice enough to keep my dog healthy?
A: Rice is only a temporary solution. It lacks the vitamins and minerals your dog needs for long-term health.
Q: What if my dog refuses to eat the rice?
A: Try adding a tiny amount of plain, boiled chicken. If they still refuse to eat, call your veterinarian.
Q: When should I be worried?
A: See a vet if your dog is lethargic, has blood in their stool, or continues to vomit after 24 hours.