Bland Diet Feeding Instructions
Rest The GI Tract:
  1. Reintroduce water gradually, if there has been no vomiting or diarrhea in the past 4 hours.  Start by giving ice chips or very small amounts of water, offered every 2 hours.  You may gradually increase the amount you give.
  2. If no signs of vomiting or diarrhea occur during the next 12 hours as water is introduced, you may introduce a small amount of bland diet (see description below)
  3. Give small frequent feedings (3-4 times or 4-6 times for larger quantities/day) for several days.
  4. Once vomiting and diarrhea resolve, gradually (over 5-7 days) return to your pets’ usual diet by adding in small amounts of his/her food to the bland diet (10-20%), increasing the amount with each meal.  As you increase the amount of usual diet, decrease the amount of the bland diet.
Diet Selection:
The first food to feed should be “bland” or easily digestible diet.  This would be a diet low in fat, with a high-quality protein and easily digestible carbohydrate.  You may get a special diet from your veterinarian (Hills i/d, Royal Canin GI low fat) or make a homemade diet for you pet.  Below is a recipe for a homemade diet (meant for short term feeding, as is not complete and balanced).
  1. Carbohydrate (cooked)/Protein (cooked) ratio:  3 parts/1 part
  • Carbohydrate:  cooked white rice or boiled potatoes
  • Protein:  boiled skinned chicken or boiled lean hamburger (pouring off fat/grease)
  1. Amount:
  • Feed approximately 1 cup of this mixture per 10 pounds of body weight per day.  Divide this amount into small frequent feedings.  This would be the maximum amount to feed for the first day.
Notify Your Veterinarian If Any Of The Following Occur:
  1. Vomiting persists despite withholding both food and water for 12 hours.
  2. Vomiting or Diarrhea worsens when starting water or bland food.
  3. Your pet becomes lethargic, weak or seems painful.
  4. Your pet vomits red or coffee ground substance (concern for blood).
Your pet may also be getting medications to treat these symptoms.  Use as directed on the labels.  Please call with any questions or concerns.