When it comes to caring for our furry friends, I know how important it is to get the food right—especially when your dog needs something gentle on the stomach. I’ve spent years researching and testing homemade dog food recipes to provide you with the most accurate and practical information possible. Whether your dog is recovering from illness, dealing with digestive issues, or just needs a simple diet reset, I’m here to help you make informed choices.

So, what exactly is homemade bland dog food? Homemade bland dog food is a simple, gentle meal made from easy-to-digest ingredients like boiled chicken, rice, and certain vegetables, designed to soothe your dog’s upset stomach and aid recovery. This diet avoids spices, fats, and complex ingredients that can irritate digestion.

If you’re wondering how to make the perfect bland dog food at home and what ingredients to use, keep reading. I’ll walk you through everything from why bland food works to recipes, portion guidance, and tips to keep your dog happy and healthy while on this diet.

Why Choose Homemade Bland Dog Food?

Many dog owners are surprised to learn how beneficial bland dog food can be during times of digestive distress. The goal of a bland diet is to reduce the workload on your dog’s digestive system so it can heal. Unlike commercial dog food, which often contains rich flavors, preservatives, and additives, homemade bland dog food is simple and fresh, minimizing irritation.

Not only does homemade bland dog food help with vomiting, diarrhea, or general tummy upset, but it can also serve as a transitional diet when switching foods or recovering from surgery. Plus, when you prepare food yourself, you control every ingredient, ensuring quality and safety.

The Basics of Bland Dog Food: What to Include and Avoid

Bland dog food centers around a few easy-to-digest ingredients:

• Boiled chicken (no skin or bones): Lean protein that’s gentle on the stomach
• White rice: Low-fiber carbohydrate that provides energy without causing irritation
• Boiled potatoes or pumpkin: Optional fiber sources that aid digestion and firm stools
• Carrots: Mild vegetable packed with vitamins and fiber
• Water or low-sodium broth: To keep your dog hydrated and encourage eating

On the flip side, avoid:

• Spices, seasonings, and oils
• Fatty meats or skin
• Dairy products (lactose can upset some dogs)
• Raw vegetables or anything hard to digest
• Sugary or processed foods

By sticking to this list, you’ll help your dog’s digestive system rest and recover.

How to Prepare Homemade Bland Dog Food

The preparation process for bland dog food couldn’t be simpler. Start by boiling the chicken thoroughly without any seasoning. Cook the rice separately until it’s soft and fluffy. If using vegetables like carrots or pumpkin, steam or boil them until tender. Once everything is cooked, mash or chop the ingredients into bite-sized pieces and mix them together. You can add a bit of cooking water or low-sodium broth to moisten the mixture.

Remember to serve the food at room temperature to avoid burning your dog’s mouth and make it more palatable.

Homemade Bland Dog Food Recipes You Can Try

Let’s get into some specific recipes that have worked well for many dog owners, including myself.

Classic Chicken and Rice

This is the go-to bland diet recipe:

• 2 cups boiled, shredded chicken breast (no skin or bones)
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1/2 cup steamed carrots (optional)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water

Mix all ingredients and serve in small portions 3-4 times a day.

Pumpkin and Potato Blend

Great if your dog needs extra fiber:

• 2 cups boiled chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup boiled potatoes, mashed
• 1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin (no spices)
• A splash of water or broth

This recipe helps with constipation and diarrhea alike.

Turkey and Rice Variation

If your dog is allergic to chicken, this is a good alternative:

• 2 cups boiled, ground turkey (skinless)
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1/2 cup steamed green beans, finely chopped

Always introduce new proteins gradually to avoid allergic reactions.

Portion Control and Feeding Schedule for Bland Diets

Overfeeding even bland food can cause issues. Here’s a simple portion guide:

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1/2 to 1 cup per meal, 3-4 times daily
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1 to 2 cups per meal, 3 times daily
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 2 to 3 cups per meal, 2-3 times daily

Start with small meals to avoid overwhelming their stomach. Gradually increase portions if your dog tolerates the food well.

When to Use Bland Dog Food: Common Situations

Bland dog food is not just for upset tummies. It’s helpful in:

• Post-vomiting or diarrhea recovery
• After surgery or illness
• During food transitions
• Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies
• Temporary elimination diets to isolate allergens

Monitoring Your Dog’s Health on a Bland Diet

While bland diets are gentle, they are not nutritionally complete long-term solutions. Watch for signs like lethargy, weight loss, or ongoing diarrhea, and consult your vet if symptoms persist beyond 3-5 days. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water.

Potential Nutritional Gaps in Bland Diets and How to Supplement

Since bland diets lack variety, your dog might miss essential nutrients if fed exclusively for too long. To avoid deficiencies, you can:

• Add a veterinarian-recommended canine multivitamin
• Introduce small amounts of pureed green leafy vegetables after a few days
• Rotate protein sources to prevent nutrient imbalance

Consult your vet before adding supplements to ensure safety.

Homemade Bland Dog Food vs. Commercial Bland Foods

Many dog owners wonder if making food at home is worth the effort compared to buying commercial bland diets. Homemade bland food offers:

• Fresh ingredients with no additives
• Complete control over what your dog eats
• Cost-effectiveness

However, commercial bland foods are convenient and nutritionally balanced but may contain preservatives or allergens. I recommend homemade food for short-term use and commercial options when time is limited.

Tips to Make Bland Dog Food More Appealing

Dogs can get bored eating the same bland diet. To keep them interested:

• Warm the food slightly (not hot) to enhance aroma
• Add a little low-sodium broth for flavor
• Serve in their favorite bowl or spot
• Praise and encourage your dog during feeding times

These small touches help maintain appetite and positive associations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding Bland Diets

Some pitfalls I’ve seen include:

• Feeding bland diet for too long without vet guidance
• Adding seasonings or oils that irritate digestion
• Not monitoring hydration levels
• Ignoring persistent symptoms that need medical attention

Stick to the basics and always observe your dog’s response.

Transitioning Back to Regular Food After Bland Diet

Once your dog’s digestion improves, you’ll want to shift back to normal meals gradually. Mix increasing amounts of regular food with bland food over 5-7 days. This helps avoid shocking their digestive system. Watch for any signs of upset during this phase.

How to Store Homemade Bland Dog Food Safely

Food safety is critical. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in meal-size containers and thaw overnight before feeding.

Homemade bland dog food is a simple, effective way to support your dog’s digestive health when they’re feeling under the weather. By following these guidelines and recipes, you can help your pup recover comfortably and safely. Remember to keep portions controlled, monitor their health, and consult your vet if symptoms persist.

If you’re ready to make your own bland dog food, this guide has everything you need to get started with confidence and care. Homemade bland dog food can be a game-changer in your dog’s health journey—try it today!