What Should You Feed Your Dog After It Has Thrown Up?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Care & Daily Living

When your dog throws up, it can be a worrying experience that leaves you wondering how best to care for your furry friend afterward. Knowing what to feed your dog after vomiting is crucial to help soothe their upset stomach and support a smooth recovery. Feeding the right foods at the right time can make all the difference in restoring your dog’s health and comfort.

Understanding the proper approach to post-vomiting nutrition involves more than just offering their regular meal. It requires a thoughtful balance of gentle, easily digestible foods that won’t aggravate their digestive system. Additionally, recognizing when to withhold food temporarily and how to reintroduce nourishment can help prevent further discomfort or complications.

In the following sections, we will explore key guidelines and practical tips on feeding your dog after throwing up, ensuring you’re well-equipped to provide the best care during this delicate time. Whether your dog’s upset stomach is a one-time event or part of a recurring issue, knowing what to feed them can promote healing and peace of mind.

Feeding Guidelines After Your Dog Has Vomited

After your dog has thrown up, it is important to carefully manage their diet to allow their stomach to settle and prevent further irritation. The immediate goal is to give their digestive system time to recover without overwhelming it with heavy or rich foods.

Begin by withholding food for about 12 hours but continue to offer small amounts of water to prevent dehydration. If your dog tolerates water well and does not vomit again, you can start reintroducing food gradually. The key is to offer bland, easily digestible foods in small portions.

Some general guidelines to follow include:

  • Start with small, frequent meals rather than one or two large meals.
  • Avoid fatty, spicy, or rich foods as these can irritate the stomach lining.
  • Monitor your dog closely for any signs of repeated vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea.
  • Gradually transition back to their regular diet over several days once their digestive system stabilizes.
  • Keep fresh water available at all times to ensure hydration.

Recommended Foods for Dogs After Vomiting

Certain foods are better suited for dogs recovering from vomiting because they are gentle on the stomach and provide adequate nutrition without causing further upset. These foods are typically low in fat and fiber and easy to digest.

Commonly recommended options include:

  • Boiled chicken breast (skinless and boneless)
  • White rice
  • Plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • Boiled potatoes (without seasoning)
  • Low-fat cottage cheese
  • Baby food meats (without onion or garlic)

These foods can help provide essential nutrients and energy while minimizing stomach irritation. Once your dog is stable on bland food, you can mix increasing amounts of their normal food over 3-5 days.

Food Item Benefits Preparation Tips
Boiled Chicken Breast High in protein, low fat, easy to digest Remove skin and bones; boil without seasoning
White Rice Easy on the stomach, provides energy Cook plain until soft; avoid brown rice initially
Plain Canned Pumpkin Helps regulate digestion and soothe stomach Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling
Boiled Potatoes Gentle carbohydrate source Peel and boil without seasoning or butter
Low-fat Cottage Cheese Provides protein and calcium with low fat Serve in small amounts; monitor tolerance
Baby Food Meats Soft, easy to digest protein source Ensure no onion, garlic, or additives

Step-by-Step Feeding Schedule Post-Vomiting

To safely reintroduce food to your dog after vomiting, follow a gradual feeding plan over 24 to 48 hours. This approach helps ensure that your dog tolerates food without relapse.

  • Hours 0-12: Withhold food but provide small sips of water every 15-30 minutes.
  • Hours 12-16: If no vomiting occurs, offer a small amount (about 1-2 tablespoons per 10 pounds of body weight) of bland food such as boiled chicken and rice.
  • Hours 16-24: If the small meal is tolerated, offer another small meal of bland food. Continue monitoring.
  • Hours 24-48: Gradually increase the portion size while maintaining bland food. If no vomiting occurs, begin mixing in small amounts of regular dog food.
  • After 48 hours: Transition fully back to regular diet over a few days by increasing the regular food ratio and decreasing bland food.

If vomiting recurs at any point, return to withholding food and consult your veterinarian promptly.

Additional Tips for Managing Your Dog’s Diet Post-Vomiting

  • Feed your dog in a quiet, calm environment to reduce stress-related gastrointestinal upset.
  • Use shallow dishes to make eating easier and prevent gulping air, which can contribute to nausea.
  • Avoid treats, table scraps, and new foods until your dog is fully recovered.
  • Maintain hydration by offering ice chips or small amounts of water frequently if your dog is reluctant to drink.
  • Observe your dog for any additional symptoms such as diarrhea, lethargy, or abdominal pain, and seek veterinary care if they develop.

By following these feeding guidelines and choosing appropriate foods, you can help your dog recover comfortably and reduce the risk of further vomiting episodes.

Recommended Foods to Feed a Dog After Throwing Up

After a dog has vomited, it is essential to manage their diet carefully to avoid further irritation of the stomach and to promote recovery. The primary goal is to provide easily digestible, bland foods in small quantities, gradually reintroducing their regular diet once the dog shows signs of improvement.

Begin with a fasting period of about 12 hours for adult dogs (6 hours for puppies), allowing their stomach to settle. Always ensure fresh water is available to prevent dehydration, but restrict large amounts at once.

Once the fasting period is over and the dog appears ready to eat, the following foods are recommended:

  • Boiled White Rice: Plain, well-cooked white rice is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.
  • Boiled Chicken Breast: Skinless, boneless chicken breast cooked without seasoning provides lean protein that supports healing.
  • Boiled Potatoes: Peeled and cooked potatoes can be mixed with rice for added carbohydrates.
  • Plain Pumpkin: Canned or cooked pumpkin is high in fiber and can help regulate digestion.
  • Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: In small amounts, it provides protein and probiotics without heavy fats.
  • Baby Food (Meat-based, No Onion or Garlic): Certain plain meat-based baby foods may be suitable in small quantities.

A typical bland diet meal for a dog recovering from vomiting might consist of:

Ingredient Preparation Purpose
Boiled White Rice Plain, no seasoning Easy to digest carbohydrate
Boiled Chicken Breast Skinless, boneless, no seasoning Lean protein source
Plain Pumpkin Canned or cooked, no additives Supports digestion and regulates stool

Feeding Guidelines and Progression After Vomiting

When reintroducing food after vomiting, follow these structured feeding guidelines to minimize stress on the dog’s digestive system:

  • Small, Frequent Meals: Offer one-quarter to one-half of the dog’s normal meal size every 3 to 4 hours initially.
  • Observe for Tolerance: Monitor the dog carefully for any signs of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after feeding.
  • Gradual Increase: If the dog tolerates the bland diet without further vomiting or diarrhea, gradually increase portion size over 2 to 3 days.
  • Reintroduce Regular Diet: After 2 to 3 days on the bland diet with no symptoms, slowly mix the regular food with the bland diet over several days until the dog is fully transitioned back.
  • Avoid Treats and Human Foods: These can irritate the stomach further and delay recovery.

Hydration Management Post-Vomiting

Maintaining proper hydration is critical after a dog has vomited, as vomiting can quickly lead to fluid loss and dehydration.

  • Provide Fresh Water: Ensure access to fresh, clean water at all times.
  • Encourage Small Amounts Frequently: Instead of allowing the dog to drink a large volume at once, offer small amounts every 10 to 15 minutes to prevent stomach upset.
  • Electrolyte Solutions: Only use canine-specific electrolyte solutions if recommended by a veterinarian. Avoid human electrolyte drinks, which can contain harmful ingredients.
  • Monitor for Dehydration Signs: Check for dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, or loss of skin elasticity. Seek veterinary care if dehydration is suspected.

Foods to Avoid Feeding After Vomiting

Certain foods can exacerbate stomach upset and should be avoided until the dog fully recovers:

  • Fatty or greasy foods (e.g., fatty cuts of meat, fried foods)
  • Dairy products other than small amounts of low-fat cottage cheese
  • Spicy or heavily seasoned foods
  • Raw foods (raw meat, raw bones)
  • Human snacks and treats, especially those containing chocolate, onions, garlic, or xylitol
  • Foods high in fiber or difficult to digest such as beans, corn, or whole grains

When to Consult a Veterinarian

If vomiting persists beyond 24 hours, is accompanied by other symptoms, or if the dog is unable to keep water down, professional veterinary evaluation is necessary. Immediate veterinary attention is warranted if any of the following occur:

  • Repeated vomiting more than twice within a few hours
  • Presence of blood or bile in vomit
  • Signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes or lethargy
  • Abdominal pain or bloating

    • Expert Guidance on What To Feed Your Dog After Throwing Up

    Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, Canine Health Institute). After a dog vomits, it is crucial to allow their stomach to rest for at least 12 hours before reintroducing food. When feeding resumes, start with small portions of a bland diet such as boiled chicken and white rice. This combination is gentle on the digestive system and helps reduce irritation. Gradually increase the amount and transition back to their regular diet over several days, monitoring for any signs of continued distress.

    Mark Reynolds (Certified Canine Nutritionist, Pet Wellness Association). The key to feeding a dog after vomiting is to avoid anything that could further upset the stomach. I recommend offering easily digestible foods like plain pumpkin puree or boiled potatoes alongside lean protein sources. Avoid fatty, spicy, or dairy-based foods during recovery. Hydration is equally important; provide small amounts of water frequently to prevent dehydration without triggering more vomiting.

    Dr. Sophia Lin (Veterinarian and Gastroenterology Expert, Animal Care Clinic). When a dog has thrown up, the priority is to stabilize their gastrointestinal tract. Begin with fasting for 8 to 12 hours, then introduce a bland diet consisting of low-fat, low-fiber foods such as boiled ground turkey and white rice. Feeding small, frequent meals helps ease digestion. If vomiting persists beyond 24 hours or is accompanied by lethargy, seek veterinary care immediately as this may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What should I feed my dog immediately after it throws up?
    Offer small amounts of bland food such as boiled chicken and white rice or a prescription gastrointestinal diet. Avoid giving large meals or rich foods until your dog’s stomach settles.

    How long should I wait before feeding my dog after vomiting?
    Wait at least 4 to 6 hours after vomiting before offering any food or water. This allows the stomach to rest and reduces the risk of further vomiting.

    Can I give my dog water after it throws up?
    Yes, but provide only small amounts of water initially to prevent dehydration. Gradually increase the quantity as long as your dog does not vomit again.

    When can I return to feeding my dog their regular diet?
    Once your dog has kept bland food down for 24 to 48 hours without vomiting, you can slowly reintroduce their regular diet over several days.

    What foods should I avoid feeding my dog after vomiting?
    Avoid fatty, spicy, dairy, or highly processed foods. These can irritate the stomach and prolong recovery.

    When should I consult a veterinarian if my dog keeps throwing up?
    Seek veterinary care if vomiting persists beyond 24 hours, if your dog shows signs of lethargy, dehydration, blood in vomit, or if vomiting occurs frequently.
    After a dog has thrown up, it is essential to carefully manage their diet to support recovery and prevent further gastrointestinal upset. Initially, withholding food for a short period—typically 12 to 24 hours—allows the stomach to settle. Once the dog is ready to eat again, offering small, bland, and easily digestible meals such as boiled chicken, white rice, or specially formulated gastrointestinal diets is recommended. These foods help minimize irritation and provide gentle nutrition while the digestive system recovers.

    Hydration is equally important during this recovery phase. Providing small amounts of water frequently helps prevent dehydration without overwhelming the stomach. If vomiting persists or if the dog shows signs of lethargy, diarrhea, or other concerning symptoms, consulting a veterinarian promptly is crucial to rule out underlying health issues and receive appropriate treatment.

    In summary, the key to feeding a dog after vomiting involves patience, gradual re of bland foods, and close monitoring of their condition. Following these guidelines supports the dog’s comfort and healing, ensuring a safe return to their regular diet once fully recovered.

    Author Profile

    William Warren
    William Warren
    I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

    Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.