Rice vs. Oatmeal: What’s Best for Dogs with Diarrhea?

Helping Your Pup Get Back to Solid Ground (Literally)
Brought to you with love by SHMUSH! – your go-to for Vitamin Health Biscuits and all things canine wellness 🦴💙

No one likes dealing with doggy diarrhea. It’s messy, stressful, and let’s be real—not the kind of bonding moment you had in mind. But when your dog’s tummy is upset, feeding the right food can make all the difference.

Two of the most popular home remedies? Plain white rice and oatmeal. But which is better, and when should you use each? Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your fur baby.

🥣 Why Food Choice Matters During Diarrhea

When your dog has diarrhea, their digestive system is inflamed, sensitive, and begging for a break. The right food can:

• Stabilize stools
  
  

• Soothe the gut
  
  

• Prevent dehydration
  
  

• Support recovery without overloading the system
  
  

Both rice and oatmeal can help—but they work a little differently.

🍚 Plain Rice for Dogs with Diarrhea

Simple, bland, and totally classic. White rice is often the go-to because it’s:

• Easily digestible and gentle on the stomach
  
  

• Absorbs excess fluid in the digestive tract, helping firm up loose stools
  
  

• Non-irritating, making it ideal for short-term feeding
  
  

How to Prepare:

• Stick with plain white rice (not brown or wild)
  
  

• Avoid instant or flavored rice
  
  

• Boil in water only, no butter, oil, or salt
  
  

• Cool before serving to avoid burning your dog’s tongue
  
  

🦴 Pro Tip: Pair rice with boiled chicken for a well-rounded, gentle meal.

🌾 Oatmeal for Dogs with Diarrhea

Looking for something higher in fiber? Oatmeal can be a great choice for dogs—especially those who need a little extra help in the digestion department.

Benefits:

• High in soluble fiber to help regulate bowel movements
  
  

• Soothes the digestive tract
  
  

• Packed with nutrients like iron, vitamin B, and antioxidants
  
  

How to Prepare:

• Use plain, unsweetened oats—instant or rolled oats are fine
  
  

• Cook with water only (never milk or sugar)
  
  

• Avoid any flavored varieties
  
  

• Serve in small, cooled portions
  
  

🥄 Serving tip: Start with 1 tsp–1 tbsp depending on your dog’s size, and monitor from there.

⚖️ Nutritional Face-Off: Rice vs. Oatmeal

Verdict?

• Choose rice for dogs with very sensitive tummies or when diarrhea is severe and you want to keep it ultra-bland.
  
  

• Choose oatmeal if your dog needs more fiber, has minor digestive upset, or tends to get constipated too.
  
  

Some pups even do well with a combo of both!

🐕 Feeding Guidelines for Dogs with Diarrhea

Let’s talk mealtime strategy:

1. Small portions are key—don’t overload a sensitive gut
   
   

2. Feed 3–4 small meals daily instead of one or two big ones
   
   

3. Avoid all seasonings and oils—no butter, garlic, salt, or herbs
   
   

4. Hydration is crucial—always have clean water available, and consider pet-safe broths or electrolytes
   
   

🧐 Precautions to Keep in Mind

As much as we love home remedies, always keep a close eye on your pup’s reaction:

• Watch for allergic reactions like itching, gas, or vomiting
  
  

• Too much fiber = bloating or more tummy issues
  
  

• Diarrhea lasting more than 2–3 days? Time to call the vet
  
  

Remember, food can support healing—but it won’t treat an underlying illness like parasites, infections, or chronic GI issues.

🐾 Final Thoughts from the SHMUSH! Team

Both rice and oatmeal can help soothe your dog’s upset stomach and get things back on track. The right choice depends on:

• Your dog’s sensitivity level
  
  

• Their fiber needs
  
  

• The severity of their symptoms
  
  

Whichever you choose, be sure to start slow, serve it plain, and keep your vet in the loop.

When your pup is feeling better, ease them back into their normal meals—including their daily SHMUSH! Vitamin Health Biscuits, of course 😉. Packed with immune-boosting, digestion-supporting ingredients like pumpkin, flaxseed, and turmeric, they’re the perfect post-diarrhea comeback snack.