Dogs throw up for many reasons. Some are really serious, while others aren’t too bad. But once your dog starts feeling better, you might wonder what you should feed them so they don’t start throwing up again.
In this article, we’ll talk about what to feed dogs at home after they’ve thrown up and, more importantly, when you should go to the vet.
Should You Feed a Dog After They Throw Up?
Basically, no. Even if it’s not an emergency, feeding your dog could be risky.
Emergency Cases of Dog Vomiting
If your dog shows any of these signs, call the vet right away:
- Your dog is very young or old or has health problems
- Your dog has thrown up three times in 24 hours
- Your dog tries to throw up, but nothing comes out
- There’s blood in your dog’s throw-up
- Your dog seems weak, confused, or in pain
- Your dog has bad diarrhea or other symptoms along with vomiting
Mild Cases of Dog Vomiting
If your dog is otherwise healthy and just threw up once or twice, they might just feel sick from something they ate. You don’t have to rush to the vet.
In this case, don’t give your dog any food for 12–24 hours. Let them drink water, but not too much.
But some dogs should never go without food. Young puppies and dogs with certain health issues should eat regularly. Call your vet before stopping food for these dogs.
What to Feed Your Dog After Fasting
After not eating for a while, you can start giving your dog food again if their vomiting was mild and sudden.
Start with bland food that’s easy to digest, like:
- Boiled, skinless chicken or lean hamburger meat
- Cooked white rice or mashed potatoes
These meals aren’t perfect, but they’re okay for a few days.
If your dog usually eats a special diet or you can’t find easily digestible dog food, slowly reintroduce your dog to their regular food.
Wet food is often better than dry food, especially in the short term. Wet food is easier to digest and helps keep your dog hydrated because it has more water.
How Much to Feed Your Dog After Vomiting
It’s important to start feeding your dog slowly after they’ve thrown up. Here’s a guide to help you gradually get your dog back to their normal diet.
Day 1
Don’t feed your dog (except for healthy adults) for 12–24 hours. If they don’t throw up during this time, you can move on to Day 2.
Day 2
Give your dog 10% of their usual meal size. Wait a few hours.
If your dog doesn’t throw up, give them 25% of their usual meal size. Wait a few hours.
If your dog still doesn’t throw up, give them another 25% of their usual meal size. Wait a few hours.
If your dog still doesn’t throw up, give them 50% of their usual meal size.
Day 3
Give your dog 50% of their usual meal size. Wait a few hours.
If your dog doesn’t throw up, give them another 50% of their usual meal size. Wait a few hours.
If your dog still doesn’t throw up, give them a normal meal size.
Day 4
Give your dog their normal amount of food divided into three meals throughout the day.
Day 5 and after
Follow this guide to switch your dog back to their regular food, if needed.
