You want to give your dog a gentle diet? There can be many reasons for this and it can also make a lot of sense. In this article, we show you when it makes sense, which foods are suitable and our best recipes to make yourself. We have also sought advice for this article from veterinarian Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic for this article.
January 7, 2026
7 min read
Updated on August 21, 2025

There are several reasons to resort to bland foods. An upcoming operation, intolerance to certain foods, Diarrhea, intestinal diseases or chronic stomach complaints are some of the numerous reasons.
When feeding your dog a gentle diet, it's important to stick to certain foods.
The classics here are meat, vegetables and rice. Under certain circumstances it is possible that you also use lean curd cheese and cottage cheese. These support the intestinal flora and provide fluid and protein.
Make sure you buy meat that is as low in fat and digestible as possible. It should be well cooked and neither salted nor seasoned. Avoid pork in the light diet, as it is very high in fat and low in nutrients.
Poultry and beef are best for your foster. Since beef can sometimes be difficult to digest, you should focus on poultry in the beginning. The best poultry for this purpose are: Chicken and Turkey.
Rice is the ideal side dish. Make sure you cook the rice soft. This makes it easily digestible and suitable as a light diet for dogs. It is also important not to add salt or other spices to rice.
Vegetables are also suitable for your four-legged friend's light diet. The best varieties include carrots, pumpkin and potatoes. The vegetables are cooked and then pureed. Under no circumstances should they be fed raw. Raw vegetables and fruit are not suitable as a light diet for dogs because they are difficult to digest.
Linseeds are ideal for cleansing the intestines. The tiny seeds swell up in the gastrointestinal tract and thus cleanse the intestines. It is therefore advisable to add one to two tablespoons of linseed to the food. The amount depends on the size and weight of your furry friend.
You can also use oat flakes. They also support the intestinal flora and ensure a varied diet.
Apples are one of the few types of fruit that are suitable for a light diet. It is important to grate them finely. Don't forget to core the apple beforehand.
Please refrain from adding apples if your pet suffers from dental problems. If you are preparing the light diet because of a damaged stomach lining, you should avoid adding apples. The fruit acid they contain will otherwise have a negative effect on your four-legged friend's well-being.
Here again the most suitable foods at a glance:
Fish and meat:
Vegetables:
Dairy products (preferably lactose-free):
Other foods:
The food should be researched beforehand if possible or discussed with the veterinarian. For example, the dairy products are not suitable in every case.
It is important to prepare a spice-free and unsalted meal. Especially in the case of diarrhea, spices deprive the animal of vitamins and other important water, minerals and nutrients.
Always cook rice, vegetables and meat thoroughly. Raw vegetables and fruit are difficult for your dog to digest. You also remove harmful bacteria from the meat by cooking it for a long time.
Fat-free preparation is essential for a light diet. Prepare the meat without fat in the oven, in a steamer or fry it in water.
We give you here a few delicious recipes for your four-legged friend on the way. Of course, you can not generalize the quantities for different dog breeds. Our recipes are designed for a dog weighing 25 kilos. At this weight it is recommended to prepare 400 to 450 g of food.
Not only the factor "weight" plays a role. Other factors, such as the dog's overweight, age and size, as well as physical activities, must be taken into account.
A quick call to the vet will clarify this. He can tell you how much food is best prepared for your pet.
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Just as it happens with us, it also happens with our dear dogs that they spoil their stomachs and have to fall back on a diet. As long as your friend's "upset" does not occur at regular intervals, it is normal.
If this is not the case, serious diseases can be behind it. If your dog's symptoms do not subside in one or two days after a diet, do not hesitate. Notify your veterinarian.
You should also do this if your four-legged friend has significant accompanying symptoms that do not just point to an ordinary gastrointestinal upset. Your observation skills are particularly important here. If in doubt, always ask your vet for advice.