Learning Your Pup - Soft Stools and “The Bland Diet”
***DISCLAIMER: THIS POST IS NOT MEANT TO TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR VET. INSTEAD, IT IS MEANT TO BE AN ALTERNATIVE OR ADDED METHOD IN PROVIDING A HEALTHY DIET, CUSTOMIZED TO YOUR PUPS SPECIFIC NEEDS. IT IS ALWAYS IMPORTANT TO BE CAUTIOUS WHEN IT COMES TO THE HEALTH OF YOUR DOG.
Recently, we’ve had some of our puppy families discussing their pups soft stools in our private group. The amount of interaction this topic received made me realize that this is not discussed enough. Obviously, people are in need of information. No fret! Your crazy Newfie lady is here!
First, let me just say that in most cases, soft stool in a growing pup is absolutely normal and shouldn’t be cause for alarm. If it keeps happening and you’re worried about your pup becoming ill, dehydrated or perhaps having worms or a parasite, simply take a stool sample to your vet. It doesn’t cost that much money and it will bring you peace of mind and a course of action. Obviously, if there is a case of worms/parasite or other illness, you will begin treatment and hopefully, your pup will be just fine.
Unfortunately, Newfoundlands are one of those breeds that are prone to stomach sensitivities and food allergies. Often times your vet will tell you it’s allergies and they will suggest an overpriced food that is supposedly geared toward allergy prone issues. There are some that would believe that and that’s ok. I am not judging anyone. If you’re reading this, it’s obvious that you care for your furry baby. We all just want to do what’s best for our babies and that’s the route that some choose. It’s understandable, for sure. There are cases where allergies are definitely the cause of the problem. However, it’s not always allergies (which comes with other symptoms) and allergies are often slapped on as the diagnosis when it’s simple food sensitivities. Take me for example. I love, love, love, Mexican food. However, my stomach is VERY sensitive to heat. I can’t handle it at all. It doesn’t break me out in hives or cause medical damage, It just upsets my stomach and gives me diarrhea and if it’s really bad, sometimes I vomit. Yes, TMI but I am actually serious. It sucks, having such a sensitive stomach. Especially, now that I am older. I definitely had to learn a new way of eating as I aged. Now, I avoid the things that give me any issues as if they come with the plague. haha! That is my intention here. My Newfies are my babies and I know yours are too. I am simply offering a homemade, customized method to feeding your pup that will aide in longevity and good health.
“THE BLAND DIET”
This is actually quite a common diet among many dog owners. I think we are all slowly becoming wise to exactly what kibble is.
Would we eat it?
Why do we expect our dogs to?
VERY IMPORTANT TIP: BE SURE TO ADD A DAILY PROBIOTIC DURING THIS SWITCH!
HOW TO USE THE BLAND DIET AS THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR DOGS DAILY DIET
You boil chicken, use the broth/boiled chicken water to then make some rice, white or brown. I use 2lbs of chicken breast, and made 3 cups of brown rice. That’s how I start. If you’re doing this because your pup has been experience soft or runny stools, it is perfectly ok to add a bit of pumpkin to this mixture. NOT PUMPKIN PIE FILLING!! You want canned or baked pumpkin (obviously without the seeds).
That is the foundation of the bland diet. Once you’ve had your pup on the bland diet for a week, if they’re responding well to the chicken and rice mixture, you can add one ingredient. The first ingredient you want to add is plain greek yogurt with no added sugars. It’s a plus if you find some with extra probiotic. If you don’t intend to keep your dog on a probiotic supplement, this is a must in their diet. Wait another week and add another ingredient. There are so many good vegetables and fruits you can add to your dogs diet that bring so much nutrition. For example, mashed or cooked-cubed sweet potatoes, spinach, squash, kale, carrots, blueberries, apples green beans and cantaloupe. The purpose of this is to see how your dog handles each ingredient. You will learn what’s good and what’s not and in the end you’ll have your own balanced diet for your pup that will increase and promote good health and the longevity we are praying for our Newfies.
I know that many people are intimidated out of homemade food by the ideology that they don’t know if their dog is “getting enough” or “getting what it needs”. If you’re worried about measurements, it’s super easy. If you were shopping for a good dog food, what ingredients do you see? You always want to see that protein source first. In the bland diet, that’s chicken. That will be the majority of the ingredients. Next or equal to the chicken would be the rice. The other added ingredients just put however much you want of each. Those are “add-in’s” and should never be the majority portion of the food. Once you have the food made, you’d give the same amount of cups that is suggested on kibble. It goes by the size and weight of your dog. Feeding charts are available on google. For an adult Newfie, 4-6 cups a day split between 2 meals is the ideal amount.
THE BLAND DIET FOR UPSET STOMACH/SOFT STOOLS/DIARRHEA
If your using the bland diet method to aide in an upset stomach, soft stools or diarrhea, that broth from your boiled chicken water is like liquid cold! Do not waste any of it! Anytime our babies have stomach issues, hydration is the most important thing to focus on. If there is any vomiting or concern with hydration, that boiled chicken water provides protein with the hydration so there is, at least something with sustenance. It is important to note that you are just boiling chicken and adding no flavors, salts, spices, herbs…nothing! Just chicken. Give them a bit of that broth to drink. You don’t have to worry about the add-in’s. Using the bland diet for this purpose is just to help your pup through any upset stomach issues and once things are back to normal with your pups poop and food intake, you can resume the normal diet of your pup. It is ok to add pumpkin, as this might help with your pups queasy tummy.
If you try this method out, let us know how you liked the process and how did your pup like it? Email, text or find us on any of our socials and leave a comment about it. We wish you all the luck in the world and pray your Newfie lives the longest, healthiest life it can.
