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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Most dogs experience diarrhea at some point. Even if the issue resolves itself—as diarrhea often does—it’s important to identify the cause so you can treat it and prevent future recurrences.
Depending on the trigger for your dog’s tummy troubles, your veterinarian may recommend a bland diet to avoid further stress on the digestive system. That means you’ll have to lay off the treats for a while—or does it? Treats might not be entirely off the table for a dog with diarrhea. A carefully selected dog treat could be gentle enough for a recovering stomach or might contain supportive ingredients like probiotics.
We spoke to Antje Joslin, DVM, a veterinary consultant for Dogtopia, and Danielle Opetz, a PhD Companion Animal Nutritionist for Fromm Family Foods, to determine what kind of dog treats are appropriate for dogs experiencing or recovering from a bout of diarrhea.
Best for Bland Diets: Whole Life Healthy Gut Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
For dogs recovering from diarrhea, Dr. Opetz recommends looking for lower-fat treats and those that feature a simple ingredient panel. Unsweetened canned pumpkin puree is a simple option you may already have in your pantry. If not, these pumpkin-based treats from Whole Life Pet could be an appropriate pick.
Featuring chicken as the primary ingredient, the rest of the list consists of simple, easily digestible ingredients. Potato, pumpkin, flaxseed, and apple provide a blend of whole-food fibers, while yogurt contributes active probiotic cultures. Sourced and produced in the United States, these freeze-dried pumpkin dog treats have a crunchy texture and low calorie density at 6 calories per piece.
Key Nutrients:
- 6 kcal/piece
- Protein: 39.2%
- Fat: 25.8%
- Carbohydrate: 31.9%
- Crude Fiber: 3.1%
Ingredients: Chicken, Potato, Pumpkin, Yogurt, Flaxseed, Apple.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoBest with Probiotics: PetHonesty Digestive Probiotics Soft Chews
While not a miracle cure for tummy troubles, regular use of probiotics may help regulate your dog’s digestion. Dr. Opetz explains that the benefits can depend on the individual dog. Other factors include the strains of probiotics used, the dose of those strains, their viability and stability, and the format of the product.
Dr. Opetz also suggests that dogs with diarrhea may benefit from a combination of probiotics and dietary fiber “that can help balance and support healthy gut morphology.”
These probiotic soft dog treats from PetHonesty check all the boxes. Each serving contains six billion colony forming units (CFUs) from over half a dozen different strains of probiotic bacteria. The formula also contains prebiotic fiber and natural enzymes to promote a balanced gut microbiome and support healthy digestion.
Key Nutrients:
- 10.5 kcal/piece
- Protein: 13.8%
- Fat: 10.3%
- Carbohydrate: 72.4%
- Crude Fiber: 3.5%
Ingredients: Oat Flour, Vegetable Glycerin, Brewer’s Yeast, Yuca, Sunflower Lecithin, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Extract, dried Trichoderma ressei Fermentation Extract, Papaya, Pineapple Stem, Coconut Oil, Natural Flavor, Natural Duck Flavor, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Citric Acid, Vinegar, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Dried Bifidobacterium bifidum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus brevis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus fermentum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus delbrueckii Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative).
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoBest Single-Ingredient: Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Chews
When your dog’s digestion is out of whack, an uncomplicated diet may be best. Dr. Opetz recommends single-ingredient treats, especially for dogs who experience sensitivity to certain fats or animal proteins. These dehydrated sweet potato chews are a simple, easily digestible option.
Not only are sweet potatoes low in fat but they’re rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C, and potassium. Sweet potatoes contain both soluble and insoluble fiber as well. These treats have a chewy texture many dogs enjoy, and they can be broken into pieces for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Key Nutrients:
- 39 kcal/piece
- Protein: 7.1%
- Fat: 0.6%
- Carbohydrate: 85.2%
- Crude Fiber: 7.1%
Ingredients: Dried All Natural Sweet Potatoes.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoHigh-Value Pick: PureBites Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats
If you rely on treats for training or behavior modification, low-value options like the previous pick might not cut it with your dog. Dr. Joslin recommends freeze-dried meats as a high-value treat for dogs with diarrhea. “Many dogs can tolerate lean meats like chicken or turkey breast,” she says, “but stay away from anything with high fat content, added salt, or other flavoring.”
These PureBites freeze-dried chicken breast treats have the meaty flavor dogs crave, but they’re low in calories and easily digestible. Treat size varies but the calorie content averages about 3 calories per piece. As a bonus, the treats are packed with animal-sourced protein.
Key Nutrients:
- 3 kcal/piece
- Protein: 77.9%
- Fat: 3.2%
- Carbohydrate: 17.9%
- Crude Fiber: 1%
Ingredients: American Sourced Human-Grade Chicken Breast.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoHigh-Fiber Pick: Fruitables Pumpkin & Banana Flavor Dog Treats
Dietary fiber can provide digestive benefits for dogs, but too much or the wrong kind could make issues like diarrhea worse. If your dog is experiencing or recovering from diarrhea, get your vet’s approval before supplementing your dog’s fiber intake with a high-fiber treat.
That said, Dr. Opetz notes that “a treat with healthy sources of dietary fiber, such as pumpkin, miscanthus grass, psyllium, and/or chicory root can influence stool consistency and help regulate bowel regularity.”
These small, snackable treats from Fruitables are low in calories and rich in fiber. The formula is entirely plant-based and contains a limited number of easily digestible ingredients. Plus, they’re baked to give them a delicious flavor and crunchy texture.
Key Nutrients:
- 8 kcal/piece
- Protein: 7.8%
- Fat: 6.7%
- Carbohydrate: 76.6%
- Crude Fiber: 8.9%
Ingredients: Pumpkin, Ground Oats, Barley, Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Molasses, Cinnamon, Bananas, Natural Banana Flavor, Natural Vanilla Flavor, Mixed Tocopherols (To Preserve Freshness), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoBest Crunchy Treat: Finley’s Barkery Wheat-Free Apple & Cinnamon Crunchy Biscuit Dog Treats
If your dog loves crunchy treats, these apple and cinnamon biscuits from Finley’s Barkery could be another good option. They’re a little larger than the previous pick, so higher in calories. For smaller dogs, however, they’re easy to break in half.
Featuring fiber-rich grains and apples as the main inclusions, these limited-ingredient treats may be a good pick for dogs on a bland diet. They’re lightly sweetened with honey—which also delivers a dose of live enzymes—and rich in anti-inflammatory fatty acids from coconut oil.
Key Nutrients:
- 17 kcal/piece
- Protein: 10.8%
- Fat: 8%
- Carbohydrate: 77.8%
- Crude Fiber: 3.4%
Ingredients: Oats, Barley, Apples, Coconut Oil, Honey, Cinnamon, Rosemary Extract.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoBest Chewy Treat: Jiminy’s Cricket Cookie Pumpkin & Carrot Soft Treats
If your vet recommends dietary modification to manage diarrhea, you might need to get creative when it comes to treats. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, Dr. Antje recommends a hypoallergenic treat to avoid making diarrhea worse. Because animal proteins are a common culprit for stomach sensitivity, these cricket-based treats might be a good alternative.
Jiminy’s Cricket Cookies feature fiber-rich pumpkin, carrots, and oats as the main ingredients. Commercially raised crickets contribute a protein source that is both humane and sustainable, not to mention a novel protein for many dogs. These chewy little treats are low in calories, at around 3 calories per piece.
Key Nutrients:
- 2.9 kcal/piece
- Protein: 18.2%
- Fat: 9.1%
- Carbohydrate: 68.1%
- Crude Fiber: 4.6%
Ingredients: Pumpkin, Carrot, Oats, Cricket, Vegetable Glycerin, Molasses, Tapioca Starch, Vegetable Gelatin, Canola Oil, Salt Natural Flavor, Cultured Dextrose (A Preservative), Distilled Vinegar, Natural Smoke Flavor, Garlic, Rosemary.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoLong-Lasting Pick: Get Naked Digestive Health Grain-Free Dental Stick Dog Treats
Dog treats aren’t just for spoiling your pup. Aside from training rewards, they can also be beneficial in keeping your dog entertained (and out of trouble). Long-lasting chews come in a range of shapes, sizes, and flavors, but these from Get Naked are formulated specifically for easy digestibility.
Made with a limited list of simple ingredients, these dental chews have an enticing chicken flavor. They’re enriched with prebiotics and probiotics to further benefit your dog’s digestion, plus a little bit of breath-freshening peppermint. The treats come in two sizes: small with 25 calories per stick, and large with 92 calories per stick.
Key Nutrients:
- 25 kcal/piece
- Protein: 21.2%
- Fat: 2.4%
- Carbohydrate: 69.3%
- Crude Fiber: 7.1%
Ingredients: Dried Potatoes, Vegetable Glycerin, Gelatin, Water, Chicken, Natural Chicken Flavor, Organic Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Fructooligosaccharides (From Chicory Root), Parsley, Chia Seed, Cinnamon, Ginger, Peppermint, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoBest for Chronic Diarrhea: Hill’s Prescription Diet Original Crunchy Dog Treats
Dogs with chronic digestive issues like diarrhea may do best on a prescription diet. While they’re undergoing treatment, it’s important for your dog to avoid food and treats that might compromise the effectiveness of their therapeutic diet.
“If your dog has a medical reason to be eating a certain diet,” says Dr. Antje, “I recommend using that food as a treat.” In some cases, however, you might be able to find a prescription dog treat that’s compatible with the diet.
Designed to be compatible with Hill’s Prescription Diets, these crunchy dog treats are low in fat, calories, and sodium but enriched with supplemental fiber. Keep in mind that they contain multiple animal proteins, so double-check the ingredients list if your dog has food allergies or sensitivities.
Key Nutrients:
- 15 kcal/piece
- Protein: 13.6%
- Fat: 6.3%
- Carbohydrate: 55.1%
- Crude Fiber: 25%
Ingredients: Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Mill Run, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Liver Flavor, Chicken By-Product Meal, Soybean Oil, Pork Protein Isolate, Egg Product, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Caramel color, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Iron Oxide color, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoHow We Chose
We selected the products featured here based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive analysis of customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts.
We selected dog treats and pantry items that are easily digestible and low in fat, prioritizing products that are compatible with bland diets or enriched with stomach-soothing ingredients. Our picks are also influenced by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
