Is the BRAT diet suitable for dogs experiencing diarrhea?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is commonly recommended for humans with diarrhea, but it is not specifically established as a treatment for dogs. Veterinarians typically suggest a bland diet of plain boiled chicken and white rice for dogs experiencing diarrhea. Because canine digestive issues can stem from many causes—ranging from dietary indiscretion to serious underlying conditions—consulting a veterinarian is the safest course of action.

If you're experiencing digestive symptoms yourself and wondering whether it's something minor or worth seeing a doctor about, a free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand possible causes and clarify your next steps in minutes—no signup required. It's a smart first move before deciding whether home care, a clinic visit, or urgent care is right for you.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if your dog's diarrhea needs care Learn likely causes of dog diarrhea See if it could be serious Find OTC remedies for dog diarrhea Find a vet for dog diarrhea Discover home remedies for dog diarrhea Understand what may be causing your dog's diarrhea

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Explanation

The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is commonly recommended for humans experiencing diarrhea. However, the provided references do not specifically discuss its suitability for dogs with diarrhea.

To ensure the best care for your dog, it is important to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide guidance tailored to your dog's specific needs and health condition. If you're experiencing digestive issues yourself and want to understand your symptoms better, try our free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights. For your pet's health concerns, always seek professional advice from a qualified veterinarian.

(References)

Park DH, Kothari D, Niu KM, Han SG, Yoon JE, Lee HG, & Kim SK. (2019). Effect of Fermented Medicinal Plants as Dietary Additives .... Animals : an Open Access Journal from MDPI, 6770862.
Graves NS. (2013). Acute Gastroenteritis - PMC. Primary Care, 7119329.
NAM DY, JANG SH, YIM SJ, KIM JH, & JUNG JY. (2024). Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in the kidney of a .... The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 10963088.

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