We all know the drill. That familiar, unwelcome twist in your stomach sends you straight to the kitchen for the classics: plain toast, clear broth, maybe a banana if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a simple, time-tested routine to calm an irritated gut. But when it’s your dog or cat who’s feeling unwell, that clear path suddenly becomes a maze of uncertainty. Can they have rice? Is pumpkin really a miracle food? The desire to provide comfort is overwhelming, but so is the fear of making things worse. This guide is here to clear up the confusion, offering a straightforward look at safe and effective bland foods for an upset stomach in your pet.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace simplicity for short-term relief: A bland diet is a temporary tool, not a long-term solution. Stick to easy-to-digest foods like bananas, white rice, and plain toast to give your stomach a chance to rest and heal.
- Know what to avoid and how to return to normal eating: Steer clear of spicy, fatty, and high-fiber foods while you're recovering. Once your symptoms subside, reintroduce your regular diet slowly, one food at a time, to see how your body responds.
- Recognize when professional help is needed: A bland diet is for mild issues, so contact a doctor for severe symptoms like a high fever or persistent vomiting. For pets, use a species-appropriate bland diet and consult a vet for serious signs, using resources like Mylo for outcome-based guidance.
What Is a Bland Diet?
When your stomach is in knots, the last thing you want is a complicated meal. That’s where a bland diet comes in. Think of it as a gentle reset for your digestive system. A bland diet is made up of foods that are soft, low in fiber, and not spicy or fatty. It’s often recommended to help manage symptoms from things like heartburn, nausea, or vomiting, and it can also be a necessary step after stomach or intestinal surgery. The goal is simple: to eat foods that won’t irritate your stomach, giving it time to rest and heal without working overtime.
How bland foods soothe an upset stomach
So, how exactly does eating plain toast help? Bland foods are incredibly easy for your body to digest. They don't force your stomach and intestines to work hard, which helps calm everything down and allows your digestive system to heal. You’ve probably heard of the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are the go-to examples because they are low in fiber, binding, and don't have strong flavors or fats that can trigger more irritation. By sticking to simple foods like these, you’re giving your gut a much-needed break while still getting some energy to help you feel better.
Common myths about bland foods
While a bland diet is a fantastic tool, it’s important to know what it can't do. First, it’s not a magic cure. Think of it as a supportive measure that helps your body recover, not the recovery itself. Second, diets like the BRAT diet are not nutritionally complete. They are great for a day or two, but they lack the protein, fat, and variety of vitamins you need for a full recovery. Relying on them for too long can leave you feeling weak. The key is to use these soothing solutions as a temporary bridge back to your normal, balanced diet once your symptoms start to improve.
What to Eat When Your Stomach Is Upset
When your stomach is feeling off, the last thing you want is a complicated meal. Your digestive system is asking for a break, and the best way to give it one is by turning to simple, bland foods. These foods are gentle on your gut, easy to digest, and can help ease symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and general discomfort. Think of it as a reset button for your stomach. The goal is to get some nutrients in your system without making your stomach work overtime, which allows it the space it needs to heal.
Choosing the right foods can make a huge difference in how quickly you start to feel better. Bland foods provide calories for energy and can help replenish lost nutrients without irritating an already sensitive stomach lining. They are typically low in fiber, fat, and spice, which are the main culprits that can trigger or worsen digestive distress. Sticking to a simple diet for a day or two can help calm things down and get you back on your feet. Here are some of the best foods to reach for when you need something soothing and simple.
Bananas
Bananas are a fantastic choice when your stomach is upset. They are soft, easy to digest, and won't irritate your system. Beyond being gentle, they offer a key benefit if you've been dealing with diarrhea or vomiting. These issues can deplete your body's potassium levels, and bananas are a great source for replenishing that important mineral. Their natural sweetness is also a nice bonus when you don't have much of an appetite but need a little energy.
White rice
There's a reason plain white rice is a classic comfort food for an upset stomach. It's a bland carbohydrate that's incredibly easy on your digestive tract. Unlike brown rice, which is high in fiber, white rice has its bran and germ removed. This means it has less fiber, making it simpler for your stomach to process. The starch in white rice can also help absorb fluid in your intestines, which is useful for firming up loose stools and giving your gut a chance to recover.
Applesauce
Applesauce is another gentle option that can work wonders for an upset stomach. It’s soft, easy to eat, and provides a bit of energy without being heavy. The key ingredient here is pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help add bulk to your stool. This makes applesauce particularly helpful if you're experiencing diarrhea. Just be sure to stick with unsweetened applesauce, as added sugars can sometimes make stomach issues worse. It’s a simple, soothing food that’s easy to keep down.
Toast
Simple, plain toast is a cornerstone of the bland diet for good reason. Much like white rice, it's a bland carbohydrate that is easy for your stomach to handle. When you're feeling nauseous, the dry, starchy texture of toast can sometimes help settle your stomach without overwhelming it. For the best results, opt for plain white bread without any butter, jam, or other toppings. The goal is to keep it as simple and un-irritating as possible while still getting some calories into your system.
Boiled potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile and comforting food, and when boiled, they become a perfect bland diet option. Boiling them makes them soft and easy to digest. They provide energy-rich starch without the fat and seasoning that can aggravate an upset stomach. Be sure to peel the potatoes before boiling, as the skin is high in fiber and can be harder for a sensitive gut to process. A little salt is usually fine, but avoid adding butter, sour cream, or other rich toppings until you're feeling much better.
Plain crackers
Saltines or other plain crackers are a go-to for a reason. They are dry, starchy, and can help absorb excess stomach acid, which often contributes to nausea. Having a few crackers can be a great way to test the waters when you're not sure if you can keep food down. They are light and don't require much digestive effort. Keep a sleeve of plain crackers by your side to nibble on throughout the day to keep your stomach from feeling completely empty, which can sometimes make nausea worse.
Cooked carrots
While raw vegetables can be tough on an upset stomach, cooked carrots are a different story. When steamed or boiled until they are very soft, carrots become easy to digest. They provide essential nutrients like vitamin A without adding stress to your digestive system. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor makes them palatable even when you don't have much of an appetite. Including cooked carrots in your bland diet can be a great way to get some vitamins in while you recover.
Chicken broth
When you're feeling unwell, staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you're experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Chicken broth is an excellent choice because it helps with hydration while also providing some electrolytes and minerals. A warm cup of broth can feel incredibly soothing on an upset stomach. It's light, easy to consume, and won't weigh you down. Look for low-sodium options to avoid excess salt, and stick to the clear broth-based soups rather than creamy ones.
Oatmeal
A warm bowl of oatmeal can be very comforting when your stomach is feeling sensitive. Like other bland carbohydrates, it's gentle and easy to digest. It also contains soluble fiber, which can help regulate your digestive system whether you're dealing with diarrhea or constipation. Prepare it with water instead of milk, and avoid adding sugar, fruit, or other rich toppings. A plain, well-cooked bowl of oatmeal provides sustained energy without causing further irritation to your gut.
What About the BRAT Diet?
If you’ve ever had a stomach bug, someone has probably mentioned the BRAT diet. It’s one of the most common pieces of advice for an upset stomach, and for good reason. The acronym stands for its four core components: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are gentle on the digestive system and have been a go-to for generations.
But as we learn more about nutrition and recovery, the thinking on the BRAT diet has evolved. While it can be a helpful starting point, it’s no longer seen as the only or best approach. Let's look at whether this classic remedy still holds up and what its limitations are.
Is the BRAT diet still a good idea?
Yes, the BRAT diet can still be a good starting point when you're dealing with nausea or diarrhea. The foods are low in fiber, which can help make your stools firmer, and they are unlikely to irritate your stomach further. However, the modern take on this diet is much more flexible. Experts agree that the BRAT diet has long been recommended for an upset stomach, but you don’t have to stick to just those four foods. Feel free to add other bland options like oatmeal, plain crackers, boiled potatoes, or even a little skinless chicken to get more nutritional variety without causing more trouble for your gut.
The downsides of the BRAT diet
The biggest issue with the BRAT diet is what it’s missing. While the foods are easy to digest, a strict diet of only bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast is very low in protein, fat, and key vitamins. It’s fine for a day or so, but it doesn't provide the energy and nutrients your body needs to fully recover from an illness. Sticking to it for too long can actually slow down your healing process. Think of it as a temporary comfort measure, not a complete recovery plan, because it lacks important nutrients for long-term health. Once you start feeling a bit better, it's important to begin reintroducing a wider variety of foods.
Foods to Avoid When Your Stomach Hurts
When your stomach is feeling off, knowing what not to eat is just as important as knowing what to eat. Certain foods can irritate your digestive system even more, making your symptoms worse and delaying your recovery. Your gut is working hard to get back to normal, so the goal is to give it a break from anything that’s difficult to digest or could cause further inflammation. Steering clear of the foods on this list will help you feel better faster.
Spicy and heavily seasoned foods
As much as you might love a kick of flavor, now is the time to put away the hot sauce and spicy seasonings. Foods that are spicy, acidic, or heavily seasoned can irritate the lining of your stomach, which is likely already inflamed and sensitive. Think of it like putting salt on a wound. Things like curries, chili, and even dishes with a lot of garlic or pepper can make your discomfort worse. An upset stomach needs gentle treatment, so stick to simple, unseasoned foods until you’re feeling back to your old self. Your taste buds might be bored for a day or two, but your stomach will definitely thank you for it.
High-fat and fried foods
Greasy, fatty foods are a definite no-go when your stomach is upset. Things like french fries, pizza, creamy sauces, and fatty cuts of meat are much harder for your body to digest. They tend to linger in your stomach for a longer period, which can increase feelings of nausea, bloating, and even trigger heartburn. While these might be your go-to comfort foods on a normal day, they demand too much from a digestive system that’s already under stress. Choosing foods for an upset stomach that are low in fat will give your gut the rest it needs to heal properly and get you back on your feet.
Caffeine and alcohol
Your morning coffee or evening glass of wine will have to wait. Both caffeine and alcohol can act as major irritants to your digestive tract. They can increase stomach acid, which worsens heartburn and discomfort, and they can also relax the muscle that keeps acid from flowing back into your esophagus. On top of that, both are diuretics, meaning they can contribute to dehydration, which is a real risk if you’re also dealing with vomiting or diarrhea. It’s best to avoid alcohol or drinks with caffeine completely. Instead, focus on hydrating with water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks to help your body recover.
Dairy products
Even if you normally handle dairy just fine, you might want to skip the milk, cheese, and yogurt when your stomach is acting up. When you're sick, especially with a stomach bug, your body can have a harder time producing lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose (the sugar in milk). This can lead to what’s called temporary lactose intolerance. The result? Uncomfortable gas, bloating, and potentially more diarrhea, which is the last thing you need. According to Harvard Health, your body might have trouble breaking down milk sugar when you're sick, so it's wise to avoid dairy until your digestive system is back to 100%.
Raw vegetables and high-fiber foods
While a big, fresh salad is usually a healthy choice, raw vegetables are tough on a sensitive stomach. Their high fiber content makes your digestive system work overtime to break them down, which can cause more cramping and bloating. The same goes for "gassy" vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and beans, even when they're cooked. These foods are known for producing gas, which can add to your discomfort. For now, it’s best to avoid raw veggies and limit high-fiber foods in general. If you want to include vegetables, opt for well-cooked, low-fiber options like carrots or green beans, which are much gentler on your gut.
When Should You Use a Bland Diet?
A bland diet isn't a long-term eating plan. Instead, think of it as a short-term tool to help your digestive system recover from irritation. It’s your go-to strategy when your stomach is feeling sensitive, upset, or overworked. By temporarily sticking to simple, easy-to-digest foods, you give your gut a much-needed break, allowing inflammation to calm down and symptoms to subside. This approach is often recommended for specific, temporary digestive issues where rich, spicy, or high-fiber foods would only make things worse. It’s all about simplifying your intake to promote healing from the inside out.
For nausea and vomiting
When you're feeling nauseous, the thought of eating anything can be overwhelming. A bland diet can be a gentle way to get some nutrients without upsetting your stomach further. Foods that are soft, low in fat, and minimally seasoned are much easier for your system to process. The goal is to consume calories and stay nourished without triggering another wave of nausea or vomiting. A bland diet is specifically designed to help with these symptoms by giving your digestive tract a rest. Start with very small portions of foods like plain crackers or toast and see how your body responds before trying a larger meal.
For diarrhea
Diarrhea is your body’s way of quickly clearing out an irritant, but it can leave you feeling drained. A bland diet helps by introducing foods that are easy to digest and can help add bulk to your stool. This is where the classic BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) gets its reputation. These foods are low in fiber, which can slow down your digestion and give your bowels a chance to return to normal. While you don't have to stick only to those four foods, choosing similar bland items can provide relief and help your system recover more comfortably without extra strain.
For heartburn and acid reflux
If you struggle with heartburn or acid reflux (GERD), you know that certain foods can make the fiery sensation in your chest much worse. Spicy dishes, high-fat meals, and acidic ingredients like tomatoes or citrus are common culprits. Following a bland diet can help you manage these flare-ups by temporarily removing potential triggers from your meals. This approach gives the lining of your esophagus a break from irritation. It’s a useful short-term strategy to address the symptoms and calm your system, especially while you work to identify your specific trigger foods.
For gastritis
Gastritis is essentially an inflammation of your stomach lining, which can be caused by a variety of factors. This inflammation makes your stomach extra sensitive to anything harsh or difficult to digest. A bland diet is ideal in this situation because it focuses on foods that are gentle on the stomach lining. Simple, cooked foods that are low in acid, fat, and spice won't aggravate the inflammation and can help you get nutrition while your stomach heals. These easy-to-digest foods are meant to soothe your system, especially after a bout of nausea or vomiting has passed, allowing the inflammation to decrease without further irritation.
How to Follow a Bland Diet
Getting your digestive system back on track is about more than just what you eat; it’s also about how you eat. When your stomach is feeling sensitive and overworked, you need to treat it with a little extra care. Think of this process as a short-term, gentle reset, not a strict set of rules. The goal is to give your gut a much-needed break so it can heal. This means focusing on simple, actionable steps that support your body’s recovery.
Paying attention to your body’s cues is the most important part of this process. You’ll want to manage your hydration, adjust your meal sizes and frequency, and be mindful about how you reintroduce foods. These strategies work together to soothe irritation and help you feel better without causing any new problems. By following these steps, you’re not just waiting for symptoms to pass; you’re actively helping your body recover so you can get back to feeling like yourself again. It’s all about being patient and kind to your system.
Start with clear liquids to stay hydrated
When you’re dealing with an upset stomach, especially with vomiting or diarrhea, dehydration is a real risk that can make you feel much worse. Before you even consider solid foods, your top priority should be hydration. Start by taking small, slow sips of clear liquids throughout the day. Excellent hydration choices include water, ice chips, clear broth, and weak, decaffeinated tea. If you need a little energy, you can also try popsicles or diluted juice, like half water and half apple juice. Gulping down liquids can overwhelm your stomach, so aim for a few sips every 15 minutes to stay hydrated without triggering more nausea. This is the essential first step to recovery.
Eat small, frequent meals
A big meal can feel like an impossible task for an already stressed digestive system. Instead of trying to force down three large meals, it’s much better to eat small meals more frequently. Aim for five or six mini-meals spread throughout the day. This approach gives your stomach a steady but manageable amount of food to work with, preventing that overly full feeling and reducing the chances of heartburn or nausea. It also keeps your stomach from becoming completely empty, which can sometimes make nausea worse. A few plain crackers, a small portion of white rice, or half a banana every couple of hours is much gentler than a full plate of food.
Add probiotics to aid gut recovery
Your gut is filled with beneficial bacteria that are crucial for healthy digestion, but an illness can easily disrupt this delicate ecosystem. Once you’re able to keep simple foods down, you can help restore balance by adding probiotics. Plain yogurt and kefir are great sources of probiotics, as long as you can tolerate dairy. These foods introduce good bacteria back into your system, which can help ease symptoms like gas and bloating. According to Healthline, probiotic-rich foods are a great way to support your gut microbiome as you recover. Just be sure to introduce them after you’ve successfully tolerated basic bland foods for a bit.
How long should the diet last?
It’s important to remember that a bland diet is a temporary fix, not a permanent lifestyle. Because it’s so limited, you’ll miss out on important nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals if you follow it for too long. Your body needs a wide range of nutrients to function well and heal completely. For most common issues like a stomach bug or a mild case of food poisoning, you should only need to stick to the diet for a day or two. Think of it as a bridge to get you from feeling awful back to eating normally. Once your symptoms start to improve, it’s time to begin reintroducing a wider variety of foods.
Signs you’re ready for regular food
Your body is pretty good at telling you when it’s ready for more. You’ll start to notice your appetite returning, the nausea will fade, and your digestion will feel more settled. These are all positive signs that you can begin expanding your menu. This doesn’t mean you should immediately order a pizza, though. The key is to transition slowly. You can slowly add more nutritious but still bland foods like cooked carrots, skinless sweet potatoes, steamed fish, or scrambled eggs. These options are still easy to digest but offer more of the vitamins and protein your body needs to finish healing.
How to reintroduce foods safely
Transitioning back to your normal diet should be a slow and mindful process. The most important rule is to listen to your body. Introduce only one new food at a time and give yourself a few hours to see how you feel. For example, try a small serving of cooked broccoli with lunch and pay attention to how your stomach feels that afternoon. It’s best to start with soft, cooked foods before moving on to things like raw vegetables or high-fiber grains. If a food causes your symptoms to flare up, simply remove it for now and try again in a few days. As soon as you can, try to eat a more varied diet to get all the nutrients you need.
When to See a Doctor for an Upset Stomach
Most upset stomachs get better with rest and a simple diet. But sometimes, your body sends signals that something more serious is happening. Knowing when to stop self-treating and call a doctor is just as important as knowing what to eat. If your symptoms feel severe or you notice any of the red flags below, it’s time to get professional medical advice.
Severe abdominal pain or a high fever
Mild cramps can be normal with an upset stomach, but sharp, constant, or worsening abdominal pain is a sign to take seriously, especially if it’s focused in one spot. A fever also signals your body is fighting something more than a simple bug. While a low-grade fever isn't unusual, a high temperature is a reason to call your doctor. If your symptoms are severe or last more than a few days, getting a medical opinion is the safest next step to get the right treatment.
Bloody or black stools
This is one symptom you should never ignore. Seeing blood in your stool or noticing that it’s black and tarry is an immediate sign to contact your doctor. Bright red blood can point to bleeding in your lower digestive tract, while black stools can mean bleeding from higher up, like the stomach. A doctor needs to evaluate these symptoms to find the source and make sure you get the care you need. Don't wait for it to go away on its own; make the call right away.
Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration
Throwing up is common with a stomach bug, but it becomes a problem when it’s persistent. If you can’t keep any fluids down for several hours, you risk dehydration. Your body needs fluids to function, and losing them too quickly is a serious issue. Watch for signs of dehydration like feeling dizzy, having a dry mouth, or noticing dark yellow urine. If you're experiencing persistent vomiting and can't stay hydrated, it’s time to seek medical attention to prevent complications.
Bland Diets for Pets with an Upset Stomach
When our pets aren't feeling their best, it's natural to want to do everything we can to comfort them. Just like us, dogs and cats can benefit from a simple, bland diet when they have an upset stomach. But before you share your own sick-day snacks, it’s important to know that a pet’s digestive system has different needs. The right bland diet can help soothe their tummy troubles, but the wrong foods can sometimes make things worse.
Navigating pet health can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting information out there. That's why we've gathered some clear, reliable guidelines on safe foods, what to avoid, and when it's time to call the vet. This information can help you make a confident choice for your furry family member. And for advice tailored to your pet's specific situation, you can always explore real experiences from other pet parents on Mylo to see what worked for them.
Safe bland foods for dogs and cats
When your dog or cat has an upset stomach, a few simple foods can help get them back on track. A classic recommendation is a mix of boiled white rice and plain, boiled chicken with the skin and bones removed. This combination is gentle on the digestive system and can help firm up stools. Another great option is plain canned pumpkin (not the pie filling, which has added sugar and spices). Pumpkin is packed with fiber and can work wonders for regulating digestion. You can also try offering boiled potatoes, which provide easy-to-digest carbohydrates without any irritating seasonings. These simple meals give your pet's gut a chance to rest and recover.
How a pet's bland diet differs from ours
It might be tempting to share your own bland foods, like toast or crackers, but a pet's nutritional needs are very different from ours. While we might cut back on protein, dogs and cats require it to stay healthy, which is why boiled chicken is a key part of their recovery diet. Many foods that seem harmless to us can cause problems for them. For instance, dairy products and fatty foods, even in small amounts, can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues in pets. It's best to stick to a diet specifically recommended for them and avoid sharing your own meals, no matter how sad their puppy-dog eyes look.
Warning signs your pet needs the vet
A bland diet can be a great temporary solution, but it’s not a cure-all. It's crucial to know when your pet's symptoms point to something more serious that requires professional care. If vomiting or diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours, it's time to call your veterinarian. You should also seek immediate veterinary attention if you notice signs of lethargy, pain (like whining or reluctance to move), or any blood in their stool or vomit. These can be signs of a more significant health problem that a bland diet alone can't fix. Trust your instincts; if you feel something is seriously wrong, a vet visit is always the right call.
Get Personalized Pet Health Advice with Mylo
When your pet has an upset stomach, your first instinct is to help them feel better, fast. We know that for ourselves, a simple bland diet can work wonders. But what’s right for us isn’t always a perfect match for our pets. You might find general advice suggesting boiled chicken and rice, but the internet is full of conflicting information. How much should you give your 10-pound Yorkie versus your 70-pound Golden Retriever? What if your cat turns her nose up at it? Guessing feels stressful, and a wrong move could make things worse.
This is where getting personalized advice is so important. Instead of sorting through endless forums, you can use a platform like Mylo to see what has actually worked for other pets just like yours. Mylo filters solutions based on your pet's unique profile, including their breed, age, and specific symptoms. It builds its recommendations on real experiences and outcomes from a community of pet parents. You can see what foods, portion sizes, and recovery timelines helped other dogs and cats with similar digestive issues, giving you a clear, actionable path forward.
So, when you're wondering if adding a little oatmeal or pumpkin is a good idea, Mylo provides precedent, not guesswork. It helps you make confident decisions for your pet's health, backed by the collective wisdom of pet owners who have been in your shoes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I actually stick to a bland diet? Think of a bland diet as a very short-term solution, not a long-term eating plan. For most common stomach bugs, you should only need to follow it for a day or two. The goal is to give your digestive system a brief rest. Once you notice your symptoms improving, like less nausea or more solid digestion, it’s a sign that you should start slowly reintroducing more nutritious foods. Sticking with it for too long can leave you feeling weak because it lacks the protein, fat, and vitamins your body needs to fully recover.
Can I add any salt or sugar to make these foods taste better? It’s best to keep things as plain as possible, since the main goal is to avoid irritating your stomach. A small pinch of salt on boiled potatoes or in your chicken broth is generally fine and can help with electrolytes. However, you should definitely avoid spicy seasonings, pepper, and acidic flavorings. When it comes to sugar, stick to naturally occurring sources like the kind in bananas or unsweetened applesauce. Added sugars can sometimes make digestive issues worse, so it's best to skip them until you feel better.
Why should I avoid dairy if yogurt is supposed to be good for gut health? This is a great question because it can feel contradictory. When you have a stomach bug, your body can temporarily produce less of the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. This can lead to more gas, bloating, and discomfort, even if you normally handle dairy just fine. While probiotic-rich yogurt is excellent for gut health, it's wise to wait until your main symptoms have calmed down. Once you're feeling better, you can try reintroducing plain yogurt to see how your system responds.
I feel a little better, but I'm weak. Should I just eat more bland food? Feeling weak is a common side effect, and it's usually your body telling you it needs more substantial fuel. A strict bland diet is very low in protein and healthy fats, which are essential for energy and healing. Instead of just eating larger portions of rice or toast, take it as a cue to start slowly adding more nutrient-dense foods. Try a small portion of scrambled eggs, some plain steamed fish, or well-cooked skinless chicken. These foods are still gentle but provide the protein your body is craving.
My pet has an upset stomach. Can I just give them some of my bland food? While the idea is similar, a pet's bland diet needs to be different from ours. Foods like toast and crackers aren't ideal for them. Dogs and cats need protein to recover, which is why plain, boiled chicken is often recommended alongside rice or pumpkin. It's also important to know that some human foods, even bland ones, can be harmful to pets. For advice that's specific to your pet's breed, age, and symptoms, you can see what has worked for other pet owners in similar situations on a platform like Mylo.