Homemade diets and gastrointestinal cases

Feeding a temporary homemade diet is still a very common recommendation in general practice, but there are some misconceptions about it. These recommendations are no longer advised because of the limited nutritional diversity and balance.

What are the typical ingredients used for ""Bland"" diets? What do you think is the intended rationale?

The typical ingredients in these diets for dogs usually include a single carbohydrate source - white rice is the most common - and a single protein source such as chicken. Similar products exist for cats, relying on a lean fish for protein instead for example.
In general, a common feature of these types of diets is they are often low in fat and in fiber, and limited in ingredients. It’s these specific features, rather than so-called ""blandness"", that may confer support for patients experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.

What are the key nutritional concerns of using these typical homemade ""bland"" diets?

The primary concern is that these diets are not nutritionally complete and balanced, and would lead to essential nutrient deficiencies if fed for a sustained period. For instance, these diets typically lack essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, or amino-acids, as well as fibers, which are important for gut motility among other benefits.

Have you seen cases that have developed other issues because of these diets?

Feeding an unbalanced homemade diet for a sustained period is not considered safe for the pet's health due to the risk of developing essential nutrient deficiencies. Further, patients may lose weight and muscle mass due to unintentionally inadequate food intake.

Is it better to opt for a dry or a wet diet in the short term?

Wet and dry formula of a similarly named commercial diet are often similar in many ways, but they may have differences that are relevant for an individual pet (different level of fat or a different ingredient which could be important for a pet with adverse food reaction).
Additionally, the preferences of both the pet and owner are important to consider. For instance, kibble diets may be a more cost-effective and convenient option, especially for feeding larger dogs.

In the mid-to-long term, if an owner wants to fed a homemade diet, what are your recommendations?

A veterinary nutritionist should always be consulted when formulating a homemade diet! While not available in all locations, many nutritionists offer remote consultations, providing home-prepared diet guidance to clients worldwide.

You might also be interested in watching the following videos:

How to assess the patient with gastrointestinal issues

To feed or not to feed: the importance of nutrition for gastrointestinal cases

Management of diarrhea