“How long can a dog go without pooping?” If you’re googling this, chances are good that you are worried about your dog’s bowel movements—or lack thereof. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby answers this question to help you know when to give it a bit more time and when to call your veterinarian.
Have you ever looked at your dog and realized that you haven’t seen him or her poop in awhile? Maybe he or she is usually a reliable twice-a-day pooper. And now you’re thinking that you haven’t seen him or her go since yesterday afternoon! What’s going on?.
This is a common question asked at veterinary hospitals. Changes in the frequency of a dog’s bowel movements can sometimes indicate a problem. However, there are also plenty of reasons that dogs may skip a poop or two without it being a big deal.
Are you frantically Googling about your dog’s bathroom schedule after switching to a bland diet? Don’t worry – we’ve all been there! If your furry friend is on chicken and rice due to tummy troubles, you’re probably wondering exactly when nature will call again.
The short answer? Most dogs will poop somewhere between 8 to 48 hours after eating chicken and rice. But there’s more to the story than just timing!
As a dog owner who’s dealt with more digestive issues than I care to count, I know how stressful it can be when your pup’s potty routine gets disrupted. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about your dog’s digestion timeline on this bland diet.
The Basic Timeline: When to Expect Your Dog to Poop
If you feed your dog chicken and rice instead of other foods, their regular bathroom schedule might change. Here’s what you can typically expect .
- Healthy dogs: Usually poop within 8-12 hours after eating chicken and rice
- Dogs with digestive issues: May take 24-48 hours to poop
- Dogs with constipation or serious issues: Could take up to 72 hours
When my Lab had a lot of diarrhea, the vet told me to give him chicken and rice. He didn’t have a normal bowel movement for 36 hours, which seemed like a very long time at the time.
Why Chicken and Rice? Understanding the Bland Diet Benefits
Before we go further, let’s talk about why vets recommend this diet in the first place.
Chicken and rice is considered a “bland diet” – meaning it’s gentle on your dog’s digestive system. The combination works because:
- White rice helps firm up loose stools and is easy to digest
- Boiled chicken provides necessary protein without added fats
- The simplicity gives your dog’s gut a chance to recover
- There’s nothing in it that might further irritate the digestive tract
The goal of this diet is not to be a long-term fix for dogs with digestive problems, but rather a way to start over. This is like us eating plain toast when we’re feeling sick, but for dogs!
Factors That Affect Your Dog’s Digestion Time
Not all dogs will follow the same timeline. You can tell how quickly your dog will digest that chicken and rice meal by:
Age of Your Dog
Puppies have faster metabolisms and smaller digestive systems than adult dogs. While puppies might poop around 4 hours after eating, adult dogs typically take 8 hours or more. Senior dogs often have even slower digestion.
Size and Breed
Smaller dogs tend to have faster metabolisms compared to larger breeds. My neighbor’s Chihuahua seems to process food in half the time it takes my Bernese Mountain Dog!
Health Condition
If your dog has underlying health issues, especially gastrointestinal problems, their digestion time might be affected. Dogs recovering from illness might take longer to process food.
Quantity of Food
The amount of chicken and rice you feed your dog affects digestion time. Larger meals typically take longer to process than smaller, more frequent feedings.
Activity Level
Regular exercise helps stimulate your dog’s digestive system. A dog who gets regular walks might poop more predictably than a sedentary pup.
Signs of Healthy Digestion on a Chicken and Rice Diet
How do you know if the chicken and rice diet is working? Here are some positive signs to look for:
- Well-formed stools: Not too hard, not too soft
- Regular bowel movements: Even if less frequent than usual
- Increased energy levels: Your dog seems more like themselves
- Normal appetite: Eagerly eating their bland meals
- Shiny coat: A reflection of good nutrition absorption
My dog’s poop actually looked better after just two days on chicken and rice – more solid and less smelly. That’s when I knew we were on the right track!
Can Chicken and Rice Cause Constipation?
Yes, chicken and rice can potentially cause constipation in some dogs. This diet will, at minimum, slow down bowel movements compared to their regular food.
The main reason is that rice is binding and contains less fiber than many commercial dog foods. If your dog is used to a high-fiber diet, the switch to chicken and rice might cause temporary constipation.
To help prevent this:
- Ensure your dog drinks plenty of water
- Add a small amount of plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling)
- Make sure your dog gets moderate exercise
- Consult your vet about adding fiber if needed
How to Prepare Chicken and Rice for Your Dog
If you’re making chicken and rice for your pup, here’s a quick how-to:
- Cook white rice according to package instructions (no seasonings)
- Boil boneless, skinless chicken until fully cooked
- Remove all bones and skin from the chicken
- Shred or chop the chicken into small pieces
- Mix with rice at a ratio of about 1:2 (one part chicken to two parts rice)
- Let cool before serving
You can add a tiny bit of low-sodium chicken broth to make it more appealing, but avoid any seasonings, oils, or additives.
When to Transition Back to Regular Food
Once your dog’s digestive issues have resolved and they’ve had normal bowel movements for 24-48 hours, you can begin transitioning back to their regular food.
This transition should be GRADUAL to avoid triggering another round of digestive upset:
- Days 1-2: 75% chicken and rice, 25% regular food
- Days 3-4: 50% chicken and rice, 50% regular food
- Days 5-6: 25% chicken and rice, 75% regular food
- Day 7: 100% regular food
When to Call the Vet
While waiting for your dog to poop can be anxiety-inducing, most dogs will eventually have a bowel movement on the chicken and rice diet. However, there are times when you should contact your veterinarian:
- No bowel movement after 72 hours
- Signs of pain or discomfort
- Vomiting
- Refusal to eat
- Lethargy or weakness
- Bloated or hard abdomen
These could indicate a more serious issue that needs medical attention.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Progress
Throughout this process, keep a close eye on your dog’s:
- Appetite: Are they eating normally?
- Energy levels: Do they seem lethargic or back to normal?
- Bathroom habits: Track frequency, consistency, and color
- Weight: Sudden changes can indicate problems
I actually kept a little journal when my dog was recovering – nothing fancy, just notes on my phone about when he ate and when he pooped. It helped me spot patterns and gave me something to report to the vet.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and rice is a tried-and-true remedy for dogs with upset tummies, but patience is key when waiting for that first poop. Most healthy dogs will have a bowel movement within 8-48 hours after starting this diet.
Remember that this bland diet is a temporary solution. While it helps calm digestive upset, it doesn’t provide all the nutrients your dog needs long-term. Always follow your veterinarian’s advice on how long to continue the diet and how to transition back to regular food.
Have you had experience with feeding your dog chicken and rice? How long did it take for your pup to poop afterward? Share your experiences in the comments below!
FAQs About Dogs Pooping After Chicken and Rice
Q: My dog hasn’t pooped in 24 hours after starting chicken and rice. Should I be worried?
A: Not necessarily. It can take up to 48 hours for many dogs, especially if they’re recovering from digestive issues. If it goes beyond 72 hours, contact your vet.
Q: Can I add anything to the chicken and rice to help my dog poop?
A: A small amount of plain canned pumpkin (1-2 tablespoons for medium dogs) can add fiber and help stimulate bowel movements. Always check with your vet first.
Q: How much chicken and rice should I feed my dog?
A: This depends on your dog’s size. Generally, feed the same volume as their regular food, divided into smaller, more frequent meals. Your vet can provide specific guidance.
Q: Is white or brown rice better for dogs with digestive issues?
A: White rice is typically recommended as it’s easier to digest. Brown rice has more fiber, which might be too much for a sensitive stomach.
Q: My dog’s poop is a different color after chicken and rice. Is this normal?
A: Some color change is normal. The poop may be lighter in color due to the diet change. However, if you notice orange, red, black, or white poop, consult your veterinarian.
Diagnosis of constipation in dogs
To help rule out or rule in the various causes of constipation and assess the stool in general, the vet may perform the following tests:
- A digital rectal exam is used to check the consistency of the poop and feel for an enlarged prostate, masses, anal furunculosis in dogs, or other structural problems that could make the colon or rectum narrow.
- x-rays to see if there are any signs of a blockage or obstruction in the intestines or to figure out how bad the constipation is
- Bloodwork to help rule out kidney and endocrine diseases.
- A test that checks a dog’s poop for parasites or strange bacteria that could be causing changes in the stool
Why do some dogs go too long without pooping?
Some of the more common causes of constipation that your vet might be looking for include:
- Dehydration
- An enlarged prostate
- Kidney failure in dogs
- A mass in the colon or rectum
- Foreign material (rocks, fabric, bones, etc. ) that is causing a GI obstruction.
- Endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism in dogs
- Diets low in fiber (this is a very common problem that is easy to fix)
