Dog diarrhea is one of the most common reasons pets are brought to veterinary clinics, and most mild cases respond well to dietary management at home. The challenge is knowing which foods genuinely help firm up loose stools, how much to give, and which commonly recommended options can actually make things worse. This guide covers 20 vet-supported foods — how each one works in the gut, practical serving guidance, and the warning signs that mean it’s time to stop home remedies and call a vet.
These are the questions that come up most urgently when a dog has loose stools — answered plainly, before you read anything else.
- 1 Should I feed my dog or withhold food when diarrhea starts? For healthy adult dogs, most veterinarians recommend withholding food for 12 hours — but never water — before introducing a bland diet. This gives the gut a brief rest from having to process food while it recovers. The fast should not exceed 24 hours, and puppies, senior dogs, small breeds, diabetic dogs, or dogs with any known medical condition should not be fasted without specific veterinary guidance — these dogs can develop dangerous hypoglycemia even with a short fast. If your dog is a puppy, elderly, or has an underlying condition, skip the fast and call your vet for direction.
- 2 What is the number one home food for a dog with diarrhea? Boiled white chicken breast mixed with plain white rice is the most universally recommended home remedy for dog diarrhea — it is low in fat, easy to digest, and gives the inflamed gut something gentle to process. The standard ratio is approximately 75% rice to 25% chicken, which keeps the fat content low while providing protein. The chicken must be plain — no skin, no bones, no onions, no garlic, no oil, no salt. The rice should be plain white rice cooked in water only. Begin with 2 tablespoons of the mixture per 10 pounds of body weight, fed every 2–3 hours in the first 24 hours back on food.
- 3 Does pumpkin actually help dogs with diarrhea, or is that a myth? Pumpkin genuinely helps — and the mechanism is well understood. Canned plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is rich in soluble fiber, which absorbs excess water in the digestive tract and adds bulk to loose stool. The soluble fiber also acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. The recommended dose is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight per day, starting low. The Merck Veterinary Manual confirms 1–4 tablespoons per meal as an appropriate therapeutic range depending on dog size. One common mistake: giving too much. Excess pumpkin can actually cause diarrhea. Never exceed 10% of daily caloric intake from supplementary foods like pumpkin.
- 4 Can I give my dog probiotics for diarrhea? Yes, and many vets recommend it. Diarrhea disrupts the gut microbiome — the colony of beneficial bacteria that normally keeps the digestive system in balance. Probiotic-containing foods like plain, full-fat yogurt with live active cultures (small amounts only, and only in dogs who tolerate dairy) can help restore that balance. Dog-specific probiotic supplements (containing strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis) are more reliable than yogurt since the probiotic content is standardized. Plain yogurt works as a temporary addition to a bland diet, but should not replace veterinary-formulated probiotics in dogs with chronic or recurring diarrhea.
- 5 How do I transition my dog back to regular food after diarrhea clears up? Gradually — over 3 to 5 days — replacing increasing portions of the bland diet with the regular food. A common approach is to start at 75% bland diet / 25% regular food on day one of the transition, then 50/50 on day two, then 25/75 on day three, then full regular food on day four. If loose stools return at any point during this transition, slow down — go back a step and give the gut more time on the bland diet. Rushing the transition is one of the most common reasons owners end up back at square one. Do not switch to an entirely different regular food during this period.
- 6 When is dog diarrhea an emergency that requires immediate veterinary care? Go to a vet immediately — do not attempt home management — if your dog has blood in the stool (red or black/tarry), is vomiting along with diarrhea, is showing signs of pain or abdominal bloating, appears lethargic or unable to stand, is a young puppy, is elderly and frail, or the diarrhea is profuse and watery. Bloody diarrhea in dogs can indicate hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, parvovirus, or other serious conditions. Profuse watery diarrhea causes rapid dehydration. If diarrhea has been ongoing for more than 48 hours without improvement on a bland diet, or if it keeps recurring, a veterinary exam and fecal test are needed — diarrhea caused by parasites (Giardia, Coccidia), bacteria (Campylobacter), or chronic GI conditions (IBD, EPI) will not resolve with diet alone.
- 7 Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol or Imodium for diarrhea? Pepto-Bismol and Imodium (loperamide) are potentially dangerous for dogs — do not give these without direct veterinary guidance. Pepto-Bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate, which can be toxic to dogs at certain doses and is particularly dangerous in breeds with known aspirin sensitivity. Imodium slows gut motility, which can be dangerous if the diarrhea is caused by a toxin or infection — the dog needs to expel what is causing the problem, and slowing the gut traps harmful substances inside. The appropriate anti-diarrheal medications for dogs, and their safe dosages, are prescribed by veterinarians. Never dose your dog with human medications without a vet’s explicit approval and specific dosage guidance.
Protein keeps your dog nourished during recovery, but it has to be low in fat and easy to digest. High-fat proteins are the enemy of a recovering GI tract — they slow gastric emptying and worsen loose stools.
Boiled chicken breast is the cornerstone of every veterinary bland diet recommendation for dogs with diarrhea — not because it is exotic or special, but because it is reliably low in fat, high in digestible protein, and genuinely bland enough that it does not further irritate an inflamed gut. Skin must be completely removed before cooking — chicken skin is high in fat and can worsen diarrhea or trigger pancreatitis. Bones must be removed entirely — cooked bones splinter dangerously. Boil in plain water only, no stock, no seasonings, no garlic, no onion. Shred into small pieces before serving. The standard ratio when mixed with rice is 25% chicken to 75% rice.
Plain boiled or lightly pan-cooked lean ground turkey is an excellent alternative to chicken for dogs who are picky about texture or have shown sensitivity to chicken in the past. Use 93% lean or higher — regular ground turkey can be higher in fat than it appears. Drain any rendered fat completely before serving. No seasonings, no herbs, no garlic. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains. Many dogs find turkey even more palatable than chicken when they’re feeling unwell and off their appetite — the slightly stronger flavor can encourage reluctant eaters.
Eggs are among the most digestible proteins available and are particularly useful when a dog with diarrhea is also off their appetite — dogs who turn away chicken and rice will often accept eggs. Cook without any oil, butter, milk, salt, or seasonings — a non-stick pan with no additions is ideal. Scrambled eggs that have dried slightly (not runny or wet) are easiest to digest. Hard-boiled eggs, cooled and chopped, also work well. Never feed raw eggs — raw eggs carry a risk of Salmonella contamination and contain avidin, a protein that blocks biotin absorption with regular feeding. One egg is appropriate for small and medium dogs; up to two for large breeds.
Lean ground beef is recommended alongside chicken by PetMD as an appropriate bland diet protein. The key qualifier is lean — use extra-lean ground beef (93% lean or greater) and drain all rendered fat by rinsing the cooked beef with hot water before serving. Regular ground beef is too high in fat for a recovering gut. Boil or pan-cook with no oil, seasonings, or additives. Mix with white rice in the same 75/25 ratio used for chicken. This option is particularly useful for dogs who are reluctant to eat chicken.
Plain boiled white fish — cod, haddock, or tilapia — is an excellent protein for dogs with diarrhea, particularly for dogs who have shown a previous sensitivity to chicken or beef. White fish is extremely low in fat and highly digestible. Remove all bones before serving — fish bones are a serious choking and perforation hazard. No seasonings, no butter, no lemon, no salt. Boil in plain water until cooked through, then flake into small pieces and mix with white rice or sweet potato. Avoid oily fish like salmon and mackerel during active diarrhea — their higher fat content is counterproductive during recovery.
Low-fat plain cottage cheese provides a gentle protein source alongside some natural probiotic benefit. It is lower in lactose than milk or regular cheese, making it better tolerated by most dogs than other dairy products. Use only low-fat or fat-free varieties, plain, with no added fruit, herbs, or flavoring. Introduce in small amounts initially — some dogs are lactose intolerant and cottage cheese will worsen their diarrhea rather than help it. If the stool remains the same or improves after a small serving, it can continue as part of a bland diet. If it worsens, eliminate it. One to two tablespoons mixed with rice is appropriate for most dogs.
The right carbohydrates do two things for a dog with diarrhea: they provide easily digestible energy that doesn’t stress the gut, and the fiber content — particularly soluble fiber — absorbs excess water and adds bulk to loose stool.
Plain cooked white rice is the most reliable carbohydrate source in a canine bland diet. It is not particularly high in fiber — its value during diarrhea comes from being genuinely bland, easy to digest, and providing resistant starch that helps bind loose stools. Cook in plain water with nothing added. No salt, no butter, no stock. Use long-grain white rice rather than instant or flavored varieties. Let it cool before serving — warm rice is fine, hot rice can burn a dog’s mouth. White rice is preferred over brown rice in acute diarrhea because brown rice’s higher fiber content can be too stimulating for an already overactive gut. Reserve brown rice for maintenance and prevention, not active diarrhea.
Plain canned pumpkin — one ingredient on the label, “pumpkin,” nothing else — is one of the most well-supported home remedies for canine diarrhea. Pumpkin’s soluble fiber absorbs excess water in the intestines, adding bulk to loose stools, while simultaneously fermented as a prebiotic to feed beneficial gut bacteria. The Merck Veterinary Manual-supported dose is 1–4 tablespoons per meal, starting at the low end for smaller dogs. A practical guide: 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight per day. Mix into the bland diet — do not serve as a standalone meal. Check the label every single time — many products near pumpkin purée contain spices, sugar, or xylitol (toxic to dogs). Look specifically for “100% pumpkin” or “pumpkin purée” with one ingredient listed.
Sweet potato is an excellent alternative to pumpkin for dogs that don’t tolerate or enjoy pumpkin. It is high in soluble fiber and easy to digest when cooked. Peel before cooking, boil or bake until completely soft, mash plain with no butter, salt, milk, or seasonings, and allow to cool before serving. The skin is harder to digest and should be removed. Sweet potato also provides vitamin A and several B vitamins, supporting overall recovery. Mix small amounts with the bland protein/rice combination. Avoid raw sweet potato entirely — it is difficult to digest and can cause digestive distress even in healthy dogs.
Plain boiled white potato provides resistant starch, which helps firm stool and supports healthy gut bacteria, plus potassium — an electrolyte that becomes depleted during diarrhea. Peel, cube, boil until completely soft, drain, and mash with no butter, milk, salt, sour cream, or any addition. A small amount of the potato cooking water can be used to thin the mash slightly. The potato should have a smooth, cool consistency before serving. Do not feed green-tinged potato (solanine, a natural toxin in underripe or light-exposed potatoes) or any potato that has been seasoned or prepared for human consumption. Raw potato is also unsafe for dogs.
Oatmeal’s soluble fiber delays gastric emptying and helps control diarrhea by slowing the transit of food through the intestines. It is particularly well-suited to senior dogs with bowel irregularity. Use only plain, minimally processed oats — steel-cut or old-fashioned rolled oats, cooked in water only. Instant oatmeal packets are inappropriate — they typically contain added sugar, artificial flavors, and sodium. Never add milk, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, or any flavoring. Serve at room temperature, not hot. Do not feed raw or undercooked oats to a dog with diarrhea — the raw starch is harder on the gut. A small portion mixed with cooked chicken is an appropriate bland diet option.
Plain cooked pasta — small shapes like ditalini, small elbows, or broken spaghetti — is a reasonable alternative when a dog dislikes rice or rice is not available. Cook in plain water with nothing added, drain thoroughly, and allow to cool before serving. No sauce, no butter, no salt, no cheese, no toppings of any kind. Plain pasta provides easily digestible carbohydrates without the fiber-heavy quality of rice, making it gentle on the gut. This works particularly well for dogs who refuse rice and need some carbohydrate alongside their protein during recovery. Whole wheat pasta is acceptable but white pasta is blander and preferred during an acute episode.
Ripe bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber that helps firm up loose stools, along with potassium — an electrolyte lost through diarrhea. Use ripe bananas, not green ones — unripe bananas contain more resistant starch that can cause gas in some dogs. Serve sliced or mashed in small quantities alongside the bland diet: a few slices for small dogs, up to half a banana for medium dogs, and a full banana for large breeds. Bananas are relatively high in natural sugar compared to other bland diet options, so they should supplement — not replace — the main bland diet components. The peel must always be removed.
Beyond bland protein and carbohydrates, these foods and additions support the recovery process from within — restoring electrolytes lost through diarrhea, rehydrating the gut, and helping beneficial bacteria repopulate after disruption.
Plain yogurt containing live active cultures (specifically Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains) provides natural probiotic support during diarrhea recovery. Diarrhea disrupts the gut microbiome — yogurt helps replenish beneficial bacteria that were lost. Use only plain yogurt with no sweeteners, flavors, fruit, or xylitol. Greek yogurt is acceptable if plain and unsweetened. Start with a small amount — one teaspoon for small dogs, one tablespoon for medium dogs, two tablespoons for large dogs — to test for dairy tolerance before giving more. Some dogs are lactose intolerant and dairy products will worsen their diarrhea. If stools worsen within a few hours of giving yogurt, discontinue immediately.
Dehydration is one of the most serious secondary risks of dog diarrhea. Bone broth — made from simmered bones — provides hydration in a form many sick dogs will accept when they refuse plain water, and contains amino acids like glycine and proline that support intestinal lining repair. The broth must contain no onion, no garlic, no leeks, no chives, and be very low in sodium — all of these are toxic or harmful to dogs. Commercial “dog-safe” bone broths are a reliable option. You can make it at home: simmer raw or roasted bones (chicken or beef) in water for several hours, cool, skim fat from the surface, strain out all bones, and serve at room temperature. Never use store-bought human chicken stock, which almost always contains onion and too much sodium.
Plain kefir is a fermented dairy product with a higher concentration of probiotic bacteria than standard yogurt — some analyses show 10 to 34 different strains in kefir compared to 2 to 7 in commercial yogurt. It is also significantly lower in lactose than milk because the fermentation process breaks down much of the lactose content, making it better tolerated by many lactose-sensitive dogs. Use only plain, unsweetened, unflavored kefir with no fruit, sugar, or additives. Serve in the same small quantities used for yogurt. Goat milk kefir is another option that many dogs tolerate particularly well. This is a supplement to the bland diet, not a replacement for it.
Boiled carrots are safe for dogs and provide soluble fiber (pectin) that helps firm up loose stools similarly to pumpkin. Cook until genuinely soft — not crunchy or al dente. Raw carrots are too hard and fibrous for a dog with an irritated GI tract; they need to be soft enough to mash easily. No salt, no butter, no seasoning. Mash or chop finely before adding to the bland diet mix. Carrots are also low in calories, making them a good option for dogs who need to stay on a bland diet for several days without gaining excess weight from higher-calorie supplements. A handful added to chicken and rice adds variety without stress to the gut.
Plain meat-based Stage 2 baby food — specifically chicken, turkey, or beef purée with no added vegetables, starches, or seasonings — is sometimes recommended by veterinarians for dogs who are reluctant to eat during recovery. The highly processed, smooth texture is extremely palatable and easy to digest. This is one situation where reading every single ingredient is critical: many baby food products contain onion or garlic powder, both of which are toxic to dogs. Only use products where the ingredient list shows meat and water only. Suitable brands include Gerber Stage 2 single-meat varieties (confirm current ingredient list, as formulations change). This is a temporary appetite stimulus, not a long-term diet.
The starchy water left in the pot after boiling rice is a traditional remedy for both human and canine diarrhea — and it has a genuine mechanism. The starch that leaches into the cooking water creates a thin, soothing coating when it moves through the intestinal tract, and the water itself contributes to hydration in dogs who may be reluctant to drink plain water. Boil plain white rice in a larger-than-usual amount of water, then strain out the rice and let the liquid cool completely before offering. Serve alongside fresh water, not instead of it. This works particularly well for very small dogs or puppies who are dehydrated but not yet ready for solid bland food. No salt or additions of any kind.
For dogs with chronic, recurring, or severe diarrhea that doesn’t resolve with a homemade bland diet, veterinary prescription gastrointestinal diets are the most clinically supported option. Products like Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d and Royal Canin Gastrointestinal are formulated specifically to be highly digestible, low in fat, appropriately fiber-balanced, and complete in all the nutrients a dog needs over an extended period. Unlike a homemade bland diet, prescription GI foods are nutritionally complete and can be fed long-term safely. They require veterinary authorization. These are particularly recommended for dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), or chronic enteropathy. Hydrolyzed protein varieties (Royal Canin Hydrolyzed) are recommended for dogs whose diarrhea appears food-allergy-related.
Use this table to compare key details across all 20 foods at a glance. Foods are grouped by category.
| # | Food | Type | Why It Helps | How to Serve | Key Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boiled Chicken Breast | Protein | Low fat, highly digestible | Shredded, 25% of rice/chicken mix | No skin, no bones, no seasoning |
| 2 | Lean Ground Turkey | Protein | Low fat, very digestible | 93% lean, boiled, fat drained | Drain all fat before serving |
| 3 | Plain Scrambled Eggs | Protein | Highest digestibility, appetite stimulant | Cooked dry — no oil or butter | Never feed raw eggs |
| 4 | Lean Ground Beef | Protein | Good alternative to chicken | Extra-lean, rinse fat with hot water | Regular beef too fatty — avoid |
| 5 | White Fish (Cod/Haddock) | Protein | Very low fat, highly digestible | Boiled, flaked, all bones removed | No salmon/mackerel — too fatty |
| 6 | Low-Fat Cottage Cheese | Protein + Probiotic | Protein + some probiotic benefit | 1–2 tbsp mixed with rice | Stop if diarrhea worsens — lactose |
| 7 | Plain White Rice | Carbohydrate | Bland, starchy, binding | 75% of rice/chicken mix, plain | No brown rice during acute diarrhea |
| 8 | Canned Pumpkin | Fiber | Soluble fiber, prebiotic, water-absorbing | 1 tsp per 10 lbs/day — mix with food | Read label — never pie filling or xylitol |
| 9 | Sweet Potato | Carb + Fiber | Soluble fiber, vitamins, easily digested | Peeled, boiled, mashed plain | Never feed raw |
| 10 | Plain White Potato | Carbohydrate | Resistant starch, potassium | Peeled, boiled, mashed — no additions | No green-tinged potato — toxic |
| 11 | Plain Oatmeal | Carb + Fiber | Soluble fiber, delays gut transit | Steel-cut or rolled oats, water only | No instant packets — contain additives |
| 12 | Plain Cooked Pasta | Carbohydrate | Easy-digest carbs — rice alternative | Plain white, no sauce or salt | No whole wheat during acute episode |
| 13 | Ripe Banana | Fiber + Electrolyte | Pectin fiber, potassium — supplement only | Ripe, peeled, sliced or mashed | High sugar — don’t overfeed |
| 14 | Plain Yogurt (Live Cultures) | Probiotic | Restores gut bacteria | Small amounts — test for lactose tolerance | Never with xylitol or sweeteners |
| 15 | Unsalted Bone Broth | Hydration | Hydration, gut lining repair | Cooled, room temp — no onion or garlic | Never use human stocks — onion/sodium |
| 16 | Plain Kefir | Probiotic | High probiotic count, lower lactose | Small amounts, plain unsweetened | Test for dairy tolerance first |
| 17 | Boiled Carrots | Fiber | Pectin fiber, low calorie | Fully soft-cooked, plain, mashed/chopped | Never feed raw to a dog with diarrhea |
| 18 | Stage 2 Meat Baby Food | Protein (palatable) | Appetite stimulant — highly palatable | Meat-only varieties only | READ label — many contain onion/garlic |
| 19 | Rice Water | Hydration | Gut coating, gentle hydration | Strain rice, cool liquid, serve alongside water | No salt — plain only |
| 20 | Prescription GI Diet | Complete Diet | Clinically formulated — chronic diarrhea | Per vet instructions — Hill’s i/d, RC GI | Requires veterinary prescription |
Some commonly assumed “gentle” foods are actually harmful to a dog with diarrhea. These are the ones that trip owners up most often.
Fat slows gastric emptying and stimulates bile secretion, both of which irritate an already inflamed gut. The foods most commonly fed by well-meaning owners that are too high in fat: chicken with skin left on, regular (not lean) ground beef, salmon and oily fish, butter, whole eggs fried in oil, sausage, and any human leftovers or table scraps. Even a small amount of high-fat food can trigger a pancreatitis flare in susceptible dogs — pancreatitis is an extremely painful and potentially life-threatening condition that requires veterinary treatment.
Many dogs are lactose intolerant to varying degrees. Regular milk, cream, butter, cheese, and most ice cream contain high lactose concentrations that the dog’s gut cannot adequately break down during an episode of diarrhea — when the gut is already compromised, its lactase enzyme production may be even further reduced. Milk-based products will worsen diarrhea in many dogs, not improve it. The lower-lactose options (plain yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese in small amounts) are acceptable tests — but if any dairy product worsens the diarrhea, all dairy should be eliminated from the recovery diet.
All members of the allium family — onion, garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots — are toxic to dogs regardless of whether they are raw, cooked, dehydrated, or in powder form. They damage red blood cells and can cause life-threatening hemolytic anemia. This is especially relevant when giving bone broth (never use human chicken stock, which almost always contains onion), baby food (always check for garlic and onion powder), or any cooked meat that was seasoned or prepared for human consumption. A dog with diarrhea is already stressed — toxic exposure during this time is particularly dangerous.
- Raw vegetables: Hard to digest and can worsen GI irritation during acute diarrhea. Cooked is always safer.
- Grapes and raisins: Toxic to dogs at any amount — can cause acute kidney failure. Never give as a snack.
- Brown rice during active diarrhea: Its high insoluble fiber content can be too stimulating for an actively irritated gut. Use white rice first; transition to brown later.
- Flavored oatmeal packets, flavored rice, or seasoned anything: The bland diet works because it is genuinely bland — not “mild-flavored human food.”
- Spicy foods, chili, Mexican seasonings: Capsaicin and other compounds actively irritate the intestinal lining and will dramatically worsen diarrhea.
- Xylitol in any form: This artificial sweetener, found in some peanut butters, yogurts, and baby foods, causes severe hypoglycemia and liver failure in dogs. Read every label.
Most mild acute diarrhea in healthy adult dogs resolves within 2–5 days with appropriate dietary management. These are the signs that tell you dietary intervention is not enough.
- Blood in the stool — red blood or dark/tarry (black) stools indicating digested blood higher in the GI tract
- Diarrhea combined with vomiting — both at once causes rapid dangerous dehydration
- Signs of dehydration: skin tent test (pinched skin doesn’t spring back quickly), sunken eyes, dry gums, extreme lethargy
- Abdominal bloating, pain, or signs of distress — could indicate obstruction or GDV (bloat), both emergencies
- Puppies, elderly dogs, or immunocompromised dogs — these groups deteriorate faster and should be seen immediately
- Known or suspected ingestion of toxin, foreign object, or medication
- Diarrhea has not improved after 48 hours on a bland diet
- Diarrhea improves but keeps recurring — this pattern suggests a cause that diet alone won’t resolve (parasites, IBD, EPI, food intolerance)
- Your dog is not drinking — dehydration can become dangerous within hours in small or young dogs
- Your dog has completely stopped eating for more than 24 hours
- The dog appears painful, hunched, or reluctant to move
A fecal test — which tests for intestinal parasites including Giardia, Coccidia, and worms — is inexpensive and takes only a few minutes at the vet. Approximately 30% of fecal samples from dogs presenting with diarrhea contain identifiable pathogens that require specific treatment. These cases will not resolve with chicken and rice.
If your dog has ingested something potentially toxic — including onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, xylitol, chocolate, or any human medication — the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center operates 24 hours a day. There is a consultation fee. Your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital is the fastest route for immediate severe symptoms.
This page provides general educational information about dietary options for dogs experiencing diarrhea. It does not constitute veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every dog is different — age, breed, weight, underlying health conditions, medications, and the cause of diarrhea all affect which dietary approach is appropriate. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making significant dietary changes, especially if your dog has any known medical condition, is on medication, is a puppy, or is elderly. If diarrhea is severe, bloody, accompanied by vomiting, or persists beyond 48 hours, seek veterinary care promptly. Dehydration from diarrhea can become a life-threatening emergency faster than most owners realize. Pumpkin dosage references are consistent with Merck Veterinary Manual guidance but should be confirmed with your veterinarian for your specific dog’s needs. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435.