By Dr.Jonathan Reed
Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Undigested Food? Causes, Remedies & When to See the Vet
It’s normal for dogs to have the occasional stomach upset, but when your pup throws up undigested food—especially if it happens often—it’s worth paying closer attention. Understanding the causes, knowing what you can do at home, and recognizing when it’s time to call your veterinarian are key to keeping your furry friend healthy.
Vomiting vs. Regurgitation: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into the causes, it’s important to understand the difference:
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Regurgitation: This usually happens soon a
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fter eating, when food comes back up before reaching the stomach. It often looks like undigested kibble or chunks of food.
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Vomiting: This is an active process that involves stomach contractions. Vomit may contain partially digested food and bile.
Knowing which one your dog is experiencing can help your vet figure out the underlying problem more quickly.
Common Reasons Dogs Throw Up Undigested Food
There are several possible explanations for this issue:
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Eating too quickly – Dogs that gulp down meals may regurgitate soon after.
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Esophageal issues – Blockages, narrowing, or even foreign objects can prevent food from reaching the stomach.
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Delayed stomach emptying – Also known as gastric motility problems, where food sits too long in the stomach before moving into the intestines.
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Gastroenteritis or infection – Stomach inflammation from bacteria, viruses, or spoiled food can cause vomiting.
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Food intolerances or allergies – Some ingredients may upset your pup’s digestive system.
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Underlying health problems – Conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, or parasites can also interfere with digestion.
When to Call the Vet
Occasional regurgitation or vomiting isn’t always an emergency, but you should contact your vet if you notice:
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Vomiting multiple times in one day.
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Refusal to eat or drink.
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Blood in vomit (sometimes resembling coffee grounds).
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Signs of abdominal pain, bloating, or restlessness.
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Weakness, lethargy, or ongoing diarrhea.
Important: If your dog is dry heaving or trying to vomit without producing anything, seek immediate veterinary care—this could be a sign of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening emergency.
What You Can Do at Home
While you’re monitoring your dog, here are a few steps that may help:
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Pause feeding temporarily – Withhold food for 12–24 hours (but not water) to give the stomach time to settle.
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Reintroduce a bland diet – Start with small amounts of plain boiled chicken and white rice. Slowly transition back to your pup’s regular food.
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Encourage slow eating – Try a slow feeder bowl or divide meals into smaller portions.
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Support gut health with probiotics – Digestive supplements can help restore balance in the gut and promote healthy digestion.
Prevention Tips
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Stick to a feeding schedule with smaller, more frequent meals.
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Avoid giving high-fat table scraps or foods that are hard to digest.
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Offer high-quality, balanced nutrition that supports digestive health.
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Add natural prebiotics like pumpkin or sweet potato to promote gut balance.
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Keep non-food objects out of reach—dogs love to chew, but swallowing toys or bones can cause dangerous blockages.
