If you notice your dog throwing up rubbery chunks, it can be alarming and confusing.
Vomiting in dogs is a common occurrence, but the presence of rubbery or jelly-like materials in the vomit may point to something more specific or serious.
While dogs vomit for many reasons—ranging from eating something they shouldn’t have to more complex medical issues—rubbery chunks in particular can indicate a unique set of concerns.
We outline the common reasons why your dog is throwing up rubbery chunks, what this may mean for their health, and when it’s time to get help from your vet.
Dog Throwing Up Rubbery Chunks: Why It Happens
Dog throwing up rubbery chunks often happens when they ingest foreign objects like rubber toys, plastic, or fabric that can’t be digested. These items irritate the stomach lining and may be vomited up in a semi-solid, rubbery form.
Other causes include partially digested food congealing in the stomach, excess mucus due to gastritis, or gastrointestinal blockages.
In some cases, food allergies, parasites, or toxins may trigger vomiting of thick, jelly-like material.
Dog Throwing Up Rubbery Chunks: Common Causes
1. Swallowed foreign objects
Dogs are curious by nature and often chew on and swallow non-food items.
If your dog is throwing up rubbery chunks, there’s a chance they have ingested part of a rubber toy, a piece of clothing, or plastic.
These materials do not break down in the stomach and can cause irritation, vomiting, or even a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract.
Rubbery materials can sit in the stomach for hours or days before the dog throws them up.
This could lead to recurring vomiting episodes as their body tries to expel the indigestible material.
If a blockage is present, additional symptoms like lethargy, lack of appetite, or constipation may appear.
2. Undigested or partially digested food
Sometimes, what appears to be rubbery chunks might actually be undigested or partially digested food that has congealed in the stomach.
This often occurs when dogs eat too quickly or consume fatty or rich foods that are hard to digest.
When the stomach can’t properly break down the food, it may be vomited up in a rubbery or gelatinous form.
This condition is more common in older dogs or those with sensitive stomachs.
It may also occur after a sudden dietary change or if your dog has eaten human food that doesn’t agree with them.
3. Gastric mucus and bile
Another reason your dog is throwing up rubbery chunks could be due to a buildup of mucus in the stomach lining.
When the stomach is irritated or inflamed—such as with gastritis—it may produce excess mucus, which can mix with bile and food remnants to create a rubbery consistency in vomit.
This is especially true if the vomiting occurs in the early morning before breakfast or after long gaps between meals.
In such cases, bile vomit and mucus form jelly-like materials that are often yellow or white.
4. Intestinal parasites or infections
If your dog is throwing up rubbery chunks along with other symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, or fatigue, intestinal parasites or a gastrointestinal infection could be to blame.
Parasites such as roundworms or giardia can cause inflammation and disrupt normal digestion, leading to the vomiting of mucus-laden or semi-solid materials.
These infections can make vomit appear gelatinous or rubbery in consistency due to the presence of inflammatory secretions and undigested nutrients.
5. Dietary intolerance or allergies
Dogs that are sensitive to certain foods may exhibit vomiting as a sign of intolerance or allergy.
If your dog consumes a food item their body cannot tolerate, the digestive system may react by rejecting it before it’s digested.
In these cases, your dog might throw up rubbery chunks that are thickened by stomach acids, mucus, and undigested food particles.
This can occur if your dog’s diet has recently changed, especially if they’re now eating a brand with unfamiliar ingredients, additives, or preservatives.
6. Overeating or eating too quickly
Dogs that gulp down their food rapidly or consume excessive amounts may overwhelm their digestive system.
This leads to regurgitation or vomiting, which sometimes includes rubbery or jelly-like chunks of partially digested food.
You may also notice your dog burping or appearing bloated.
This type of vomiting is common in deep-chested breeds or dogs who eat competitively around other pets.
7. Gastrointestinal blockage
A more serious cause of your dog throwing up rubbery chunks is a gastrointestinal obstruction.
This occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the intestines or stomach, preventing food from passing through the digestive system.
In these cases, vomit may contain bile, mucus, and semi-solid materials that appear rubbery.
This condition is dangerous and requires immediate veterinary intervention.
Other signs include a swollen abdomen, restlessness, whining, or signs of pain when touched.
8. Exposure to toxins or chemicals
Ingesting toxic substances—such as cleaning products, household chemicals, or certain plants—can irritate a dog’s digestive system and lead to vomiting.
The vomit may include rubbery or sticky material that results from chemical reactions with stomach mucus or tissues.
This is a veterinary emergency.
If your dog has been exposed to a known toxin and is throwing up rubbery chunks, take them to a clinic immediately.
Related: Dog throwing up and drinking a lot of water (Here’s why)
9. Pancreatitis or liver disease
Chronic conditions like pancreatitis or liver dysfunction can lead to vomiting episodes that produce strange textures in vomit.
Dogs suffering from these illnesses may throw up thick, rubbery chunks of bile and mucus as their digestive organs struggle to process food and maintain balance.
Such systemic diseases usually present with other symptoms including lethargy, weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or yellowing of the eyes and gums.
What to do if your dog is throwing up rubbery chunks
Seeing your dog throw up anything unusual is concerning, and when the material is rubbery or gelatinous, you should not ignore it.
Here are some steps to take:
1. Examine the vomit
Try to identify what the rubbery chunks are.
Do they resemble food, mucus, plastic, or toy parts? Safely collect a sample or take a photo to show your veterinarian. This can help pinpoint the cause.
2. Monitor for other symptoms
Watch your dog closely for additional signs such as diarrhea, lethargy, bloating, whining, lack of appetite, or repeated vomiting.
These symptoms can indicate a more serious issue like poisoning or obstruction.
3. Remove access to potential hazards
If you suspect your dog has ingested part of a toy or foreign object, inspect their environment.
Remove any small items, rubber toys, or garbage that could pose a risk.
4. Temporarily withhold food
Withhold food for 8–12 hours (but not water) to allow your dog’s stomach to rest.
If vomiting stops during this time, you can slowly reintroduce a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice.
5. Avoid giving human medications
Never give your dog human antacids or anti-nausea medications unless directed by your vet.
These can cause more harm than good.
6. Visit the veterinarian
If your dog continues to throw up rubbery chunks or shows signs of discomfort, it’s time to seek professional care.
Your vet may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays, blood work, or an endoscopy to determine the cause.
Related: Dog throwing up and not eating (Here’s why)
When to see a vet urgently
Seek veterinary care immediately if:
Your dog is throwing up rubbery chunks along with blood or black-colored vomit
Vomiting continues for more than 24 hours
There are signs of a swollen abdomen, weakness, or dehydration
Your dog has a known history of eating non-food objects
There are signs of poisoning, such as drooling, trembling, or seizures
Key takeaway
If your dog is throwing up rubbery chunks, it can be a sign of foreign object ingestion, digestive irritation, food intolerance, or a more serious health issue.
While occasional vomiting may not be alarming, vomiting rubbery substances—especially when frequent or accompanied by other symptoms—should prompt a veterinary evaluation.
Understanding what’s normal and what’s not in your dog’s vomit can help you act quickly and appropriately.
Always prioritize your dog’s well-being by monitoring their behavior and seeking timely medical advice when needed.