If your dog is vomiting white foam along with undigested food, it often signals a problem with digestion or something obstructing the stomach or esophagus. While one episode may not be urgent, recurring vomiting can point to underlying health issues that need attention.
We outline the common causes of dog vomiting white foam and undigested food, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Vomiting White Foam and Undigested Food — Why It Happens
When dogs vomit white foam and undigested food, it often means that food isn’t moving properly through the digestive system—either due to delayed gastric emptying, blockage, or illness. Foam indicates irritation or excess stomach acid, while the presence of whole food suggests incomplete digestion or regurgitation.
Common Causes of Dog Vomiting White Foam and Undigested Food
Eating Too Fast
Some dogs gulp their food so quickly that it doesn’t get properly chewed or swallowed.
This can lead to regurgitation shortly after eating—usually mixed with white foam or saliva.
You may also notice your dog coughing or gagging right after meals. Slow-feeding bowls can help reduce this issue.
Gastric Motility Issues
Delayed gastric emptying or motility disorders cause food to sit in the stomach longer than normal.
This can lead to vomiting hours after eating, often with foam from excess acid or air in the stomach.
Conditions like gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or certain medications can slow digestion.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Esophageal Disease or Megaesophagus
Diseases affecting the esophagus, such as megaesophagus, impair a dog’s ability to move food into the stomach.
Food may pool in the esophagus and be regurgitated later, mixed with white foam or mucus.
Dogs may also have trouble swallowing, lose weight, or cough frequently. Diagnosis typically involves imaging and possibly contrast studies.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
If your dog swallows a toy, bone, or other object, it can partially block the GI tract.
Food and fluid may back up in the stomach, leading to vomiting of both undigested food and white foam.
Obstruction is a medical emergency and may also cause lethargy, abdominal pain, and dehydration.
Food Intolerance or Dietary Indiscretion
Sudden changes in diet, spoiled food, or food allergies can irritate the stomach.
Vomiting may include white foam and poorly digested food, especially if the gut is inflamed.
In mild cases, this resolves with a bland diet, but repeated symptoms need veterinary input.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Vomiting White Foam and Undigested Food
First, remove food and water for several hours to allow the stomach to rest—unless your dog is dehydrated or showing signs of distress.
After the rest period, offer small amounts of bland food like boiled chicken and rice. Reintroduce regular food slowly over 2–3 days.
Monitor your dog for additional symptoms like lethargy, bloating, or diarrhea. If they vomit more than once or refuse food, call your vet.
Use slow-feed bowls or puzzle feeders if your dog tends to eat too fast.
Do not administer over-the-counter medications without veterinary advice—some can worsen the condition.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your vet if your dog:
Vomits undigested food more than once in 24 hours
Has persistent white foam vomiting
Shows signs of bloating, abdominal pain, or lethargy
Has trouble swallowing or loses weight
Has a history of eating non-food items
Your vet may use x-rays, blood tests, or ultrasound to check for blockages, reflux, or esophageal problems.
Read more: Dog Vomiting White Foam and Clear Liquid (What it means)
Key Takeaway
Vomiting white foam with undigested food is a sign that something is disrupting your dog’s digestive process—whether it’s eating too fast, reflux, or a more serious condition.
If it happens repeatedly, don’t wait. Seek veterinary advice to identify the cause and get your dog back to healthy digestion.