When your canine companion isn’t feeling their best, understanding what to feed them is crucial for a speedy recovery. Much like humans, dogs often lose their appetite when they have an upset stomach or are feeling unwell. This guide, in partnership with We Love Doodles, provides a comprehensive overview of the best foods to offer your sick dog, as well as options for those with allergies or sensitivities. It’s important to note that while these suggestions can aid recovery, persistent illness warrants a consultation with your veterinarian.
What to Feed a Sick Dog
A bland, nutritious diet is generally the most effective approach when your dog is experiencing an upset stomach. Having a selection of healthy options on hand can help you be prepared to support their well-being.
1. Boiled White Meat
Plain boiled chicken or turkey breast is an excellent choice as it’s easily digestible and low in fat. This lean protein source can help soothe your dog’s stomach. Always remove skin and bones to prevent choking hazards and ease digestion.
Preparation:
- Rinse the meat thoroughly.
- Trim excess fat, skin, and bones.
- Simmer in water for 15-20 minutes.
- Drain, cool, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve plain or with a small amount of white rice or vegetables.
2. White Rice
White rice is a staple in many dog foods and is easily digestible, making it a safe option when your dog is unwell. It can also help firm up stools if your dog is experiencing diarrhea.
Preparation:
- Rinse the rice.
- Combine one part rice with two parts water in a pan.
- Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Simmer with a lid for approximately 18 minutes, or until water is absorbed.
- Fluff and cool before serving.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Cooked sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber, making them gentle on the stomach. They provide essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Ensure they are cooked thoroughly and mashed, as raw sweet potatoes are harder to digest.
Preparation:
- Peel, chop, and boil sweet potatoes until soft.
- Mash and allow to cool before serving.
4. Pumpkin
Plain, canned pumpkin (without added sugar or seasonings) is highly effective for upset stomachs due to its fiber content, which aids digestion. It also contains vitamins that can boost your dog’s immune system.
Serving: Offer a few tablespoons mixed with your dog’s food.
5. Homemade Bone Broth
Bone broth provides essential nutrients and minerals that aid hydration and are gentle on the digestive system. Avoid adding garlic or excessive salt during preparation.
Preparation:
- Simmer marrow bones (beef or pork) and poultry bones in water for 20-24 hours on low heat.
- Strain to remove bones and serve the liquid once cooled.
6. Baby Food
Stage 2 meat-based baby foods (like chicken, lamb, or turkey) can be easily chewed and digested by puppies with stomach issues. Always check the ingredients to avoid toxic additives such as garlic or onion powder.
7. Fish
Poached fish is a great source of healthy fats and vitamins that support your dog’s immune system. Its strong aroma can also entice a reluctant eater.
Preparation:
- Poach fish in water for 10-15 minutes until cooked.
- Remove all bones and cut into small pieces.
8. Oatmeal
Plain, cooked oatmeal made from rolled oats can help soothe an upset stomach and aid with constipation due to its high fiber content. However, feed in moderation to avoid digestive upset.
9. Yogurt
Plain, natural yogurt containing probiotics is beneficial for gut health and can help regulate digestion, especially in cases of constipation. Ensure it has no added sweeteners.
10. Eggs
Scrambled or boiled eggs (without butter or oil) are a good source of protein and gentle on the stomach, providing an energy boost for lethargic dogs. Avoid eggs if your dog is vomiting.
What to Feed a Dog with Allergies
If your dog frequently experiences digestive issues, they may have food-related allergies. Consulting your veterinarian is the first step to identify potential triggers. For dogs with sensitivities, specialized diets can make a significant difference.
Cold Pressed Dog Food
This method of processing dog food uses lower temperatures than traditional kibble, retaining more nutritional value. Cold-pressed food is easily digestible, making it ideal for sensitive stomachs. It breaks down at a similar rate to raw food, allowing for complementary feeding. Wilsons Pet Food offers a variety of flavors, including white fish, salmon, and chicken, with grain-free options available for dogs with grain-related allergies.
Insect Protein Cold Pressed Dog Food
Created using the same low-temperature pressing method, insect protein dog food is nutritionally balanced and aids digestion. Insects are a rich protein source, hypoallergenic, and low in purines, making them suitable for dogs with sensitivities and meat-related allergens. This food can be fed alone or with raw food.
Raw Frozen Dog Food
Minimally processed and grain-free, raw food can improve digestion, skin, coat, and overall health. Wilsons Pet Food offers raw food in an 80/10/10 meat, offal, and bone mix, or a 70/10/10/10 mix with added vitamins and minerals, allowing for tailored nutrition to meet specific allergy needs.
Shop Our Tummy-Friendly Food Range
Explore Wilsons Pet Food’s sample packs, including cold-pressed and raw food trial boxes, to find the perfect diet for your dog’s sensitive stomach. Additionally, browse their selection of natural dog treats for more healthy options.
