When our canine companions are feeling their best, they typically have a healthy appetite. However, when illness strikes, it can be a challenge to know what to feed them. Just like humans, dogs may lose their appetite for their regular food when experiencing an upset stomach or feeling under the weather. Providing nutritious food is crucial during these times to help boost their energy levels and support a speedy recovery. This guide explores the best foods for dogs with upset stomachs and suitable options for those with allergies or a propensity for digestive issues.
What to Feed a Sick Dog
It’s natural to worry about your dog’s diet when they’re unwell. Generally, a plain, bland diet consisting of nutritious foods is recommended for a dog’s upset stomach. It’s wise to have healthy, readily available options in case your dog’s health takes an unexpected turn, enabling you to nurse them back to health effectively. However, if your dog’s sickness persists, consulting your veterinarian for professional advice is essential. Here are ten of the best, most nutritious, and reliable options to feed a sick dog:
1. Boiled White Meat
Plain white meat, such as chicken or turkey breast, is an excellent choice for a sick dog. It is easy to digest and low in fat, providing lean protein that can help soothe your dog’s stomach. Always remove the skin and bones before feeding to eliminate choking hazards and ease digestion. To prepare: rinse the meat, remove excess fat, skin, and bones, then simmer in water for 15-20 minutes. Drain, cool, and cut into small, bite-sized pieces. Serve alone or with white rice or vegetables.
2. White Rice
White and brown rice are common staples in dog food and a successful option when your dog is unwell. While brown rice is more nutritious, the blandness of white rice makes it a safer choice for sick dogs due to its digestibility. White rice can also help bind stools in cases of diarrhea, aiding the digestive system’s return to normalcy. To cook: rinse the rice, add it to a pan with two parts water to one part rice, bring to a boil with a pinch of salt, then simmer covered for about 18 minutes until water is absorbed. Allow to cool and fluff before serving.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Plain, cooked sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber, making them gentle on the stomach and excellent for soothing your dog’s digestive system. They provide essential calcium, iron, and magnesium. Avoid feeding raw sweet potatoes, as they are harder to digest. Instead, peel, chop into chunks, boil until soft, drain, and mash. Feed once cooled.
4. Pumpkin
Similar to sweet potatoes, pumpkins are effective in alleviating upset stomachs and helping sick dogs feel better. Rich in immune-boosting vitamins and fiber, they aid in regulating digestion. Offer your dog up to four tablespoons of pumpkin with their regular meal or alongside chicken and rice. Canned pumpkin is a suitable alternative, provided it contains no added sugar, seasonings, or other ingredients that could further irritate your dog’s stomach.
5. Homemade Bone Broth
Bone broth is beneficial for sick dogs, offering essential nutrients and minerals like sodium and potassium, and aiding hydration. Avoid using garlic or excessive salt during preparation, as these can aggravate an upset stomach. Low in carbohydrates and easy to digest, bone broth is an excellent choice. To prepare: add beef, pork marrow, or chicken/turkey bones to a pot, cover with water, and cook on low heat for 20-24 hours. Strain to remove bones and serve the liquid.
6. Baby Food
Stage 2, meat-based baby foods (chicken, lamb, turkey) can be an effective option for puppies with stomach issues. Ensure the baby food does not contain ingredients toxic to dogs, such as garlic or onion powder. Baby food is easy to chew and digest, helping to alleviate stomach upset and diarrhea. If unsure about ingredients, consult your vet.
7. Fish
Fish is a great source of healthy fats and vitamins that can significantly benefit your dog’s health and immune system when they are experiencing stomach problems. Its strong aroma can also entice a reluctant eater. The best preparation method is poaching: boil the fish in water for 10-15 minutes, then remove all bones and cut into small pieces before feeding.
8. Oatmeal
Plain, cooked oatmeal made from rolled oats can help soothe an upset stomach. Its high fiber content aids in cases of constipation, and it contains antioxidants that can reduce stomach inflammation. However, avoid overfeeding, as excessive fiber can worsen stomach discomfort.
9. Yogurt
Plain yogurt, rich in probiotics and free from added sweeteners, is ideal for dogs with upset stomachs. It aids digestion and supports gut health, helping to regulate the digestive system, especially in cases of constipation. Plain, natural yogurt is widely available and can even be frozen as a cool treat.
10. Eggs
As long as your dog is not vomiting, eggs are a gentle, stomach-friendly food providing a good source of protein and an energy boost. Scrambled without butter or oil, or boiled, are the best cooking methods. If your dog is vomiting, eggs should be avoided entirely.
What to Feed a Dog with Allergies
If your dog frequently suffers from an upset stomach or is often sick, it’s advisable to consult your veterinarian to identify potential food-related or breed-specific allergies. While regular kibble can be problematic for some dogs, alternatives like cold-pressed dog food offer a nutritious option for sensitive stomachs.
Cold Pressed Dog Food
Cold-pressed dog food is an excellent alternative to kibble, especially for dogs with food allergies. This dry food undergoes minimal processing at lower temperatures than traditional kibble, preserving a greater nutritional value. Its easily digestible nature makes it ideal for sensitive stomachs and breaks down at a similar rate to raw food. Available in various flavors and grain-free options, it’s perfect for dogs with sensitivities or grain-related allergies.
Insect Protein Cold Pressed Dog Food
This complete and nutritionally balanced cold-pressed dog food is made using a low-temperature pressing process to retain nutritional value and aid digestion. Insects are rich in protein and are hypoallergenic and low in purines, making them an ideal food source for dogs with sensitivities or meat-related allergens. Like meat-based options, insect protein cold-pressed food breaks down easily and can be fed alone or alongside raw food.
Raw Frozen Dog Food
For fussy or sensitive dogs, raw food can be a beneficial dietary change. Wilsons Pet Food’s raw food is made from natural, minimally processed, and grain-free ingredients, which aid digestion and improve coat, skin, and overall health. Available in different formulations, including mixes with added vitamins and minerals, it allows for tailoring to your dog’s specific needs and allergies.
Shop our complete range of tummy-friendly food at Wilsons
Explore Wilsons Pet Food sample packs and trial boxes to find the perfect food for your dog, whether they need a gentle option for an upset stomach or a specialized diet due to allergies. Consider our range of natural dog treats for additional nutritious goodies.
Related posts:
- Gentle and natural dog food
- The perfect puppy food
- Benefits of grain-free dog food
