Witnessing your beloved dog grapple with an upset stomach, battling a decreased appetite, diarrhea, or even vomiting, can be incredibly stressful for any pet owner. It’s a common concern that leaves many wondering What Can Dogs Eat For Upset Stomach to provide relief and support their recovery. While the immediate instinct might be to comfort them with their favorite treats, understanding the right dietary approach is crucial.
The good news is that for mild cases of stomach upset, a bland diet can be a highly effective way to soothe their digestive system and ensure they receive essential nutrition without further irritation. However, it’s paramount to remember that while these home remedies can offer comfort, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian to rule out any serious underlying health issues before making significant changes to your dog’s diet. It’s natural to wonder about what can dogs eat and drink when they’re feeling under the weather, and this guide aims to equip you with vet-approved options.
Understanding Your Dog’s Upset Stomach
Just like humans, dogs can experience digestive woes for various reasons. Common symptoms of a mild upset stomach in dogs include gas, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. While these can sometimes be transient issues, they can also signal more serious problems, ranging from dietary indiscretion to infections or inflammatory conditions. Therefore, a visit to your vet is always the first step to accurately diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate course of action.
Once severe health risks have been addressed and a dietary plan is approved by your veterinarian, you can confidently introduce bland foods. It’s also important to consider that senior dogs and those with existing conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or allergies might require additional nutritional considerations and specialized support. Always discuss your dog’s complete health history with your vet to tailor the best recovery plan.
Best Foods for Dogs with Upset Stomachs
When your canine companion is experiencing a mild upset stomach, the goal is to provide foods that are easy to digest, low in fat, and free from any irritating ingredients. These bland options are generally well-tolerated by sensitive stomachs, helping to regulate digestion, settle nausea, and encourage appetite when your dog needs nourishment most. They provide key nutrients without overwhelming their compromised digestive system.
Boiled Chicken and Rice
Boiled chicken and rice are often considered the gold standard for dogs with an upset stomach, and for good reason. Both ingredients are staples in many commercial dog foods, known for their digestibility and mild nature. This simple, bland meal is incredibly easy to prepare at home. All you need are boneless, skinless chicken breasts and some white rice. White rice is preferred over brown rice in this scenario because its lower fiber content makes it easier on an irritated digestive tract, despite brown rice having higher nutritional value otherwise.
Crucially, avoid adding any oils, butter, or seasonings to the chicken and rice. These additions, while tasty for humans, can further irritate your dog’s sensitive stomach and exacerbate their symptoms. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked, then shredded or cut into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking and aid digestion. You can also find pre-packaged chicken and rice meals specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs, offering a convenient alternative. While what is good for dogs to eat human food generally requires careful consideration, plain boiled chicken and rice are often vet-recommended.
Shredded Chicken
Plain, shredded chicken on its own is another excellent option for dogs with an upset stomach or those experiencing a decreased appetite. Its mild flavor and easy-to-digest texture make it an enticing option for dogs who are reluctant to eat. Boiled and unseasoned, shredded chicken provides a lean source of protein packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids crucial for recovery.
This highly palatable food acts as a great incentive for dogs feeling under the weather. Once cooked, shredded chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or frozen for 2–6 months, making it a convenient option to have on hand for future tummy troubles.
Plain Pumpkin
Incorporating plain pumpkin into your dog’s diet can offer significant digestive health benefits, particularly due to its high fiber content which helps regulate the digestive system. When preparing pumpkin for your dog, ensure it is cooked, peeled, unsalted, and completely unseasoned. This natural superfood is rich in beneficial ingredients such as vitamin E, iron, and potassium, providing a nutritional boost while aiding digestion.
Adding a small amount of pumpkin to your dog’s meal can be particularly helpful in regulating mild constipation or even firming up loose stools. Veterinarians typically recommend a dosage of one to four tablespoons, depending on your dog’s size. Canned pumpkin is a convenient alternative to fresh pumpkin, but it is critical to use plain, pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains spices and sugars that can further irritate your dog’s stomach and potentially lead to more serious complications. You can also explore pumpkin supplements specifically designed for dogs, which can be easily added to their regular food. It’s also essential to be aware of what food is bad for puppies and adult dogs, as some seemingly innocuous human foods can worsen digestive issues.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel standing next to its food bowl at home.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is a wonderfully mild, liquid meal that is gentle on an upset canine stomach. It’s not only easy to digest but also an excellent way to add moisture and flavor to dry food, encouraging dogs with reduced appetites to eat and stay hydrated. To prepare a safe and nutritious bone broth for your dog, fill a slow cooker with beef marrow bones or bones rich in joints, such as turkey or chicken legs. Cover the bones with two to three inches of water, then cover the pot and cook on low for 20 to 24 hours.
After cooking, allow the broth to cool completely in the fridge. This step is crucial as it allows the fat to form a hardened layer at the top, which can then be easily scooped off. The remaining jelly-like broth can be stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, if using it to moisten dry food, microwave the broth just enough to transform it from a semi-solid jelly back into a liquid, ensuring it’s not too hot to prevent burning your dog’s mouth. For convenience, you can freeze portions of the broth in small containers or ice cube trays for later use. While bone broth is full of healthy bone marrow, cooked bones themselves can be extremely dangerous for dogs. They can splinter and cause internal damage. Therefore, it is imperative to remove all bones from your broth before serving, and straining the broth ensures no small bone fragments are missed. When considering what should you feed a dog who is ill, bone broth provides essential hydration and nutrients in an easily digestible form.
German Shorthaired Pointer puppy laying down next to its bowl indoors.
Meat-Based Baby Food
In emergency veterinary settings, certain types of baby food are often utilized to nourish dogs under their care. The reason is simple: baby food is incredibly easy to swallow and digest, making it an ideal vehicle for administering oral medications or providing nutrition to very sensitive stomachs. When choosing baby food for your dog, opt for Stage II meat-based varieties such as plain chicken, lamb, or turkey. It is absolutely essential to verify that these baby foods do not contain any ingredients or additives that are toxic to dogs, most notably garlic or onion powder, which are common in many savory human foods and can be highly detrimental to canine health. Always check the ingredient list carefully before feeding.
Foods to Avoid When Your Dog Has an Upset Stomach
While certain human foods can be beneficial for soothing an upset stomach, many others can exacerbate the problem or even pose significant health risks. It’s crucial to be aware of what to avoid feeding your dog, especially when they are already experiencing digestive issues.
Firstly, steer clear of any foods cooked with garlic, excessive oils, or strong seasonings. These ingredients can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and worsen symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Secondly, milk and most dairy products should be avoided. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and consuming dairy can lead to further digestive upset. Lastly, processed meats such as ham, bacon, or pepperoni are definite no-gos. These foods are typically rich, fatty, and have a high salt content, which can overwhelm a sensitive stomach and cause severe digestive distress. This careful approach helps ensure you avoid giving your dog what is the one meat that dogs should never eat, or any other potentially harmful foods, especially when their stomach is already sensitive.
In conclusion, offering your dog a bland diet, featuring options like plain boiled chicken and rice, shredded chicken, unseasoned pumpkin, bone broth, or meat-based baby food, can provide much-needed comfort and support during a bout of an upset stomach. These easily digestible foods help alleviate intestinal discomfort while still delivering essential nutrients. However, it is vital to reiterate that none of these dietary adjustments are a replacement for proper veterinary care. If your dog is unwell, always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet or attempting home treatments. Your vet can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the safest and most effective recovery plan for your cherished companion.
