When your beloved dog isn’t feeling their best, it’s natural to worry, especially if their appetite wanes. Just like humans, dogs often lose interest in their regular food when battling an upset stomach or feeling under the weather. However, providing them with the right nutritious and easily digestible foods is crucial to help them regain energy and speed up their recovery.
Understanding what to feed your dog when sick can make a significant difference in their comfort and recovery. This guide from Dog Care Story will walk you through the best food options for dogs with upset stomachs and provide insights into dietary considerations for those prone to allergies or sensitivities. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to care for your four-legged friend when they’re not feeling themselves, ensuring they receive the proper nourishment they need to get back to their playful self. Remember, while these suggestions can help, always consult your veterinarian if your dog’s sickness persists or worsens, especially when considering what should you feed a sick dog.
What to Feed a Sick Dog
When your dog is unwell, a plain, bland diet comprised of easily digestible and nutritious foods is generally the best approach. It’s a good idea to keep some of these healthy options on hand so you can be prepared to nurse your dog back to health if their health takes an unexpected turn. Should your dog continue to be sick, or if their condition seems serious, always seek advice from your veterinarian.
Here are ten of the most nutritious and reliable options to feed a dog with an upset stomach:
1. Boiled White Meat
Plain white meat, such as chicken or turkey breast, is an excellent choice for a sick dog. It’s low in fat and incredibly easy to digest, making it perfect for sensitive stomachs. Feeding your dog lean protein from chicken or turkey can help soothe their digestive system. Always remember to remove any skin and bones before serving to prevent choking hazards and make it easier on their stomach.
To prepare the meat:
- Thoroughly rinse the meat under cold water.
- Remove all excess fat, skin, and bones.
- Place the meat in a pot, cover it with water, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Once cooked, drain the water and cut the meat into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure easy digestion.
- Allow it to cool completely before serving, either alone or mixed with a small amount of white rice or cooked vegetables. This can be one of what is the best thing for dogs to eat during recovery.
2. White Rice
Both white and brown rice are common ingredients in commercial dog foods, so it’s no surprise they are effective for dogs feeling under the weather. While brown rice offers more nutrients, the blandness of white rice makes it a safer choice for a sick dog due to its easier digestibility.
A dog looking at its food bowl, waiting patiently for a meal
If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, white rice can also help bind their stools, assisting their digestive system in returning to normal. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Rinse the rice under cold water.
- Add the rice to a large pan with two parts water to one part rice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pan and let the rice cook on low heat for about 18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
- Allow it to rest and cool; fluff with a fork, then serve.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Plain, cooked sweet potatoes are gentle on the stomach and a fantastic source of vitamins and fiber, making them an excellent choice for soothing your dog’s stomach and intestines. They contribute to your dog’s overall health by providing essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Slices of cooked sweet potato laid out on a rustic wooden table
Never feed your dog raw sweet potatoes, as they are tough to digest and could exacerbate their stomach upset. Instead, peel the skins, chop the potatoes into small chunks, and boil them in water until they are very soft. Drain and mash them thoroughly, then allow them to cool before serving.
4. Pumpkin
Similar to sweet potatoes, pumpkin is highly effective in easing an upset stomach and helping a sick dog feel better. Rich in vitamins that support your dog’s immune system, pumpkin is also packed with fiber, which helps regulate digestion.
A happy husky with a slice of pumpkin shaped like a smile in its mouth
You can offer your dog up to four tablespoons of plain pumpkin with their regular meal (or alongside their chicken and rice) to aid in their recovery. Canned pumpkin can be just as effective as fresh, provided it contains no added sugar, spices, or other ingredients. Always avoid pumpkin pie filling or any seasoned pumpkin products, as these can make your dog’s condition worse.
5. Homemade Bone Broth
Bone broth is an excellent option for sick dogs as it delivers vital nutrients and minerals, such as sodium and potassium, and significantly aids in hydration. It’s crucial to avoid using garlic or excessive salt when preparing bone broth, as these ingredients can further upset your dog’s stomach or be toxic.
Low in carbohydrates and gentle on the digestive system, bone broth is particularly suitable for sick dogs with an upset stomach.
To prepare bone broth for your dog:
- Add beef or pork marrow bones and chicken or turkey bones to a large cooking pot.
- Cover the bones with a few inches of water and cook on low heat for 20-24 hours.
- Once finished, strain the liquid to remove all bones and solids, then serve the cooled broth.
6. Baby Food
For puppies struggling with an upset stomach, stage 2 meat-based baby foods, such as chicken, lamb, or turkey varieties, can be an effective feeding choice. If you opt for baby food, carefully check the ingredients to ensure there are no additives that could be toxic to dogs, such as garlic or onion powder. This is especially useful for understanding what can i feed my shih tzu puppy when they are unwell.
A group of adorable doodle puppies eating from a communal plate on the floor
Baby food is easy to chew and digest, making it a soothing option for dogs experiencing stomach issues or diarrhea. If you are ever uncertain about the ingredients in a particular baby food product, always consult your veterinarian for guidance.
7. Fish
Fish is a fantastic source of healthy fats and essential vitamins, which can greatly benefit your dog’s health and immune system when they are recovering from an upset stomach. The strong, appealing smell of fish can also help to entice your dog back to their bowl, encouraging them to eat when they might have lost their appetite.
The best way to prepare fish for your dog is by poaching it. Similar to boiling chicken, add the fish to a pan of water, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until it is thoroughly cooked. Make sure to remove all bones and cut the fish into small, manageable pieces before offering it to your dog.
8. Oatmeal
Plain, cooked oatmeal, made from rolled oats, can be a comforting and effective food to help soothe your dog’s upset stomach. It is rich in fiber, which can aid in relieving constipation, and contains antioxidants that are beneficial for reducing stomach inflammation.
While oatmeal is good, moderation is key. Oatmeal is packed with fiber, and giving your dog too much could potentially worsen their stomach upset. Start with small portions to see how they react.
9. Yogurt
Plain yogurt that is full of probiotics and completely free of added sweeteners is an ideal food for a dog with an upset stomach. It aids in digestion and supports overall gut health. If your dog is experiencing constipation, plain yogurt can also help to regulate their digestive system.
A cute puppy with a dollop of yogurt on its nose, looking playful
Natural, plain yogurt is readily available at most local stores, making it an easy option to acquire if your dog suddenly falls ill. It can even be frozen and served as a cool, soothing treat on warmer days.
10. Eggs
As long as your dog is not actively vomiting, eggs are an excellent food choice for a sick dog. They are gentle on the stomach and provide a valuable source of protein. Eggs can also be a great energy booster if your dog feels a bit lethargic after an illness.
Scrambled without butter or oil, or simply boiled, are the best ways to prepare eggs for your dog to ensure they are gentle on their digestive system. However, if your dog is currently vomiting, it’s best to avoid eggs completely.
What to Feed a Dog with Allergies or Sensitive Stomachs
If your dog frequently suffers from an upset stomach or is often sick, it might be beneficial to consult your veterinarian to investigate potential food-related or breed-specific allergies. While conventional kibble can sometimes be problematic for sensitive dogs, there are many specialized dog food options tailored for sensitive tummies. Understanding what do cats and dogs eat generally, helps, but for allergies, specific considerations apply.
Here are some top recommendations for dogs that frequently experience stomach upset or allergies:
Cold Pressed Dog Food
Cold pressed dog food offers a great alternative to traditional kibble, especially for dogs with food-related allergies or sensitivities. This type of dry food undergoes minimal processing at much lower temperatures than conventional kibble, which helps to preserve a greater nutritional value and digestibility.
Due to its gentle manufacturing process, cold pressed dog food is easily broken down in the digestive system, making it ideal for sensitive stomachs. It’s designed to promote all-around health, aids digestion, and breaks down at a similar rate to raw food, meaning it can often be fed alongside a raw diet. Many varieties are available, including grain-free options, perfect for dogs with grain-related allergies, providing nutritionally dense food that won’t upset their tummies.
Insect Protein Dog Food
Complete and nutritionally balanced, insect protein dog food is gaining popularity, particularly for dogs with sensitivities. Like cold-pressed options, many insect protein foods are processed to retain maximum nutritional value, which aids digestion.
Insects contain high-quality protein, often exceeding that found in chicken or beef, ensuring your dog receives all essential nutrients without compromise. Furthermore, insects are typically hypoallergenic and low in purines, making them an ideal food source for dogs with sensitivities or common meat-related allergens. Insect protein foods can be fed alone or integrated into a raw food diet.
Raw Frozen Dog Food
If your dog is a picky eater or sensitive to their current kibble, a switch to raw food can be a beneficial dietary change. Raw dog food is typically made from natural ingredients that are minimally processed and often grain-free, which can significantly aid digestion and improve coat, skin, and overall health. For those considering raw options, it’s worth exploring what raw bones can dogs have safely.
Raw food often comes in various formulations, such as mixes of meat, offal, and bone, or blends with added vitamins and minerals. This flexibility allows you to customize your dog’s diet to cater to their specific allergies or nutritional needs, making it easier than ever to tailor their food.
Soothe Your Dog’s Tummy and Support Their Health
Understanding what to feed your dog when they’re sick, or if they have ongoing allergies, is a critical part of being a responsible pet owner. By offering bland, easily digestible foods during acute illness and considering specialized diets for chronic sensitivities, you can help your canine companion recover and thrive. Always remember that these suggestions are general guidelines, and any persistent or severe symptoms warrant a visit to your veterinarian for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan. Your vet can provide the best advice tailored to your dog’s specific health needs, ensuring they receive the care required for a happy, healthy life. Explore more articles on Dog Care Story for further insights into maintaining your dog’s well-being.
