When dogs are healthy, they usually have a robust appetite. However, much like humans, it’s common for them to lose interest in their regular food if they have an upset stomach or are feeling unwell. Understanding what to feed your dog during these challenging times is vital, as providing the right nutrition can significantly boost their energy levels and speed up recovery. If your dog is feeling unwell, knowing what can i feed my dog when sick is crucial for their recovery. This guide will outline the best food options for dogs with upset stomachs and explore suitable dietary choices for those prone to allergies, helping you nurse your beloved companion back to health.
Essential Foods for a Dog with an Upset Stomach
If your dog is sick, it’s natural to worry about their diet. Generally, a plain, bland diet of nutritious foods works best when dealing with an upset stomach. It’s a good practice to have some healthy, nutritious options readily available for when your dog’s health takes an unexpected turn, allowing you to be prepared to help them recover. However, if your dog’s sickness persists or worsens, we strongly recommend consulting your veterinarian for further advice. Here are ten of the best, most nutritious, and failsafe options to feed a dog with an upset stomach:
Spoonful of raw frozen dog food
1. Boiled White Meat (Chicken or Turkey)
Plain white meat, such as chicken or turkey, is an ideal option for a sick dog due to its easy digestibility and low-fat content. Feeding your dog chicken or turkey breast provides lean protein, which can help soothe their stomach. Remember to always remove any skin or bones from the breast before serving to eliminate choking hazards and make the meat even easier on their digestive system. Choosing lean options like chicken or turkey is key when considering what meat can i feed my dog when they’re unwell.
To prepare the meat for your dog, follow these simple steps:
- Start by rinsing the meat thoroughly under cold water.
- Remove any excess fat, skin, or bones.
- Place the meat in a pot and cover it with water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the meat simmer for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly cooked.
- Once cooked, drain the water and cut the meat into small, bite-sized pieces, as this will be easier for your dog to digest.
- Allow the meat to cool completely, then serve it alone or alongside plain white rice or cooked vegetables.
2. Plain White Rice
Both white and brown rice are staple ingredients in most dog foods, so it’s no wonder they are a successful option when your dog is under the weather. While brown rice offers more nutrients, the blandness of white rice makes it a safer choice for a sick dog, as it is considerably easier for them to digest. It pairs perfectly with boiled chicken.
If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, white rice can also help bind their stools, assisting their digestive system in returning to normal function. Here’s how to cook it properly:
- Begin by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Add your rice to a large pan, then add two parts water for every one part rice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, adding a generous pinch of salt (ensure it’s not excessive).
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, place a lid on the pan, and allow the rice to cook on low heat for about 18 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed.
- Allow the cooked rice to rest and cool; fluff it with a fork, then serve.
3. Cooked Sweet Potatoes
Plain, cooked sweet potatoes are exceptionally rich in vitamins and fiber, while also being incredibly gentle on the stomach. This makes them an excellent choice for soothing your dog’s stomach and intestines. They can significantly improve your dog’s health by providing essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium.
It is crucial not to feed your dog raw sweet potatoes, as they are much harder to digest and could further upset their stomach. Instead, always peel the skins, chop the potatoes into chunks, and add them to a pan of boiling water. Boil them until they are soft, then drain the water and mash them thoroughly for your dog. Serve them only once they have cooled to a safe temperature.
Various slices of cooked sweet potato
4. Pumpkin
Pumpkins, much like sweet potatoes, are highly effective in alleviating an upset stomach and helping a sick dog feel better. They are rich in vitamins that help boost your dog’s immune system and are full of fiber, which plays a crucial role in regulating digestion. Pumpkin is a great example of what is a healthy human food for dogs that can help soothe an upset stomach.
You can give your dog up to four tablespoons of plain pumpkin with their regular meal (or alongside their bland chicken and rice diet) to aid their recovery. Canned pumpkin can be just as effective as fresh, provided it has no added sugar, seasonings, or other ingredients. Always avoid seasonings, including sugar or pumpkin pie spices, as these could potentially worsen your dog’s stomach upset.
5. Homemade Bone Broth
Bone broth is an excellent choice for sick dogs as it provides essential nutrients and minerals, such as sodium and potassium, and significantly aids in hydration, which is crucial during illness. When preparing, avoid using garlic or excessive salt, as these ingredients could further upset your dog’s sensitive stomach.
Being low in carbohydrates, bone broth is particularly beneficial for sick dogs with an upset stomach because it is gentle and incredibly easy to digest.
You can prepare your dog’s bone broth by following these simple steps:
- 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 an extended period, typically 20-24 hours.
- Once finished, strain the broth thoroughly to remove all bones and solid pieces, then serve the liquid once it has cooled.
Puppy licking a bowl of bone broth
6. Meat-Based Baby Food
If your puppy is struggling with stomach issues, stage 2 meat-based baby foods, such as chicken, lamb, and turkey varieties, can be an effective feeding choice. However, if you opt to feed baby food, it is absolutely essential to avoid any ingredients or additives that could be toxic to dogs, particularly garlic or onion powder.
Baby food is easy to chew and digest, making it a suitable option to help alleviate stomach upset and diarrhea in young dogs.
If you are unsure about specific ingredients present in your chosen baby food, it is always best to consult your veterinarian for further guidance and peace of mind.
7. Poached Fish
Fish is an excellent source of healthy fats and essential vitamins, which can do wonders for your dog’s health and immune system when they have been struggling with their stomach. The strong, appealing smell of fish can also help entice your dog back to its bowl, encouraging them to eat after they may have lost their appetite. Many owners wonder what is the best thing for dogs to eat for a quick recovery, and lean, poached fish often makes the list.
The best way to prepare fish for your dog is to poach it. Similar to how you would boil 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 fully cooked. Crucially, remove all bones and carefully cut the fish into small, manageable pieces before feeding it to your dog.
8. Plain Oatmeal
A type of porridge made from rolled oats, plain, cooked oatmeal can be highly effective in soothing your dog’s upset stomach. It is high in fiber, which can aid in cases of constipation, and contains beneficial antioxidants that are ideal for reducing stomach inflammation.
While feeding oatmeal is generally a good thing, it’s important not to overdo it. Oatmeal is indeed full of fiber, and too much in your dog’s stomach could potentially make them feel even sicker. Therefore, always go sparingly and introduce it in small amounts.
A bowl of plain oatmeal on a wooden table
9. Plain Yoghurt
Plain yogurt, full of beneficial probiotics and completely free of additional sweeteners, is an excellent food choice for a dog with an upset stomach. It significantly aids in digestion and supports overall gut health. If your dog is experiencing constipation, plain yogurt can be particularly helpful in regulating their digestive system. For specific digestive issues, sometimes the best solution is simple, natural foods that answer the question of what can i feed my dog when he’s sick with effective probiotics.
Plain, natural yogurt is readily available and easy to source from your local store or supermarket, making it a convenient option if your dog suddenly falls ill. It can even be frozen and served to your dog as a cool and soothing treat on a warm summer’s day.
10. Cooked Eggs
As long as your dog is not actively vomiting, eggs are an ideal food choice because they are gentle on the stomach and provide a good source of protein. Eggs are also a great energy booster, especially if your dog feels a little lethargic after an illness.
Scrambled without butter or oil, or simply boiled, are the best ways to cook eggs for your dog to ensure they are gentle on its stomach. However, if your dog is currently vomiting, it is best to avoid feeding them eggs completely.
Managing Allergies: What to Feed a Dog with Sensitive Tummies
If your dog regularly suffers from an upset stomach or is frequently sick, it may be worthwhile consulting your veterinarian to determine whether they are suffering from food-related or breed-specific allergies. While regular kibble can sometimes be problematic for sensitive dogs, there are many alternative options tailored to their delicate digestive systems. Here are some top recommendations if your dog frequently experiences an upset stomach due to sensitivities:
Cold Pressed Dog Food
Cold pressed dog food presents a great alternative to traditional kibble, especially if your dog suffers from food-related allergies. As a form of dry food, cold pressed dog food undergoes minimal processing at a much lower temperature than conventional kibble. This method helps to retain a significantly greater nutritional value.
Dog enthusiastically eating cold pressed dog food
Due to the unique manufacturing process, cold pressed dog food is easily broken down in the digestive system, which is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is designed with improved all-round health in mind, aiding digestion and breaking down at the same rate as raw food, making it easy to incorporate alongside a raw diet.
Available in a range of flavors, including white fish, salmon, and chicken, cold pressed food is a perfect choice for keeping your dog happy and healthy. Furthermore, with grain-free options available, it’s particularly suitable for dogs with grain-related allergies, providing them with nutritionally dense food that won’t upset their delicate tummies.
Insect Protein Cold Pressed Dog Food
Complete and nutritionally balanced, insect protein cold pressed dog food is created using the same method as meat protein ranges, pressed at a lower temperature to retain maximum nutritional value and aid digestion.
Since insects often contain more protein than traditional sources like chicken or beef, you don’t have to worry that your dog will be missing out on any essential nutrients. Insects are also naturally hypoallergenic and low in purines, making them an ideal and innovative food source for dogs with sensitivities or meat-related allergens.
Our insect protein cold pressed range breaks down similarly to our meat-based options, so it can be fed alone or seamlessly integrated alongside a raw food diet.
Raw Frozen Dog Food
If your dog is a fussy eater or sensitive to its current kibble, raw food can be an excellent way to transition their diet. Raw food, made from natural ingredients that have been minimally processed and are typically grain-free, aids digestion and can significantly help improve coat, skin, and overall health.
Dog eating raw and cold pressed food from a bowl
Coming in various options, such as an 80/10/10 mix of meat, offal, and bone, and a 70/10/10/10 mix with added vitamins and minerals, raw food gives you the flexibility to mix with your own vegetables and other supplements. This allows you to easily tailor your dog’s food to its specific needs and cater to any unique allergies or sensitivities, making it simpler than ever to customize their diet.
Conclusion
Caring for a sick dog can be a challenging experience, but providing the right nutrition is fundamental to their recovery and overall well-being. From bland, easily digestible options like boiled white meat and white rice to nutrient-rich sweet potatoes and homemade bone broth, there are many effective foods that can help soothe an upset stomach. For dogs with chronic sensitivities or allergies, exploring specialized diets such as cold-pressed dog food, including innovative insect protein options, or raw frozen food can make a significant difference in managing their health. Always remember that while these dietary recommendations are generally safe and beneficial, persistent sickness warrants a visit to your veterinarian for professional diagnosis and treatment. By understanding what to feed your sick dog, you can provide the comfort and nourishment they need to bounce back quickly. Explore more articles on Dog Care Story for comprehensive advice on keeping your furry friend healthy and happy!
