When your beloved canine companion is unwell, their usually robust appetite might dwindle, leaving you wondering What Do Dogs Eat When Sick? Just like humans, dogs often lose interest in their regular food when battling an upset stomach or feeling under the weather. Providing them with the right nutrition during this vulnerable time is crucial for boosting their energy levels and accelerating their recovery. This guide, brought to you by Dog Care Story in collaboration with veterinary experts, outlines the best food choices for dogs with sensitive stomachs and those prone to allergies, helping you nurse your furry friend back to health.
It’s natural to feel concerned when your dog is ill and not eating. Offering them a plain, bland diet of easily digestible and nutritious foods is generally the best approach. Having a few healthy options on hand ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected turns in your dog’s health. Remember, while this guide offers valuable advice, if your dog continues to be sick or shows worsening symptoms, it is always recommended to consult your veterinarian for professional guidance. Understanding what should dogs eat when sick is key to their speedy recovery.
What to Feed a Sick Dog for a Speedy Recovery
A sick dog requires a diet that is gentle on their digestive system yet packed with essential nutrients. The goal is to provide sustenance without exacerbating their symptoms. Here are ten highly recommended, nutritious, and failsafe options to help settle your dog’s upset stomach:
1. Boiled White Meat
Plain white meat, such as chicken or turkey, is an ideal choice for a sick dog due to its ease of digestion and low-fat content. Feeding your dog chicken or turkey breast provides lean protein which can help soothe their stomach. Always remember to remove any skin or bones before serving, as this eliminates choking hazards and makes the meat gentler on their digestive system.
To prepare, rinse the meat thoroughly under cold water, remove excess fat, skin, or bones, and place it in a pot covered with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Once done, drain the water, cut the meat into small, bite-sized pieces for easier digestion, allow it to cool, and serve alone or with white rice or vegetables.
2. White Rice
White and brown rice are common ingredients in commercial dog foods, and white rice proves to be a particularly successful option when your dog is feeling unwell. While brown rice is more nutritious overall, the blandness of white rice makes it a safer choice for a sick dog as it’s much easier to digest. It serves as a perfect accompaniment to boiled white meat.
White rice can also help bind your dog’s stools if they are experiencing diarrhea, aiding their digestive system in returning to normal. To prepare, rinse the rice under cold water, add it to a large pan with a two-to-one ratio of water to rice, and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for about 18 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Allow it to rest and cool, then fluff with a fork before serving. Many pet owners wonder what can dogs eat when sick besides their regular kibble, and white rice is often a top recommendation.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Plain, cooked sweet potatoes are a fantastic option for soothing your dog’s stomach and intestines. They are rich in vitamins, fibre, and incredibly gentle on the digestive system. Sweet potatoes can significantly improve your dog’s health by supplying essential calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Sliced sweet potatoes on a wooden board
Never feed your dog raw sweet potatoes, as they are hard to digest and could further upset their stomach. Instead, peel the skins, chop the potatoes into chunks, and boil them in water until soft. Drain the water, mash them thoroughly, and serve once cooled.
4. Pumpkin
Similar to sweet potatoes, pumpkin is highly effective in alleviating an upset stomach and helping a sick dog feel better. Pumpkins are packed with vitamins that boost your dog’s immune system and are full of fibre, which can help regulate digestion.
Smiling husky next to a pumpkin slice
You can give your dog up to four tablespoons of plain, canned pumpkin (ensure no added sugar or seasonings) with their regular meal or alongside their chicken and rice to aid recovery. Avoid any pumpkin products with added sugar or pumpkin pie seasoning, as these ingredients can worsen your dog’s stomach upset.
5. Homemade Bone Broth
Bone broth is an excellent choice for sick dogs as it delivers vital nutrients and minerals like sodium and potassium, and it also promotes hydration. When preparing, avoid using garlic or excessive salt, as these can further irritate your dog’s stomach.
Low in carbohydrates, bone broth is gentle and easy to digest, making it an ideal option for dogs with an upset stomach. To prepare, add beef or pork marrow bones and chicken or turkey bones to a large cooking pot. Cover with a few inches of water and cook on low heat for 20-24 hours. Once finished, strain the broth to remove all bones and then serve the liquid once it has cooled.
6. Baby Food
For puppies struggling with an upset stomach, stage 2 meat-based baby foods such as chicken, lamb, or turkey can be an effective feeding choice. If you opt for baby food, carefully check the ingredients list to ensure there are no additives or ingredients toxic to dogs, such as garlic or onion powder.
Baby food is soft, easy to chew, and gentle to digest, making it suitable for treating stomach upset and diarrhea. If you are ever uncertain about specific ingredients in your chosen baby food, always consult your veterinarian for advice.
7. Fish
Fish is a rich source of healthy fats and essential vitamins, which can significantly benefit your dog’s immune system and overall health when they are recovering from an illness. The strong aroma of fish can also be a great enticement, encouraging your dog to eat after they 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 and simmer for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked. Make sure to remove all bones and cut the fish into small, manageable pieces before feeding it to your dog.
8. Oatmeal
Plain, cooked oatmeal, made from rolled oats, can provide a soothing effect for your dog’s upset stomach. It is high in fibre, which can help alleviate constipation, and contains antioxidants that are beneficial for reducing stomach inflammation.
While oatmeal is good for them, moderation is key. Oatmeal is very fibrous, and an excessive amount could potentially make your dog feel worse, so feed it sparingly.
9. Yogurt
Plain yogurt, rich in probiotics and free from any added sweeteners, is an excellent food for a dog with an upset stomach. It significantly aids digestion and supports overall gut health. If your dog is experiencing constipation, plain yogurt can help regulate their digestive system effectively.
Puppy with yogurt on its muzzle
Natural, plain yogurt is easily found in most local stores or supermarkets, making it a convenient option if your dog suddenly falls ill. It can even be frozen and served as a cool, refreshing treat on a warm day.
10. Eggs
Provided your dog is not actively vomiting, eggs are an ideal food choice. They are gentle on the stomach and provide a good source of high-quality protein. Eggs also offer a great energy boost, which is particularly helpful if your dog feels 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 sensitive stomach. However, if your dog is experiencing vomiting, it is best to avoid eggs completely until their stomach has settled. For dogs who are picky eaters, knowing what to feed a dog who will not eat is crucial, and bland options like eggs can sometimes tempt them.
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. They can help determine if your dog is suffering from food-related or breed-specific allergies. While typical kibble can sometimes be problematic for sensitive dogs, there are many specialized options designed with your dog’s health in mind.
Cold Pressed Dog Food
Cold pressed dog food offers a superior alternative to traditional kibble, especially for dogs with food-related allergies. This form of dry food undergoes minimal processing at much lower temperatures than conventional kibble, which helps retain a significantly greater nutritional value.
Due to its manufacturing process, cold pressed dog food is easily broken down and digested, making it ideal for sensitive stomachs. It’s formulated for improved overall health, aiding digestion and breaking down at the same rate as raw food, which allows for easy integration into a raw diet. Available in a variety of flavours, including white fish, salmon, and chicken, cold pressed food is an excellent choice for maintaining your dog’s happiness and health. Many ranges also offer grain-free options, perfect for dogs with grain-related allergies, providing nutritionally dense food that won’t upset their tummies. Choosing what is the best food you can feed your dog often involves considering their sensitivities.
Insect Protein Cold Pressed Dog Food
Complete and nutritionally balanced, insect protein cold pressed dog food is crafted using the same gentle pressing method as meat protein varieties, ensuring a lower temperature process that preserves nutritional value and aids digestion.
Insects often contain more protein than traditional sources like chicken or beef, so you can rest assured your dog won’t miss out on any essential nutrients. Furthermore, insects are 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 efficiently, just like our meat-based options, and can be fed either alone or as part of a raw food diet. This can also be a good option when considering what meat should i not feed my dog if your dog has specific meat allergies.
Raw Frozen Dog Food
If your dog is a picky eater or sensitive to its current kibble, transitioning to raw food can be an effective way to improve its diet. Raw food is typically made from natural, minimally processed ingredients and is often grain-free. This formulation aids digestion and can significantly improve coat health, skin condition, and overall well-being.
Raw frozen dog food typically comes in various formulations, such as an 80/10/10 mix (80% meat, 10% offal, 10% bone) or a 70/10/10/10 mix (with added vitamins and minerals). These options provide the flexibility to mix with your own vegetables or other supplements, allowing you to tailor your dog’s diet precisely to their specific allergies and nutritional needs.
Final Thoughts on Nurturing Your Sick Dog
Understanding what do dogs eat when sick is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. Providing a bland, easily digestible diet can make a significant difference in their comfort and recovery. From boiled chicken and white rice to gentle options like pumpkin and sweet potatoes, these foods offer vital nutrition without overwhelming their sensitive systems. For dogs with chronic sensitivities or allergies, exploring specialized diets like cold pressed or raw foods can provide long-term relief and improve their quality of life. Always remember to observe your dog closely and consult your veterinarian if their symptoms persist or worsen, as professional medical advice is paramount for their health. Your care and attention during their illness will undoubtedly strengthen the bond you share with your beloved companion.
