When our canine companions are feeling unwell, their appetite often diminishes, mirroring our own experiences with a sensitive stomach. This can leave us, as devoted pet owners, wondering about the best dietary choices to help them recover. Providing nutritious and easily digestible food is crucial for boosting their energy and supporting a swift return to good health. This guide will delve into the optimal foods for dogs experiencing an upset stomach, and explore suitable options for those with allergies or a predisposition to digestive issues.
Understanding Your Dog’s Upset Stomach
An upset stomach in dogs can manifest in various ways, including vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or general lethargy. It’s natural to feel concerned when your dog isn’t themselves, and the first instinct is often to adjust their diet. A bland, yet nutrient-rich diet is typically the most effective approach to soothe a canine digestive system. Having a readily available stock of healthy, easily digestible options can be a lifesaver when your dog’s health takes an unexpected turn. However, it’s paramount to remember that if your dog’s symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a veterinarian for professional advice is always the best course of action.
Top 10 Foods to Soothe a Dog’s Upset Stomach
Here are ten of the most nutritious and reliable food choices to help your dog feel better when they’re experiencing digestive distress:
1. Boiled White Meat
Plain boiled white meat, such as chicken or turkey breast, is an excellent choice for a sick dog. It’s easily digestible, low in fat, and provides lean protein to support their recovery. Crucially, ensure all skin and bones are removed before feeding to prevent choking hazards and to make it gentler on their digestive system.
Preparation:
- Rinse the meat thoroughly under cold water.
- Trim off any excess fat, skin, or bones.
- Place the meat in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the water and cut the cooked meat into small, bite-sized pieces for easier digestion.
- Allow to cool completely before serving. This can be served alone or with a small amount of cooked white rice or plain, boiled vegetables.
2. White Rice
Both white and brown rice are common components in commercial dog food and are excellent for a dog feeling under the weather. While brown rice offers more nutrients, the blandness of white rice makes it a safer and more easily digestible option for a dog with an upset stomach. White rice can also help firm up stools if your dog is experiencing diarrhea.
Preparation:
- Rinse the rice under cold water.
- Combine rice and water in a pot, using a ratio of two parts water to one part rice.
- Bring to a boil, adding a pinch of salt.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for approximately 18 minutes, or until all water is absorbed.
- Let it rest and cool. Fluff with a fork before serving.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Plain, cooked sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamins and fiber, making them incredibly gentle on a dog’s stomach. They can contribute essential calcium, iron, and magnesium, aiding overall health.
Preparation:
- Never feed raw sweet potatoes, as they are difficult to digest.
- Peel the skins, chop the potatoes into chunks, and boil them until soft.
- Drain and mash them thoroughly.
- Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.
Sweet potato slices on a table
4. Pumpkin
Similar to sweet potatoes, pumpkin is highly effective in alleviating an upset stomach and helping sick dogs feel better. It is rich in immune-boosting vitamins and packed with fiber, which helps regulate digestion.
Serving:
- Offer your dog up to four tablespoons of plain, canned pumpkin (ensure it has no added sugar, seasonings, or ingredients) with their regular meal or alongside their chicken and rice.
- Avoid any pumpkin pie seasoning or added sugars, as these can worsen an upset stomach.
Husky with a pumpkin slice smile
5. Homemade Bone Broth
Bone broth is a fantastic source of essential nutrients and minerals like sodium and potassium, and it also aids in hydration. It’s low in carbohydrates and easy to digest, making it an excellent choice for sick dogs.
Preparation:
- 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.
- Strain the liquid to remove bones.
- Avoid using garlic or excessive salt in the preparation, as these can irritate a dog’s stomach.
- Serve the broth warm or cooled.
Puppy licks it
6. Baby Food
Stage 2, meat-based baby foods (like chicken, lamb, or turkey) can be a good option for puppies or small dogs struggling with their stomachs. They are easy to chew and digest, which can help with both stomach issues and diarrhea.
Caution:
- Always check the ingredients to ensure there are no added ingredients or additives that could be toxic to dogs, such as garlic or onion powder. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian.
Doodle puppies eat from a plate
7. Fish
Fish is a rich source of healthy fats and vitamins that can significantly benefit your dog’s health and immune system, especially when recovering from an illness. Its strong aroma can also entice a dog that has lost its appetite to eat.
Preparation:
- The best way to prepare fish for your dog is by poaching.
- Add fish to a pan of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked.
- Ensure all bones are removed and cut the fish into small pieces before serving.
Corgi eats from its bowl
8. Oatmeal
Plain, cooked oatmeal made from rolled oats can help soothe an upset stomach. It’s high in fiber, which can aid with constipation, and contains antioxidants that may help reduce stomach inflammation.
Serving:
- Feed oatmeal sparingly. While beneficial, too much fiber can sometimes exacerbate stomach upset in dogs.
A bowl of oatmeal on a wooden tabel
9. Yogurt
Plain, unsweetened yogurt containing probiotics is excellent for a dog with an upset stomach. It aids digestion and supports gut health. If your dog is experiencing constipation, plain yogurt can help regulate their digestive system.
Serving:
- Ensure the yogurt is plain and contains no artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to dogs.
- Plain, natural yogurt is readily available at most grocery stores. It can even be frozen and served as a cool treat.
Puppy with yoghurt in its beard
10. Eggs
Provided your dog is not actively vomiting, eggs are a beneficial food choice. They are gentle on the stomach and provide a good source of protein, acting as an energy booster for lethargic dogs.
Preparation:
- Scrambled eggs cooked without butter or oil, or simply boiled eggs, are the gentlest ways to prepare them for a dog with a sensitive stomach.
- If your dog is vomiting, it’s best to avoid eggs entirely.
Dog eats eggs and vegetables from its bowl
Addressing Food Allergies and Sensitive Stomachs
If your dog frequently experiences an upset stomach or recurring digestive issues, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian to investigate potential food-related or breed-specific allergies. While traditional kibble can be problematic for some dogs, specialized diets can make a significant difference.
Cold Pressed Dog Food
Cold-pressed dog food offers a superior alternative to traditional kibble, especially for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. This method involves minimal processing at lower temperatures, preserving more of the food’s natural nutritional value. Cold-pressed food is easily broken down, making it ideal for sensitive stomachs. It digests at a similar rate to raw food, allowing it to be incorporated into a mixed diet. Available in various flavors, including white fish, salmon, and chicken, and with grain-free options, it’s perfect for dogs with grain sensitivities.
Insect Protein Cold Pressed Dog Food
Our insect protein cold-pressed dog food is formulated to be complete and nutritionally balanced. Produced using a low-temperature pressing method, it retains maximum nutritional value and aids digestion. Insects are an excellent source of protein and are hypoallergenic, containing fewer purines than many common meat proteins. This makes them an ideal option for dogs with sensitivities or meat-related allergies.
Raw Frozen Dog Food
For dogs that are fussy eaters or sensitive to their current kibble, raw food can be a transformative dietary change. Minimally processed, natural, and grain-free, raw food aids digestion and can contribute to improved coat and skin health, as well as overall well-being. Options typically include balanced meat, offal, and bone mixes, with some formulations including added vitamins and minerals to cater to specific dietary needs.
Conclusion: Nourishing Your Dog Back to Health
Caring for a dog with an upset stomach requires patience and a careful approach to their diet. By incorporating bland, easily digestible foods like boiled chicken, white rice, and pumpkin, you can provide comfort and support their recovery. For dogs with ongoing digestive issues or allergies, specialized diets such as cold-pressed or raw food may offer significant benefits. Always prioritize consulting your veterinarian for any persistent health concerns.
For more insights into nurturing your dog’s health, explore our range of tummy-friendly food options designed to support your furry friend’s well-being.
