Watching your beloved canine companion deal with a decreased appetite, upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting can be incredibly stressful for any pet owner. While these symptoms can be alarming, offering a bland, easily digestible diet can often help soothe their tummy troubles and provide the essential nutrition needed for recovery. However, it’s paramount to remember that a bland diet is a supportive measure, not a replacement for professional veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian when your dog experiences digestive issues to rule out more serious underlying conditions. Knowing what can i feed my dog when they’re unwell is crucial for their well-being.
Understanding Your Dog’s Upset Stomach
Just like humans, dogs can experience occasional stomach upset. Symptoms such as gas, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea are common, but they can also be indicators of more serious health problems. Therefore, before attempting any dietary changes or home remedies, it is vital to consult your veterinarian. They can accurately diagnose the cause of your dog’s discomfort and recommend the most appropriate course of action. This guide focuses on mild symptoms; however, it’s equally important to understand what are foods dogs can t eat to prevent further issues that could exacerbate an already sensitive digestive system.
It’s also worth noting that certain dogs, such as seniors or those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, cancer, or allergies, may require specific nutritional considerations. Their digestive systems might be more delicate, or their overall health might necessitate a more tailored approach to diet, even for a temporary upset stomach. Always discuss any dietary plans with your vet, especially for dogs with chronic health concerns, to ensure their specific needs are met.
Best Bland Foods to Soothe Your Dog’s Tummy
When your dog is experiencing a mild upset stomach, the goal is to provide foods that are easy to digest, low in fat, and free from irritants. Bland foods can help settle their digestive system, regulate appetite, and alleviate symptoms like diarrhea and constipation. These options are generally well-tolerated by dogs with sensitive stomachs and can provide necessary nutrients without overwhelming their system.
A healthy dog relaxing next to a bowl of kibble, symbolizing good digestion.
Boiled Chicken and Rice
Boiled chicken and plain white rice form the cornerstone of many bland diets for dogs with an upset stomach. Both ingredients are easily digestible and provide essential nutrients without irritating the digestive tract. When preparing, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and plain white rice. While brown rice offers more nutritional value, white rice’s blandness is preferable for a sensitive stomach. Avoid all oils, butter, and seasonings, as these can exacerbate stomach upset. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded into small, manageable pieces. For a healthy dog, there are many what human food is best for dogs, but for an upset stomach, simplicity is key. You can also find commercially prepared chicken and rice meals specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Shredded Chicken
Plain, unseasoned, boiled, and shredded chicken is an excellent option for dogs with an upset stomach and especially those with a decreased appetite. Its appealing taste can encourage reluctant eaters, and its easy digestibility makes it a gentle choice for a compromised digestive system. Chicken is a good source of lean protein, essential vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids, all vital for recovery. Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-6 months, allowing for convenient access when your dog needs it most.
A happy dog looking at its food bowl, ready for a healthy meal.
Plain Pumpkin
Unseasoned pumpkin is a fantastic natural remedy for digestive issues in dogs, particularly for mild constipation or diarrhea, due to its high fiber content. When choosing pumpkin, ensure it’s cooked, peeled, unsalted, and, most importantly, unseasoned. Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is a convenient option and contains beneficial nutrients like vitamin E, iron, and potassium, offering a gentle nutritional boost. Veterinarians often recommend one to four tablespoons of pumpkin, depending on your dog’s size. It’s crucial to avoid pumpkin pie filling, as the added spices and sugars can irritate your dog’s stomach and lead to further complications. This is different from knowing what shouldnt you feed your dog generally, which often includes highly processed or sugary items. Specialized pumpkin supplements for dogs are also available.
A curious puppy resting near its food bowl, ready for a nutritious snack.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is a mild, liquid meal that is exceptionally gentle on upset canine stomachs. It’s also an excellent way to rehydrate and add enticing flavor to dry kibble, encouraging dogs with reduced appetites to eat. To prepare a safe 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 and cook on a low setting for 20 to 24 hours. After cooking, let the broth cool in the fridge, allowing a hardened fat layer to form on top. This fat should be scooped off and discarded. The remaining jelly-like broth can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen in small portions, like ice cube trays, for future use. Remember to warm the broth slightly if using it to moisten dry food, ensuring it’s not too hot to prevent burning your dog’s mouth. While bone marrow is healthy, cooked bones are dangerous for dogs and must be completely removed from the broth before serving. Straining the broth thoroughly helps ensure no small bone fragments remain.
Meat-Based Baby Food
Certain types of meat-based baby food are often utilized in veterinary emergency hospitals for dogs, particularly when administering oral medications or for very sensitive stomachs. Baby food’s smooth consistency makes it easy to swallow and digest. Stage II meat-based baby foods, such as chicken, lamb, or turkey, are generally safe choices, provided they contain no ingredients or additives toxic to dogs. Always check labels carefully to ensure there is no garlic or onion powder, as these ingredients are harmful to canines.
A dog enjoying a bland diet meal, designed to soothe an upset stomach.
Foods to Avoid When Your Dog Has an Upset Stomach
While some human foods can be beneficial for an upset stomach, many others can worsen the condition or even be dangerous. It’s crucial to avoid feeding your dog the following, especially if they’re already experiencing digestive issues. This section will highlight exactly what are food dogs can t eat to ensure you don’t inadvertently worsen their condition.
- Foods cooked with garlic, oils, or seasonings: These can irritate your dog’s digestive system, leading to more severe vomiting or diarrhea.
- Milk or dairy products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can cause significant gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea.
- Processed meats: Items like ham, bacon, or pepperoni are often rich, fatty, and high in salt, all of which can be incredibly detrimental to a dog with an upset stomach and can lead to pancreatitis or other serious issues.
Remember that providing a bland diet is a supportive measure designed to alleviate discomfort and provide nutrition during recovery. It is not a substitute for proper medical care. If your dog’s symptoms persist, worsen, or if they appear lethargic or in severe pain, always consult your veterinarian immediately. When in doubt about your dog’s diet, especially when they are unwell, your vet is the best resource for guidance and care.
