When your beloved canine companion is unwell, it’s natural to worry, especially when they refuse their usual meals. Just like humans, dogs often lose their appetite or experience an upset stomach when feeling under the weather. Providing them with the right nutrition during these times is crucial for boosting their energy levels and aiding a speedy recovery. Understanding What Should Dogs Eat When Sick can make a significant difference in their comfort and healing process.
This guide will walk you through a variety of nutritious and easy-to-digest food options that can help soothe your dog’s upset stomach and support their immune system. We’ll also cover considerations for dogs prone to allergies or frequent digestive issues, ensuring you’re well-equipped to care for your four-legged friend when they aren’t feeling their best. For a broader understanding of canine nutrition, you might want to explore our list of what dogs can and cannot eat.
What to Feed a Sick Dog for a Quick Recovery
If your dog is experiencing sickness, a plain, bland diet composed of highly digestible foods is often the best approach. It’s a good idea to have some of these healthy options on hand, so you’re prepared for any unexpected turns in your dog’s health. However, if your dog’s condition persists or worsens, always consult your veterinarian for professional advice. Here are ten of the most nutritious and failsafe options to consider when your dog has 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 easy to digest, low in fat, and provides lean protein, which can help settle your dog’s stomach without causing further irritation. Always ensure you remove any skin or bones before serving to prevent choking hazards and make it even gentler on their digestive system.
To prepare the meat: rinse thoroughly under cold water, remove excess fat, skin, or bones, then place in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Once done, drain the water, cut into small, bite-sized pieces for easier digestion, allow it to cool, and serve alone or alongside white rice or vegetables.
2. White Rice
Both white and brown rice are common ingredients in commercial dog foods, making them a tried-and-true option when your dog isn’t feeling well. While brown rice offers more nutrients, the blandness of white rice makes it a safer choice for a sick dog due to its ease of digestion. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, white rice can also help bind their stools, assisting their digestive system in returning to normal.
To cook white rice: rinse under cold water, add to a large pan with two parts water to one part rice, and bring to a boil with a generous pinch of salt. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for about 18 minutes, or until all water is absorbed. Let it rest and cool, then fluff with a fork before serving.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Cooked sweet potatoes are a fantastic addition to a sick dog’s diet. They are rich in essential vitamins and fiber, incredibly gentle on the stomach, and can help soothe your dog’s intestines. Furthermore, they provide vital nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium, contributing to your dog’s overall health during recovery.
Slices of cooked sweet potato on a wooden table, gently mashed for a dog's sensitive stomach
Never feed your dog raw sweet potatoes, as they are hard to digest and could exacerbate their stomach issues. Instead, peel the skins, chop the potatoes into chunks, and boil them in water until soft. Drain, mash them thoroughly, and allow them to cool completely before offering them to your dog.
4. Pumpkin
Similar to sweet potatoes, plain pumpkin is highly effective in alleviating an upset stomach and helping a sick dog feel better. It’s packed with vitamins that support the immune system and is rich in fiber, which can help regulate digestion. You can give your dog up to four tablespoons of pure canned pumpkin (without added sugar or spices) with their regular meal or alongside boiled chicken and rice to aid their recovery.
Canned pumpkin can be as beneficial as fresh, provided it contains no added sugars, spices, or other ingredients. It’s crucial to avoid pumpkin pie filling or any seasoned pumpkin products, as these can make your dog’s stomach worse. For more insight on what common foods are safe, read about what normal food can dogs eat.
5. Homemade Bone Broth
Bone broth is a nourishing option for sick dogs, offering essential nutrients and minerals like sodium and potassium, while also aiding hydration. When preparing it, avoid using garlic or excessive salt, as these ingredients can further upset your dog’s sensitive stomach. Being low in carbohydrates, bone broth is gentle and easy to digest, making it an excellent choice for a dog with an upset stomach.
A golden puppy gently licks a bowl of homemade bone broth, showcasing its appealing texture
To make bone broth: 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. After cooking, strain the liquid to remove all bones and serve the cooled broth.
6. Baby Food
For puppies struggling with an upset stomach, stage 2 meat-based baby foods such as chicken, lamb, and turkey can be a suitable feeding choice. When using baby food, always scrutinize the ingredients list to avoid any additives potentially toxic to dogs, such as garlic or onion powder.
Baby food is soft, easy to chew, and gentle on the digestive system, which can be beneficial for treating stomach upset and diarrhea. If you have any doubts about the ingredients in a particular baby food product, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian for advice. For younger dogs, knowing what type of food can puppies eat is especially important.
7. Fish
Fish is an excellent source of healthy fats and vitamins that can significantly benefit your dog’s health and immune system, especially when they are recovering from a stomach upset. The strong, appealing smell of fish can also stimulate a sick dog’s appetite, encouraging them to eat when they might otherwise refuse.
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 fully cooked. Remember to remove all bones and cut the fish into small pieces before feeding it to your dog.
8. Oatmeal
Plain, cooked oatmeal, made from rolled oats, can be very soothing for a dog’s upset stomach. It’s high in fiber, which can assist with constipation, and contains antioxidants that are beneficial for reducing stomach inflammation.
A bowl of plain cooked oatmeal on a wooden table, ready to be served to a dog
While oatmeal is good, moderation is key. Since it’s rich in fiber, giving your dog too much could potentially worsen their stomach discomfort. Start with a small amount and observe how your dog responds.
9. Yoghurt
Plain, unsweetened yogurt, rich in probiotics, 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, the probiotics in plain yogurt can help regulate their digestive system.
Plain natural yogurt is readily available at 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, offering both comfort and digestive benefits.
10. Eggs
Provided your dog isn’t actively vomiting, eggs are a fantastic food choice. They are gentle on the stomach and provide an excellent source of protein, which is vital for recovery. Eggs also offer a great energy boost, especially if your dog feels lethargic after an illness.
The best ways to cook eggs for your dog are scrambled without butter or oil, or simply boiled. These methods ensure they remain gentle on a sensitive stomach. However, if your dog is vomiting, it’s best to avoid eggs completely until their stomach has settled.
What to Feed a Dog with Allergies
If your dog frequently experiences an upset stomach or regular bouts of sickness, it’s advisable to consult your vet. They can help determine if your dog is suffering from food-related or breed-specific allergies. While conventional kibble can sometimes be problematic for sensitive dogs, many specialized food options are tailored for pets with allergies.
Here are some top recommendations for dogs that frequently have sensitive tummies:
Cold Pressed Dog Food
Cold pressed dog food offers a beneficial alternative to traditional kibble, particularly for dogs with food-related allergies. This type of dry food undergoes minimal processing at much lower temperatures compared to conventional kibble, which helps retain a higher nutritional value. The manufacturing process makes it easily broken down in the digestive system, which is ideal for sensitive stomachs.
A happy dog stands next to a bag of cold pressed dog food, indicating a healthy diet
Designed with improved overall health in mind, cold pressed food aids digestion and breaks down at a similar rate to raw food, making it suitable for feeding alongside a raw diet. Available in various flavors, including white fish, salmon, and chicken, it provides a perfect choice for keeping your dog healthy and happy. Many brands also offer grain-free options, which are perfect for dogs with grain-related allergies, providing nutritionally dense food that won’t upset their digestive systems.
Insect Protein Cold Pressed Dog Food
Complete and nutritionally balanced, insect protein cold pressed dog food is prepared similarly to meat protein ranges, pressed at lower temperatures to preserve nutritional value and aid digestion. Insects offer more protein than chicken or beef, so you can rest assured your dog receives all essential nutrients.
A collie dog looking inquisitively at a bowl of insect protein dog food, suggesting a novel and healthy option
Furthermore, insects are often hypoallergenic and low in purines, making them an ideal food source for dogs with sensitivities or meat-related allergies. This type of cold pressed food breaks down like meat-based options, allowing it to be fed alone or complemented with raw food. For general knowledge on avoiding harmful foods, check our guide on what food dogs can’t eat.
Raw Frozen Dog Food
If your dog is particular about its current kibble or has sensitivities, transitioning to raw food can be an excellent dietary change. Raw food, typically made from natural, minimally processed ingredients, is often grain-free, which significantly aids digestion and can improve coat, skin, and overall health.
Raw food options often come in various mixes, such as an 80/10/10 blend of meat, offal, and bone, or a 70/10/10/10 mix with added vitamins and minerals. These different formulations give you the flexibility to mix in your own vegetables and minerals, allowing you to tailor your dog’s diet precisely to its specific needs and allergies.
Support Your Dog’s Health with the Right Food
Understanding what should dogs eat when sick is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. By offering bland, easily digestible, and nutritious foods, you can provide comfort and support during their recovery. For dogs with persistent issues or allergies, exploring specialized diets like cold pressed or raw food, after consulting with your vet, can significantly improve their quality of life.
Always prioritize your dog’s well-being and seek professional veterinary advice if their condition doesn’t improve or if you’re unsure about the best course of action. Equipping yourself with knowledge about suitable food options ensures your canine companion receives the best possible care, helping them get back to their happy, healthy selves.
