At some point in your doggie’s life, he or she is going to have an upset stomach for one reason or another. Naturally, you want to know what to feed a sick dog to make your canine friend feel better. It can be quite a challenge to feed a sick dog who is suffering with symptoms such as an upset stomach, paired with diarrhea and vomiting, that sometimes comes with a decrease in appetite.
Experts suggest the best plan of action is to feed your sick dog a bland diet, made up of specific foods until he recovers. Keep in mind that these suggestions are for dogs who are experiencing mild stomach upset. As always, if this is an ongoing problem, you should definitely take your dog to his veterinarian for a full evaluation. This is because regular stomach upset could be signs of a more serious problem.
Chicken and Rice
This yummy dish is likely to lend comfort to your dog’s upset stomach. A common ingredient in many dog foods, chicken and rice is a bland meal that is not difficult for you to prepare for your canine.
All you need to do is thoroughly boil some boneless, skinless chicken breasts along with some white rice, and then shred the chicken up into bite-sized pieces.
As a side note, resist the urge to season this dish with any type of condiments. Adding butter, oil, or other herbs can just add to the problem.
If you like, you can skip the rice and just give your dog bites of boiled chicken as this snack is full of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals.
Pumpkin
Do you know about the benefits of pumpkin for dogs? Now, we’re not talking about pumpkin pie, folks. You can give your dog canned pumpkin, which has no added seasoning to it, however. High in fiber, pumpkin is great for relieving constipation in dogs.
If you prefer, you can always give your dog fresh pumpkin, that is peeled, cooked, unsalted and unseasoned. Pumpkin contains many essential vitamins, such as vitamin A, C, E, and B6, and also has riboflavin, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and copper.
Wondering how much pumpkin to give your dog? Veterinarians recommend 1-4 tablespoons per day. You can just mix it into your dog’s food. Your canine is sure to appreciate this tasty treat.
Bone Broth
Feeding your dog bone broth is a great way to add much-needed hydration to your dog’s diet. It settles down a dog’s upset stomach, while adding moisture and flavor to his food. Bone broth is also known to encourage dogs that don’t feel much like eating, to eat. Here is how to make bone broth for your dog:
- Prepare a crock pot by filling it with beef marrow bones, and chicken legs, covering the pieces with 2-3 inches of water.
- Place the cover on the pot, and allow it to cook on low for 24 hours.
- Allow the broth to cool for a couple of hours in the refrigerator, until a layer of jelly-like fat appears forms on top of the bones.
- Remove the jelly fat from the top of the bones, and store it in a jar in the refrigerator. This fat is your bone broth.
- When it’s time to give the broth to your dog, microwave it until it becomes a liquid, but not long enough for it to get hot.
Baby Food
According to the AKC, veterinary emergency clinics commonly give dogs that they are caring for, different types of baby food. This is likely because it is easily digestible, and is also helpful in giving medications to dogs.
If you do choose to try giving baby food to your dog while they are sick, it is recommended to give them Stage II foods with chicken, lamb or turkey. With that being said, check the label to make certain that the food does not contain any garlic or onion powder.
Final Thought
Giving these bland foods to your dog may make them feel better, but they should not replace proper medical care.
