Food for Sick Dogs: What to Feed Your Pup

If your dog is feeling under the weather, it's natural to worry about what to feed them.

A bland diet of boiled chicken and rice is often recommended for dogs with gastrointestinal issues.

For dogs with kidney disease, a low-protein diet may be necessary to reduce strain on the kidneys.

Stick to a single protein source, such as fish or eggs, to help your dog's digestive system recover.

Avoid giving your dog any fatty or spicy foods, as they can exacerbate their condition.

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If your dog is feeling under the weather, it's essential to offer small, frequent meals of easy-to-digest foods. This can help alleviate their discomfort and support their recovery.

You should avoid switching from one food to another without a transition period, as this can trigger diarrhea. Always check with your vet before making changes to your dog's diet, especially if they have a health condition or disease.

If your dog has an underlying medical condition like diabetes, don't fast them, as this can cause low blood sugar. Instead, opt for bone broth or light meat options, and be mindful of starchy veggies like sweet potatoes that can increase blood sugar.

Here's a quick rundown of signs that indicate you should contact your vet:

Feeding a sick pet with no appetite can be a challenge. If your dog refuses to touch his food for more than a day, it may be a sign of a deeper problem, so talk to your holistic vet.

You can try serving food warm, as the aroma can entice him to eat. Adding more bone broth to his food may also make it more appealing.

Some dogs love to be babied when they don't feel good, so hand-feeding can be a great option.

If your dog has diabetes and is on insulin or other diabetes meds, don't fast him, as this could cause low blood sugar. Instead, go straight to bone broth or light meat options.

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If your vet advises a bland diet, wait 12 to 24 hours after your dog's digestive episode before feeding them anything. For dogs under 6 months, fasting should only be done under veterinary supervision.

Here are some options for a bland diet:

Feeding a sick dog requires careful consideration to ensure their recovery is smooth and uneventful. Always avoid switching from one food to another without a transition period, as this can trigger diarrhea.

A sudden change in food can be overwhelming for a dog's digestive system, and it's best to introduce new foods gradually. For vomiting dogs, it's recommended to withhold food for 12 hours for adults or 6 hours for puppies, but continue to provide them with water.

If your dog has a pre-existing health condition or disease, always check with your vet before making changes to their diet. This is crucial to ensure the new food won't exacerbate their condition.

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Remember to consider any food allergies or dietary intolerances your dog has before trying a different food. If you're unsure about your dog's specific needs, it's always best to consult with your vet.

Here are some signs that your dog needs immediate veterinary attention:

• Is drinking or urinating more than usual

• Vomits multiple times over a period of more than 1 hour or is unable to keep water down

• Refuses food and/or water for more than 24 hours

• Is lethargic

If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to call your vet for advice.

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Losing appetite is a serious indicator of an underlying illness in dogs, and it's essential to respond quickly to a refusal to eat. If your dog normally has a good appetite, a change in eating habits is a red flag.

Illness is one of the most common reasons a dog will lose their appetite, and it can range from depression to cancer. Infection, disease, and recovering from surgery are also common culprits.

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Aging can also contribute to a decrease in appetite, and it's not uncommon for older dogs to experience a decline in food interest. Stress can also cause a dog to lose their appetite, especially if they're experiencing a sudden change in their environment.

Here are some common reasons a dog may lose their appetite:

If you notice your dog is refusing to eat, it's crucial to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.

If your dog has no appetite at all for more than a day, it may be a sign of a more serious sickness, so it's best to talk to your holistic vet.

Bone broth, boiled turkey or other meat, steamed or pureed veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes or pumpkin, or plain canned pumpkin are all good options to try.

Serving food warm can make it more appealing to your dog, and adding more bone broth can entice him to eat.

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Some dogs love to be babied when they don't feel good, so hand-feeding your dog can be a great way to show him some extra love and care.

Homemade dog food is the best option for soothing your dog's upset stomach, as it allows you to control exactly what's going into their food.

Plain cooked turkey, lean ground beef, and veggies like pumpkin, sweet potato or carrots are all great ingredients to include in your dog's homemade meals.

You can mix and match these ingredients to create a variety of easy and nutritious meals for your dog.

Cooking at home allows you to control exactly what's going into your dog's food, which is especially important for soothing their upset stomach.

Homemade dog food is the best option for calming a dog's digestive troubles, and it's not just about feeding them bland foods, but also about providing essential nutrients.

Plain cooked turkey, lean ground beef, and veggies like pumpkin, sweet potato, and carrots are great ingredients to mix and match for easy and nutritious meals.

You can steam and puree these veggies for better digestibility, and if your dog tolerates dairy, adding plain kefir or yogurt can add flavor and nutritional benefits.

Probiotics and digestive enzymes, or soothing herbs like slippery elm, can also help your dog's digestive system heal.

Hill's Prescription A/D is a popular option for dogs in need of a nutrient-rich food. It's available in a pate-like form that's densely packed with calories and nutrients.

This food is great for dogs recovering from illness or surgery, as it can help with rehydration. Its high moisture content makes it an excellent choice for dogs that need to regain fluids.

Hill's Prescription Diet a/d Urgent Care with Chicken is a specific formulation that's recommended by many veterinarians. It's not suitable for dogs with gastrointestinal signs or a history of pancreatitis, so be sure to consult with your vet before giving it to your dog.

If you're considering Hill's Prescription A/D, here are some key things to keep in mind:

This food can be blended with water for syringe feeding when necessary, making it a convenient option for dogs that need extra support.

Shredded chicken is a great option for a sick dog, as it's easy on the stomach and can be a highly desirable food for dogs who have lost their appetite.

Plain, unseasoned, boiled, shredded chicken is easy to digest, making it a good choice for dogs with upset stomachs.

It also contains protein, essential vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids that will help your pup heal.

This means that shredded chicken can be a nutritious and comforting food for dogs who are feeling unwell.

Eggs can be a great source of protein for sick dogs, and they're easy to digest.

Dogs usually love eggs, making them a simple and effective treat to add to their diet.

Eggs are a nutrient-rich food that can provide essential vitamins and minerals for dogs who are feeling under the weather.

Weather Freeze-Dried Raw Food is a great option for sick dogs. It comes in three flavors: Chicken & Rice, Turkey & Sweet Potato, and Hamburger & Sweet Potato.

This freeze-dried meal is easily digestible, making it a wonderful choice for dogs with vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. It's also stomach-friendly, which is a big plus for dogs who are feeling unwell.

Under the Weather uses high-quality ingredients like chicken, turkey, hamburger, white rice, and probiotics. This can benefit dogs with sensitivities or allergies to typical dog food ingredients.

Freeze-drying preserves some of the nutrients in raw meat, making it more nutritious than some kibble. It's also relatively easy to prepare - just add water and it's ready to serve.

If you're considering Weather Freeze-Dried Raw Food for your sick dog, be aware that it's more expensive than kibble. It also has a 3-year shelf life, but it's not as shelf-stable as some dry dog food.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when feeding your dog Weather Freeze-Dried Raw Food:

Whole Life Pet Recovery Meal is a great option for dogs recovering from illness or surgery. It's a bland diet made with freeze-dried skinless chicken breast and pre-cooked white rice, which is easily digestible and reduces intestinal tension.

This meal is perfect for dogs with vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain, and it's ready in minutes. You can save time by freeze-drying the chicken and adding water.

Whole Life Pet Recovery Meal may include higher-quality protein than other dog diets, and freeze-drying chicken preserves some nutrients, making it more nutritious than cooked chicken.

Here are some key benefits of Whole Life Pet Recovery Meal:

However, it's worth noting that this meal is aimed for short-term feeding and may lack necessary nutrients for long-term health. Your vet can advise on feeding time.

If your dog has an upset stomach, it's essential to feed them foods that are easy to digest and won't irritate their sensitive stomach. According to Arlington Animal Hospital, a bland diet typically consists of one source of carbohydrates and a single source of lean protein.

You can try serving plain cooked turkey or lean ground beef, combined with steamed or pureed veggies like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or carrots. If your dog tolerates dairy, you can also add plain kefir or yogurt for added flavor and nutritional benefits.

A bland diet should have a general ratio of two-to-one, meaning two cups of carbohydrates for every one cup of protein. For example, you can mix 2 cups of baked sweet potato chunks with 1 cup of drained, pan-fried lean ground beef.

Some popular bland diet options include boiled unseasoned white rice and boiled, diced, unseasoned chicken breast. You can also try pan-frying lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken, but make sure to drain it thoroughly to remove excess fat.

If you're unsure about what to feed your dog or how to prepare a bland diet, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.

Here are some simple carbohydrate and protein options to include in a bland diet:

Remember to always follow your veterinarian's guidelines for how much of a bland diet to feed your dog, including the amount per serving and the duration for this diet modification.

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For dogs with an upset stomach, it's essential to offer small, frequent meals of easy-to-digest foods.

Plain cooked turkey or lean ground beef can be a great option, especially when combined with veggies like pumpkin, sweet potato, or carrots.

Bland diets usually include one source of carbohydrates and a single source of lean protein, such as boiled unseasoned white rice and boiled, diced, and unseasoned chicken breast.

Some simple carbohydrate choices to include in a bland diet for dogs are skinless, unseasoned boiled white or sweet potato, boiled, unseasoned spaghetti noodles, and quick-cooking forms of white rice.

Lean protein alternatives choices to include in a bland diet for dogs are low-fat cottage cheese, unseasoned cooked egg whites, and diced pork loin, also cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees without salt or other spices.

Here are some specific food options to consider:

Remember, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet, especially if they have an underlying medical condition like diabetes.

If your dog is poorly, it's essential to feed them the right foods to help them recover.

For a poorly dog, some commercially available diets and simple supermarket ingredients can be beneficial.

Don't fast a diabetic dog who's on insulin or other diabetes meds, as that could cause hypoglycemia.

Bone broth or light meat options are good alternatives for a diabetic dog with an upset stomach.

If you feed veggies, be aware that starchy veggies like sweet potato may increase blood sugar, so feed only small amounts.

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If your dog has an upset stomach, a bland diet can be a lifesaver. This means feeding your dog a simple, easily digestible food that's low in fat and fiber.

A bland diet typically includes a mixture of carbohydrates and lean protein, with a general ratio of two parts starch to one part meat. For example, you can mix two cups of baked sweet potato chunks with one cup of drained, pan-fried lean ground beef.

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Some examples of bland diet foods include boiled unseasoned white rice, boiled diced chicken breast, skinless sweet potatoes, and low-fat cottage cheese. You can also use canned or pureed pumpkin or bone broth, but be sure to follow your vet's guidelines for serving size and duration.

Here are some examples of bland diet foods:

A bland diet may not help a dog with food allergies unless it lacks the ingredient that triggers the dog's immune response.

Dogs with food allergies are often allergic to proteins from animal sources such as beef, eggs, dairy, and chicken.

While a bland diet may seem like a simple solution, it's not a guarantee of relief for dogs with food allergies.

In fact, dogs can be allergic to any ingredient, including wheat or specific vegetables.

If you're concerned about an allergy, ask your veterinarian about safe prescription hypoallergenic dog food.

Grain-free dog food has been linked to heart disease, so it's best to feed a grain-containing diet unless otherwise directed by your vet.

Working with a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist is essential to create a balanced and complete diet for your dog.

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After surgery, your dog may need some extra care with their diet to ensure a smooth recovery. Most surgeries require anesthesia, which can leave your dog feeling woozy and reducing their appetite.

It's common for dogs to be on a bland diet for a couple of days to aid in digestion. Boiled chicken and rice are a good option to provide easier digestion until your dog regains their appetite.

A bland diet typically involves a one-to-one ratio of bland food to regular food until your vet gives the green light. This means you can slowly reintroduce regular food to your dog's diet.

Some foods are better suited for a poorly dog than others. Commercially available diets and simple ingredients like boiled chicken and rice can be great options to help your dog recover.

When your furry friend is feeling under the weather, it's natural to want to give them something extra special to help them feel better.

A well-balanced diet is crucial for sick dogs, but sometimes they need a little extra TLC. For example, you can add a small amount of plain, unflavored yogurt to their meals to provide probiotics and support their digestive health.

Some dogs may also benefit from a little extra fat in their diet, such as from a small amount of canned tuna or salmon. This can help to keep their energy up and support their overall health.

Remember, always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet, especially if they have specific health needs or allergies.

Psyllium husk fiber is a natural ingredient that can be found in health food stores or the health aisle. It's a great way to improve intestinal absorption and fecal consistency.

Adding psyllium husk powder to your dog's food can be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or anal gland problems. You can add around 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of dog, once to twice daily.

However, it's essential to stop adding psyllium husk powder if your dog becomes constipated or if the feces become too large or firm.

Bone broth is a mild liquid rich in nutrition, moisture, and flavor that's easy on a dog's digestive system and healing.

Cooking beef marrow bones, turkey, or chicken bones in water for 24 hours creates a nutritious broth. Cover the bones with water and let it cook on low for 24 hours to make a healing bone broth.

To make bone broth at home, cook the bones in water on low for 24 hours, then let it cool in the refrigerator before straining and discarding the bones. Cooked bones are a hazard for dogs as they can splinter and cause digestive issues.

You can also buy broths specifically made for dogs, like The Honest Kitchen Instant Bone Broth with Turmeric, which can be given on its own or mixed into other foods to encourage eating and increase hydration.

If your dog is feeling under the weather, you can opt for a more convenient solution than cooking a special diet from scratch. You can purchase food specifically made for a dog's upset stomach.

Jessica Romine, DVM, DACVIM, recommends Hill's Prescription Diet i/d, Purina EN Gastroenteric, and Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal dog foods for your sick pup. These commercial diets can provide the necessary nutrients and ease of use.

For a bland diet, you can try one of these three options. They are specifically designed to help soothe your dog's stomach.

Here are some recommended bland dog foods:

Hill's Prescription Diet i/dPurina EN GastroentericRoyal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal

These foods can be a great alternative to cooking a special diet yourself.

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Feeding a sick dog requires careful consideration of when to feed. Wait 12 to 24 hours after a digestive episode before introducing food, unless your dog is under 6 months old and fasting should only be done under veterinary supervision.

Fasting gives the dog's intestinal system a chance to rest. Offer small amounts of water or ice chips during this time.

When your dog can hold down water, it's time to introduce solid bland food. Start with small amounts, such as 1 to 2 tablespoons every two to three hours.

Gradually increase the amount of food as your dog tolerates it, offering ¼ to ½ cup every four hours if needed.

Feeding small, frequent meals throughout the day is also beneficial for a picky dog with an upset stomach. This approach ensures the stomach isn't overloaded with food and is easier on the digestive system.

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Your vet will probably recommend keeping your dog on a bland diet for two or three days after the vomiting and diarrhea have stopped.

You'll need to start mixing his regular food with a bland portion in even amounts, giving him a little more dog food each day over five days until he's completely back to his usual routine.

If your dog can't keep anything down or continues to vomit even though there's nothing left in his stomach, call your vet right away.

Seek immediate professional care if you notice blood in your dog's vomit or stool, or if he becomes weak or pale.

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