What To Feed Dog With Upset Stomach: Best Foods To Try
The digestive system of a dog is very different from that of humans. Dogs can suffer from upset stomachs more easily than humans. Many of the common causes of an upset stomach in dogs can be difficult to identify. If your dog is suffering from an upset stomach it is important to feed them a diet that is easy to digest and can help relieve their discomfort. This article will discuss what to feed a dog with an upset stomach and provide advice on the best foods to try. It will also go over how to determine if your dog’s symptoms are an indication of a more serious health condition.
What To Feed Dog With Upset Stomach: Best Foods To Try
- Plain-boiled chicken: Boiling chicken in plain water without added ingredients is an easy and nutrient-rich food that is easy to digest.
- Plain-boiled fish: Boiled fish, like chicken, is easy to digest and provides many beneficial nutrients.
- Plain-boiled turkey: Boiling turkey in plain water without added ingredients is an easy and nutrient-rich food that is easy to digest.
- Plain sweet potato: Sweet potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals and are easy to digest.
- Plain-boiled beef: Boiling beef in plain water without added ingredients is an easy and nutrient-rich food that is easy to digest.
- Plain-cooked oatmeal: Oats are rich in fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a great option for easy-to-digest food.
- Plain plain yogurt: Plain yogurt contains beneficial probiotics that can help to soothe an upset stomach.
- Cooked eggs: The protein in eggs helps stabilize digestion and is an easily digestible form of protein.
- Bananas: Bananas are high in potassium and provide some much-needed energy without tricky digestion.
- Apples: Apples are full of important vitamins and minerals and can help settle an upset stomach.
- Brown rice: Brown rice is high in fiber and easy to digest.
- Carrots: Carrots are high in vitamins and minerals and are easy to digest.
What Is a Bland Diet for Dogs?
A bland diet for dogs is a type of diet created by veterinarians for canine patients who need to be on a highly digestible, low-fiber diet. This type of diet is primarily used to help soothe an upset stomach and ease digestion after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting. It consists of cooked, plain, lean proteins, such as boiled chicken or plain hamburger, as well as plain, cooked carbohydrates like boiled white rice and plain potatoes. Additional ingredients, such as plain yogurt, can also be added for beneficial probiotics for the canine gastrointestinal tract.
What Kinds of Foods Suit a Bland Diet?
A bland diet typically includes foods that are mild in taste and low in fiber, which helps to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas and indigestion.
Examples of bland foods include:
- Plain white rice
- Skinless baked or boiled chicken breast
- Vanilla or unflavored yogurt
- Bananas
- Oatmeal
- White bread and crackers
- Custard
- Mashed potatoes
- Boiled eggs
- Cooked vegetables without seeds or skins, such as spinach, zucchini, carrots, and green beans
- Plain cooked fish, such as cod, haddock, and grouper
- Fruit canned in its own juice or water, such as applesauce and canned peaches
- Well-cooked beans
- Fruit juice without pulp
- Honey
- Low-fat milk or sour cream
- Smooth nut butter, such as peanut butter and almond butter.
How Long Do I Keep My Dog on a Bland Diet?
The length of time to keep a dog on a bland diet can depend on the underlying cause of the problem. Generally, veterinarians recommend a five to seven-day bland diet in order to give the digestive system time to recover. If the underlying condition is more severe, a longer duration might be recommended. Your veterinarian will be able to provide more specific advice depending on your dog’s individual circumstances.
SEE ALSO; Metronidazole Killed My Dog: Why Is That?
What Causes Diarrhoea in Dogs?
Diarrhea can be caused by many things in dogs. Potential causes include dietary indiscretion, gastrointestinal infections, parasites, food allergies, foreign bodies or toxins, stress, pancreatic and other internal organ disorders, medications, and metabolic diseases. It is important to take your dog to the veterinarian if he has diarrhea, as some of the causes can be serious and may require medical attention.
Signs of Upset Stomach in Dogs
- Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Many dogs may display signs of stomach pain including drooling, panting, whining, or licking their abdomen.
- Loss of Appetite: Dogs may stop eating or become picky about their food if they have an upset stomach.
- Vomiting and Diarrhea: If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, it may be dealing with an upset stomach.
- Gas, Bloating, or Flatulence: Abdominal bloating or flatulence can be signs of an upset or irritated stomach.
- Lethargy and Loss of Interest: Some dogs may become lethargic and uninterested in activities or play when they are dealing with an upset stomach.
What to Give A Dog for Upset Stomach and Vomiting
- Unsweetened, Plain Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and adds bulk to your dog’s stool. The fiber absorbs excess water and helps stop vomiting. It’s also good for easing an upset stomach.
- Boiled, Skinless Chicken Breast: Boiled, skinless chicken is gentle on your dog’s stomach and easy to digest. Give your dog small amounts to start.
- Plain, Cooked Rice: Plain, cooked rice is a good source of energy, and it can also settle an upset stomach.
- Bananas: Bananas are packed with potassium and are easy to digest. Mash up a banana and give just a small amount.
- Tummy Soothing Tea: Try giving your dog a special tummy-soothing tea made of a teaspoon of grated ginger root, a teaspoon of slippery elm bark, a teaspoon of chamomile, and a pint of boiled water. Just let the tea cool before serving.
What to Feed A Sick Dog With No Appetite
- Boiled chicken and rice: Boiling chicken and white rice in water is a gentle way to provide needed calories and nutrition and help settle a sick pup’s stomach.
- Canned pumpkin: The fiber in pumpkins can help with diarrhea in dogs and cats, and improves digestion. It can also entice a pup to eat if she isn’t feeling well.
- Boiled eggs: Boiling eggs provide protein and other nutrients that can help boost a pup’s energy and appetite.
- Vegetable broth: Give your pup a broth made with vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and zucchini. The broth has a mild flavor and is easy to digest.
- Ice chips: Many dogs find the cold, crunchy texture of ice chips appealing, and they are also easy to digest. Offer a few chips at a time so they can be quickly lapped up and don’t cause vomiting.
- Homemade smoothies: If your pup isn’t interested in food, try blending (unsweetened) fruits and vegetables with Greek yogurt or nut butter for a tasty treat that still provides protein and vitamins.
What to Do When Your Dog Has Diarrhea
- Make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible
- Provide a bland diet of boiled white rice and plain boiled lean meats like chicken or turkey for several days
- Increase the fiber in your dog’s diet by adding canned pumpkin or pureed cooked sweet potatoes to their food
- Offer frequent small meals throughout the day instead of one or two larger meals
- Provide plenty of fresh water for your dog to stay hydrated
- Avoid giving your dog treats, table scraps, or other fatty foods
- Avoid giving your dog any over-the-counter medications without consulting your veterinarian first
- Monitor your dog’s stools for changes and contact your veterinarian if their condition worsens or if diarrhea persists for more than a few days.
Homemade Dog Food for Upset Stomach
Ingredients:
- 1 boiled, boneless skinless chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato
- 1/3 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon plain yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken breast, cooked white rice, and sweet potato.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the canned pumpkin, yogurt, and cinnamon.
- Add the pumpkin mixture to the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Add the olive oil and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
What to Give A Dog for Upset Stomach Home Remedies
- Fast your dog from food and water for 12-24 hours. This will give your dog’s digestive system a rest and help his symptoms resolve.
- Slowly introduce plain, white rice or boiled, skinless chicken to your dog’s diet. Make sure that the food is warm, as cold food can upset an already upset stomach even more.
- Feed small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals.
- Offer your dog chamomile tea or licorice tea, again served warm and in small amounts.
- Administering a teaspoon of honey every few hours can help to soothe an unsettled stomach.
- Give your dog probiotics, either with food or as a supplement.
- Offer your dog applesauce for a snack.
SEE ALSO: Sudden Lumps on Dog Under Skin: Causes And Treatment
FAQs
Q. What can dogs eat with an upset stomach?
A. Dogs with an upset stomach can eat bland, easily digestible foods, such as boiled white rice, plain cooked pasta, boiled chicken (without skin or bones), cottage cheese, and plain, canned pumpkin.
Q. Do eggs help a dog’s upset stomach?
A. Yes, in moderation, eggs can help relieve an upset stomach in a dog.
Q. What helps a dog with an upset stomach?
A. Feeding a bland diet composed of boiled white meat chicken or boiled ground beef and boiled white rice, avoiding any fatty or spicy food, can help a dog with an upset stomach.
Q. Will a Bland Diet Help a Dog With a Sensitive Stomach?
A. Yes, a blander diet can help a dog with a sensitive stomach. The bland diet is typically made up of boiled rice, boiled meats, and boiled vegetables.
Conclusion
Feeding a dog with an upset stomach can be a challenge. However, whittling down the food options to easily digestible foods like boiled lean white meat, cooked white rice, canned pumpkin, and yogurt can ensure that your pup is able to get the nutrition they need without exacerbating their stomach upset. Additionally, providing small and frequent meals is important in helping your pup to feel their best. With the right food and a little TLC, your pup can soon be feeling right as rain.