What to feed a sick dog: 8 foods that help fur babies heal

Just like human beings, sick dogs also need to eat nutritious and healthy meals to regain their energy. The right food will also affect their overall well-being and health. But the question is, “what to feed a sick dog?” 

As a fur parent, it is essential that what you feed your sick dog will not worsen their condition. If you’re having second thoughts about the food you can prepare, then you are in the right place.

Here is a list of food that you can give your dog if they feel under the weather.

White rice and chicken

Two of the main ingredients found in dog foods are rice and chicken. They are perfect for dogs with upset stomachs.

For this recipe, you will need skinless and boneless chicken breast and white rice. Although white rice has lower nutritional value than brown rice, its blandness makes it ideal for an upset stomach.

Avoid butter, oils, and added seasonings that can irritate a dog’s stomach making them feel even sicker. When your dog is sick, feed them rice and plain boiled chicken. Also, make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly. Better yet, shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Sweet potato

Feeding your dog with sweet potatoes is a good idea if it is dealing with intestinal problems. But don’t serve sweet potatoes raw as they can upset your dog’s stomach or cause intestinal blockage.

Cook sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can also remove the skin or make sweet potato recipes like mashed potatoes for your sick fur baby. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and other essential vitamins that help make your dog feel better.

Pumpkin

Pumpkins can help treat diarrhea in dogs because it’s high in fiber. It settles your dog’s stomach and solidifies its stool.

On the other hand, a pumpkin is considered a prebiotic, which naturally boosts the healthy bacteria development in the stomach. Pumpkin minimizes diarrhea and vomiting, settles an upset stomach, and helps dogs feel better.

Be sure not to add too much pumpkin to your dog’s food. The increased fiber can cause constipation. So, it’s best to start with a small amount and then increase little by little. One more thing, you need to use pumpkin without seeds or skin.

If pumpkin is not available, according to Nancy Lee, owner of the Cooky Mom website, you can feed your pooch butternut squash. The squash can help if your dog has diarrhea.

But be sure to feed your pet in moderation because too much squash may worsen your dog’s condition.

Turkey

There is a misconception that turkey is bad for dogs. But the truth is, this food is straightforward to digest. What’s more, it is usually fed together with white rice to dogs who have diarrhea and vomiting. It is safe to give as long as the turkey is boiled or baked and cooked without spices and fats.

Do not give your dog cooked turkey bones, skin, or greasy drippings, as they can be dangerous for your dog’s health.

Bone broth

If you are looking for a bland diet for your sick dog, you can never go wrong with bone broth. Bone broth is a liquid and mild meal that can soothe an upset stomach. It’s also a delicious and nutritious way to include flavor and moisture to dry food. It will even encourage your pet to eat, especially if they have a reduced appetite.

Nevertheless, this food is straightforward to prepare. Fill a pot of bones with many joints such as chicken legs or turkey or beef marrow bones. Then add water that is enough to cover the bones.

Cook on low for 20 to 24 hours. Also, when making bone broth, avoid adding black pepper to your dog’s food, as it can lead to problems like hemorrhoids and a burning sensation in the stomach.

Allow the bone broth to cool in the fridge for two to three hours so that the fat hardens at the top. Remove the fat and keep the jelly-like broth in your refrigerator. Then if you want to utilize the broth, microwave it to warm, but don’t let it get too hot because it can burn your dog’s mouth.

While bone broth is healthy, cooked bones are dangerous for your dog. So, make sure to eliminate all the bones from the broth before serving.

Baby food

Baby food can also be an excellent food for a sick dog. It will kickstart the dog’s appetite through their sense of smell. It is also easy to keep down and ingest.

For this, you can grab a pouch or jar of this food at local supermarkets. However, it can kickstart your pet’s appetite since it’s loaded with carbs and fats. It will also increase the possibility of your fur baby becoming a picky eater as soon as they feel better.

To ensure safety, you should opt for baby food that doesn’t contain onions and garlic, as they can be very dangerous.

Wet food

One of the best methods to encourage sick dogs to eat when they have reduced appetites is to give them wet food. Usually, this can have a more enticing smell to dogs, mainly if you heat the food in the microwave for a few seconds. Wet or canned food is readily available in the market.

While wet food is usually nutritional, it is most often advisable for pets healing from dental pain or anxiety. Dogs can quickly and easily consume them. This will minimize discomfort and make the process of eating easier for a nervous dog.

Fish

Fish has a noticeable odor, which is appetizing for dogs and can even encourage sick dogs to eat. But be sure to serve cooked fish since raw can be harmful to them.

Consider boiling deboned fish and try to give them to your sick four-legged friend to increase their appetite. The food is also soft, making it ideal for those with teeth or jaw problems. Fish is also suitable for dogs who don’t want to eat because of depression and anxiety.

Last but not least, if your dog is experiencing an upset stomach, giving a small amount of this food can encourage their appetite. But be sure not to give too much as it can upset the stomach further.

Understand what to feed a sick dog

Keep in mind that no single food is better than all others when looking for something to feed a sick dog. It will always depend on your fur baby and why they are sick.

It’s essential to keep your dog healthy and happy, and hopefully, the foods mentioned here will help you prepare something to make your sick dog feel better.

Nancy Lee is a mother of two boys and the editor-in-chief at Cooky Mom, a foodie blog aiming to help moms prepare and enjoy exquisite meals. She’s also a food blogger who focuses not only on food that people can eat but also on safe meals for dogs.

*DogsBestLife.com participates in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that lets our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com. 

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