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

Like humans, sick dogs must also eat nutritious meals to regain energy, especially when battling illnesses. 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 have second thoughts about the food you can prepare, you are in the right place.

Here is a list of easy-to-digest foods high in nutrients 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.

This recipe requires 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, which can irritate a dog’s stomach and make it feel even sicker. When your dog is sick, feed it rice and plain boiled chicken. Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly. Better yet, shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Portion size: Offer a small amount of cooked white rice and plain boiled chicken, approximately 1/2 to 1 cup per serving for a medium-sized dog, depending on its weight and appetite.

Feeding schedule: Feed small portions of white rice and chicken every 4-6 hours, depending on the dog’s tolerance and appetite.

Sweet potato

Feeding your dog with sweet potatoes is a good idea for dealing with intestinal problems. But don’t serve sweet potatoes raw; 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.

Portion size: For sweet potatoes, offer a small serving, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes, depending on the dog’s size.

Feeding schedule: Sweet potatoes can be given as a small additional portion with the main meal once or twice a day, depending on the dog’s tolerance.

Pumpkin

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

On the other hand, pumpkins are considered prebiotics, which naturally boost the healthy bacteria in the stomach. Pumpkins minimize diarrhea and vomiting, settle an upset stomach, and help dogs feel better.

You can give your dog fresh or canned pumpkin.

Be sure not to add too much pumpkin to your dog’s food. The increased fiber can cause constipation. So, starting with a small amount is best and increasing gradually. One more thing: you need to use a pumpkin without seeds or skin.

According to Nancy Lee, owner of the Cooky Mom website, you can feed your pooch butternut squash if pumpkin is unavailable. 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.

Portion size: Offer a small amount of pumpkin puree, approximately 1-2 tablespoons, depending on the dog’s size and digestive needs.

Feeding schedule: Pumpkin can be added to the dog’s regular meals once or twice daily to help with digestive issues.

Turkey

There is a misconception that turkey is bad for dogs. But the truth is, this food is straightforward to digest. Moreover, it is usually fed to dogs with diarrhea and vomiting with white rice. Giving your dog turkey is safe if boiled, baked, and cooked without spices and fats.

Do not give your dog cooked turkey bones, skin, or greasy drippings, as these can harm their health.

Portion size: Offer cooked, plain turkey, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup, depending on the dog’s size and needs.

Feeding schedule: Turkey can be fed as part of the main meal once or twice a day, depending on the dog’s tolerance and digestive system.

Bone broth

If you are looking for a bland diet for your sick dog, bone broth is the answer.

Bone broth is a mild liquid meal that can soothe an upset stomach. It’s also a delicious and nutritious way to add flavor and moisture to dry food.

It will 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 the fat hardens at the top. Remove the fat and keep the jelly-like broth in your refrigerator.

Then, if you want to use the broth, microwave it to warm, but don’t let it get too hot; it can burn your dog’s mouth.

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

Portion size: Offer a small amount of bone broth, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup, depending on the dog’s size and overall diet.

Feeding schedule: Bone broth can be used to moisten dry food or offered as a separate drink once or twice a day, depending on the dog’s preference and health needs.

Baby food

Meat-based baby foods can also be an excellent choice for a sick dog. It kickstarts the dog’s appetite through its sense of smell and is easy to keep down and ingest.

You can grab a pouch or jar of this food at local supermarkets. However, it can kickstart your pet’s appetite since it has 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, choose baby food that doesn’t contain onions and garlic, as they can be very dangerous.

Portion size: Offer a small amount of baby food, approximately 1-2 tablespoons, depending on the dog’s size and nutritional needs.

Feeding schedule: Baby food can be given as a supplement to the main meals once or twice a day, depending on the dog’s tolerance and appetite.

Wet food

One of the best ways to encourage sick dogs to eat when they have a reduced appetite is to give them wet food. This can usually 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 to heal from dental pain or anxiety. Dogs can quickly and easily consume wet food, which will minimize discomfort and make eating easier for a nervous dog.

Portion size: Offer a suitable portion according to the dog’s size and nutritional requirements, typically ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 can per serving, based on the dog’s appetite and needs.

Feeding schedule: Wet food can be given as the main meal or as a supplement, depending on the dog’s condition and appetite. For portion sizes, follow the guidelines provided on the packaging.

Fish

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

Portion size: Based on the dog’s size and dietary requirements, offer a small serving of cooked fish, approximately 1-2 ounces.

Feeding schedule: Fish can be given as an occasional treat or as part of a regular meal, depending on the dog’s likes and dietary restrictions.

Understand what to feed a sick dog

It’s essential to monitor the dog’s response to the foods offered and adjust the portion sizes and feeding schedules accordingly based on individual needs and health conditions.

Always consult a veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s diet or health.

Remember 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 ill.

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 on food that people can eat and safe meals for dogs.

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