What To Feed A Poorly Dog | Dragonfly Products (2024)

What To Feed A Poorly Dog | Dragonfly Products (1)

What to feed a poorly dog – NOT chicken and rice!

If your dog has ever been under the weather with diarrhoea or vomiting, the most commonly prescribed ‘bland diet’ to settle the tummy back down by vets and ‘Social Media’ gurus is to feed your dog chicken and rice.Time and time again we see this combination recommended.If we look closer at this magical recipe you will see that blindly following advice based on little merit may not be the best solution.

My biggest bug bear with this recipe…

Rice. RICE? RICE!!!

Rice is a grain which, as many people now know, is unnecessary for a healthy dog diet.It may seem bland but Rice is actually inflammatory and takes a lot of work for the body to break down – not ideal when we are trying to calm the tummy – remember, we’re trying to make it worklessnotmore.

Chicken

Boiled Chicken (with the skin removed) is a great bland protein.We don’t have too many issues with this portion of the recipe although chicken is a common allergen for many dogs.If your dog cannot tolerate chicken then better alternatives are boiled turkey mince or boiled white fish (such as haddock, cod, pollock) if not, chicken is a great go-to.

So what alternativecan we use instead of the rice?

Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash or Pumpkin.

Steamed or boiled (pumpkin also comes canned which works well).All of these items are rich in soluble fibre (the type that dissolves in water to form a viscous gel, which also coats and soothes irritated bowels.Soluble fibre also helps to slow the transit time of the food leaving the body which, in turn, should slow the number of episodes of diarrhoea.

When your dog has diarrhoea they also lose important electrolytes including potassium which puts them at risk of dehydration, fatigue, weakness and cramping.By including these superfoods, which are all high in potassium, you are giving your dog a much needed boost to get them on the road to recovery.

If your dog is suffering with a bout of diarrhoea, ensure that you give them a supply of fresh clean water at all time and that they continue to drink.Bone Brothis also excellent to keep hydration levels up.Kefir Waterwill help to hydrate and introduce 'good bacteria' into the system also.

If you want to help speed up the recovery process further, include a scoop ofDorwest Herbs Tree Barks Powderin with your bland diet recipe to help firm up poos and settle the tummy quicker.

Feed little and often – a teaspoon of your bland diet recipe every hour is better than a large portion of food at regular meal times.

So there you have it, step away from the chicken and rice and try our alternative for a happier, healthier dog!

If in doubt or the upset continues for a prolonged period, always consult your vet to rule out underlying problems.

With Woofs and Wags,

Laura, Dolly & Reggie

What To Feed A Poorly Dog | Dragonfly Products (2024)

FAQs

What To Feed A Poorly Dog | Dragonfly Products? ›

If your dog is suffering with a bout of diarrhoea, ensure that you give them a supply of fresh clean water at all time and that they continue to drink. Bone Broth is also excellent to keep hydration levels up. Kefir Water will help to hydrate and introduce 'good bacteria' into the system also.

What is the best thing to feed a sick dog? ›

What to feed a sick dog
  • Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Pumpkin. ...
  • Homemade Bone Broth. ...
  • Baby Food. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Oatmeal. ...
  • Yoghurt. ...
  • Eggs. As long as your dog isn't vomiting, eggs are an ideal food choice as they are gentle on the stomach and help to give your dog a good source of protein.
Jan 12, 2023

What can help settle a dog's stomach? ›

Feed Your Dog a Bland Diet

You can add a splash of broth to make it more appealing to your pet. Other foods that can help with your dog's upset stomach include, plain yogurt with active cultures, 100% pumpkin puree, boiled potatoes (without skin), and cottage cheese.

What to give a sick dog home remedies? ›

  1. Ginger. This potent, ancient remedy has been used for centuries to ease sickness and nausea. ...
  2. Basil. This spice is fantastic for fighting bacteria due to the healing oils it contains. ...
  3. Rosemary. ...
  4. Calendula. ...
  5. Goldenseal. ...
  6. Chamomile. ...
  7. Milk Thistle.

What can you feed your dog when they won't eat dog food? ›

As an additional treat, or to encourage a fussy dog to eat unfamiliar food, the following food types are safe to give your canine companion in small amounts: Plain porridge, cooked in water. Peanut butter (without xylitol). Onion-free gravy (for taste!).

What is homemade recovery food for dogs? ›

If your dog does not like or tolerate fish, alternative protein sources may include skinless minced chicken or turkey, scrambled egg, rabbit, or venison. Alternative carbohydrate sources may include well-cooked rice or sweet potato. Well-cooked and cooled rice and potato are both good sources of resistant starches.

What helps dogs when they feel sick? ›

You should hold back giving water to a sick dog for two hours and food until 6-8 hours after their last episode of vomiting. Once this period is over reintroduce small, bland meals such as white chicken or rice gradually. If everything is ok the next day your dog can gradually return to their normal diet.

What food is good for dogs with gastrointestinal problems? ›

Here are some foods to try:
  • White rice. Plain white rice's soluble fibers make it easy to digest. ...
  • Boiled chicken. Some vets recommend boiled chicken and rice as an ideal diet for dogs with GI upset. ...
  • Bone broth. Homemade bone broth is a tasty and nutritious meal for canine companions recovering from GI issues.
May 4, 2022

How to detox a dog's stomach? ›

For dogs, raw and whole meals are good options. Organic meals, natural vegetarian sources, and even biodynamic foods are perfect! Foods like beetroots, carrots and even shredded coconut would work towards detoxifying your dog's gut! This food can clean out your dog's digestive system and prevent indigestion.

Do eggs help a dog's upset stomach? ›

Eggs are high in protein and other important nutrients, which makes them a great supplement to your dog's diet. With a balanced diet, additional cooked eggs during the week can provide nutritional value. They can even be good for your dog's digestive system and can help calm an upset stomach.

How can I help my sick dog without going to the vet? ›

Give cooled, boiled water little and often. If your pet is vomiting and unable to keep food down, you can try missing one meal, although still allow access to water. Then, offer small amounts of a white meat diet such as boiled chicken or boiled fish (cod or coley), with white rice.

What human medicine can I give my dog for an upset stomach? ›

Pepto Bismol can reduce symptoms like nausea, heartburn, and an uncomfortable stomach in dogs. The recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. If your dog has certain conditions, a vet visit is necessary. The vet may prescribe anti-nausea tablets, gastro protectants, and anti-diarrheal suspensions.

What can I give my dog for immediate pain relief? ›

Common canine NSAIDs include carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib, and robenacoxib. Which drug a veterinarian chooses to prescribe depends on the individual needs of your pet and will be determined during consultation. There are a host of other options veterinarians have in their arsenal for pain control.

What's the best thing for a dog's upset stomach? ›

Treatment of Upset Stomach in Dogs

You can feed small amounts of a bland diet, such as boiled white-meat chicken and white rice with no salt, fat, or seasonings. If your dog is having diarrhea, you can add fiber by giving canned 100% pumpkin puree or a fiber powder. Probiotics can also help relieve an upset stomach.

What food to give a sick dog? ›

Five Foods to Feed Dogs With Upset Stomachs
  • Chicken and Rice. Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs. ...
  • Shredded Chicken. ...
  • Pumpkin. ...
  • Bone Broth.

How long can a sick dog live without food? ›

How Long Can a Dog Go Without Food? Dogs can usually go three to five days without food, however, this is not ideal. If your dog has gone two days without food, it is highly recommended you call a veterinarian if you haven't already. More important than your dog eating is their water intake.

What should I feed my dog if he is being sick? ›

Give cooled, boiled water little and often. If your pet is vomiting and unable to keep food down, you can try missing one meal, although still allow access to water. Then, offer small amounts of a white meat diet such as boiled chicken or boiled fish (cod or coley), with white rice.

What food helps dog throwing up? ›

Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs. Plus, this bland meal is easy to prepare. All you need are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, along with some rice.

How do you comfort a sick dog? ›

You can keep your dog as comfortable as possible by providing a soft bed or couch with fluffy blankets for it to lie on. Give your dog a luxurious massage, his favorite toys, and favorite food. However, don't forget to provide your dog with a balanced diet to keep it as healthy as possible during its sickness.

Does milk help dogs when sick? ›

Dogs cannot drink milk. While high in calcium and protein, cow's milk shouldn't be a part of your dog's diet because it can upset their stomach and cause long-term health problems.

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