One of the common issues most pet parents would face daily is their furry companion’s upset stomach or diarrhea. Nearly all dogs experience this medical issue at some point in their lives. Depending on the dogs’ temperament, age, and diet, this condition will vary in extent, frequency, and intensity.
So, when a dog suffers from digestive issues, it falls on the pet parent’s shoulders to care for them. That includes handling their temporary change in diet until they feel better.
Now, what to feed a dog with an upset stomach? At the same time, what to avoid in fear of worsening their condition? Continue to know the answers!
What Food To Feed A Dog With An Upset Stomach?
Feeding a sick dog is a challenging task. Vomiting, decreased appetite, dehydration, fever, lethargy, and diarrhea – these all come with an upset stomach. Fortunately, various supplements and medications can help ease up the symptoms.
However, to help a dog deal with this long-term, a pet parent must address the underlying issue; the dog’s diet. While dealing with diarrhea, it would be wise to switch to a bland diet to help with the symptoms.
Here are a few suggestions and ideas on what to feed a dog with an upset stomach:
Chicken and Rice
Rice and chicken are prime ingredients in several dog foods, and most of these sit well on sick dogs with upset stomachs. This kind of meal is easy to prepare. All that is needed are boneless, skinless chicken breasts and white rice Avoid adding butter, oils, or other seasonings as they can irritate a dog’s stomach and make it worse.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a good food option for those with an upset stomach and diarrhea. Peeled, unsalted, cooked, and unseasoned pumpkin contains thiamine, Vitamin A, C, and E, niacin, folate, iron, and magnesium – giving a dog the much-needed nutritional boost to help ease their digestive system.
Canned pumpkin, in particular, serves as an alternative to preparing actual pumpkins, as long as they are not seasoned. Though, avoid giving them pumpkin pie filling as that might send them back to the vet clinic.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is a mild liquid meal that would sit easily in a canine’s upset stomach. It serves as a delicious and nutritious way to add flavor and moisture to dry food and encourage dogs with no appetite to eat.
For those making bone broth for their dogs, throw the bones away. Cooked bones are dangerous for canines as they can splinter their digestive tract.
Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken is also easy on the stomach, so it would sit well for dogs suffering from diarrhea. It usually is a top food choice for dogs who lost their appetite. They need to be plain, boiled, and unseasoned for easy digestion.
Baby Food
Baby food is another easy food to swallow and digest. It is also a great way to administer oral medication to dogs. Baby foods such as lamb, chicken, and turkey are all excellent choices.
Mango
Now, can dogs have mango, especially if they have an upset stomach? Mangoes have dietary fiber that is great for a dog’s digestive system. Not only does it ensure that everything runs smoothly in the digestive tract, but mangoes can also alleviate symptoms of constipation and diarrhea.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is high in fiber and has helpful minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants. It is rich in vitamin B, which aids in maintaining a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which can help the dog’s skin.
Ensure not to feed them too much oatmeal since fiber can lead to an upset stomach. Also, dog owners must cook the oatmeal in water since many dogs have difficulty drinking milk.
What Food Does A Dog With An Upset Stomach Need To Avoid?
While there are foods that dogs are recommended to eat while they suffer from an upset stomach, there are also foods that they should avoid.
- Dairy: When dogs have an upset stomach, they must avoid dairy at all costs. Plain, unsweetened yogurt in small doses and cheese are the only exceptions. It is wise to avoid dairy and stick to a bland diet.
- Coconut: Can dogs eat coconut? With an upset stomach, dogs should avoid it. While non-toxic, if consumed in large amounts, coconut can cause and worsen gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
- Fish: While fish is generally healthy and an excellent source of protein, most fish contain a high amount of fats and are likely to make a dog with digestive issues suffer even more.
- Spinach: Spinach is a rich source of dietary fiber. Now, knowing that, can dogs eat spinach? While generally yes, note that too much fiber can effectively lead to an upset stomach. It would be best to avoid giving them to dogs with diarrhea to prevent their condition from worsening.
- Green Beans: Can dogs have green beans? While they can be healthy, they still pose health risks. Raw green beans contain lecithin proteins that can further cause gastrointestinal issues.
- Highly Acidic Food: Dogs must avoid highly-acidic food, including fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and others may be fine in small amounts, but they are not ideal for dealing with an upset stomach.
- Cashews: Can dogs eat cashews even with an upset stomach? While not generally harmful to dogs in small quantities, cashews cannot be exactly classified as good for them. Cashews are hard to digest, leading to diarrhea and an upset stomach.
Conclusion
Digestive issues and conditions can occur occasionally, so don’t jump instantly to panicking. Consult a vet and choose the best possible medication to ease the symptoms. While at it, ask what to feed a dog with an upset stomach.
If digestive conditions persist or frequently occur, ensure no severe underlying cause exists. If there is none, simply making dietary changes can prevent it from happening as much.
To know more about the upset canine stomach or other related medical conditions, visit Doobert’s website. Here, pet parents can find helpful information about dogs and contribute to their cause to help make the world a better place for furry canine companions!
