No matter how healthy your pooch might be, every dog is bound to suffer from diarrhea at some point or another. Therefore, it’s best to know what the right foods for dogs with stomach issues are so that you don’t inadvertently end up making matters worse.
Of course, we don’t need to tell you how messy it can get. Plus, excessive diarrhea can put your furry friend at risk of dehydration and other health complications if not treated promptly.
Here are the best foods to feed your dog whenever they experience tummy troubles.
White rice is among the top foods that vets recommend for dogs suffering from diarrhea. In fact, white rice is considered the ideal food choice for treating stomach issues not only in dogs but humans as well.
Rice is rich in soluble fiber which is the main nutrient required for maintaining a healthy bowel movement. It is easily digestible and helps stabilize stool formation by absorbing water passing as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract.
For the maximum effectiveness, feed at least a cup of plain boiled white rice to your dog until their condition improves. Boil it in about 4 cups of clean, drinkable water and do not add salt, sugar, and the likes.
If you think plain rice is too bland for your pooch’s taste buds and they might not eat it, you can mix in a bit of plain boiled chicken (shredded) or unseasoned ground beef too.
Remember not to serve the boiled rice warm. Bring it at room temperature first instead.
Whether it’s made from chicken or red meat bones, bone broth makes for a nutritious soup that sits well in canines’ upset stomachs. If your pooch drinks it directly from their bowl, good for them. If not, there’s no need to worry, you can always add it to their regular meal.
Bone broth can be an amazing way to add moisture and flavor to dry pet food. Also, it helps stimulate appetite in dogs that automatically start avoiding meals when suffering from diarrhea.
Remember to cool down the broth to room temperature before serving.
The American Kennel Club touts pumpkin as one of the best foods for dogs with stomach issues. Why?
Well, because it is packed with fiber, potassium, iron, and vitamins like vitamin A, E, and C. these are not only required for maintaining their energy level but are the basic nutrients in the first aid kit for canine diarrhea.
Just like rice, the soluble fiber content in pumpkin regulates stool formation by adding bulk. Plus, it also serves as a prebiotic booster. Prebiotics are substances that inhibit the growth of harmful gut bacteria by changing the pH levels in the stomach. Therefore, feeding your pooch pumpkin when they have diarrhea will reduce their risk of developing a stomach infection.
Ideally, you should use fresh pumpkin. Boil and mash it properly before adding 1 – 4 tablespoons in their meal (preferably rice) or feed it directly if you like.
You can use canned pumpkin as long as it is unsalted. Drain the syrup and wash it thoroughly before serving it in pureed form.
Chicken is a safe and healthy food option for dogs with diarrhea. However, most vets suggest that it’s best to steer clear of this item if your dog is vomiting as well. If they haven’t thrown up in the last six to eight hours, then you can feed them boiled chicken without any worries.
Plain boiled chicken provides them with essential nutrients like proteins and carbohydrates without being too heavy on their stomach. The key is to go for skinless chicken and avoid adding any seasonings. Moreover, use boneless chicken or shred the meat off the bone yourself if that’s not available. Since diarrhea can make dogs lethargic, they tend to swallow the food without chewing it properly. Therefore, small bones can easily lodge in their throat and put them at risk of choking.
Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are both helpful in relieving stomach problems in dogs. They are a good source of various minerals and vitamins including vitamin A, B5, B6, C, potassium, and manganese, to name a few. Together, these nutrients keep their organs in optimal working conditions whereas the high fiber content acts as a binder for digested food, thereby, preventing loose motions.
The best way to serve these vegetables to your sick dog is to wash them thoroughly and then boil them until soft and gooey. That takes about 20 to 30 minutes on high heat. Cut it into small cubes and then make a puree using a masher or the back of a spoon.
Note that potatoes and sweet potatoes should only be given to your dog occasionally. This is because they are rich in starch and natural sugar which can actually cause more trouble if taken in excessive amounts. Also, the high carbohydrate content can lead to the fat formation and thereby, weight gain.
Use these veggies more like an ‘appetizer’ for your sick dog.
Oatmeal has many health benefits and should be a part of a canine diet if they are aren’t facing any stomach issues. it is also a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs that are sensitive to grains.
Oatmeal also helps maintain a healthy blood glucose level which often tends to fluctuate when dogs have diarrhea. To feed it to your dog, cook thoroughly without adding any sugar and cool down before serving.
Remember these foods for dogs with stomach issues are safe and effective home remedies. But if your dog is having severe diarrhea or if it’s accompanied by vomiting, you must not delay taking them to a vet.
FLUENTWOOF has a really great and comprehensive article on what dogs can eat, titled ‘Can My Dog Eat This ? What Not To Feed Your Dog’. I encourage you to read and reference that for great foods for dogs: www.fluentwoof.com/foods-dogs-cant-eat
by Bobby J Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
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