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 has ever been under the weather with diarrhoea or vomiting, the most commonly prescribed 'bland diet

bland diet
A bland diet is a diet consisting of foods that are generally soft, low in dietary fiber, cooked rather than raw, and not spicy. It is an eating plan that emphasizes foods that are easy to digest. It is commonly recommended for people recovering from surgery or conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 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.

What is the best food for a poorly dog? ›

Here are ten of the best, most nutritious, failsafe options to feed a dog with an upset stomach:
  • Boiled white meat. Plain white meat, such as chicken or turkey, is the perfect option for a sick dog as it is easy to digest and low in fat. ...
  • White rice. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Pumpkin. ...
  • Homemade Bone Broth. ...
  • Baby Food. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Oatmeal.
Jan 12, 2023

What to feed a sick dog that won't eat? ›

Warm up baby food, especially meat flavors like turkey or beef. Buy small jars so that it won't get moldy before you use it up. Dogs also might like fruit flavors like apple or peach. Smear a small amount of the food across your pet's mouth or offer the food in your hand for the pet to try.

How to cure a sick dog at home naturally? ›

Soothing Food Ingredients to Give Your Dog

If you notice your dog having gut-related issues, the best would be to restrict and change his diet for the time being. Ingredients like rice, yogurt, cooked chicken, bone broth, and pumpkin puree are beneficial for balancing out the gut bacteria and improving digestion.

What can I give my dog if he won't eat dog food? ›

How to make a dog's food more enticing
  • Adding a small amount of lukewarm water to their kibble and let it soak for a few minutes to soften.
  • Give their usual canned dog food a gentle warm (to body temperature) in the microwave. ...
  • Try mixing some cooled boiled chicken in with their food to encourage them to eat.

What food is easy for dogs to digest when sick? ›

Chicken and rice: These two ingredients are very easy for dogs to digest, and are the prime ingredients in many commercial dog foods. This mixture will give your dog the protein and carbs needed for recovery. Sweet Potato: Full of healthy fiber and vitamins that dogs need, most pets consider sweet potatoes a treat.

What can I give my sick dog to feel better? ›

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 helps 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 is the strongest natural antibiotic for dogs? ›

Manuka honey is considered one of the strongest natural antibiotics for dogs. It is used to treat wounds and lesions. Manuka honey also helps reduce inflammation. Some experts believe turmeric is among the best natural antibiotics for pets and people.

What is an anti sickness remedy for dogs? ›

There have been many natural remedies suggested for dogs that experience motion sickness.
  1. Ginger. There is anecdotal evidence that ginger helps treat nausea and vomiting in dogs. ...
  2. Adaptil. ...
  3. Calming Supplements. ...
  4. Lavender. ...
  5. CBD Supplements. ...
  6. Cerenia. ...
  7. Meclizine. ...
  8. Benadryl and Dramamine.
Jan 27, 2021

What to feed an old dog that won't eat? ›

“When a dog won't eat,” Metzger says, “make sure your veterinarian rules out any underlying health problems, such as dental disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer.” He also says that when dogs lose interest in dry food, adding warm water, chicken broth, or a small amount of canned food can make it more appealing.

What is a good substitute for chicken and rice for 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 alternative can we use instead of the rice? Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash or Pumpkin.

What can I feed my dog instead of dog food? ›

Here are some plain, unseasoned, additive-free foods that are safe to feed your dog in moderation:
  • Cooked potato (e.g. unseasoned, unflavoured mashed potato).
  • Cooked, peeled sweet potato.
  • Cooked, boneless, unsalted, lean meat (chicken, beef, or turkey).
  • Additive-free cooked, tinned, or pureed pumpkin.

What can I feed my dog if I'm poor? ›

Refrigerated Foods
  • Cooked eggs.
  • Cottage cheese.
  • Lean meats like chicken, turkey, or beef.
  • Mild, aged cheeses like parmesan or cheddar.
  • Plain, low-fat Greek yogurt.

What foods are healing for dogs? ›

Cooked vegetables offer a spectrum of vitamins and minerals crucial for your dog's recovery. Steam or boil carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans to enhance digestibility. The vibrant colors of these veggies indicate the presence of antioxidants, which support the body's natural healing processes.

What can I give my dog instead of chicken and rice? ›

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 alternative can we use instead of the rice? Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash or Pumpkin.

How do you recover a sick dog? ›

THE EXPERTS' ADVICE: HELPING YOUR DOG RECOVER FROM ILLNESS
  1. Follow your Vet's Advice. ...
  2. Provide a Comfortable Environment. ...
  3. Encourage Rest and Limit Activity. ...
  4. Monitor Food and Water Intake. ...
  5. Provide Proper Nutrition: ...
  6. Causes and symptoms of dog sickness. ...
  7. Meet The Experts.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 5533

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.