When your dog has an upset stomach it can be challenging to know what foods will soothe their discomfort and return their appetite. A bland diet is generally advised until their appetite returns.
Simple starches like white rice are easily digested by canines and an excellent way to soothe their stomach when experiencing discomfort. Pumpkin also provides natural relief that is chock-full of fiber and vitamins!
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Bone Broth
Many food fads come and go quickly (recall cronuts or activated charcoal everything?) but bone broth has truly caught on as a trend. By slowly simmering bones with other ingredients for hours, bone broth becomes an nutrient rich liquid that can be used to cook grains, vegetables or freeze-dried food as well as enjoy as an everyday soothing treat.
Animal bones and cartilage contain collagen that, when cooked into gelatin, provides dogs with protein, amino acids and healthy fatty acids – as well as glycosaminoglycans which stimulate cartilage growth – providing excellent nourishment for those suffering with joint issues.
Bone broth can also serve as an appetite stimulant when dogs are recovering from illness or transitioning to new diets, and may provide essential electrolytes and promote hydration.
Chicken and Rice
Likewise, if your dog seems disinterested in eating or exhibits signs of stomach distress such as vomiting or loose stools, they could have an allergy or intolerance to something they eat. A veterinarian can perform tests to pinpoint their allergen and suggest diet plans which won’t further irritate their digestive tract.
While waiting, you can feed your pup some easy-to-digest foods like boiled chicken and rice; this simple meal may help restore appetite while providing essential nutrition.
Avoid foods high in fat and spicy flavors as these may aggravate stomach lining issues in dogs. In addition, make sure that they remain well hydrated by providing ample amounts of water or ice cubes to them.
Pumpkin
Pureed pumpkin is one of the best home remedies for soothing an upset dog stomach, providing essential fiber that can regulate bowel movements while soothing their digestive system. Furthermore, pumpkin provides beta-carotene (which the body converts into vitamin A), vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients essential to good health.
Prepare a dish of plain canned pumpkin (without added spices or sugars ) to give to your sick pup, small dogs can take half a teaspoon daily while larger canines should receive one tablespoon.
Boiled turkey or lean beef without seasonings may also help your pet digest easily, providing protein which is an essential nutrient. Beware of dairy and spicy foods which could worsen an upset stomach as well as table scraps; avoid them whenever possible!
Oatmeal
Most dogs experience digestive upset from time to time, often brought on by eating something they shouldn’t, an allergy or intolerance, or something they ingested that wasn’t meant for them. Most often though, it’s just mild digestive discomfort which will pass without incident.
One way to help soothe your dog’s upset tummy is with a bland diet, such as oatmeal. This involves feeding them food that’s easy for their stomachs to process such as bananas or rice cakes.
Begin with simple starchy foods like rice or millet and add protein such as boiled turkey or cooked egg to fuel their body and soothe their stomach. Add in plain yogurt containing probiotics for healthy gut flora restoration and digestion support.
Probiotics
Humans and dogs share bodies filled with microorganisms such as healthy bacteria, yeasts and other organisms that contribute to normal bodily processes. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that restore normal flora to an upset digestive tract – either taken as supplements or from foods like yogurt with live cultures or fermented vegetables like kefir, sauerkraut and tempeh.
Consult a veterinarian at your local pet hospital regarding whether probiotics would be beneficial to your dog. They provide healthy gut bacteria that aid digestion while producing short-chain fatty acids and vitamins. Look for supplements with high quality, live bacteria that has passed nationally accredited testing, then add some to their food daily – however do not give too close to antibiotics doses as this can reduce their effectiveness.
