Upset stomachs are never pleasant, especially when our furry friends are the ones experiencing them. Not only is it hard to watch your pup feel sick, but vet visits can be costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, for mild cases of upset stomach, you may be able to provide relief at home. We’ve rounded up seven dog-safe foods that are gentle on the stomach. Read the list below to find out what causes an upset stomach and what foods you should feed your pup.
Causes of an Upset Stomach
If your pup is weak or lethargic, vomiting, losing weight, or eating less food than normal, they may be experiencing an upset stomach. An upset stomach in dogs can be caused by a variety of things, which can make it difficult to pinpoint a specific cause. The most common causes of an upset stomach in dogs include:
- Illness, disease, or infection
- Stress
- Sudden diet changes
- Eating too much or too quickly
- Depression
- Motion sickness
- Aging
- Eating certain human foods
- Recovering from surgery
- Serious health issues such as cancer, kidney or liver disease, worms, or pancreatitis
No matter what you think the cause of your pooch’s upset stomach is, be wary about making sudden changes to their diet. Gradually ease into new foods and easing routines so that Fido’s stomach has time to adjust. Before making any major changes to your furry friend’s diet, always discuss them with your veterinarian. If you think your dog has eaten something poisonous, take them to an emergency vet immediately. The sooner you treat the issues, the better.
Pumpkin
Plain pumpkin puree is an excellent food for a dog dealing with an upset stomach. The high fiber and vitamin content in pumpkin are beneficial for an upset digestive system. You can add up to four tablespoons of pumpkin puree to your dog’s regular meal, depending on their size, to assist with their recovery.
Rice
Both white and brown rice are easy for dogs to digest and can provide relief for digestive issues. While brown rice is more nutritious, white rice has a milder taste and may be more appealing to a dog with a decreased appetite. Additionally, rice can help dogs with gastrointestinal issues and diarrhea.
Shredded Chicken
Plain chicken is another easily digestible option you can feed your puppy. Shredded chicken breast is one of the best options for a dog with an upset stomach because it is nutritious and affordable. Chicken provides lean protein and nutrients that will help sick or weak dogs, while still being mild enough to soothe their stomachs. When preparing meat for your furry friend, remember to remove all skin and bones from the meat. Experts also recommend shredding the chicken to prevent choking and make the meat easier to digest.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is easily digestible, full of nutrients, and has a tasty flavor that dogs love. It contains sodium and potassium, which can help rehydrate your pup, making it especially helpful for dogs who are vomiting or not eating and drinking much. It’s also very affordable, with a box or can usually costing only a few dollars. You can even make your own bone broth at home by cooking beef marrow, chicken, or turkey bones with water and saving the liquid. Plus, there are many types of bone broth available for different animals, so you can try out different varieties to see which your dog prefers.
Sweet Potatoes
Cooked sweet potatoes are gentle on dogs’ stomachs and provide essential nutrients to help them recover. Not only are they rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium, but they’re also gentle on your pup’s stomach. However, make sure that the sweet potatoes you give to your dog are cooked and free of any seasonings. Raw sweet potatoes are difficult for even a healthy canine stomach to digest, so boil and mash the potatoes before feeding them to Fido.
Baby Food
Baby food is designed to be easy for babies to digest, so it only makes sense that it’s gentle on canine stomachs too. Many types of baby food mainly contain pureed fruits and vegetables, so these options are full of beneficial nutrients. There are plenty of other dog-friendly flavors that your furry friend would love, such as chicken or turkey-flavored baby food. Before giving baby food to your furry friend, check the ingredients list to ensure it doesn’t contain any ingredients that are unsafe for Fido, such as garlic or onion powder. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for their opinion.
Plain Yogurt
Yogurt provides your pup with the nutrients they need when they are suffering from an upset stomach. Plain yogurt is packed with probiotics, calcium, and protein, so it strengthens your pup and boosts their digestion. Ensure the yogurt you feed your furry friend is free of sweeteners and artificial flavor, since added ingredients can worsen Fido’s stomach issues.
These seven foods should help your furry friend when they’re suffering from an upset stomach. If Fido still isn’t showing interest in eating, do not force food on them. If there is no improvement in their condition, consult your veterinarian to discuss what your next steps should be. Keep this list in mind the next time Fido isn’t feeling well.