Seeing your dog hunched over, looking miserable, is every pet parent’s nightmare. An upset stomach is a common issue for our canine companions, but thankfully, there are foods you can offer to help them feel better. Many dog owners search for “food to settle dogs stomach” when their furry friend isn’t feeling well. What your dog eats can have a significant impact on their digestion. Certain foods are gentle and easy to digest, providing relief and helping their system recover. This article will guide you through the best foods to offer your dog when they have an upset stomach, along with tips on how to feed them and when to seek veterinary advice. Understanding what food to settle dogs stomach works best is crucial for their comfort and recovery.
Understanding Why Your Dog’s Stomach Is Upset
Several factors can contribute to a dog’s upset stomach. It’s important to try and understand the potential cause, although sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint. Getting your dog feeling better often involves finding the right food to settle dogs stomach.
Common Causes of Upset Stomachs in Dogs
One of the most frequent reasons is dietary indiscretion. This simply means your dog ate something they shouldn’t have. Garbage, table scraps, or even something they found on a walk can trigger digestive upset. Food sensitivities or allergies can also be the culprit. A sudden change in diet, even to a higher-quality food, can disrupt their digestive system. Infections, whether bacterial, viral, or parasitic, can also cause gastrointestinal distress. Stress or anxiety, similar to humans, can manifest as an upset stomach in dogs. Certain medications can have side effects that include vomiting or diarrhea. Finally, although less common, swallowing foreign objects can cause irritation and blockages leading to an upset stomach.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Knowing the signs of an upset stomach in dogs is just as crucial as understanding the potential causes. Vomiting is a common symptom. You might also see diarrhea, which can range from mild to severe. A loss of appetite or decreased interest in food is another indicator. Lethargy, or a lack of energy, is a general sign that something isn’t right. Increased gas or flatulence can also point to digestive issues. You might notice gurgling sounds coming from their stomach, indicating increased activity. Lip licking or frequent swallowing can be a sign of nausea. Some dogs become restless or show obvious signs of discomfort. Observing your dog carefully will help you know when to implement a bland diet or when to call the vet.
Best Foods to Feed a Dog with an Upset Stomach
When your dog is experiencing stomach upset, choosing the right food to settle dogs stomach is critical. A bland diet is often the first line of defense.
Bland Diet Basics
A bland diet is characterized by foods that are easy to digest, low in fat, and low in fiber. The purpose of this dietary approach is to give the digestive system a rest and reduce irritation. It allows the gut to recover without being overloaded with complex nutrients or irritating substances. Thinking about food to settle dogs stomach is really about thinking about easily digestible ingredients.
Specific Food Recommendations
Here are some specific foods that are often recommended for dogs with upset stomachs, along with explanations of why they are beneficial:
Boiled White Rice: White rice is easy to digest, making it a suitable choice for a dog with digestive issues. It provides carbohydrates for energy, which can be helpful if your dog isn’t eating much. It’s also low in fiber, which can help to reduce diarrhea. Be sure it is plain and cooked thoroughly.
Plain Boiled Chicken Breast (Skinless, Boneless): Chicken breast is a lean protein source that is easy to digest. It provides essential amino acids without adding excess fat, which can further irritate an upset stomach. Make sure it’s boiled to remove any added oils or seasonings.
Cooked Sweet Potato (Plain, Unseasoned): Cooked sweet potato, when offered plain and unseasoned, is another good choice. It’s gentler on the stomach than some other vegetables and provides some vitamins and minerals. It needs to be cooked to be digestible.
Canned Pumpkin (Percent Pure Pumpkin, Not Pie Filling): Canned pumpkin, specifically percent pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling, which contains spices and sugars), is high in fiber. Surprisingly, this can help with both diarrhea and constipation, depending on the situation. In small amounts, the fiber can help solidify loose stools. It also provides prebiotics, which support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Pumpkin is a great choice to help with food to settle dogs stomach issues.
Bone Broth (Low Sodium, Plain): Bone broth is incredibly hydrating and easy to digest. It’s also rich in electrolytes, which can be lost through vomiting or diarrhea. Choose a low-sodium version and ensure it’s plain, without added seasonings that could irritate the stomach.
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (Plain): In moderation, low-fat cottage cheese can provide an easily digestible source of protein. It’s important to choose a plain variety, without added flavors or seasonings.
Yogurt (Plain, Unsweetened, with Active Cultures): Plain, unsweetened yogurt with active cultures contains probiotics, which can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut. However, be extremely careful to ensure the yogurt does not contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.
Foods to Avoid
Just as important as knowing what to feed your dog is knowing what not to feed them when they have an upset stomach. Avoid fatty foods, such as bacon, sausage, and fried foods, as these can exacerbate the problem. Dairy products (except for the options listed above in moderation) can also be difficult to digest for some dogs. Stay away from spicy foods and table scraps, which often contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Processed foods are also best avoided, as they can be high in fat, sugar, and artificial additives. Finally, never give your dog foods known to be toxic to them, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic.
How to Feed Your Dog with an Upset Stomach
The way you feed your dog is just as important as the food you choose.
Fasting (When Appropriate)
In some cases, a short period of fasting ( hours) might be recommended by your veterinarian. This allows the digestive system to rest completely. During this time, it’s crucial to ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water. Never withhold water unless specifically instructed to do so by your vet.
Small, Frequent Meals
When you start reintroducing food, do so gradually. Offer small portions of the bland diet every – hours. This helps prevent overwhelming the digestive system.
Hydration is Key
Dehydration is a serious concern when a dog is vomiting or has diarrhea. Ensure fresh, clean water is always available. You can also consider adding unflavored Pedialyte (consult with your veterinarian about the appropriate dosage) or low-sodium bone broth to the water to encourage drinking.
Gradual Reintroduction of Regular Food
Once the symptoms have subsided (usually after – hours on a bland diet), slowly mix the bland food with your dog’s regular food over a few days. Start with a small amount of their regular food and gradually increase the proportion over time. Monitor your dog closely for any return of symptoms.
When to See a Veterinarian
While a bland diet can often help to settle a minor upset stomach, it’s crucial to know when to seek professional veterinary care. Sometimes, implementing a food to settle dogs stomach won’t fix the underlying issue.
Warning Signs
Be aware of the following warning signs, which indicate that a vet visit is necessary: blood in the vomit or stool, severe lethargy or weakness, dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums), persistent vomiting or diarrhea (longer than hours), abdominal pain or distention, refusal to drink water, suspected ingestion of a toxic substance or foreign object. Also, if your dog is a puppy, a senior dog, or has any underlying health conditions, it’s best to err on the side of caution and consult with your vet sooner rather than later.
Emphasis on Professional Advice
It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog’s health. They can properly diagnose the underlying cause of the upset stomach and recommend the best course of treatment. A veterinarian can perform diagnostic tests to rule out serious conditions and provide appropriate medications if needed.
Prevention
Preventing upset stomachs is always better than treating them.
Tips for Preventing Upset Stomachs
Feed a high-quality, balanced diet that is appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and activity level. Avoid sudden changes in diet; if you need to switch foods, do so gradually over a period of several days. Prevent access to garbage, table scraps, and other potentially harmful substances. Supervise your dog during walks and playtime to prevent them from eating things they shouldn’t. Manage stress and anxiety in your dog, as these can contribute to digestive problems. Keep up with regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right food to settle dogs stomach is a crucial part of helping your furry friend feel better when they’re experiencing digestive upset. A bland diet of easily digestible foods can often provide relief and allow their system to recover. However, it’s important to remember that a bland diet is usually a temporary solution. Understanding the potential causes of upset stomachs and knowing when to seek veterinary care are equally important. By understanding the right foods to offer and knowing when to seek professional help, you can help your furry friend get back on their paws and feeling their best again. Always reach out to your vet for specific advice tailored to your dog’s individual needs.
