Being a pet owner has many upsides, as you have a cute companion always giving you good company. But it’s also a big responsibility, particularly when it comes to the animal’s help. While you will want your dog to be happy and healthy all the time, it may fall sick more often than you expect. The vet will have recommendations on medicines and food, and you can learn to tailor its diet to comfort it and help it recover. Here are some simple food tips that you can follow when your dog is sick.
Learn when to give it a break
Giving the doggie a break from food is a good idea if it is vomiting or feeling sick. It will give rest to the animal’s digestive system and help it heal. Look for signs like a roiling stomach because it clearly indicates that the dog needs to be off food for at least 12 hours. After the break, start giving it a bland diet of boiled vegetables or chicken with rice. The animal will probably recover after the break, but you must seek veterinary care if the problem persists.
Go bland
Bland food is often the best remedy if your pet has an upset stomach. Boiled rice is a good choice because it is a digestible carbohydrate that works well for diarrhea. Apart from being nutritious, it also restores the water balance with the dog’s GI tract. Even as you prioritize a bland diet, make sure that the pet isn’t missing out on its requisite nutrients.
Pick low-fat options
A dog suffering from stomach issues should get a low-fat diet because it is easy on the system and digestible as well. Try kangaroo dog food because it is high in protein and low in fat, making it ideal for boosting energy without upsetting the canine stomach. It also works for pets with food allergies and intolerance. Pumpkin and sweet potatoes also make healthy food choices for sick dogs.
Make it appealing
While an upset stomach is a reason to worry, you will also be concerned if the pet loses appetite. Making the food as appealing as possible is a good idea if the dog hasn’t eaten for a while. Topping a regular meal with broth can pique the animal’s interest and boost its appetite. You can add new colors, textures or bite sizes to make the food attractive for the animal.
Don’t forget hydration
The right food choices are vital for a sick dog, but you cannot pay less attention to hydration. Ensure that it has sufficient water to keep it hydrated and energetic even when it has an upset stomach. But don’t let it gulp water because it can cause nausea and vomiting. Giving it ice cubes and chips instead of water will help.
Food can be the best medicine for a sick dog, provided that you make the right choices. Pick options that supply ample nutrition but are easy on its stomach. Your furry friend will recover sooner than you expect, and it will soon be its happy self again!
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