What to Feed a Dog with an Upset Stomach?

It’s never great when your pet is ill. They can’t tell you what hurts or how they feel. They can’t tell you what they need to feel better. It can be tough.

Just like humans, dogs can experience a range of digestive complaints and gastrointestinal issues from time to time. Let's face it: it's because their inquisitive snout leads them to snack on inappropriate things, but it can also be due to a sudden change in their diet or as a result of an underlying health condition.

Knowing what to give a dog with an upset stomach is essential for their well-being. This guide will explore various dietary options to help alleviate your furry friend's discomfort and promote recovery.

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Content:

1. What Kind of Grass Do Dogs Eat for an Upset Stomach
2. Can I Give My Dog Rice for an Upset Stomach
3. Milk and Yogurt for Dogs with Upset Stomachs
4. Chicken and Broth for Dogs with Upset Stomachs
5. Does Pumpkin Help Dogs with an Upset Stomach
6. Other Foods to Help a Dog with Upset Stomach
7. Final Thoughts

What Kind of Grass Do Dogs Eat for an Upset Stomach

Dogs are instinctively inclined to munch on grass when their stomachs are upset. It can seem counterintuitive to us, but this behavior can be very helpful in some cases. Dogs will nibble on common yard grass, wheatgrass, and even oat grass.

Eating grass may help induce vomiting, which helps your dog expel any irritants from its stomach. But that's not to say you should allow your dog to graze on any old grass. Many lawns are treated with pesticides and chemicals, which can be problematic on their own or could further aggravate your dog's condition.

Keep an eye on your dog’s grass-munching ways. Excessive grass grazing could become problematic and may be a sign to visit the vet.

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Can I Give My Dog Rice for an Upset Stomach

What's the best rice for dogs with upset stomachs? Plain, cooked white rice is often recommended for stomach upset in dogs and humans. It's bland and easily digestible, and it helps soothe the digestive tract while providing energy. The best way to prepare rice to treat your dog’s upset stomach is:

• Boil plain white rice without adding any spices, oil, or salt;
• Let it cool down to room temperature;
• Serve small portions to your dog, mixing it with regular dog food or a small amount of plain, boiled chicken for an added boost of nutrition and flavor.

According to The American Kennel Club research rice is helpful when your dog has an upset stomach, but it should never be relied upon as your dog’s sole source of nutrition for an extended period. Consult your vet for proper guidance on portion sizes and the duration of a rice diet.

Milk and Yogurt for Dogs with Upset Stomachs

Milk and yogurt can be included in a dog's diet to help soothe an upset stomach. There are, however, some essential things to keep in mind.

Can dogs drink milk for an upset stomach?

Not all dogs tolerate milk the same way. Most dogs are okay with small amounts of plain milk, but some dogs are lactose intolerant and simply cannot digest lactose. If you're unsure or this is your first time giving your dog milk, try a small amount first and see how your dog tolerates it. If your dog is not lactose intolerant, a small amount of milk can be very helpful in coating the stomach lining and alleviating discomfort.

Can I give yogurt to my dog’s upset stomach?

Plain, unsweetened yogurt with live, active cultures can benefit dogs with upset stomachs. The probiotics can help restore gut balance and promote healthy digestion. You must choose yogurt without added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

As with milk, try a small amount first and keep an eye out for adverse reactions to lactose, like vomiting or diarrhea.

Chicken and Broth for Dogs with Upset Stomachs

Boiled chicken and chicken broth are another excellent option when feeding a dog with an upset stomach. Chicken is a lean source of protein that is easy to digest and one of the best bland foods for dogs with upset stomachs. Here's how to prepare it for your dog:

• Boil boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs until fully cooked;
• Remove any excess fat and cut the chicken into small, easily digestible pieces;
• You can also prepare a mild chicken broth by boiling the chicken in plain water. Ensure that there are no added seasonings, onions, or garlic, as these are harmful to dogs.

Adding a small amount of boiled chicken to rice can create a well-balanced meal that is bland and easy to digest. This combination is gentle on your dog's stomach while providing protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients to support their recovery.

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Does Pumpkin Help Dogs with an Upset Stomach

Pumpkin is frequently recommended as a home remedy for dogs' stomach upset, particularly in treating diarrhea and constipation. The soluble fiber in pumpkin helps regulate bowel movements by absorbing excess water in the case of diarrhea and adding bulk to the stool in the case of constipation.

To use pumpkin for a dog with an upset stomach:

• Choose plain, canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling) with no added sugars or spices;
• Not sure how much pumpkin to give a dog for an upset stomach? Start with a small amount — around one to two tablespoons for small dogs and up to half a cup for larger dogs;
• Pumpkin can be added to regular food or served on its own.

Pumpkin can be particularly useful when transitioning your dog to a new diet or dealing with temporary gastrointestinal issues. If your dog's symptoms persist or worsen, consult your veterinarian.

Other Foods to Help a Dog with Upset Stomach

While pumpkin rice and chicken are great options for dogs with upset stomachs, there are additional options to consider that can make great home remedies for upset stomachs in dogs.

• Boiled potatoes: plain, boiled potatoes without any seasoning are a great source of carbohydrates and are very easy on the stomach. They can be added to chicken or rice for a balanced meal.

• Honey: Honey can help soothe the stomach after a mild upset due to its antibacterial properties (in particular, Manuka honey). Its acidic qualities also help prevent the growth of many nasty bacteria. Add a teaspoon or so of honey to your dog's drinking water to administer honey for an upset stomach.

• Oatmeal: cooked oatmeal is a gentle source of fiber and nutrients. Don't add any sugar or flavorings, and make sure it's well-cooked so that it's easy to digest.

• Crackers: Crackers are a go-to home remedy for human stomach upsets, but they aren't a great option for your dog. Crackers probably won’t harm your dog in small amounts, but they don't contain any nutrients that can benefit your dog and are often salted, which can be harmful in large quantities. They’re also terrible for your dog’s teeth.

• Toast: Another human remedy that isn’t as helpful for dogs. Can dogs eat toast for an upset stomach? Bread may help a dog with diarrhea, but it also might not. There are many more suitable options on this list that will do a better job of making your dog feel better.

• Sweet potatoes: Similar to regular potatoes, boiled or steamed sweet potatoes can provide essential nutrients while being easy on the stomach.

• Probiotics: Probiotic supplements specially formulated for dogs can help restore healthy gut flora and aid digestion. Consult your vet for guidance on selecting the right probiotic for your dog.

• Fasting: In some cases, the best thing for your dog could be a 12- to 24-hour fast. This allows their digestive system to rest and recover from a stomach upset, which can be followed by introducing small and regular portions of bland food. Always consult your vet before implementing a fasting regimen.

Final Thoughts

When your dog experiences an upset stomach, providing them with the right foods can significantly improve their recovery and overall comfort. It's essential, however, to remember that not every dog is unique and that their dietary needs may vary. If your dog’s symptoms persist or worsen, or if you're unsure what to feed your dog during an upset stomach, consult your vet immediately.

In addition to changes to your dog’s diet, make sure you monitor your dog closely for signs of improvement or worsening symptoms. Ensure that your dog always has access to fresh water to prevent dehydration. These remedies may help alleviate a mild upset but aren't a replacement for professional veterinary care.