Foods You Should Feed Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs

Whenever your dog has a watery poo, it’s something you should be worried about as a pet parent. In most cases, there’s a reason behind your fur baby’s sensitive stomach, like eating something that they aren’t supposed to eat. Sometimes the case is more chronic and troublesome as dog diarrhea, or ulcer.

Whatever the cause may be, the challenge for many pet parents is how and what to feed a dog with a sensitive tummy. Like the flu, sensitive stomach in dogs is common and can sometimes be remedied by some vet-approved meds.

Yet, if abdominal discomfort or indigestion is in place, taking note of your dog’s reactions and behavior would be helpful. Chronic or prolonged stomach problems may point to something severe. If your pup is getting weaker and vomiting, contact your veterinarian right away to address the condition.

Otherwise, when the condition isn’t that worse, you shouldn’t worry about what food to give your dog with a sensitive stomach. Try the recommendations below.

Fasting

Before trying to feed anything to your dog experiencing a sensitive stomach, why not let them fast first. Frequently, the best solution is to give them nothing at all. Abstain your dog from eating. Withhold food—not water, for 12 hours to one whole day depending on how severe the condition is.

Digestion requires energy, which could also exhaust an already damaged organ. Letting the gastrointestinal tract to relax allows it to absorb the nutrients that would then be supplied. To stay hydrated, make sure that your dog has a steady supply of clean water.

On the other hand, if you can’t take the fact that your dog isn’t eating anything, consider the list below.

1) Millet

White rice may be the veterinarian’s most recommended food to feed a pet dog with indigestion or other stomach discomforts. White rice warms up, and although brown rice is nice, many dogs have trouble digesting it. Thus, it’s advised to feed millet instead. Millet is a rice-like food which also contains a high protein content and is rich in B vitamins and manganese. Such components make it an ideal food for your pet’s sensitive stomach.

2) Boiled Chicken Meat

Cook any boneless chicken meat and cut it in tiny chunks afterward. The easiest way to serve your pup this meal is by spooning three parts of boiled millet (or rice if millet is unavailable) and mixing it with a part of chicken chunks. However, if your dog is vomiting, don’t serve this meal. The boiled chicken and millet mix is advised by many vets only if your pet doesn’t vomit for the past six hours.

3) Bananas

Bananas are what your pup needs when they have diarrhea or any other stomach problems. It’s a hydrating and a cooling type of food. Having your pets eat some mashed bananas will help restore their energy and hydrate their digestive system.

Bananas are known to contain pectin, a soluble fiber that binds colon water and soothes the Gastrointestinal tract. The fruit is also high in potassium, an essential electrolyte that may get drained during diarrhea or nausea outbursts.
The suggested remedy is to give about one tablespoon per 10 pounds of mashed banana.

4) Applesauce

Apples like bananas are another nice alternative for feeding a dog with a sensitive tummy. Apples are an ideal source of pectin, an enzyme responsible for soothing loose bowel movements and relaxing intestines. Go for applesauce, as that is much easier to absorb than raw apples, and be quite certain to use applesauce that is plain and unflavored. Start giving around one tablespoon for every 10 pounds of weight, just like with bananas

5) Boiled and Mashed Carrots

If apples and bananas aren’t your things, you can turn to carrots. As a healthier option, carrots are rich in vitamin A, C and K, potassium, and fiber. They are crisp, tasteless, and nutrient-packed. Cooked carrots are ideal food for pets with digestive problems. It would be best to serve it mashed and unsweetened to your dog.

6) Watermelon

When you want something juicy for your pet, yet not so sure if it would be good for their sensitive stomach. The safest options are watermelons. It’s low in cholesterol, calories, and fats but rich in vitamins and potassium. The fruit also supplies lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant that counteracts free radicals and boosts immunity. The increased water and fiber content in watermelon also works a dual-duty to help alleviate your dog from diarrhea and prevents dehydration. The best way to serve watermelon to your dogs is by cutting it into smaller pieces for easier digestion. Make sure to rind as it might be dangerous for your dogs. The seeds should also be removed as it may cause blockage on the intestines and worsen the stomach issue.

However, some dogs might have some intolerance with watermelons. Refrain from feeding your dogs with watermelon, given any unusual symptoms.

7) Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a valuable source of carbohydrate content. More than that, oatmeal helps in slowing down stomach clearing and helps control diarrhea. In giving your dog a bowlful of oatmeal, make sure that it’s properly and well cooked. Raw or half-cooked oatmeal can be dangerous, particularly if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Take note not to add flavorings or sugar and serve at room temperature.

8) Peppermint

Taking herbs into the picture, you can rely on peppermints for your dog’s choosy stomach. Peppermint is a cooling herb that is the best aid to your dog’s diarrhea or any stomach disorders. It helps reduce cramps and relieve pain in intestinal tract muscles, allowing trapped gas to slip out.

Moreover, the herb also has properties that are antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. Be careful not to give your dog peppermint products that are for humans. Such products may contain toxic components such as xylitol. Also, if your pet has GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), down ever give them peppermint. It can worsen their GERD condition.

Switch to A Dog Food Formulated for Dogs with Sensitive Stomach

It’s understandable that you look at your fur baby as a member of the family. You want what’s best for them. Asking your vet for some specially formulated diet that provides solutions for a sensitive stomach would help you reach that end.
A dog food designed for a sensitive stomach provides plenty of fibers like psyllium or beet pulp, which helps control loose stools. These particular dog foods would be good since most low-fat diets can be hard to digest for dogs with stomach conditions.

Incorporate Probiotics for Healthy Intestines

Probiotic-rich dog foods are specially made for dogs suffering from stomach-related illnesses. The nutrition information shown on a dog food package indicates the dietary intake and all the necessary components incorporated in the formulation. These facts ensure that diet was formulated under professional supervision and evaluated to ensure foods are safe, nutritious, and of the best quality. Check those labels to guarantee that your dog food contains high – quality carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, fat, and good vitamins.

Conclusion

When your dog has an upset stomach, diarrhea, or they simply have a sensitive stomach, it can be scary. While most instances of loose stools are normal, many of the recurrent diarrhea-related diseases and disorders can be treated with an adequate diet and medication.

You can save your dog from worst stomach discomforts and ensure their health safety by seeing to it that they eat nutritious and healthy foods. Give them some of the foods mentioned above, take them to vets to receive regular vaccines, maintain their healthy body, and keep them in a safe and comfortable environment.