Just like we humans, dogs too lose their appetite when they are sick. Most often a sick dog will refuse to eatthe regular dog food. In fact, in most cases refusing to eat is the first sign of sickness that the pet parents notices.
It is very heart wrenching for a pet parent to watch their sick dog refusing to eat and turn away from their bowl of dog food. However, you must remember that one missed meal is nothing to worry about. Don’t stress about it too much.
However, if your dog refuses to eat the whole day, even after you have tried offering their favourite treat, then it is time to visit the vet.
If your dog is vomiting, has diarrhoea, bloating, fever, recovering from a surgery or illness, then your vet will recommend feeding your dog some homecooked light and soft dog food diet, that is easy to digest. A fresh wet dog food diet is best at this time as it also gives the body the much-needed hydration along with the nutrition that the body needs to recover.
Here are some simple home cooked fresh dog food that you can easily make at home and will help your sick dog feel better. These simple and healthy dog food meals will also give them the energy to recover faster from the ailment.
1. Boiled Chicken & White Rice
All you need is boneless chicken and some white rice. Boil it together, cut the chicken into small pieces and serve it together. Leave it a bit moist to increase the palatability of the meal.
Chicken Rice is easy on the stomach, is filling and also gives the right amount of energy to the body to help in the recovery process.
2. Boiled Pumpkin
Peel, cut and boil some pumpkin. Cool it to room temperature and serve to your dog. You can also add some boiled carrot to the meal.
Pumpkin is high in fibre and helps to regulate your dog’s digestive system. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals. The taste and texture of boiled pumpkin is also loved by most dogs.
3. Boiled Egg
Eggs are a great source of protein and contains essential amino acids. Boiled egg is also easy to digest and can settle your dog’s upset stomach. Most dogs love egg.
Even when they refuse to eat their regular dog food, they seldom say no to a boiled egg.
4. Bone Broth
Bone Broth is a nutritious, richly flavoured, easily digestible liquid dog food that is perfect for dogs with upset stomach. It is also great for dogs who are recovering from surgery or from any chronic diseases. Bone Broth also increases the moisture and palatability of most dog foods and encourage dogs with even reduced appetite to eat their regular dog food.
However, making Bone Broth at home takes time. The cooking time to get a good broth from the bones is about 10-12 hrs. It is always a good idea to keep some bone broth handy in the freezer and keep adding to the regular dog food that your dog eats.
Making a perfect Bone Broth for dogs can be tricky as the cooking temperature has to be just right throughout the process to get all the collagens for the bones released in the water. FurrMeals Chicken Bone Broth is the easiest and safest way to serve the perfect Chicken Bone Broth to your furry.
Easy to store and easy to serve, FurrMeals Chicken Bone Broth is an excellent addition to every dog’s diet. You can add it to your dog’s regular dog food as topper or give it as a meal in itself or freeze it into small cubes and serve as a snack.
5. Boiled Potato
Potatoes contain a starch which helps dogs with diarrhoea.Boil, cool, peel, mash or cube the potatoes and give to your dog.
You should never give your dog raw potatoes. Potatoes contain a compound called Solanine which is toxic for dogs. Boiling reduces the levels of Solanine and makes it safe for dogs to have boiled potatoes.
As potatoes are high in starch, which breaks down to carbohydrate, so feeding too many potatoes can lead to weight gain and obesity. So, moderation is the key.
6. Yogurt and White Rice
Yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein. It is also a probiotic that will help your dog’s digestive system. Most dogs love the taste of yogurt and are willing to have it even when sick.
Adding rice to yogurt will make it a filling meal and also give their body the much needed energy for the recovery process.
If your dog has lactose intolerance or has difficulty digesting yogurt, then make sure to dilute it with water.
7. Banana
Feeding your dog some Banana is a great way to get their digestive track back in order. 2-5 slices of banana, depending on the size of your dog can be fed 2 times a day to help soothe the stomach.
The above list is of simple homecooked dog food are only intended for dogs who have only mild symptoms and are refusing to eat. Dogs who have pre-existing conditions like cancer, diabetes, pancreatitis, heart condition, allergies and other such ailments need additional nutrition and special diets to stay healthy.
Occasionally, even mild symptoms could be a sign of an underlying serious condition in dogs. Always check with your vet before taking the treatment and the dog food choice in your own hands.
