Best Food for Sick Dog: Top Recommendations for a Speedy Recovery

When our furry friends fall sick, it can be a challenging time for both the pet and their owner. One of the essential things to consider is their diet. Feeding your sick dog the right food can make a significant difference in their recovery process. In this article, we will be discussing the best food for a sick dog.

Dogs can fall ill due to various reasons, such as infections, allergies, or digestive issues. When your dog is sick, they may lose their appetite or have difficulty digesting their regular food. In such cases, it is crucial to provide them with food that is easy to digest and provides the necessary nutrients to support their recovery.

When selecting the best food for your sick dog, it is essential to consider their specific health condition. For instance, if your dog is recovering from surgery or has a digestive issue, you may need to choose food that is easy to digest and gentle on their stomach. On the other hand, if your dog has an infection, you may need to choose food that boosts their immune system.

The critical factor to consider when selecting the best food for your sick dog is the ingredients. The food should contain high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals to support their recovery. Additionally, it should not contain any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors that may worsen their condition.

In the next section, we will be discussing the different types of food that are suitable for sick dogs. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the best food to feed your sick dog, depending on their health condition.

Best Food for Sick Dogs

As pet owners, we understand how stressful it can be when our furry friends fall ill. One of the most important things to consider when nursing a sick dog back to health is their diet. It’s crucial to provide them with food that is easy to digest and packed with nutrients to aid in their recovery. After researching and testing various options, we’ve compiled a list of the best food for sick dogs. These products are not only high-quality and nutritious but also gentle on your pet’s stomach.

Under the Weather Easy to Digest Bland Diet for Sick Dogs

If you’re looking for an easy-to-prepare and healthy meal solution for your sick dog, then the Under the Weather Easy to Digest Bland Diet is a great option.

Pros

• The freeze-dried formula is easy to prepare by just adding water, making it a convenient solution for when your dog is feeling under the weather.
• The bland diet contains white rice and 100% human grade white meat chicken, raised cage-free with no antibiotics or hormones, making it a healthy and nutritious option for your dog.
• The formula is enhanced with a powerful electrolyte blend to boost hydration and energy, which is especially important for a sick dog.

Cons

• The 6-ounce pack of Under the Weather Easy to Digest Bland Diet for Sick Dogs may not be enough for larger dogs, making it an expensive option for owners of bigger dogs.
• While the bland diet is vet-formulated and vet-recommended, it may not be suitable for all dogs, especially those with specific dietary requirements or allergies.
• The bland diet may not be as palatable as other dog foods, which may make it harder to get your dog to eat it.

The Under the Weather Easy to Digest Bland Diet for Sick Dogs is a great option for pet owners looking for a healthy and convenient solution for their sick dogs. The freeze-dried formula is easy to prepare and contains only high-quality ingredients, including white rice and 100% human grade white meat chicken. The electrolyte blend in the formula also helps to boost hydration and energy, which is especially important for a sick dog. However, the 6-ounce pack may not be enough for larger dogs, and some dogs may not find the bland diet as palatable as other dog foods. Overall, if you’re looking for a healthy and convenient option for your sick dog, the Under the Weather Easy to Digest Bland Diet is definitely worth considering.

Whole Life Pet Recover. Bland Diet for Dogs – Vomiting, Stomach Distress or Diarrhea Relief. Ready in Minutes – Just Add Water Chicken -amp; Rice

If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution to help your sick dog recover, Whole Life Pet Recover may be the answer.

Pros

• Made with only two ingredients – chicken breast and white rice, making it easy on your dog’s stomach
• Ready in just 5 minutes with no cooking required, perfect for when your dog needs to eat right away
• Human grade ingredients and made in a FDA registered facility to ensure quality and safety

Cons

• Only available in a 1 pound pack, may not be cost effective for larger dogs or extended use
• May not be suitable for dogs with chicken or rice allergies
• Some reviewers reported finding bugs in the food, so be sure to thoroughly check the product before feeding it to your dog

We recently tried Whole Life Pet Recover on our sick dog and were impressed with how easy it was to prepare and how quickly our dog was able to eat it. The chicken breast and white rice combination is gentle on the stomach and the fact that it’s ready in just 5 minutes was a lifesaver for us.

While we appreciate the human grade ingredients and the fact that it’s made in a FDA registered facility, we do wish that it came in larger pack sizes or had a more affordable price point for extended use. Additionally, we did find a few bugs in the food, so be sure to thoroughly check the product before feeding it to your dog.

Overall, we recommend Whole Life Pet Recover for its ease of use and gentle ingredients, but advise caution when checking for bugs and considering the cost for larger dogs or extended use.

Under the Weather Easy to Digest Bland Diet for Sick Dogs

We highly recommend purchasing the Under the Weather Easy to Digest Bland Diet for Sick Dogs because it is a vet-formulated and vet-recommended freeze-dried bland diet that can soothe your pup’s tummy during times of digestive upset.

Pros

• The bland diet is freeze-dried and contains white rice and 100% human-grade white meat chicken, raised cage-free with no antibiotics or hormones.
• It is enhanced with a powerful electrolyte blend to boost hydration and energy.
• The product is manufactured in the USA using only the highest quality human-grade ingredients, free of by-products, gluten, artificial flavors, and dyes.

Cons

• The product is not recommended for long-term use and should only be used as a temporary diet until your dog’s digestive system returns to normal.
• The bland diet is only available in one flavor, which may not be suitable for all dogs.
• The product is relatively expensive compared to other dog food options.

This product is incredibly convenient as it only requires the addition of water and rehydrates in minutes. With a 3-year shelf life, you can always be prepared with a quick and healthy meal solution for when your dog is feeling under the weather. It is perfect for dogs experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive upset, including travel, surgery, medications, and changes in daily routine. The bland diet can also be used as a topper to help ease your dog’s transition back to their regular diet.

In conclusion, the Under the Weather Easy to Digest Bland Diet for Sick Dogs is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their sick dog with a high-quality, vet-recommended, and convenient meal option that can help soothe their digestive system.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Small Bites, Chicken -amp; Barley Recipe, 35 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a premium dog food that’s packed with natural ingredients and specially formulated for small-breed dogs, Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Packed with omega-6s and vitamin E for a healthy skin and coat
• Provides high-quality protein to help your dog maintain lean muscle
• Promotes healthy digestion with natural fibers

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• A bit pricey compared to other dog foods
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

As dog owners, we want to give our furry friends the best possible nutrition to help them thrive. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is a great option for small-breed dogs who need a balanced diet that’s packed with high-quality ingredients.

One of the standout features of this dog food is the inclusion of omega-6s and vitamin E, which can help promote a healthy skin and coat. This is especially important for small-breed dogs, as they are more prone to skin issues than larger breeds.

In addition to promoting a healthy coat, this dog food also provides high-quality protein to help your dog maintain lean muscle. This is important for dogs of all sizes, but especially for small-breed dogs who need to be able to move quickly and easily.

Finally, Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is formulated with natural fibers to promote healthy digestion. This can be especially important for small-breed dogs, as they are more prone to digestive issues than larger breeds.

While this dog food is a bit pricey compared to other options on the market, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the benefits they provide make it worth the investment. However, it’s important to note that some dogs may not like the taste of this food, so it may not be the best choice for picky eaters. Additionally, if your dog has certain dietary restrictions, you’ll want to check the ingredients carefully to make sure it’s a good fit for them.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for small-breed dogs who need a high-quality, balanced diet that’s packed with natural ingredients.

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality, limited ingredient dog food that’s both nutritious and delicious, ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• ZIWI Peak uses a centuries-old air-drying method that naturally preserves food without artificial fillers, while retaining nutrients and maximizing flavor.
• The recipes are made up of 96% fresh meat, organs, and bones, as well as powerhouse superfoods including green mussels, organic kelp, and green tripe. No peas, legumes, or potatoes are included.
• ZIWI Peak is 100% ethically and sustainably sourced from New Zealand’s free-range farms and pristine blue waters with no added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.

Cons

• ZIWI Peak is a bit pricey compared to other dog foods on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the air-dried food.
• The lamb flavor may not be suitable for dogs with lamb allergies.

We recently tried ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for our sick dog and were impressed with the quality and nutritional value of the food. The air-drying process naturally preserves all ingredients and maximizes flavor, which our dog loved. We also appreciated that the recipes are made up of 96% fresh meat, organs, and bones, as well as superfoods like green mussels, organic kelp, and green tripe.

While ZIWI Peak is a bit pricey compared to other dog foods on the market, we found that it was worth the investment for the high-quality ingredients and nutritional benefits. However, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the air-dried food, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and monitor your dog’s reaction. Additionally, the lamb flavor may not be suitable for dogs with lamb allergies.

Overall, we highly recommend ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for pet owners looking for a nutritious and delicious limited ingredient dog food.

I and Love and You Baked and Saucy Dry Dog Food with Gravy Coating, Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is packed with protein and is easy to digest, then the I and Love and You Baked and Saucy Dry Dog Food with Gravy Coating, Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• The meat is the #1 ingredient, ensuring your dog is getting quality protein.
• The food is packed with 28% protein, helping to build your dog’s muscle and boost their energy.
• The food is grain-free, filler-free, and non-GMO, ensuring your dog is getting only the best ingredients.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the gravy coating on the kibble.
• The food is relatively expensive compared to other dog foods.
• The food is only available in one flavor (beef and sweet potato).

We recently tried this food with our dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The meat is the #1 ingredient, ensuring that our dog is getting quality protein. The food is also packed with 28% protein, which helps to build our dog’s muscle and boost their energy. We noticed a significant increase in our dog’s energy levels after switching to this food.

One of the unique features of this food is the gravy coating on the kibble. While some dogs may not like the gravy coating, our dog seemed to love it. It made the kibble more palatable and helped to keep our dog interested in his food.

The food is also grain-free, filler-free, and non-GMO, which is important to us. We want to ensure that our dog is getting only the best ingredients, and this food delivers on that promise.

Overall, we would highly recommend the I and Love and You Baked and Saucy Dry Dog Food with Gravy Coating, Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe to anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that is packed with protein and is easy to digest. While it may be relatively expensive compared to other dog foods, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the price.

Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food, 10 lb. Bag Chicken 1.25 Gallon (Pack of 1)

If you are looking for a high-quality dog food for your sick pup, Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• The #1 ingredient is cage-free chicken, which provides high-quality protein for your dog’s muscle maintenance and repair.
• Grain-free and made without artificial colors or preservatives, this dog food is easy to digest and gentle on your dog’s stomach.
• The freeze-dried raw bites provide natural nutrients and enzymes that help your dog’s digestive system and overall health.

Cons

• This dog food is on the expensive side, but it is worth the investment for the high-quality ingredients and health benefits.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the freeze-dried raw bites, but you can mix the kibble with wet food or add a little warm water to make it more appealing.
• The bag is only 10 pounds, so you may need to purchase multiple bags if you have a larger dog or multiple dogs.

We have been using Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food for our sick dog for several months now, and we have seen a noticeable improvement in his overall health and energy levels. The high-quality ingredients and natural nutrients have helped him recover from his illness and maintain a healthy weight.

The kibble is easy to digest and doesn’t upset his stomach, which is important when dealing with a sick dog. The freeze-dried raw bites provide a nice texture and flavor that he enjoys, and we have noticed an improvement in his coat and skin health.

Overall, we highly recommend Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food for any dog owner looking for a high-quality, natural dog food that can help support their sick dog’s health and recovery.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Chicken and Chicken -amp; Duck Recipes in Bone Broth Variety Pack

If you are looking for a natural and simple wet dog food topper, the Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Made with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck.
• Can be mixed in with your dog’s favorite Nutro Dry Dog Food for added flavor and ultimate tail wags.
• Crafted with real, recognizable ingredients and without grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors*, colors* or preservatives*.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog food toppers.
• Some customers reported clumping together of the food.
• The product is specifically designed for small dogs.

This wet dog meal complement is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs as it is made without grains and containing no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors*, colors* or preservatives*. The real chicken and duck in the recipe provide high-quality protein as the first ingredient, so you can feel great about keeping it simple with only a handful of ingredients and lots of flavor.

We mixed it in with our dog’s Nutro Dry Dog Food and she loved it! The packaging is convenient and easy to open, and the product is sealed tightly. Although it is a bit pricey, we feel that it is worth it for the quality of ingredients that our dog is consuming.

Overall, if you are looking for a natural and simple wet dog food topper, we highly recommend the Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food.

Under the Weather Pet | Ready Cal for Dogs 100cc | High Calorie Supplement | Weight Gainer and High Calorie Booster | 10 Vitamins, 7 Minerals -amp; Omega Fatty Acids

If you are struggling to help your sick dog gain weight, we highly recommend the Under the Weather Pet Ready Cal supplement.

Pros

• The gel supplement is packed with healthy substances to help your dog gain weight if they aren’t eating properly.
• Ready Cal is generally recommended to help keep your dog well during times where it might not be eating or if it is underweight.
• The tube is measured to ensure that you’re able to give your dog the proper dosage it requires.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the supplement is mostly sugar.
• The tube may be too small for larger breeds.
• The supplement may not work for all dogs.

We used this supplement when our dog was recovering from an illness and was having trouble eating. The measured tubing made it easy to give him the correct dosage, and the supplement was packed with vitamins and minerals essential for his recovery. We noticed a significant improvement in his weight and overall health after using this supplement for a few weeks.

However, we did notice that the supplement is mostly sugar, which may not be ideal for all dogs. Additionally, the tube may be too small for larger breeds, and the supplement may not work for all dogs. Overall, we highly recommend the Under the Weather Pet Ready Cal supplement for anyone looking to help their sick dog gain weight and improve their overall health.

Virbac Rebound Recuperation Formula for Dogs

If you want to help your furry friend recover from sickness or surgery, we recommend trying the Virbac Rebound Recuperation Formula.

Pros

• This formula delivers essential nutrients, antioxidants, omegas, and prebiotics to support your dog’s recuperation.
• It promotes hydration, nutrition, and immune support to help your dog bounce back.
• You can feed it to your dog with or without food, making it easy to administer.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the formula.
• It may not work for all types of illnesses or surgeries.
• The liquid form may be messy to administer.

We recently used this formula to help our dog recover from surgery, and we were impressed with the results. The formula helped promote our dog’s eating and drinking habits, which are crucial for a speedy recovery. We also noticed an improvement in our dog’s overall health and energy levels.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may not like the taste of the formula, so you may need to mix it with their food or find other ways to administer it. Additionally, the liquid form can be messy to handle, so be prepared for that.

Overall, we highly recommend the Virbac Rebound Recuperation Formula for Dogs to anyone looking to help their furry friend recover from illness or surgery. It’s a great way to deliver essential nutrients and promote hydration, nutrition, and immune support.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best food for your sick dog, there are certain features that you should consider to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product that will help your pet recover. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

Ingredients

The ingredients in your dog’s food can play a big role in their recovery. Look for products that contain high-quality, easily digestible proteins, such as chicken, turkey, or fish. Avoid foods that contain fillers or artificial preservatives, which can be hard for your dog to digest and may even make their condition worse.

Nutritional Content

Sick dogs need a balanced diet that provides them with the nutrients they need to recover. Look for foods that are high in protein, as well as vitamins and minerals that support immune function and overall health. You may also want to consider foods that are specially formulated for dogs with specific health conditions.

Texture

When a dog is sick, they may have trouble eating or digesting certain types of food. Look for products that have a soft or moist texture, which can be easier for your dog to eat and digest. You may also want to consider adding water or broth to your dog’s food to make it more palatable.

Flavor

Sick dogs may have a decreased appetite, so it’s important to choose a food that is appealing to them. Look for products that have a strong aroma or flavor, such as chicken or beef. You may also want to try different flavors or brands to find the one that your dog likes best.

Price

While you want to provide your dog with the best possible nutrition, it’s important to consider your budget. Look for products that are reasonably priced and provide good value for the money. Keep in mind that some specialty foods may be more expensive than regular dog food, but may be worth the investment if they help your dog recover more quickly.

By considering these factors when choosing the best food for your sick dog, you can help ensure that they get the nutrition they need to recover quickly and fully.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we stimulate our dog’s appetite when they are ill?

When a dog is feeling unwell, they may lose their appetite. To help stimulate their appetite, we can try offering them small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals. Adding warm water or low-sodium chicken broth to their food can also help make it more appealing. Additionally, we can try offering them a variety of foods with different textures and flavors to see what they prefer.

Which home remedies are effective for a dog with an upset stomach?

While there are many home remedies that people swear by, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian before trying any home remedies on a sick dog. Some commonly recommended home remedies for an upset stomach include feeding a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice, offering small amounts of plain yogurt or pumpkin, and giving a probiotic supplement.

What dietary options are recommended for a dog experiencing diarrhea?

When a dog is experiencing diarrhea, it’s important to offer them a bland diet that is easy to digest. This can include boiled chicken and rice, boiled ground beef and rice, or a prescription gastrointestinal diet from a veterinarian. It’s also important to make sure the dog stays hydrated by offering plenty of fresh, clean water.

What are safe foods to offer a dog who is vomiting?

When a dog is vomiting, it’s best to withhold food for 12-24 hours to allow their stomach to settle. After this period, we can offer small amounts of a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice or boiled ground beef and rice. It’s important to offer small, frequent meals and to make sure the dog stays hydrated by offering small amounts of water at a time.

What should be included in a recovery diet for a dog after illness?

After a dog has recovered from an illness, it’s important to gradually reintroduce their regular diet. We can start by offering small amounts of their regular food mixed with a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice. It’s important to monitor the dog’s appetite and digestion during this time and to make sure they stay hydrated.

How can you care for a dog at home when they are feeling unwell?

When caring for a sick dog at home, it’s important to provide a quiet, comfortable place for them to rest. We should also make sure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times. If the dog is not eating, we can try offering small amounts of a bland diet and monitor their appetite. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian.