Bland Recipes for Sick Dogs

When dogs are sick, they often need a bland diet to help soothe their digestive systems and promote recovery. These simple, gentle recipes are designed to be easy on your dog's stomach while providing the necessary nutrients for healing. Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet, especially when they are unwell, to ensure these meals are appropriate for their specific health needs.

Plain Boiled Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

  • 1 part boneless, skinless chicken breast

  • 2 parts white rice

Instructions:

  1. Boil the chicken breast in water until fully cooked, then let it cool and chop into small, digestible pieces.

  2. Cook the white rice in water according to package instructions until it's soft.

  3. Mix the cooked chicken with the rice in a ratio of 1 part chicken to 2 parts rice.

  4. Serve at room temperature, ensuring the portions are suitable for your dog's size.

Pumpkin and Potato Puree

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)

  • 1 large potato

Instructions:

  1. Boil or steam the potato until it's soft, then let it cool.

  2. Mash the potato and mix it with the canned pumpkin until well blended.

  3. Serve this puree at room temperature, providing a soothing meal for your dog.

Ground Turkey and Carrot Stew

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground turkey

  • 2 large carrots

Instructions:

  1. Boil the ground turkey in water until fully cooked, making sure to break it apart into small pieces as it cooks.

  2. Peel and chop the carrots, then boil or steam them until soft.

  3. Combine the cooked turkey and carrots, mashing them together for easier digestion.

  4. Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before serving.

Oatmeal Porridge

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • Water (follow package instructions for the amount)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rolled oats in water according to the package instructions, ensuring the porridge is on the softer side.

  2. Let the oatmeal cool down to room temperature.

  3. Serve a small portion to your dog as a mild, easy-to-digest meal option.

Fish and Sweet Potato

Ingredients:

  • 1 part cooked, deboned white fish (such as cod or tilapia)

  • 2 parts cooked sweet potato

Instructions:

  1. Cook the fish thoroughly, ensuring all bones are removed.

  2. Boil or bake the sweet potato until it's very soft, then let it cool.

  3. Mash the sweet potato and mix with the flaked fish in a 2:1 ratio of sweet potato to fish.

  4. Serve at room temperature, in appropriate portions for your dog's size.

Important Notes:

  • Always ensure the food is cooled to room temperature before feeding it to your dog.

  • Introduce bland foods in small amounts to avoid overwhelming your dog’s digestive system.

  • Monitor your dog's response to the diet and consult with your vet if you notice any adverse reactions or if symptoms persist.

These bland recipes can help ease your dog’s discomfort during times of illness, providing them with the nutrition they need to start feeling better.

Ensuring Proper Hydration for Your Dog

Keeping your dog well-hydrated might seem like a basic task, yet it's often one that's not given enough attention, especially around meal times.

For dogs on a kibble-based diet, dehydration is a common issue. The reason? Dry kibble absorbs moisture during digestion, potentially leading to a state of chronic dehydration. This occurs as the body compensates by diverting water from internal organs to aid in the digestion process, which can result in mild dehydration—even if your dog appears to be drinking water throughout the day.

One of the simplest yet most effective strategies for pet owners feeding kibble is to ensure their dog's food is hydrated. Moistening your dog's kibble not only eases digestion but also helps maintain hydration levels in your dog's body.

To hydrate kibble, consider adding:

  • Filtered Water

  • Coconut Water

  • Bone Broth

  • Goat's Milk

  • Decaffeinated Green Tea (which also helps in cancer prevention)

Pro Tip: Try freezing these liquids in ice cube trays or silicone molds. At mealtime, simply melt a cube or two with hot water before mixing it into the kibble!

Important Reminders:

  • Always provide your dog with continuous access to fresh water.

  • Ensure your dog rests after eating any meal to avoid the risk of bloat, especially following exercise.

By incorporating these hydration tips into your dog's feeding routine, you can help ensure they remain hydrated and healthy.