Species Appropriate Diet: Dealing with illness / Sickness recovery
- RFFDMSUK
- Feb 13, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 18
A Gentle, Nutrition‑Focused Guide to Helping Your Dog Recover From Illness
Most dogs will experience occasional sickness or diarrhoea during their lives. While it can be worrying, many mild episodes resolve with rest, hydration, and simple feeding adjustments. Understanding common triggers and knowing when to involve your vet helps you support your dog confidently and safely.
Common Reasons Dogs Experience Sickness or Diarrhoea
Owners often notice digestive upset linked to everyday factors such as:
General bugs picked up on walks or in social settings
Exposure to cleaning products or household chemicals
Non‑natural treats or unsuitable foods
Bile vomiting when the stomach is empty for long periods
Regurgitation from eating too quickly
Recent vaccinations or treatments, which may cause temporary digestive changes
Stress or anxiety, which can influence gut motility
Food sensitivities, which are uncommon but possible
For more detail on vomiting patterns, our Vomit Types and All Things Poop blogs offer helpful, non‑diagnostic guidance.
When to Contact Your Vet
Most mild episodes settle quickly, but veterinary advice is important if:
Vomiting or diarrhoea occurs three or more times in 24 hours
Your dog has an existing health condition or takes medication
You notice lethargy, discomfort, or unusual behaviour
There is visible blood in vomit or diarrhoea
Many insurance providers now include video vet services, which can be helpful for quick triage.
Supporting Recovery at Home
For years, chicken and rice were widely recommended, but many owners now choose gentler, more digestible options. The following approaches are commonly used to support comfort during recovery, always alongside veterinary guidance where needed.
Up to 5 Days: Gentle, Simple Feeding
Owners often start with:
Boneless, lightly cooked proteins such as chicken, turkey, or white fish
Cooled cooking liquid added to meals for hydration
Small, frequent meals (5–6 per day) to encourage appetite
Gut Support Many Owners Use
If your dog is on antibiotics, some owners use Four Leaf Rover Soil Based Pro-Biome, which is widely discussed for supporting gut balance.
Bone Broth
Homemade or pre‑made broths such as Alexander’s Natural or Karnlea are popular for hydration and gentle nourishment.
Up to 10 Days: Building Back Slowly
If your vet recommends continuing cooked food for a little longer, owners often add:
Lightly cooked fruits and vegetables
Raw meaty bones (never cooked) or ground bone options such as:
Offal in small amounts (5% liver + 5% other secreting organ)
Eggs (soft‑boiled or lightly scrambled)
Raw oily fish or algae oil
Additional gut‑supporting options some owners explore include Aniforte Moor Mud
Over 10 Days: If Recovery Takes Longer
If your dog needs more time, many owners temporarily use gently cooked, complete meals such as Nutriment or Different Dog before transitioning back to raw.
Returning to a Normal Diet
Once symptoms have fully resolved:
Transition gradually back to your usual raw diet
Start with gentle proteins such as turkey or chicken
Some owners support detoxification with:
Foods Often Avoided During Recovery
Owners commonly avoid:
Rice, due to its high glycaemic index
Sweet potato, which contains natural sugars
Pumpkin flesh, which some dogs find difficult to tolerate or that it triggers itching
Human gravy, which is high in salt and unsuitable ingredients
Helpful Extras Many Owners Use
Wormcount kits to rule out parasites
Eggs for gentle nourishment
Prebiotics and probiotics (including dog‑safe kefir) such as Alexanders Natural Kefir
Vitamin water made with dog‑safe fruits and herbs
Final Thoughts
Understanding common triggers helps you respond calmly
Veterinary guidance is essential for persistent or severe symptoms
Gentle feeding, hydration, and gut support can make recovery smoother
A gradual return to normal feeding helps maintain long‑term digestive wellbeing
