Liquid Diets for a Dog

Dogs, like people, occasionally need to go on a liquid diet. Whether your veterinarian prescribed a liquid diet, or you want to try it on your own, there are a variety of ways to create a liquid diet for your dog. Meal portions will depend on the size of your dog and any possible health issues your dog may have, so always speak with your vet before changing your dog's diet.

  1. Constipation

    • If your dog is constipated, combine a few scoops of canned pumpkin and a few ounces of chicken broth. The mixture will soften your dog's stool and allow him an easier bowel movement. Depending on the size of your dog, add a couple of tablespoons of pumpkin, to half a can, mixed with enough chicken broth to liquefy the pumpkin. Canned pumpkin already has a very soft and mushy texture, so you won't need a lot of chicken broth. Most dogs experience this remedy as a tasty treat and eat it with relish. You can also add your dog's normal food, wet or dry, to this mixture and liquefy it in a blender.

    Liquefying Normal Food

    • If your dog just had a dental cleaning, or is having trouble chewing her meals, consider mixing her normal food with chicken broth and water and liquefying it in a blender. If you use dry kibble, you may need to allow the water and chicken broth to saturate the kibble for a few minutes before blending. You'll need to use enough chicken broth and water to cover the dry food and continue to add additional water while blending until you have the right consistency. Keeping your dog on her normal diet will reduce the chances of vomiting and diarrhea.

    Tasty Liquid Treat

    • Your dog may enjoy boiled chicken, vegetables, pumpkin, white rice, water and chicken broth, blended as a tasty treat or a normal liquid meal. Vegetables such as green beans and carrots are healthy foods for dogs. Boiled chicken is a good source of protein and adding white rice and pumpkin will help prevent an upset stomach. Add enough water and chicken broth while blending to liquefy the meal.

    Commercial Liquid Diets

    • If your dog just had surgery, your vet may recommend a liquid diet for her until she's feeling better, or until she's able to process solid foods safely. The vet may provide you with a canned product such as CliniCare, REBOUND or DogSure, which are all liquid diets in a can. Your vet may recommend one of these products to ensure your dog is getting the right nutrients during her recovery. Occasionally, the vet may place your dog on an all-liquid diet if she's lost her teeth, or to help reduce her weight.