Instructions
Feed the dog several small meals over the course of the day. When a dog is undernourished and has not eaten, its stomach becomes extremely sensitive to expansion. Thus, the dog will feel full after eating just a small amount of food. It is instinctive to try to feed the dog a full meal, but this will only make the dog sick.
Include a vitamin and mineral supplement to help build up the dog's depleted supply. Amino acids, such as glutamine and arginine, as well as omega-3 and -6 have been shown to be beneficial to a recovering dog.
Offer water constantly. Having a supply of fresh water readily available is important to ensure that the dog does not become dehydrated. Hydration is extremely important to an undernourished dog.
Track how much food the dog is eating. Weighing the dog twice a day will give you a better idea of whether or not the dog is gaining weight and recovering. Determine how much food a dog of this size would normally eat in a day and offer that total amount over the course of the day, rather than in one or two large meals as a dog would normally eat.
Consult a veterinarian, especially if you are having trouble getting the dog to eat at all. A veterinarian can teach you to force feed the dog, if necessary, and can offer medical advice on the dog's condition. A veterinarian should also be consulted if the dog is vomiting a great deal or has blood in its stools.
How to Feed an Undernourished Dog
A responsible pet owner feeds his dog every day so the pet remains healthy and happy. However, sometimes, an irresponsible pet owner allows his dog to become undernourished and sickly. This dog may appear on a stranger's doorstep or at an animal shelter. Nursing an undernourished dog back to health is not as easy as giving the dog food and watching it eat. Care must be taken to gradually get the dog eating normally again.