How to Feed Baby Food to a Sick Dog

A sick and weak dog may pick at its food or refuse to eat altogether. Hand feeding or force-feeding the dog may be the only way to get nutrition into him. Homemade baby food is a good option because it's packed with nutrition the dog needs and it has a consistency that a sick dog can swallow.

Things You'll Need

  • Blender or hand mixer
  • Lean hamburger
  • Cooked rice
  • Canned pumpkin with no spices
  • Towel or newspaper
  • Baby food that does not contain onion powder
  • Syringe or liquid dropper
  • Damp rag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Boil hamburger and blend the boiled hamburger with cooked rice and canned pumpkin using a kitchen mixer or blender. This bland combination is suitable to feed your dog; it is not harsh on the stomach and provides the nutrients your dog needs.

    • 2

      Put a towel or newspaper on the floor in the area you use to feed the dog. Hand feeding a sick dog can be messy, and this allows for minimal cleanup.

    • 3

      Get on the floor, level with the dog. If the dog is able to sit, this is the best position for it to be in while you feed.

    • 4

      Draw up the baby food in a syringe or liquid dropper and place it in the side of the dog's mouth. Do not try and place it directly in the front of the mouth as this may shoot the food right down the back of the dog's throat, causing the dog to choke on or aspirate the food.

    • 5

      Place your hand under the dog's jaw, keeping his head upward. If he has trouble swallowing, gently stroke his throat encouraging him to swallow.

    • 6

      Wipe the dog's mouth with a damp cloth to keep her face clean. Often a dog will shake its head if there are drips of food around the mouth, and this head shaking could cause a big mess.