How Often Should a Sick Dog Be Force Fed?

Unfortunately some dogs get sick enough to where they require force-feeding. This can occur after surgery or when the dog has been sick long enough to need proper nourishment but still lacks an appetite.

  1. When and what to feed a sick dog

    • Feed sick dogs a few teaspoons of food every two to three hours at a time. Talk to a veterinarian regarding the type of food that should be offered. If the dog is unable to chew hard kibble, mix it with water to soften it up or liquefy it. Try feeding the dog first thing in the morning when it is probably most hungry. If the dog does not want to eat, add gravy to the food or even offer canned food, especially if the dog typically eats hard kibble. Be sure to offer water to avoid possible dehydration, which can lead to further complications.

    How to force feed a dog

    • Place liquefied food into a syringe with no needle, or into a bottle, and pour the food into the dog's mouth. Give small amounts of food at a time to avoid overeating. Feeding a dog too fast may cause the dog to shy away from the food, become too full and even vomit. Place a small drop on the tongue so the dog can get a taste of what it is about to eat. If the dog acts like it wants to eat, slowly give the rest of the proper portion to the dog. Sometimes a turkey baster works well when force-feeding sick dogs, but make sure the dog is getting the actual food and not just air that may be caught in the device.

    Where to force feed a dog

    • Make sure the sick dog is in a comfortable position before attempting to force-feed it. He or she may prefer lying on a favorite blanket or on a his bedding. The dog is most likely to eat in a quiet area. Sick dogs or a dog recovering from an illness or procedure, may feel more apt to eat if they are in a calm and relaxing environment. Be sure the feeding process is not rushed or hurried, as the dog may sense the urgency and may become uncooperative.