When a dog shows up on a doorstep, ribs visible under the skin and that desperate look in its eyes, it is more than tempting to empty the refrigerator's contents into a bowl and place it before the starving visitor. Although this sounds like the right thing to do, it is not a healthy option.
-
Start Small
-
Feed a malnourished dog small amounts every four to six hours rather than free-feeding large meals.
Keep it Bland
-
A starving dog will have a sensitive stomach. Feed only bland food.
Types
-
Feed a malnourished dog a dry food designed for puppies. Puppy chow is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.
Expert Insight
-
According to the Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, dogs should be fed foods that are specifically labeled as "nutritionally complete." Federal law requires foods with this label specification to live up to these claims with a well-balanced formula.
Warning
-
Overfeeding a previously starved dog can lead to a life-threatening illness known as refeeding syndrome, according to PetCenter.com. Refeeding syndrome can cause muscle weakness, heart damage, seizures and respiratory failure.
-