Enough of you have asked, and I thank you for your concern. This topic came up again in a phone call with a shorthair trainer and friend from Wisconsin so I promised to share it.
My friend Mike related his own dog-stomach ailment story and we began comparing notes. Most of us know the majority of bellyaches are probably self-inflicted, when Fido eats something he shouldn’t. They are, after all, scavengers, so it’s not unexpected around here for the pups to find (and try to eat) elk spines, small rodents, deer legs, and recently, a bear arm, claws intact.
Getting their G.I. tract back from the inevitable result takes time. And until you can get a definitive opinion from your veterinarian, Mike and I have both had seasoned bird-dog men advise pretty much the same diet. Here’s my version:
– Ground turkey, steamed with a bit of water until done
– Cream of Rice
– Canned pumpkin
– Store cold, and mix with warm water when serving
As I understand it, turkey would be very easy to digest, delivering protein and a bit of fat. The Cream of Rice (besides bringing back childhood memories) is pure carbohydrate. And the pumpkin (straight, no sugar, pie filling or other type) is pure fiber. Offered in small quantities it’s provided necessary sustenance to all of our dogs in times of dire abdominal circumstance. Not a “complete and balanced diet,” you only want to use it short-term.
I hope very short.
Scott Linden Outdoors 