Giardia is a nasty parasite that can infect both humans and animals. In dogs, it is usually referred to as canine giardiasis, and it can cause a variety of gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. If your dog has been diagnosed with giardia, it is important to pay attention to what you are feeding them in order to help them fight off the infection and stay healthy.
What is Giardia?
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines of animals and humans. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water, or through contact with an infected animal. Giardia can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms in infected animals, including diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. In addition to these physical symptoms, giardia can also cause psychological symptoms such as depression or anxiety. If left untreated, giardia can cause long-term health problems.
What to Feed a Dog with Giardia
When it comes to feeding a dog with giardia, it is important to remember that the goal is to reduce the amount of stress on their digestive system and help them fight off the infection. It is best to feed them a diet that is high in protein, low in fat, and easy to digest. This means avoiding foods that are high in fat and sugar, as well as processed foods. It is also important to make sure that they are getting enough essential vitamins and minerals, as these can help them fight off the infection.
High-Protein Foods
Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish are all good sources of protein for dogs with giardia. These can be cooked or fed raw, but make sure to remove all bones before feeding them to your dog. You can also feed your dog eggs, as long as they are cooked thoroughly. If you prefer to feed your dog dry food, look for a formula that is made from high-quality ingredients and is low in fat and sugar.
Low-Fat Foods
It is important to avoid feeding your dog foods that are high in fat, as this can make it harder for them to digest and can also contribute to weight gain. Examples of low-fat foods that can be fed to dogs with giardia include cooked lean meats, boiled eggs, plain yogurt, and cooked vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and spinach. Avoid feeding your dog fatty cuts of meat or processed meats such as hot dogs and sausages.
Easy to Digest Foods
It is also important to feed your dog foods that are easy to digest, as this can help reduce the amount of stress on their digestive system. Examples of easy to digest foods include cooked white rice, cooked sweet potatoes, cooked oatmeal, cooked quinoa, and cooked barley. You can also feed your dog cooked vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and spinach. Avoid feeding your dog raw vegetables, as they can be difficult to digest.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to feeding your dog a diet that is high in protein and low in fat, it is also important to make sure that they are getting enough essential vitamins and minerals. You can do this by feeding your dog foods that are fortified with vitamins and minerals, or by giving them a daily multivitamin supplement. Examples of essential vitamins and minerals that your dog needs include vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and iron.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food for a dog with giardia?
The best food for a dog with giardia is a diet that is high in protein, low in fat, and easy to digest. Examples of good foods to feed a dog with giardia include lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish; cooked white rice; cooked sweet potatoes; cooked oatmeal; cooked quinoa; cooked barley; and cooked vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and spinach.
Can I feed my dog raw meat if they have giardia?
It is not recommended to feed your dog raw meat if they have giardia, as this can be difficult for them to digest and can also increase their risk of developing an infection. It is best to cook all meats before feeding them to your dog.
What vitamins and minerals should I give my dog with giardia?
It is important to make sure that your dog is getting enough essential vitamins and minerals, as these can help them fight off the infection. Examples of essential vitamins and minerals that your dog needs include vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and iron. You can provide these vitamins and minerals by feeding your dog foods that are fortified with them, or by giving them a daily multivitamin supplement.
What should I avoid feeding my dog with giardia?
When feeding a dog with giardia, it is important to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar, as well as processed foods. You should also avoid feeding your dog raw vegetables or fatty cuts of meat, such as hot dogs and sausages.
How long does it take for giardia to go away in dogs?
The length of time that it takes for giardia to go away in dogs varies, depending on the severity of the infection. In most cases, however, the infection can be cleared up within a few weeks with appropriate treatment. It is important to follow the instructions of your veterinarian in order to ensure that your dog's infection clears up as quickly as possible.