Post-Surgery Nutrition

Hey guys! I know I haven’t posted in a while. Unfortunately, my dog, Crunchy, recently had a rare infection in his lungs. About 95% of these cases are idiopathic, but they’re often caused by tiny foxtails or grasses getting lodged in the lungs. While we don’t know the exact cause, it’s presumed that Crunchy had a foxtail that led to a pyothorax, which is when pus builds up in the lungs along with fluid in the chest cavity and heart. Because of this, he had to be hospitalized and undergo a difficult procedure.

After surgery, recovery involves more than just pain management and medication—it also includes nutrition, which plays a vital role in how well your dog heals. Diet can make a world of difference in fighting infection, managing inflammation, and supporting overall recovery.

When it comes to post-surgery nutrition, I like to focus on three key areas: immune health, gut health, and pain management.

1. Immune Health

Since Crunchy’s surgery centered around an infection, boosting immune health was my top priority. While antibiotics are essential, nutrition can provide additional support.

• Zinc-rich foods such as mussels can help strengthen immune function.

• Antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries and blackberries can reduce oxidative stress and promote recovery.

• Fermented foods (I’ll go deeper into these in another post!) can enhance immune resilience through beneficial probiotics.

You can also find great immune supplements at your local pet store or through holistic brands that focus on natural, food-based support.

2. Gut Health

Surgery and anesthesia can disrupt your dog’s digestive system. Some dogs may experience loose stools or constipation during the first few days of recovery, and hospital food or stress can further throw things off balance.

To get their gut back on track:

• Add pumpkin for fiber and stool consistency.

• Include bone broth for hydration and nutrients.

• Use goat milk, kefir, or yogurt for healthy probiotics that restore gut flora.

Getting them back to their regular diet—while adding gentle gut-supportive foods—is usually better than switching to a bland diet unless your vet recommends otherwise.

3. Pain Management

Most dogs come home with pain meds, but natural anti-inflammatories can offer continued support once those run out.

One of my favorite additions is turmeric—a common household spice with natural anti-inflammatory properties. It’s especially helpful for swelling around incision sites and can ease discomfort. Be sure to research proper dosing or ask a professional before adding it, as a little goes a long way.

Turmeric is also great long-term for dogs with arthritis or joint pain, so it’s a nice supplement to keep on hand.

Post-surgery recovery isn’t just about medication—it’s about balance. By focusing on immune health, gut health, and pain management, you’re giving your dog the best chance for a strong, smooth recovery.

If you have any questions or want help crafting a personalized post-surgery meal plan for your dog, fill out the form on my website and I’ll get back to you ASAP!