Your pet is also relying on you to take good care of their best interests, and in this case, the diet will determine the most important factor in maintaining your dog’s well-being. What a pet dog eats allows them to remain happy, active, and free of conditions that shouldn’t happen to them. But sometimes, the dog food that you’re already using won’t be enough for your pet. Knowing the signs that your pet is due for a change to a different canine food will save them from discomfort and keeps them in health.
Here are the key signs to watch for:
Table of Contents
1. Digestive Issues
A dog is a creature of habit, and your digestive system would only obey the commands you give it if you feed it right. But if diarrhea, vomiting, or excess gas persist in your dogs, that might mean they are not getting along with the food you’re giving them. As stomach upsets do happen sometimes, continuous ones may just be due to intolerance to some ingredients or a need for another form of dog food.
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What to do:
Visit your veterinarian for other causes to be ruled out. In case food sensitivity is suspected, a different formula with limited ingredients or specifically for sensitive stomachs might be recommended.
2. Change in Coat and Skin Condition
The coat and skin of your dog can be the most sensitive and informative sign regarding its health status. A loss of gloss and shine or excessive drying and flaking of a dog’s coat can indicate nutritional deficiency, probably with regard to the levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in his diet. He will often exhibit continuous itching or redness on the skin and sometimes develop hot spots as well.
What to do
Look for canine food that has high healthy fats and is wheat, soy, and artificial additive-free. Quality foods contain sources of omega fatty acids such as fish oil or flaxseed.
3. Lethargy or Low Energy Levels
Energy levels among dogs vary with age and breed. However, abrupt changes in activities or excessive laziness should always raise alarm. It may result from your dog not receiving the required number of calories or possibly the fact that the current diet is not rich in nutrients for him.
Dogs need a lot of meat because the high protein content provides energy. Carbohydrates will give your pup a short-term boost, but energy from protein goes further and supports long-term dog energy levels. The first ingredient in your dog’s food should always be real meat.
What to do
Compare the calorie content and nutritional profile of the food to what your dog should have. Active breeds require a higher protein diet while older dogs are on formula diets for seniors.
4. Unexplained Weight Changes
Maintaining the right body weight is essential for any dog. You are quick to realize any form of gain or loss in your dog’s weight even when given the same portions. Such a condition has to do with their diet. The filling in the food could cause your dog to gain weight, or your dog might not be getting enough nutrients since they lose weight.
What to do:
Switch to a food more appropriate for their lifestyle, life stage, or body condition. Obese dogs may benefit from a weight management formula, while underweight dogs require higher calorie content.
5. Chronic Ear Infections
Ear infections sometimes are a manifestation of food allergies by the presence of recurring infections combined with other manifestations of allergy, such as scratching or nail licking. Common culprits include grains, chicken, and dairy products.
Action:
Talk to your veterinarian about possibly adopting a hypoallergenic or grain-free diet to alleviate frequent infections.
6. Halitosis and Periodontal Disease
Although that doggy breath is not always a concern, persistent stinky breath might signal some serious underlying conditions or issues that have arisen as a result of diet.
Cheap dog food high in fillers and artificial additives contributes to a diseased oral cavity and smelly breath.
Many pet owners have found success using soft dog food diets for their pets with tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Soft dog food is easier to chew and digest than hard kibble, making it easier on your dog’s mouth and digestive system.
Do
High-quality food with whole ingredients, and dry kibble that is useful in keeping dental problems at bay or chew mints and brush his teeth regularly.
7. Increased Gas
Nobody enjoys a smelly dog! While some breeds are more prone to gassing, if your dog suddenly begins to emit more gas than usual, chances are that something in his food is causing him digestive upset. Common offenders include low-grade proteins, fillers, and artificial preservatives.
What to feed
Feed your canine food with wholesome, digestible ingredients such as lamb, chicken, or rice-based formulas.
8. Allergies
Some can be very subtle as well. Perhaps your dog suffers from skin issues, or conversely, she is experiencing the problem internally – digestive issues, for instance. Your dog’s constant scratching; rashes and discomfort can arise from the type of diet the dog consumes; common culprits include beef, dairy, wheat, and soy.
Inappetence-switch to a pup food specifically designed for dogs with food allergies. Limited ingredient diets or novel protein sources like duck or venison might help.
9. Inappetence
Dogs are notorious selective eaters, but it’s always worth an investigation if your pet suddenly stops eating something that they liked. The reason might just be that they get bored with the same old food, but it could also signal that the food has become stale or that your pet has developed an aversion because they have an undiagnosed sensitivity.
Chicken and other food toppers can often be added to a dog’s food to help him gobble it up. Switching from dry kibble to canned dog food can also often be an easy way to improve your dog’s appetite.
What to do
Freshness, Hydration Ensure the food is recent and fresh and is stored properly. If after trying all this, the dog remains disinterested, try offering a different flavor or brand to see if that revives interest.
10. Aging and Life Changes
Dogs mature from puppies into adults and then into seniors. So do their diets. Puppies grow fast and require food to fuel that growth. The older dogs like the joint health formulas and help prevent weight gain.
What to do:
Check the label of your dog food to ensure that it matches the life stage that your dog is in. For instance, if your dog is a puppy, adult, or senior, then look for the corresponding formula.
11. Vet Recommendations
Sometimes, your veterinarian will recommend that your dog needs a change of food because of other treatment plans due to health problems, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary tract infections. Prescription diets tend to focus on targeted health problems.
Whether you’re a long-time pet owner or new to pet care, this video is a must-watch to ensure your pet’s health and happiness. The veterinarian will tell you what dog food to feed your pet.
What to Do
Adhere to your vet’s suggestion by gradually changing over to the food recommended in order to prevent your dog’s gastrointestinal system from protesting the switch
How to Safely Change Your Dog’s Diet
Gradual change in canine food reduces digestive problems. Mix a small proportion of the new food with the old food. Gradually introduce the ratio in increments to around 7-10 days and keep your pet under surveillance regarding discomfort and potential reactions.
Choosing the Ideal Food for Your Pup
When choosing a new dog food, look at the following:
• Quality protein first ingredient
• No fillers like corn and soy.
• Made with whole food ingredients and no artificial preservatives.
• Fits your dog’s unique needs, whether that is its age, size, and activity level.
• Are certified through credible organizations such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
