Have you ever wondered if your dog’s food is right for them? We’ve talked to the experts and this article might surprise you!
As a dog parent, you want your furry friend to be healthy, happy, playful, and full of tail-wagging energy. You always get them the best treats, toys, and snacks, but what if your dog’s food is secretly causing them issues or even harming their health? Unlike you, your four-legged friend can’t tell you when something feels off, and they rely on you to notice the signs something’s wrong.
From itchy skin and sudden mood changes to severe tummy problems, your pooch might be sending you signals their diet isn’t working for them. Pay attention to them, because they could cause long-term health issues in the long run if left untreated. But don’t worry, though—we’ve talked to the experts and got you covered!
Today’s article is about telltale signs your dog’s food isn’t right for them. Whether made with poor-quality ingredients, allergies, or an unbalanced diet, we’ll help you identify the problem and find a healthier solution for your furry companion.
So, if you’ve noticed that your beloved pup is acting a little “off” lately, it might be food to blame. Without further ado, here’s what you should know:
1. Weakness and lethargy
If your pup had recently experienced a stressful event, such as a medical intervention or an illness, they might understandably be more tired than usual. Feeding them with high-quality food that’s rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants could help them get back on their feet in no time.
However, if your pooch is suddenly feeling lethargic without any visible reasons why, diet might be to blame. You surely noticed that when you eat unhealthy foods, full of sugar, trans fats, and sodium, you feel sluggish, unmotivated, and even cranky.
Just like humans, pups can experience the same thing. Poor-quality food is often low in all the nutrients your furry friend needs to have energy, like carbs, protein, and fats. Not to mention, several kibbles are packed with excessive fillers, such as corn and wheat, which won’t give your beloved companion any real nourishment.
If your pup is lazier than usual, it might be time to change your dog’s food. Of course, there might be other issues related to this sudden change in energy levels, so make sure you take them to the vet for a proper investigation before making any dietary changes.
2. Bad breath and dental problems
Your pup’s breath won’t be minty fresh, but if it’s too bad to handle, it might be time to change their food. According to experts, this sign could indicate poor diet quality, and sadly, several processed dog foods support plaque buildup. The worse your pup’s dental hygiene is, the more likely they are to experience chronic bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Pay attention to the kibble you purchase. The ones made with starch or high sugar content contribute largely to this issue. It’s best to change your dog’s food to something that supports dental health, such as crunchy kibble and added enzymes.
And don’t forget about dental chews and regular brushing either, because they can make a huge difference. If you’re looking for the best food options for your beloved pup, I recommend you check out these dental chews. My dog is crazy about them, so I’m guessing they taste really delicious! And yes, they make his breath a lot better!
3. Itchy skin and dull coat
Another sign you should change your dog’s food is a dull coat and itchy skin. Whether we’re talking about humans, dogs, cats, or anything in between, nutrition is the base of everything. No one can feel good, look great, and have energy without getting the proper food.
When it comes to our joyful furry companions, their healthy and shiny coat is always a fantastic indicator of good nutrition. On the other hand, if you notice that they’re constantly scratching and their fur looks brittle and dull, their diet might be lacking essential nutrients like vitamins, protein, and fatty acids.
While they might be convenient and even taste good, some cheaper alternatives are packed with fillers instead of real meat, which can cause severe dietary deficiencies. Not to mention, common allergens like soy, corn, or artificial additives can cause excessive shedding and dry skin.
If you notice any of these warning signs, make sure you change your dog’s food to something rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (from flaxseed and fish oil). Not only will these keep your furry friend satisfied for longer, but they’ll also help restore their gorgeous coats.
Make sure you look for grain-free, high-protein, and hypoallergenic options in case your furry friend is more sensitive. After all, your pup deserves the best, doesn’t it?
4. Sudden weight loss or gain
Did you observe any sudden weight loss or gain in your puppy? Take this as a sign to change your dog’s food, because it might be time. According to experts, if your furry friend experienced severe weight loss, it might be a sign that they’re not absorbing enough nutrients from their diet.
On the other hand, gaining a few pounds in a snap might indicate poor-quality ingredients, empty calories, and even hidden sugars. You should always check portion sizes and adapt them to your pet’s weight and activity levels. Too much or too little food can cause several problems in the long run.
Remember that a well-balanced diet will help your dog be happy, energetic, beautiful, and playful and support healthy weight management. Look for meals made with high-quality ingredients, fiber, and healthy fats. If these sudden weight fluctuations persist, check in with your vet to see if there are any underlying health conditions to treat.
5. Digestive problems
Digestive problems are some of the common signs you should change your dog’s food. Bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive gas are telltale indicators that something’s not working. A nutritious and well-balanced diet should result in easy-to-pass and firm stool, but if your pooch’s poop is constantly irregular or soft, diet might be to blame.
As we’ve previously mentioned, certain foods are rich in artificial ingredients and fillers, which can make your companion’s digestion harder. Other foods, for instance, might lack fiber, leading to constipation.
As experts say, sudden changes in your dog’s food can also upset their stomach, so make sure you take things slow and transition to a new food over 7-10 days. Always keeping an eye on your pup’s stools is probably the last thing you want to do, but it’s important for their health and overall well-being.
6. Excessive thirst
Drinking water is just as essential for pets as it is for humans, but excessive thirst isn’t natural. It’s often a sign that your dog’s food contains dehydrating ingredients or too much sodium. Lots of processed foods contain excessive preservatives or salt that make your pup go to the water bowl all day long.
If you notice that your pup is constantly extra tasty, you might have to change their food. But before you do that, check the labels and see if they contain lots of artificial ingredients that you can’t even pronounce or read. A diet rich in too much sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure and kidney strain over time, so take care of your pet.
The best thing you can do here is change your dog’s food to something packed with natural ingredients and minimal additives to keep them hydrated, healthy, and satisfied.
What are your thoughts on these telltale signs it’s time to change your dog’s food? Have you ever noticed any of these indicators in your furry friend? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
Make sure you always check in with a vet if you don’t know what the best foods are for your pet! They’ll help you make the best purchase and ensure your furry friend keeps its tail wagging all day long! Until next time, here’s another post from The Geeky Gecko you won’t want to miss: Here’s How Dogs Know These 13 Things About You
