Good nutrition is vitally important to every member of the family, and this includes those furry, four-legged members, as well. A healthy diet plays a key role in your dog’s overall wellbeing, impacting their energy levels, digestion, even their coat condition and immune function. Plenty of store-bought pet foods are able to meet the nutritional needs of most dogs, but those needs can change depending on age, size, breed, health requirements, and more. It may be the case that the food you’re feeding your dog is no longer meeting their needs. How do you know that’s the case, and what can you do about it?
Dull Coat And Dry Skin
You want to see a shiny coat and healthy skin on your dog. If their fur instead looks dull, brittle, or they’re shedding excessively, then they may lack some essential nutrients in their diet, with culprits most often being omega-3 and omega-3 fatty acids. Deficiencies in these lead to dry, flaky skin, itching, and a lacklustre appearance in general. There are other environmental factors that can cause these coat and skin issues, including specific shampoo use and contact with certain fabrics, so be sure to eliminate the other culprits while also looking into whether their meals offer them the nutrients they need.
Low Energy Levels
Dogs can have some pretty big changes in their energy level at different times of the day, as anyone who has experienced the “zoomies” can tell you. However, if they’re experiencing persistent lethargy, then it might be a sign that their dietary needs aren’t being met. If they’re getting less enthusiastic about walks, playtime, or daily activities, then their pet food might lack the right balance of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals that keep their energy levels where they should. Whole-food alternatives like high-quality grass-fed meat can help to bridge the gap between their food and their needs with highly nutrient-dense additions to their meals. However, keep in mind that these needs change due to age, size, and activity level, so you have to adjust to meet those changes.
Digestive Upset
If your dog is experiencing frequent digestive issues like diarrhoea, constipation, excessive gas, or vomiting, then the diet is often one of the culprits. It should be noted that occasional stomach upset is normal, and most dogs require a period of adjustment for their body to get used to dietary changes. However, if that digestive discomfort is ongoing, it might be a sign that some ingredients aren’t agreeing with them, or even that their food isn’t digestible enough for them. High-quality diets typically use ingredients that are easier for dogs to process and absorb. Digestive issues may also occur when a diet contains excessive fillers or low-quality protein sources.
Unexplained Weight Changes
If your dog is gaining or losing weight without any clear explanation (like a change in their daily activity levels), then it’s a good sign their diet isn’t meeting their nutritional needs at the moment. Weight gain most easily happens due to excessive calories per day, but it can also be a result of not having enough protein in their meals. Meanwhile, unexplained weight loss might be a sign that you’re simply not feeding them enough, or that their foods aren’t offering easily absorbed nutrients. A healthy weight is vitally important for dogs, especially their joint and heart health. If your dog’s weight is changing despite having the same exercise routine, then it’s time to look at their diet. It might be that you need to adjust how much you’re feeding them based on their life stage, for instance.
Constant Begging
Some dogs will consistently beg for food because they haven’t been taught not to. However, if that behavior has increased lately, without an explanation like you giving them food more occasionally when they do it, then it might be a sign of something. Dogs who are not having their nutritional needs met by their current diet, even if they’re getting “enough” from a purely calorific standpoint, are more likely to constantly show behaviors that indicate they’re hungry. Foods that rely heavily on fillers or lower-quality ingredients may leave dogs feeling less satisfied after eating. Protein and healthy fats contribute significantly to satiety, helping dogs feel fuller for longer periods
Changes In Muscle Tone
If you’ve started to notice any differences in your dog’s muscle tone, whether it’s when you pet them or simply by looking at them, then that’s worth making note of. A loss of muscle mass or poor muscle development is often due to dietary deficiencies. For instance, they might not be getting enough protein, which is essential for growing and maintaining lean muscle, as well as helping their body recover after physical activity. If your dog appears thinner around the shoulders, hips, or back despite maintaining a stable weight, inadequate protein intake may be contributing to the problem. Senior dogs can be especially vulnerable to muscle loss if their diet doesn’t give them enough high-quality protein. So, be sure to monitor not just your dog’s weight when adjusting their diet, but their whole body composition, as well.
Consistent Health Issues
Dogs that aren’t getting their nutritional needs met are likely to have a weaker immune system. As such, they’re frequently getting sick, have recurring infections, or tend to recover more slowly from illnesses; it could be due to their diet. Of course, it’s wise to take them to the vet, but be sure to take as many details about their diet as you can, being fully honest with what you feed them, how much, and when. This way, the vet will be able to give you much more precise advice if they think that their diet is playing a role in why they get sick as often as they do.
If you want to get the best possible advice on your dog’s diet, it’s always a good idea to take them for a visit to the vet to get the complete lowdown and make more informed, proactive steps to better support your pup’s nutritional needs.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider supporting this site by buying us a virtual coffee.
