Dog owners work hard to feed the best quality food they can find for their dogs and with so many options it can be difficult to make the choice. It’s important to know that there isn’t one specific brand or formula that’s best for every dog out there, because each dog is an individual with their own special needs. In fact, what might work best for one dog could cause problems for another. So even if you think you’re feeding the absolute best food, make sure your dog’s body is using it properly. If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to look for a different option.
#1 – Vomiting & Diarrhea
The most obvious sign that a certain diet isn’t sitting well with our dogs is if they have chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea. Even if your dog’s stool isn’t very watery, it shouldn’t be loose at all. Chronic loose stool, however bad, can lead to other problems down the road and is certainly uncomfortable for your dog. Chronic vomiting could also be a sign that a certain food isn’t being digested properly. You might also notice your dog eating grass and other plants to try and ease their upset stomach. Either way, it’s important to check with your veterinarian to rule out any other causes.
#2 – Excessive Itching
One of the most common signs of allergies in dogs is dry, itchy skin. Dogs can be allergic to just about anything and food allergies are certainly worth considering. While most dogs have problems with corn, wheat and soy, others can experience discomfort from common meat sources like beef and lamb. If you notice your dog is itching excessively, check with your veterinarian to see if you should consider a diet change.
#3 – Difficulty Maintaining a Health Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is important to ensure they’ll live long, happy lives. An unhealthy weight can mean both over- or underweight and many owners experience different results when feeding different types of food. Some dogs will quickly gain too much weight and owners won’t be able to take it off. Others might not be able to keep any weight on themselves. If you’re having a problem controlling your dog’s weight, a change in diet might be in order. That said, always check with your veterinarian to make sure nothing more serious is going on.
#4 – Lethargy
Some dogs just won’t get enough nutrition from some foods, be it due to the quality of the food or the way the individual dog’s body processes it. If you notice your dog is lethargic, they just might not be getting enough energy from their meals. It’s important to check with your veterinarian to make sure nothing more serious is happening, but simply trying a different food might do the trick.
#5 – Dull Coat
Another sign of poor nutrition is poor coat quality and dog’s that are on a food that doesn’t work for their bodies often have dry, dull coats. Even if they don’t have any of the itchiness that often comes with it, a dull coat is almost always the result of an improper diet. Again, while some dogs do great eating one particular food, others may not fare so well. If you’re unable to get your dog’s coat looking beautiful, try changing their food.
