When is it time to change your dog food?

Dogs are known for a number of things. They’re affectionate, loyal creatures and they also love food.

Your dog may be the biggest food lover you know, eager to devour their food before it even hits the ground. Despite your best efforts in feeding them, sometimes they need a little bit of extra love & care from you. Every dog has different nutritional requirements and that’s why there are so many dog food brands on the market.

Here are some signs that may indicate that your dog’s diet might need to be adjusted.

Dry fur coats

If you notice that your dog’s fur is not as lustrous as it used to be, it could mean that they are lacking in certain nutrients. A vet can help determine what ingredients are missing and which vitamins/minerals need to be added. Your dog may be experiencing unhealthy skin and fur because of a lack of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Switching to a salmon-based kibble could help prevent this and other health problems.

Your dog may be suffering from skin problems that are making him itchy, even after he’s been bathed. This may happen because of the type of soap he’s used to bath with or the shampoo. You should take him to see a veterinarian for further advice.

If the itchiness of your pet is not improved with regular baths or full body scratched and they seem to be eating the same food, it may be an allergy to one of their ingredients. Common meat sources like beef or chicken are more likely to cause an allergic reaction, as opposed to grains. Despite popular belief, grains don’t cause a reaction in most people. Your dog’s vet may recommend changing their protein intake to a different type of meat, like rabbit or lamb. This could be good for your dog.

Weight.

A healthier weight has a multitude of benefits for dogs, including: better mobility, less breathing difficulties, as well as a decreased risk of many other health problems. Diet can be the cause as well as the solution for many health conditions.

There are numerous ways to tell if your pet is overweight. One way is to gently run your hands over the dog’s ribs and back. Visually check your pet to determine whether they’re at their ideal weight. Ideally, you should be able to feel their natural waistline when viewing them from above or side on. If your pet has a protruded stomach, then they may be overweight.

Stomach issues.

Passing a little gas is completely normal for everyone, but if you notice your dog experiencing loose stools or any other gastrointestinal problem then it may be because of a medical issue such as dietary troubles. For example, certain dog foods may be too rich for some dogs and their digestive system. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, checking with your vet may help determine the cause. If this food doesn’t seem to agree with their system, it might be worth trying a formula specifically designed for sensitive stomachs to see if it’s easier for them to digest. If you suspect that your pet is mainly eating one kind of food, then it may be wise to give them a change by switching to a different protein source.

Age.

Puppies are growing all the time and have specific nutritional needs for this period. Puppies need to eat specially formulated foods that help meet their nutritional needs.

Generally, puppies can be transitioned to adult food at 8 months old and above. However, there are exceptions – for example, giant breeds like Great Danes may need to stay on puppy food for a longer time, for smaller breeds, an earlier transition may be beneficial.

When your dog reaches their senior ages, it’s time for them to graduate from a puppy formula food and switch over to a senior formula. These foods use less calories which can be good for those who are prone to having weight problems.It is also important to check the ingredients of a supplement to make sure they are something that your body needs. One common ingredient is omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with brain aging.

You should try changing your dog’s diet every now and then. This will make them stay happy and healthy, after all.