Food is something that every dog requires, but if you’ve been feeding your furry friend the same brand for an extended period, it might be wise to change things up. Transitioning to a new diet comes with many health benefits and could help them live a more happy, comfortable life.
Below, we are going to be discussing eight reasons why you might need to switch your dog’s food. Let’s get started!
They need to lose weight
One of the main reasons why you may need to change your dog’s food is if they need to lose weight. Obesity can be very dangerous to your pet’s health, so it’s vital they stay within a healthy range for their particular breed. Just be careful not to reduce or limit their access to certain nutrients and vitamins as this may cause them to lose too much weight (which is also harmful). You can learn more about the essential nutrients they require here.
They need to gain weight
Alternatively, while some dogs need to lose weight, others need to gain more of it. If you’ve tried increasing your current food already with no luck, it could be best to try a different brand altogether. If this still doesn’t work, it’s time to take your pooch on a trip to the vet. Teeth conditions, parasites, diseases, and certain medications may be causing their weight loss. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
There has been a change in season
A change in seasons generally means a change in activity for your dog. During the winter, they may be less active than in the summer when you are more willing to go for long walks and hikes. To cope with these changes, you should consider switching their food to match their new routine. However, simply adding more/less food to their bowl might be enough to make a difference and keep them at a healthy weight.
They are growing up
As your puppy grows up, they no longer need such a high-calorie diet to compensate for their dramatic growth. If you continue to feed your dog puppy food, they may put on weight since they don’t require it.
Alongside this, if your dog has become older and more senile, they will also require alterations. This could be due to certain restrictions, loss of teeth, and other medical conditions.
They have a food allergy
Another reason you may have to consider changing your pet food is if your dog has a food allergy. While these are rare, they can occur, leading to a variety of nasty symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and skin infections. Some of the most “common” allergens include beef, dairy, wheat, eggs, chicken, lamb, and soy. To help rule out what’s making your pup upset, it’s best to do an elimination diet and talk to your vet about testing options.
They have a medical condition
One of the more serious reasons for a diet change is if your dog has been diagnosed with a specific medical condition. Certain diseases may worsen with an incorrect diet causing pain and discomfort. However, it’s important to remember that you can never decide this yourself. Once diagnosed, your vet should give an extensive rundown on the types of food they can and cannot eat. A few illnesses that may be impacted by nutrition include:
– Pancreatitis
– Bladder Stones
– Heart Disease
– Diarrhea/Vomiting
They are a fussy eater
Would you get bored of eating the same food every day for the rest of your life? Sometimes, you need to change up your dog’s diet just because they are a fussy eater. What might have satisfied them at first may have become bland or unappetizing. Just remember to be extremely careful when transitioning dog food. Doing it too soon can cause an upset stomach, so it’s better to do things gradually.
The food has been recalled
Finally, the last and probably the most uncommon reason to switch your dog’s food is if it has been recalled. If you’ve been sent a notification, stop feeding immediately and opt for a different kind of the same brand. This way, the change won’t be so dramatic. If possible, it can be wise to introduce your pet to a variety of different foods so that if something like this happens, you always have a backup.
And that’s it! What do you think? Are there any other reasons that you would add to this list?