As pet parents, we always want to provide the best possible diet to our furry friends. Anyone with experience shopping for their pet will tell you, however, that there are tons of options that seem like good fits for our pets but are not great choices in practice. There are a lot of resources explaining how to determine which fresh pet food is best for your dog based on factors such as their breed, size, and lifestyle. Still, there is decidedly less information on ways to identify if our dog’s food is serving them well. In this article, Freshpet discusses some of tell-tale signs that you may want to consider switching to a new food for your pet.
They Are Entering a New Developmental Stage
Much like we do as humans, dogs eat different foods throughout their lives based on their developmental stage’s dietary needs. Puppies tend to require high protein dog food that is higher in calories as well as nutrients and minerals than what we typically feed their adult counterparts. On the other end of the spectrum, senior dogs typically need a high protein dog food as well but should consume fewer calories and more fiber. When evaluating the food that you purchase for your dog, always ensure that it is a fresh pet food that is suitable for their age range. It can be easy to forget that our furry friend is getting older and requires food for either an adult or senior dog.
They Are Experiencing Issues with Their Weight
Freshpet acknowledges that our pets’ weights can often reveal a lot about their general health as well as how optimal their diet is for them. If you notice that you dog is gaining or losing weight at an abnormal rate, it is a great idea to consult your vet to ensure that the issue is not caused by any medical conditions. When the vet rules out medical conditions as the reasoning for your dog’s weight fluctuations, it is possible that they will recommend switching to a healthy, fresh pet food for nutritional reasons. Dogs can lose or gain weight due to a variety of issues such as an excess of carbs and calories or an improper amount of nutrients for their breed, size, or activity level.
They Are Exhibiting GI Issues
If you notice that your dog is experiencing regular gastrointestinal issues, their food may just be the culprit. Lower quality pet foods can cause a range of issues such as flatulence, loose stools, and an upset stomach that can impede your dog’s ability to feel happy and healthy. Consulting your vet will often reveal the best course of action when your dog is having continued tummy troubles, and it is very possible that they will recommend switching to a fresh pet food or an offering specifically designed for a sensitive stomach.