Dogs don’t need to be on the same pet food for the rest of their lives. This is a myth that was clearly perpetrated by dog food companies who wished to promote customer loyalty. A dog shouldn’t have to consume the same pet food for the rest of its life as dogs’ dietary needs change depending on their age, level of activity, and health. If you’ve been encountering the following instances with your dog, it’s time to do the switch:
1. Non-stop Scratch
Allergies in dogs commonly manifest through itchiness. If you notice that your dog has been feeling significantly itchy and has been scratching here and there, it’s time to consider re-calibrating its diet. Check with the vet for a prescription diet if the itchiness persists even after switching.
2. Digestive Trouble
Most digestive concerns with dogs are often caused by food intolerance. Food intolerance is apparent if your dog has been having loose stool, rumbly stomachs, and chronic flatulence. This should not cause any panic as it can be solved by simply changing your dog’s diet. Preferring a dog food with premium ingredients would very much help. You can also opt for one’s catered to dogs with sensitive stomachs.
3. Obesity
Dogs can suffer from obesity. Owners can choose to be as careful as they can be and dogs can still end up obese because sometimes, it’s not really the amount of dog food that matters but the quality. An absolute sign that your dog is obese is if it has a significantly rounder midsection. A dog food with good quality will not cause obesity for it has all the right nutrients minus the excess unnecessary fat. If your dog has been showing signs of significant weight gain, it’s time to look for alternatives that will still pack a solid nutritional punch minus obesity-inducing ingredients.