When Should You Consider a New Diet for Pet?
New Diet for Pet: When you become a pet parent, it is just like taking care of a baby. You are responsible for keeping the dog safe and healthy. An essential part of this process is choosing the proper meal for the dog. Unfortunately, with so many options in the market, pet owners get confused about what to feed their dogs. Here are a few signs you need to look out for indicating you need to change your dog’s diet.
1. The Food is Not Breed Specific:
Every breed of dog has its own nutrition needs based on many factors. The main reason is that different breeds are prone to different ailments. Hence, the food you feed the dog should include nutrients that prevent those ailments. For example, retrievers should be provided nutrients to ensure their bones are stronger, as they are highly prone to suffer from hip dysplasia. To understand the different requirements of every breed, you should research with the help of Trending Breeds to make sure you choose the proper nutrients for your dog’s breed.
2. Your Dog is Not Excited About Its Meals:
Food is the biggest deal in a dog’s life. A dog can leave even play time for food. They are wired to prioritize food over everything else, as they have the instinct of self-preservation and survival. This means your dog will be excited about each treat and meal you offer. If you see a lack of enthusiasm when you serve dinner, there is probably a good reason why. The dog may not be enjoying the food as much, even if it is the best in the market. The dog should not just eat to gain nutritional benefits but also enjoy it and feel happy. If a meal is not making the dog happy, then it is time for you to change something. Either add additives to the meal, like a few chicken chunks. You can mix half wet and dry food to make it exciting or change the entire food itself.
3. The Food is Grain-Free:
There is a common misconception that dogs should only feed on a protein diet, and grain is bad for their health as they are carnivores. Well, actually, dogs are omnivores in reality. Many pet brands promote their food as grain-free just for marketing purposes, but is it truly good for a dog? Well, FDA has linked grain-free food to increased chances of developing DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy), which can be life-threatening. Also, excessive protein can be difficult to digest. Hence, all food groups should be included in the dog food being served.
4. You are Not Confident About Its Ingredients:
Pet owners are cautious of the ingredients that go inside processed dog food. This is why they are careful while choosing a bag of kibbles. Unfortunately, many ingredients listed may not sound healthy and familiar, but many of them are good for dogs. Do not dismiss a food because you do not understand its ingredients. Research about it or ask the vet. Many companies claim to be using human edible ingredients only. It may sound fancy, but it may not be necessarily good for the dog as it may not cover all the nutrients it needs. Hence, be wise and do your research before you finalize something.
5. The Food is Out of Your Budget:
An expensive boutique dog food may seem best for your dog, but it affects your monthly budget. This means you should skip that food and look for something else. You should remove the misconception that expensive means good from your mind. You will find much good quality dog food at an affordable rate. Keeping such options open can ensure your dog gets a healthy meal while you can afford to pay the home rent.
6. Your Dog is Facing Digestive Difficulties:
The most significant indication that a meal suits the dog is its poop consistency. It should not be too soft or too hard. It should not leave stains, and you should be able to scoop it clean. If the poop consistency isn’t right or the dog is constipated, you should look at alternative food sources. Adding probiotics to the diet also helps the dog digest better.
7. The Food is Not Easily Available:
During the COVID lockdown, the supply chain of Royal Canin was widely affected in a few countries, and as a result, a few breed-specific kibbles were not available easily. Pet owners had to stock the food in advance as it was tough to track new bags of kibbles. This can be an issue with any brand. A few boutique dog food brands are not available worldwide as well. Hence, if your dog food is not that readily available, it is better to find an alternative brand with similar nutrition value. The market is filled with so many brands that finding one that suits your dog and is also readily available is not tough.
8. Your Dog is Gaining Weight:
If your dog is gaining weight, it is risky for its overall health. Ensure that it burns more calories to lose the extra pounds. This also means you are overfeeding the dog. You need to check your dog’s activity level and adjust the meal according to it.
9. Your Vet is Inclined Towards a Different Diet:
It is good to ask your vet for suggestions or understand if the diet you are following for the dog is proper. If your vet suggests something else, then it is an excellent reason you should switch the dog’s diet. As the vet offers a professional opinion based on the health condition of your dog, you need to consider it. You can also get a second opinion if you have your doubts. Be sure to update the vet on the progress, such as digestion change or changed interest in food, so the vet can understand if the diet suits the dog.
At the end of the day, your dog depends on you to provide it with a nutritious meal. Hence, be sure to do good research before you finalize your dog’s food. Keep rotating the food to ensure the dog gets all nutrients.
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