10 Signs you’re feeding your dog the wrong food





You have a lot of choices when it comes to what you feed your dog. So, how do you know if you are feeding the right food to your dog? Dave Ratner is the owner of Dave’s Pet Foods. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, Dave’s Pet Foods started out as an independently sold brand in Ratner’s own retail stores. Today it has grown to being sold in over 4,000 stores around the country, as well as through online retailers. We asked Ratner what signs pet owners should look for that might mean it’s time to change foods.

If you see any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet to talk about your dog’s dietary needs and to make sure these signs are not being caused by any other medical issues.

#1 – Bowel Issues

Loose stool (diarrhea) and problems with regular bowl movement (constipation) can be signs the food is not right for your dog’s digestive system.

Image source: @JodiWomack via Flickr
Image source: @JodiWomack via Flickr

#2 – Flatulence

While some dog breeds seem to be prone to gas, your dog should not be driving you out of the house. Experiencing gas that is out of the ordinary in terms of smell and frequency means something is not sitting right in his system.

Image source: @Sabianmaggy via Flickr
Image source: @Sabianmaggy via Flickr

#3 – Itchiness

Scratching or itching more than normal can be caused by a bad reaction, like an allergy, to ingredients in your dog’s food.

Image source: @DonnieRayJones via Flickr
Image source: @DonnieRayJones via Flickr

#4 – Weight

Losing or gaining weight in unusual amounts can be due to an excess of carbs or not getting proper nutrients.

Image source: @ConnieMa via Flickr
Image source: @ConnieMa via Flickr

#5 – Ear Issues

If your dog has chronic ear issues and you have tried everything but they just won’t go away, ask your vet about food allergies. They could be the culprit.

Image source: @DocSearls via Flickr
Image source: @DocSearls via Flickr

#6 – Illness

Does your dog act sick after every meal? Does he vomit up his food? If your dog acts uncomfortable after eating, his food may be bothering him.

Image source: @AllieKF via Flickr
Image source: @AllieKF via Flickr

#7 – Energy Level

If your pup seems sluggish after you switched his food, or if he just doesn’t seem like his energy level is right for his age/breed/temperament, it may be because his food is not giving him the proper nutrients.

Image source: @CoreyButler via Flickr
Image source: @CoreyButler via Flickr

#8 – Behavioral Issues

Food affects everything! If you switched foods and all of a sudden your dog is acting in a way he did not before, it could be the food. For example, if your dog’s food isn’t filling him up, he may start stealing food when before he never felt the need to.

Video: Foreign Foods You’re Eating Wrong

Image source: @Otterbox via Flickr
Image source: @Otterbox via Flickr

#9 – Loss of Appetite

Has your dog always been a good eater until now? If your dog doesn’t want to eat the food, there is probably a reason.

Image source: @BuzzFarmers via Flickr
Image source: @BuzzFarmers via Flickr

#10 – Acting hungry

If your dog is acting hungry all the time, he might not be getting the proper nutrients he needs in his food.

Image source: @Carterse via Flickr
Image source: @Carterse via Flickr

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