Nowadays there are a large amount of food to provide our pets. Especially if it is a dog, it is difficult to list the types of food products that can be found on the market. Food and treats of different varieties are found in pet stores and supermarkets, available so that canine owners can provide a diet appropriate to their age and size, among other aspects. However, given the numerous options, it is possible that at some point we come across a feed that is not suitable for our dog, which could trigger different negative aspects, which in some cases go unnoticed. Knowledge about this topic will help, not only to take care of your pet's diet, but also to prevent diseases due to poor diet. But how do I know if the food I give my dog doesn't agree with him ? There are different ways to identify if the food you provide to your canine friend is not the right one. In the following article we will explain this important topic to you in greater detail.
Can I give my dog any food?
Generally, those who adopt a dog consider that it is enough to provide any feed, without considering important details such as the nutrients that the canine needs depending on its age, size, or simply because it is intolerant to some ingredient in the food. This means that we cannot feed our pets with any feed without first taking into account the aspects mentioned above. But why would the feed affect your dog's health?
It is not of good quality
The quality of the feed may vary depending on the ingredients with which it is prepared. High-quality feed contains a large amount of protein (chicken, meat, fish or turkey) as well as other nutrients such as vegetables. While those that are of lower quality are prepared with soy, among other products that do not necessarily provide the amount of nutrients that a dog needs at any stage of its life.It's not the one
Another reason why the feed would deteriorate the health of our pet is, simply, because it is not the right one for him. This does not mean that the feed is of poor quality, it is simply not what our dog needs. There are special foods for active dogs, intolerant to some component, smaller or larger. Everything will depend on the type of canine and, therefore, it is better to visit a veterinarian who can help us determine what the right food is to keep our furry friend healthy.How do you know if the feed does not suit you?
Although our dog cannot communicate with words, there will be many actions in his behavior that will help us determine if the food does not suit him. Below, we will mention some of the most common:Food allergies
One of the most common ways to identify that the food causes harm to our dog is by observing if it causes allergies. These can manifest themselves in different ways, from skin lesions, irritation (dermatitis) or even chronic diarrhea. When our dog is intolerant to some food, it is possible that it affects him to the point of causing one of these symptoms, which will indicate that it is necessary to change his feed immediately.
Excessive hair loss
Detecting excessive hair loss is very necessary when we want to know if the feed is bad for him. Except for the shedding seasons, which generally occurs in spring and autumn, there is no reason for dogs to lose hair excessively. Inadequate and low-quality food is one of the reasons why our canine's hair will grow weak, dull and fall out easily. It is one of the simplest ways to notice that something is not right in our pet's diet. When we give a low-end feed, digestion may not be carried out adequately and causes poor absorption of nutrients to be reflected in hair loss.Weight loss or obesity
Although low-quality or inappropriate feed for our dog can lead to consequent weight loss, it can also be the main cause of obesity. This is because the dog can suffer from an eating disorder by not receiving the necessary nutrients to have an adequate weight. Obesity or excessive weight loss are symptoms that tell us that something is not right with our dog. If we observe considerable excess weight, it may be due to feed that is high in flour and cereals and low in protein, which will cause a notable imbalance. In addition to this, if the dog does not lead an active life, with an adequate exercise routine and consumes excessive treats, obesity can accelerate and considerably affect its health. It is important to take these signs into account if we want to ensure that the canine maintains an ideal weight and stays healthy.Produces a lot of excrement
Although it is a little-known fact, low-quality feed causes the dog to have poor absorption of nutrients, which ends up causing excess excrement. If this is the cause of excessive defecation , replacing the feed with one of better quality will be enough to correct the problem.Constantly eats grass
Although the image of a dog eating grass may be familiar to us, we must know that this behavior is a sign of a digestive disorder . When they do it consecutively it is because they use it as an antacid, to relieve stomach pain that low-quality feed can cause, or to compensate for the lack of nutrients that the feed provided has. If you observe this behavior, it is advisable to offer your dog another type of food, first consulting the veterinarian if the one you plan to give him is the right one, to avoid even greater discomfort.
