Is it time to change your pet’s food?

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If your pet isn’t thriving on their current food, it’s time to file for a “pet food divorce” and move on to something better. Know what signs to look for.

Are you and your dog or cat ready for a “pet food divorce?” I know that sounds pretty dramatic! But I’ve seen too many examples of people tolerating mediocre or lackluster results with the foods they feed their pets.

For those of us in the pet care business who are not just salespeople trying to make money, but advocates for the health and happiness of animals, it is frustrating how many pets are fed low-quality or low-quality food, with expectations. bad results. These foods are sometimes referred to as “commercial” or “deli” pet foods.

But it’s not just groceries and mid-priced foods that may not be making your pet thrive. Even some high quality pet foods can be wrong, or become wrong, for your individual pet. A food that works well for a pet may not be the right choice for your own companion. “One size fits all” doesn’t work when it comes to pet food.

So if it’s broken, let’s fix it. Check the list of indications below that the food and treats your dog or cat is eating are not working as they should. Any of these, that’s reason enough to consider throwing your current food to the curb; but if you find that your pooch or cat is suffering from several of these diet-related illnesses, it’s definitely time to get a “pet food divorce.”

What to know if you see any of these signs

Your food may be of poor quality, foods high in carbohydrates, in the category of most popular grocery brands. High carbohydrate foods are simply not how our carnivores are meant to eat. It would be like trying to feed a wolf or a lion like you would a horse or a cow. It ignores the innate biology of the carnivore. Replace low-end, high-grain or high-carb kibble with meat-based kibble and you’ll see a major improvement in overall health, energy, appearance, and possibly even behavior. Putting only good things in your pet’s body helps bring out the best in them.

The pet food you buy may have been modified by the manufacturer. Foods can “change under you” because manufacturers can make changes to their products without updating the label for a year or more. Also keep in mind that companies more concerned with their results than your pet’s health may include the same list of ingredients as before, but use lower grades of those same ingredients. For example, “chicken meal” is a very popular dry food ingredient. Ideally, it’s made by taking mostly healthy muscle and organ meats and removing most of the fat and moisture. But a lower quality version that has more bones and fewer nutrient components would still be called “chicken meal”. If the manufacturer goes down to a lower quality, you won’t be able to tell by while reading, only by feed and see the results.

Your dog or cat may have developed a food allergy or sensitivity to one or more ingredients. A dog or cat may eat the same food for years and be fine, but then start showing signs of sensitivity or allergy to the protein source or other ingredients. If a food that has always seemed to work well begins to cause skin and coat reactions, hot spots, or allergic reactions such as clogged ears, watery eyes, or vomiting, your pet may have developed an allergy.

Your animals change, not the food. Changes in your dog or cat’s body chemistry, metabolism, and digestive efficiency as they enter different life stages can also be the trigger that makes yesterday’s food bad for tomorrow. Pay attention to the rhythm of your pet’s life stages, with particular attention to the transition from puppy or kitten to adult, and later in life from adult to senior status.

Foods can “change under you” because manufacturers can make changes to their products without updating the label for a year or more.

Signs that may signal the need for a dietary change

1. Rejection of food or temperamental behavior

Your dog or cat begins to be picky or even completely reject a food he has eaten willingly in the past. A little fussiness isn’t a reason to get rid of a food that worked well, but if your pet is constantly rejecting food and starting to give you a “what are you trying to feed”, it is time to consider a change. .

2. Skin and coat issues

If your pet experiences any of these negative changes in skin and coat results, don’t just accept it as “normal”:

  • Hair loss or hair loss excessive and constant regardless of the season.
  • A dull, lifeless, “stiff” or oily coat.
  • A sudden case of “itchiness” that has him scratching all day and night.
  • You begin to see “hot spots” and other skin irritations, sores or patches of dryness, and your pet becomes obsessed with chewing and scratching these spots.

3. Energy troughs and peaks

  • Decreased energy levels – this could be diet-related or signal more serious health issues.
  • Excessive energy – yes, we want our pets to have high morale! But if a dog or cat’s personality seems to go from “lively but manageable” or “laid back and sweet” to “hyper and hard to control,” you need to examine and possibly reconsider your food and treat choices. . High levels of carbohydrates from grains and other sources are not optimal energy sources for carnivores such as cats and dogs. Carbohydrates high in pets can cause the same hyperactivity as sugar in children.

4. Stomach and stool problems

Draining symptoms of diarrhea, constipation and vomiting are all potential signs of canine or feline irritable bowel disease (IBD). Pets suffering from IBD are among the saddest situations we see as nutritionists. The IBD sucks life energy and vitality from your best friend. And if it goes on too long, it’s hard for affected animals to bounce back. No food should cause these serious digestive problems. Loose stools or changes in stool color, size, and consistency that persist for more than a few days are less serious, but should not be ignored. It could indicate that something has changed in the food you are using, or in your pet’s tolerance and proper digestion of food.

If or when your dog or cat’s food isn’t meeting their needs, it’s time to file for a “pet food divorce” and find a healthy new partnership! Start by visiting an independent and experienced pet specialty store in your area. If there aren’t any nearby, search online for “natural and holistic pet food stores”; Just make sure that the sites you visit are truly independent and not thinly disguised advertising portals. Read reviews to make sure you’re dealing with a respected advisor. When changing your dog or cat’s food, do it gradually and you will soon have a healthier, happier companion.

Editor’s Note: While changes in your dog or cat’s health can often be due to what they eat, it’s also important to rule out any physical issues when visiting your home. The veterinarian.



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