7 Signs Your Dog’s New Diet Might Not Be Working

Just like humans, what dogs eat can affect them in many different ways. And in the same way that you might feel more tired, bloated, energetic or even sick after eating certain foods, your dog is the same. The fact is that there are tons of different dog food types and brands out there to choose from, and figuring out the right one for your dog is not always easy. However, if you have just adopted a dog who is already used to a certain diet or you have decided to change your pet’s food over to something different, here are some sure signs that it might not be working for them. 

Dull and Lifeless Coat

Simply looking at your dog’s coat can often tell you a lot about the quality of their diet and whether or not they are getting the right nutrients. If your dog’s coat is lacking shine and looks quite dull and lifeless a lot of the time, it might be that their diet is lacking. Switching to raw feeding can be an ideal option for dogs that have coat issues. A well-balanced raw diet from Bella and Duke is designed to provide your dog with all the nutrients that they need to thrive and enjoy their best health. Simply visit the Bella and Duke website where you can answer some questions about your dog to get tailored recommendations on what they should be eating. 

Soft Poop

Have you come to dread picking up your dog’s poop when you take them for a walk? If your dog’s poop is normally soft, disgusting, and difficult to pick up and put into the poop bag, it could be her diet that is causing the issue. Your dog’s poo should always be firm and easy to scoop up. It might be a little softer if they go to the toilet after running around for a while, but this should be the exception and not the norm. 

A Difference in Behaviour

After changing your dog’s diet to a new one, it’s important to monitor them closely to see if there are any changes to their normal behaviour. Positive changes might involve a dog having more energy and being more alert if they were often tired and lethargic before switching their food, or a hyperactive dog calming down a little bit after a change to their diet. However, if the switches are the opposite and your once calm and well-trained dog is now bouncing off the walls, it might be due to the fact that they’re getting more energy than they actually need from what they are eating. 

Weight Changes

Unless you are specifically changing your dog’s diet to address a problem with their weight, your dog’s weight should remain mostly the same after switching them over to a different diet. It might fluctuate a little bit just as a person’s weight would if they changed what they were eating completely. However, any sudden and large weight gains or losses should be noted and it is worth getting professional advice from your vet if this occurs. 

Lack of Energy or Sleeping More

Your dog gets a lot of energy from what they eat. If your dog has recently changed their diet and you have noticed that they are less energetic than usual and often spending time sleeping, it could be due to them not getting enough energy from what they are eating, or not eating enough. However, this symptom can also be caused by underlying health problems, so it is worth a visit to your vet to check your dog over and determine the root cause. 

Flatulence

Every dog can get gassy from time to time. However, if you have recently changed your dog’s food to something different and the smell is making you want to leave the house every day, there could be something wrong. A dog that has a lot of flatulence issues or is passing smelly gas might be dealing with something in their food that is not being digested properly or isn’t sitting well in their stomach and digestive system. 

Scratching

Just like us, dogs do get a little itchy from time to time and scratching or itching themselves every so often throughout the day is quite normal. However, if this problem persists and your dog is scratching or itching themselves so excessively that your whole family is talking about it, there might be something in their food that is the cause, especially if it only started after changing their diet. Don’t forget to rule out any other potential causes such as fleas. Scratching and itching a lot can be a result of a food allergy, so it’s wise to contact your vet to have a food allergy test performed. 

Sometimes, getting your dog’s meals right isn’t easy. If you’re noticing any of the above signs after changing your dog’s diet, it could be that something in their food isn’t working for them.