5 Signs That It's Time To Change Your Pet's Food
If your dog or cat displays any of these symptoms it might be caused by low-quality or simply the 'wrong' kind of pet food for your furry companion. Pets and the way the react to ingredients differ (just like with us, really) and it might take some time to find something that works for your fur child.
Is your dog very itchy or has recurrent skin infections? Food allergies and intolerances are a rising concern with pet owners as they are the third most common cause after flea bite allergies and inhalant allergies. If your pet shows allergic reactions like you ruled out other allergens you should change your pet's diet. The most common ingredients, that cause your dog to be allergic or intolerant are beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. In cats, the most common offenders are beef, lamb, seafood, corn, soy, dairy products and wheat gluten.
If your pet is allergic you might have to cook yourself or switch to hypoallergenic food. ( We sell it upon request with a vet prescription) If, after a vet visit, your dogs issue turns out to be “only” an intolerance, have a look at our cold protein option Nutra Gold Lamb & Rice and our cold protein + grain free options: Nutra Gold Whitefish & Sweet Potato and Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain .
If your pet was recently under a lot of stress, ill or is recovering from a surgery, they may understandably be a little worn out. Diets with high levels of antioxidants (for example these for dogs & those for cats) can help boost the immune response to accelerate your pet’s recovery and get them back on their feet in no time. Remember: a pet who is suddenly acting lethargic and weak should be evaluated by a veterinarian before making dietary changes.
The common cause for obesity is a combination of free-feeding, boredom and not enough exercise. However, if you are feeding a low-quality kibble or wet food which is often high in fat and sugar, it might as well cause obesity and you should consider to go for something more healthy. While we often like to joke about our pets greediness when it comes to food consumption, it is in the end us making their choices and we should take this responsibility serious.
Depending on their size , pets are considered middle-aged to senior around 5-7 years. When they age, just like with people, their nutrient requirements change too. As their activity level decreases, senior pets diet should generally be lower in calories. Also adult/ senior pet food often contains supplements specific to their lifestage such as joint support and antioxidants. Look out for "senior" or “adult maintenance” ( dogs & cats) and avoid "junior" as well as “all life stage” food, because it is formulated for younger pets and will often deliver too much fat and nutrients your senior pet does not require.
Chronic flatulence, loose stool, or rumbly stomachs are super inconvenient to both pets and their owners. The symptoms can be caused by food intolerance or the low quality of food that you’re feeding your pet. It can also happen if you change from one food to another too fast. (Learn here how how to do it right!) If this is an ongoing problem for you, ask your health care professional to diagnose the problem and to rule out any other, serious illnesses. The solution may be as easy as switching to premium food or a sensitive stomach diet.
If you want to switch your pet to a different diet, don't hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to find the perfect food for your furry one. If there are health issues involved, please first consult your veterinarian.
1.Allergy & Intolerance
Is your dog very itchy or has recurrent skin infections? Food allergies and intolerances are a rising concern with pet owners as they are the third most common cause after flea bite allergies and inhalant allergies. If your pet shows allergic reactions like you ruled out other allergens you should change your pet's diet. The most common ingredients, that cause your dog to be allergic or intolerant are beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. In cats, the most common offenders are beef, lamb, seafood, corn, soy, dairy products and wheat gluten.
If your pet is allergic you might have to cook yourself or switch to hypoallergenic food. ( We sell it upon request with a vet prescription) If, after a vet visit, your dogs issue turns out to be “only” an intolerance, have a look at our cold protein option Nutra Gold Lamb & Rice and our cold protein + grain free options: Nutra Gold Whitefish & Sweet Potato and Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain .
2. Lethargy
If your pet was recently under a lot of stress, ill or is recovering from a surgery, they may understandably be a little worn out. Diets with high levels of antioxidants (for example these for dogs & those for cats) can help boost the immune response to accelerate your pet’s recovery and get them back on their feet in no time. Remember: a pet who is suddenly acting lethargic and weak should be evaluated by a veterinarian before making dietary changes.
3.Overweight
The common cause for obesity is a combination of free-feeding, boredom and not enough exercise. However, if you are feeding a low-quality kibble or wet food which is often high in fat and sugar, it might as well cause obesity and you should consider to go for something more healthy. While we often like to joke about our pets greediness when it comes to food consumption, it is in the end us making their choices and we should take this responsibility serious.
4.Old Age
Depending on their size , pets are considered middle-aged to senior around 5-7 years. When they age, just like with people, their nutrient requirements change too. As their activity level decreases, senior pets diet should generally be lower in calories. Also adult/ senior pet food often contains supplements specific to their lifestage such as joint support and antioxidants. Look out for "senior" or “adult maintenance” ( dogs & cats) and avoid "junior" as well as “all life stage” food, because it is formulated for younger pets and will often deliver too much fat and nutrients your senior pet does not require.
5. Stomach Issues
Chronic flatulence, loose stool, or rumbly stomachs are super inconvenient to both pets and their owners. The symptoms can be caused by food intolerance or the low quality of food that you’re feeding your pet. It can also happen if you change from one food to another too fast. (Learn here how how to do it right!) If this is an ongoing problem for you, ask your health care professional to diagnose the problem and to rule out any other, serious illnesses. The solution may be as easy as switching to premium food or a sensitive stomach diet.
If you want to switch your pet to a different diet, don't hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to find the perfect food for your furry one. If there are health issues involved, please first consult your veterinarian.
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