Signs of a poor unbalanced diet in dogs

If you’re worried that your pooch isn’t getting all of the nutrients that they require, there are some signs to look out for which might confirm your suspicions. Butternut Box and Agria recommend consulting with your vet before you take any actions to change their diet as they can help to identify where the key problems are.

Weight

Your vet can help with this one by giving your dog a BCS (Body Condition Score) at their next appointment. Butternut Box also have this handy video which can help you identify if your dog is overweight and what an ideal weight should feel like. 

Dull Coat

Has your pup’s coat lost its sparkle? In addition to a dull coat, other hair conditions such as dandruff, may be a key indicator that something crucial is missing from their diet. Diets rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega-3, helps to promote healthy coat growth.

Skin Irritation

Red, itchy and flaky skin? Skin issues are a common symptom of an incorrect diet. Certain foods can irritate your dog and cause their body to release histamine, which is the thing which causes the itching. If your dog’s diet doesn’t include all of the essential nutrients to promote cell turnover then your pooch’s skin will struggle to heal.

Digestive Issues

As a pup parent, we’ve all experienced the feeling of pure devastation when our pooches produce a poo that resembles a muddy puddle. Sigh. But it’s not them we should be pointing the finger at. What goes in must come out after all. If the in-part of the process isn’t perfected, then the final product will leave something to be desired. The proof is in the poop.

Lethargy

The average adult dog will sleep between 8 and 12 hours a day. Puppies and senior dogs are at the higher end of the snoozer scale at around 18-20 hours a day. Nice for some. So, before you brand your pooch a sofa loafer, be mindful of their sleep requirements. However, if your dog is showing consistent signs of fatigue outside of sleeping hours or has little enthusiasm towards walks something else could be at play.

It's very tricky getting the balance right if you're combining foods to try and make a complete diet for your dog. By choosing a trusted complete food, you can stop worrying about mealtimes and focus on the fun stuff, instead.

Related features:

How to choose your dog's food - including what types of dog food are available

Our guide on how to make eco-conscious choices for your dog’s diet will help you decide whether to opt for dry, wet, or raw food.

How to introduce a new food to your dog's diet - our tips and more

See our guide on common dog health issues for more. 

We would like to thank our lovely partners at Butternut Box for providing this guidance.