Special Diets for Dogs: When and Why They’re Necessary
Dogs are the new children. Millennials and Gen Z are choosing them over kids. Dog Times reveals that cities across the U.S. are witnessing a notable surge in dog parenthood and a drop in individuals choosing to have children.
Riverside, California; Phoenix, Arizona; and Dallas, Texas, are the top three cities where dog ownership surpasses the number of households with children.
Dogs, though four-legged, are no different from children. They experience separation anxiety when you’re not around. They look out for you when they are stressed.
Just as you would for your child, it’s essential to provide the best care for your furry friend. Taking it out for a walk and buying toys to keep it entertained is great. But what about its diet?
Is the food that you feed your Rover meeting its dietary needs? Most canines can thrive on standard, well-balanced dog food. But there are situations where your furry friend might need a special diet to stay healthy.
Let’s explore when and why these special diets become necessary and how they can make a big difference in your Rover’s overall well-being.
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When Should Your Dog Go On A Special Diet?
Here, we’ll discuss when switching to a special diet might be necessary for your furry friend.
1. It Has a Food Allergy
Food allergies aren’t that common in canines. Yet, some develop them, just like humans. To be precise, PetMD states that food allergies affect only 0.2% of canines.
Any food ingredient can produce an allergy. But some common ingredients that trigger allergic reactions in dogs include chicken, beef, wheat, dairy, and soy. When a dog allergic to these ingredients eats food containing them, the antibodies react with the antigens. Thereafter, symptoms occur.
Spotting food allergies in dogs is not easy since symptoms are often vague. Excessive itching, chewing or licking, hives, vomiting, or weight loss, however, are signs that your Fido might have a food allergy.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth visiting a vet. Your vet will recommend a special hypoallergenic diet. That will be based on novel proteins, like venison or duck, and carbohydrate sources your fur baby hasn’t been exposed to. Such a diet will keep your furry friend comfortable, happy, and itch-free.
2. It’s Gassy
Is your Fido constantly gassy? It might be more than just a quirky habit.
Your Rover might be experiencing gastrointestinal issues. Or it could be a sign of an intolerance to certain ingredients.
Gassiness is often caused by foods that are hard to digest, such as beans, dairy, or low-quality fillers like corn. If your Rover’s diet includes a lot of these ingredients, its system might struggle to break them down. That would lead to excessive gas.
Switching to a high-quality, easily digestible diet can help reduce the problem. Wet food for dogs can be a great option for those with delicate tummies or gastrointestinal issues. It’s often more digestible than dry kibble. The moisture content of wet dog food is also high. Plus, it contains fewer fillers.
Opt for grain-free wet food, however. Some canines, Open Farm explains, are intolerant to grain; food containing grain can trigger digestive issues.
If your furry friend’s gassiness persists, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet to rule out any underlying health issues or food sensitivities.
3. It is Diagnosed With Chronic Health Conditions
Some canines are diagnosed with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. They are put on special diets to help manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
Vets, for instance, often recommend a low-protein, low-phosphorus diet to canines with kidney disease to reduce the strain on their kidneys. Likewise, diabetic dogs require high-fiber, low-carbohydrate food to help regulate blood sugar levels.
You will have to switch to a special diet if your furry friend is diagnosed with kidney disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions.
Why Are Special Diets Important?
Special diets aren’t just a temporary solution. It’s often a key part of managing their health long-term. That said, here’s why these diets are necessary for dogs:
1. Manage Health Conditions
Special veterinary diets help manage health conditions in dogs. For example, a senior dog with heart disease should be fed a lower-calorie senior dog food. According to Dr. Fred Metzger, DVM, such food helps lower sodium formulations as well as keeps weight down.
2. Targeted Nutritional Support
Unlike a standard diet, a special diet addresses specific health concerns like managing food sensitivities or providing extra joint support for an aging dog. These diets make sure your Rover is getting the right balance of nutrients to support their unique needs.
3. Improved Energy and Well-Being
Canines on special diets tend to have more energy, better digestion, and an improved coat condition. That is because those foods contain nutritional supplements and ingredients in just the right proportions to support dogs’ health.
If your canine companion has been sluggish or showing signs of discomfort, switching to a special diet could be a simple yet effective way to boost their overall well-being.
The bottom line? A special diet can make a world of difference for dogs dealing with specific health challenges. Whether your furry friend is dealing with allergies or a chronic health condition, a special diet can help manage symptoms.
Before you switch to a special diet, however, consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to guide you best in this regard.
Dr. Morrison and her husband have an amazing daughter and 2 cats that they raised after they were born in the bushes outside their front door (a fun surprise mid-pandemic project!). In her free time, Dr. Morrison enjoys traveling, spending time with her daughter, going to the beach, and exploring new things outdoors. She also enjoys all sorts of baking and cooking.
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