7 Signs of a Bad Dog Diet: The Dog Food Warning You Need to Know

Woof, woof! Hi there, humans and furry friends! It’s June here, ready to share some thoughts about doggy diets. While I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a meat-based diet that keeps me happy and healthy, many of my doggy friends—especially those from vegetarian households—struggle with their meals. They’ve told me (yes, we dogs talk!) about some of the challenges they face, and I’m here to bark about the warning signs that show a dog’s diet isn’t working for them. Let’s dig in!

1. Persistent Digestive Issues

Does your dog frequently have gas, bloating, or diarrhoea? That’s a sure sign something isn’t sitting right in their tummy. My friend Bruno—a Labrador—was fed only dal and rice for years. Poor guy had constant tummy troubles until his hooman added chicken to his meals. Dogs like me aren’t built to handle too many carbs. If your pup’s tummy is unhappy, it’s time to make some changes.

 According to Small Animal Clinical Nutrition (5th Edition, 2010), high-carb diets can lead to poor gut health in dogs due to their limited ability to digest such foods effectively.

Quick Fix: Try adding easily digestible animal proteins like chicken or fish and consult a vet for probiotics to help with digestion.

2. Low Energy Levels

Is your pup lying around all day like a couch potato? My friend Max, a vegetarian Beagle, used to nap more than play because he wasn’t getting enough energy from his food. After switching to a meat-based diet, he’s now full of energy and can’t stop chasing squirrels (and his tail). Dogs need high-quality proteins and fats for energy, and vegetarian diets often don’t provide enough.

A study in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (2020) highlights the importance of taurine and L-carnitine—found primarily in meat—for energy production in dogs.

Quick Fix: Switch to a balanced, meat-based diet with plenty of protein and healthy fats to get those zoomies back.

3. Dull Coat and Skin Issues

A shiny coat is a happy coat! If your dog’s fur is looking dull or patchy, or if they’re constantly scratching, their diet might be to blame. My fur is soft and shiny, and I’ve got fish oil to thank for that! My friend Zara, a vegetarian Indie dog, struggled with flaky skin until her hoomans started adding fish oil supplements to her diet.

Dr. Karen Becker’s book The Forever Dog (2021) emphasizes the importance of omega-3 fatty acids from fish in maintaining healthy skin and a glossy coat.

Quick Fix: Include fish or fish oil supplements in your dog’s diet for that extra shine.

4. Unexplained Weight Changes

Has your dog been losing weight or getting chubbier without any reason? My pal Coco, a vegetarian Shih Tzu, gained a lot of weight eating only rice and paneer. On the other paw, Simba, a Golden Retriever, lost muscle because he wasn’t getting enough protein. Both cases could have been avoided with a balanced diet.

Feeding Dogs: The Science Behind the Dry vs. Raw Debate (2020) by Dr. Conor Brady explains that excessive carbs can lead to weight gain, while protein deficiencies can result in muscle loss.

Quick Fix: Replace carb-heavy meals with nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods like chicken or mutton to stabilize your dog’s weight.

5. Excessive Begging or Food Obsession

If your dog is constantly begging for food, they might not just be being greedy—they could genuinely be hungry for the nutrients their meals are missing. My neighbour Rocky, a vegetarian Pug, used to beg endlessly at the dinner table. Once his hooman added eggs and chicken to his diet, he stopped acting like he hadn’t been fed in weeks!

The Journal of Nutrition (2001) explains that diets high in animal proteins and fats help dogs feel more satisfied compared to plant-based meals.

Quick Fix: Add animal-based protein and healthy fats to your dog’s meals to keep them full and happy.

6. Frequent Illness or Poor Immunity

Is your dog catching every little bug that goes around? That could be because their diet isn’t giving their immune system the boost it needs. My bestie Bella, a vegetarian Labrador, used to get sick often. Once her family started giving her eggs and organ meat, she became much healthier and more resilient.

The FDA’s investigation into diet-linked DCM (2018) highlights the role of bioavailable nutrients—found in meat—in maintaining a strong immune system.

Quick Fix: Add nutrient-rich foods like organ meats and eggs to your dog’s meals for better immunity.

7. Behavioural Changes

If your dog seems irritable or depressed, their diet might be to blame. Proper nutrition plays a huge role in keeping us happy. I know I’m always in a great mood after a tasty meal of meat and veggies (yes, I enjoy a bit of veg too—but only as a side dish!).

Reference: Dr. Ian Billinghurst’s Give Your Dog a Bone (1993) explains how a biologically appropriate diet can improve a dog’s mood and behaviour.

Quick Fix: A balanced, meat-based diet can make your pup happier and more playful.

Why This Matters

As dogs, we depend on you to make the best choices for our health. Feeding us based on your dietary preferences, like vegetarian diets, might seem kind, but it doesn’t align with what our bodies truly need. By paying attention to these warning signs, you can help us thrive—and wag our tails a lot more!

Paws Up for What’s Next!

If you found this article helpful, stay tuned for more:

• "How to Transition Your Dog to a Balanced, Meat-Based Diet": Tips to make the switch seamless.

• "10 Signs Your Dog Is Thriving on the Right Diet": What to look for after making the change.

  
  

Previously on The Barkology Club

For more insights, check out our previous articles: What’s the Best Food for Dogs? A Complete Guide to What Your Dog Should Eat! and Is Veg Food for Dogs Healthy? Uncover the Surprising Facts and Hidden Risks

How Can You Trust This Information?

This article is based on guidelines from trusted organizations and contains references wherever applicable from sources such as:

1. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition (5th Edition, 2010): Highlights the negative impact of high-carb diets on canine gut health.

2. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (2020): Study on taurine and L-carnitine deficiencies in vegetarian diets for dogs.

3. The Forever Dog by Dr. Karen Becker (2021): Insights into omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

4. Feeding Dogs: The Science Behind the Dry vs. Raw Debate by Dr. Conor Brady (2020): Explains the risks of excessive carbohydrates in dog diets.

5. Journal of Nutrition (2001): Study on satiation levels in dogs fed animal proteins vs. plant-based diets.

6. FDA Investigation into Diet-Linked DCM in Dogs (2018): Discusses bioavailability issues in vegetarian diets.

7. Give Your Dog a Bone by Dr. Ian Billinghurst (1993): Details the behavioural benefits of biologically appropriate diets for dogs.

Is your dog’s diet keeping them healthy? Discover 7 signs of a bad dog diet, what to watch out for, and how to make mealtime changes for a healthier, happier pup.

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