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05-06-2015, 07:29 AM | #1 |
I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member | Six Signs it’s Time to Change Your Pet’s Food Taken from Pet/MD 6 Signs it?s Time to Change Your Pet?s Food | petMD Change Can Be Good By Jessica Vogelsang, DVM It’s a long-held myth that pets should be on the same pet food their entire lives. The truth is, we now know our pet’s dietary needs can and do change over time due to factors like their life stage, their overall health, and their activity level. Do you think it might be time for a change? Check out our top six signs you may want to get a brand new bag of pet food. 1. Dull, Flaky Coat Diets rich in essential fatty acids are a key component in keeping a pet’s skin healty, and therefore his or her coat, in tip top shape. Many pet foods are designed with skin and coat improvement in mind. Look for a diet containing both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to make your pet’s coat shiny and bright in no time. 2. Lethargy/Weakness If your pet had recently undergone a stressful event, illness, or surgery, he may understandably be a little worn out. Diets with high levels of antioxidants 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. 'Senioritis' Depending on the size of the animal, pets are considered middle-aged to senior around 5-7 years. And as our pets age, their nutrient requirements change too. Senior diets, for example, are generally lower in calories but higher in fiber, and often have supplements specific to this lifestage such as joint support and antioxidants. AAFCO does not have requirements for senior pets, however, so look for a food labeled for “adult maintenance.” This is because an “all life stage” food is formulated with kittens and puppies in mind. It will also deliver too much fat and nutrients your senior pet does not require. In fact, the pet food could even be harmful to a senior pet. 4. Hefty Midsection It doesn’t take much for a pet to wind up with some extra weight on their frame — and this is particularly noticeable with small pets. If your pet needs to lose a few inches, a diet specifically designated for weight loss will ensure that they still have the proper amount of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals while ingesting fewer calories. These diets take advantage of the latest research in pet weight management to ensure your pet is on their way to a healthier weight in no time! If your pet is extremely overweight or obese, however, it's best that you consult with your veterinarian for a therapeutic nutritional solution. 5. GI Disturbances Chronic flatulence, loose stool, or rumbly stomachs can be the result of food intolerance or the low quality of food that you’re feeding your pet. Some pets simply don’t tolerate certain diets or ingredients as well as other ones. GI upset is an inconvenience to owners as well as being uncomfortable for your pet. If this is an ongoing problem for you, ask your health care professional to diagnose the problem. The solution may be as easy as switching to premium food or a sensitive stomach diet that’s right for your pet. 6. An Itch that Won’t Quit Allergies are common in pets, and food is just one of several possible causes. Regardless of the cause, though, allergic pets may benefit from a low-allergen diet that reduces the amount of potential allergens they are exposed to. Your veterinarian can recommend either a prescription diet or an over the counter sensitive skin diet, depending on your pet’s particular needs. Plan for Success Choosing the proper diet is one of the most important ways owners can ensure their pet’s long term health, but it’s no substitute for medical care. If you suspect your pet may have a medical condition that would benefit from a new diet, be sure to have a checkup with your vet to make sure you’re on the right path before making any changes! Good food and good choices lead to a long, healthy, happy life.
__________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals |
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05-06-2015, 07:21 PM | #2 |
Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md
Posts: 23,247
| It's important to note some of those things can be caused by illnesses! Several of those could be symptoms of hypothyroidism. Also food allergies are rare if there is itching more then likely it's environmental allergies. I have often heard that if the dog is doing well there is no need to change there diet just because they are seniors.
__________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart! |
05-07-2015, 06:27 AM | #3 | |
I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member | Quote:
__________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals | |
05-07-2015, 09:33 AM | #4 |
Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator | The ones that really get me here at YT when we see them is the "GI Disturbances" -- and people don't switch foods properly - ie, they just let their dogs have chronic uncomfortable bloating and gas (ugh, drives me NUTS). And the other one is "An Itch That Won't Quit" -- and then people don't address it / let the dog live with it / don't treat it properly....drives me nuts bc those symptoms are usually quite miserable. It can def be helpful for an allergy dog who is not allergic to food to be on a low-allergen diet nonetheless, just to avoid add'l potential inflammation or whatnot. For example, if I had an allergy dog (which I do, 2 of them), I would avoid flax and many grains.
__________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann | Pfeiffer | Marcel Verdel Purcell | Wylie | Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° |
05-07-2015, 10:20 AM | #5 | |
I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member | Quote:
__________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals | |
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