Dog nutrition and food sensitivity

When you bring home a puppy or adult dog and you find his pet diet appears to be causing him problems; it may be that he is sensitive or intolerant to certain ingredients in his pet food.

A quality pet diet with a balance of quality ingredients is ideal for most dogs. However, at times it can be just one ingredient that can cause a wide variety of doggie health problems.

Real chocolate as a treat is poisonous to dogs, but giving him chocolate specially manufactured for dogs is acceptable, although that too could result in a puppy having an upset stomach.

Symptoms of food sensitivity:

• A puppy may suddenly become extremely lethargic

• You may recognise your pet’s behaviour is more aggressive then normal.

• There is evidence of slime and jelly in your puppies or dogs stool and there is a continual flow of flatulence.

Feed your dog balanced pet food that is full of good quality ingredients. Try to stay with chicken, corn and rice, and if your pet is a puppy do not feed your pet cheap dog food that is likely to upset his digestive system

Avoid giving pet food or treats to your dog without keeping a pet diet diary. Limit treats to one every other day, and watch out for any unwanted behavioural changes.

Try this routine for a week before asking your pets vet for his advice, unless you feel your dog is in need of immediate veterinary care.

If your puppy or dog appears to be eating well, yet you feel his pet diet is not contributing to quality dog nutrition, the food you are giving him may be just fine. He may be sensitive to one ingredient, a vet will give you information on how to check him out for food intolerance.

At Hills Pets we show online our range of Hills Science Plan which is ideal for puppies and adult dogs.