5 Health Problems That Could Be Caused By Your Dog Food
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When your dog gets sick, do you ever consider it could be the food in his bowl that is bringing him down? We often place blame for illness on issues like exposure to other sick pups, genetics or sensitivities, but the truth is your dog’s diet is the cornerstone of his overall health. You place a lot of faith in the can or bag of food you pull off the shelf, but it could be time to switch to food with your dog’s overall health and wellbeing in mind, like Ollie.
These are 5 health conditions – some extremely severe – that could be caused by your dog’s food, and one easy way to avoid them all.
1. Pica/Coprophagia
You might be familiar with the words “Pica,” or “Coprophagia,” but most pet parents know it by a different name: poop eating.
A dog who is starving for nutrients will put anything he can in his belly. Dogs often eat poop or grass, but some poor pups will even attempt to eat rocks or dirt to fill in the gaps in their diet. Not only can this behavior expose your pup to potentially dangerous diseases, but it can also lead to hefty surgery bills.
Though it’s sometimes caused by other issues, such as anxiety or boredom, making sure your dog is getting all the nutrients he needs will help keep non-food objects out of his stomach.
2. Food Allergies
Food allergies are extremely common in pups of all ages, breeds, and genders, and often caused by ingredients you might never suspect. Some common allergens include chicken, corn, dairy products, and wheat – ingredients you’ll probably notice when you read the nutritional contents on any package of dog food.
If your dog has food allergies, you may notice itchy skin, hives, swollen face, and tummy troubles. Many pet parents blame allergic reactions on the environment, but don’t forget that your food could be the culprit.
Ollie offers multiple recipes and builds a custom plan based on your pup’s sensitivities and needs. Ollie takes into account 50+ common allergens including dairy and wheat, so your dog won’t experience sickness and uncomfortable reactions.
3. Heart Disease
The FDA has been investigating a link between grain-free diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (CDC), which enlarges the heart, making it more difficult for the circulation of blood throughout the body. Several foods, most of which have been labeled “grain-free” are thought to cause this disease in dogs. Though they have not concluded their investigation, the FDA is advising pet parents to stop feeding grain-free diets.
Related:Best Quality Dog Foods Rated
Unfortunately, many manufacturers still proudly make and label their food as grain-free, and numerous unaware dog lovers continue to feed their pups these foods because they believe dogs are carnivores.
The truth is dogs need a variety of foods to satisfy their dietary needs, including vegetables and grains. Ollie recommends a one-to-one ratio of high-quality meat protein, natural fats, and nutrient-dense carbs like vegetables and seeds to combat heart disease. All of Ollie’s recipes contain high-quality sources of proteins, vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and taurine (an amino acid that can improve your dog’s heart function).
4. Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes is sometimes an unfortunate side-effect of obesity. Excess sugar in the bloodstream can cause damage to vital organs and make the body “starve” for fuel – which will lead to it breaking down fats and proteins to make its own. Dogs who are overweight can develop an insulin resistance, resulting in a need for life-long care, as there is no cure for diabetes. When not treated, it can lead to kidney failure, liver disease, and even blindness.
Related: Read Our Just Food For Dogs Review
Dogs with diabetes require frequent monitoring and daily insulin injections, as well as special diets that will keep their glucose levels low. The best preventative is to keep your dog on a healthy diet and lifestyle to help him avoid developing diabetes. You’d be surprised how much sugar the dog food in your pantry might have. It’s usually in the form of starchy fillers, which make up much more of the recipe than your dog needs – or can handle.
Ollie understands the most important part of feeding a diabetic dog is consistency, along with a consultation from your veterinarian. Ollie’s recipes can help combat diabetes with high protein ingredients and no simple carbohydrates believed to spike blood glucose.
5. Obesity
Serving sizes on packaged food are often one-size-fits-all, and those numbers are not specific to the unique needs of your dog. Pet parents who feed according to package directions are often shocked to find they’ve been over or underfeeding their dogs. Additionally, obesity can cause painful joint problems, breathing issues, and can even shorten your pup’s lifespan.
It’s important your dog gets enough to eat without going overboard. Calorie counting is the usual solution, but it can be challenging to make sure your pup is getting the proper nutrition and calories while still getting enough food to keep his belly feeling full.
5 Health Problems That Could Be Caused By Your Dog Food
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
When your dog gets sick, do you ever consider it could be the food in his bowl that is bringing him down? We often place blame for illness on issues like exposure to other sick pups, genetics or sensitivities, but the truth is your dog’s diet is the cornerstone of his overall health. You place a lot of faith in the can or bag of food you pull off the shelf, but it could be time to switch to food with your dog’s overall health and wellbeing in mind, like Ollie.
These are 5 health conditions – some extremely severe – that could be caused by your dog’s food, and one easy way to avoid them all.
1. Pica/Coprophagia
You might be familiar with the words “Pica,” or “Coprophagia,” but most pet parents know it by a different name: poop eating.
A dog who is starving for nutrients will put anything he can in his belly. Dogs often eat poop or grass, but some poor pups will even attempt to eat rocks or dirt to fill in the gaps in their diet. Not only can this behavior expose your pup to potentially dangerous diseases, but it can also lead to hefty surgery bills.
Though it’s sometimes caused by other issues, such as anxiety or boredom, making sure your dog is getting all the nutrients he needs will help keep non-food objects out of his stomach.
2. Food Allergies
Food allergies are extremely common in pups of all ages, breeds, and genders, and often caused by ingredients you might never suspect. Some common allergens include chicken, corn, dairy products, and wheat – ingredients you’ll probably notice when you read the nutritional contents on any package of dog food.
If your dog has food allergies, you may notice itchy skin, hives, swollen face, and tummy troubles. Many pet parents blame allergic reactions on the environment, but don’t forget that your food could be the culprit.
Ollie offers multiple recipes and builds a custom plan based on your pup’s sensitivities and needs. Ollie takes into account 50+ common allergens including dairy and wheat, so your dog won’t experience sickness and uncomfortable reactions.
3. Heart Disease
The FDA has been investigating a link between grain-free diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (CDC), which enlarges the heart, making it more difficult for the circulation of blood throughout the body. Several foods, most of which have been labeled “grain-free” are thought to cause this disease in dogs. Though they have not concluded their investigation, the FDA is advising pet parents to stop feeding grain-free diets.
Related:Best Quality Dog Foods Rated
Unfortunately, many manufacturers still proudly make and label their food as grain-free, and numerous unaware dog lovers continue to feed their pups these foods because they believe dogs are carnivores.
The truth is dogs need a variety of foods to satisfy their dietary needs, including vegetables and grains. Ollie recommends a one-to-one ratio of high-quality meat protein, natural fats, and nutrient-dense carbs like vegetables and seeds to combat heart disease. All of Ollie’s recipes contain high-quality sources of proteins, vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and taurine (an amino acid that can improve your dog’s heart function).
4. Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes is sometimes an unfortunate side-effect of obesity. Excess sugar in the bloodstream can cause damage to vital organs and make the body “starve” for fuel – which will lead to it breaking down fats and proteins to make its own. Dogs who are overweight can develop an insulin resistance, resulting in a need for life-long care, as there is no cure for diabetes. When not treated, it can lead to kidney failure, liver disease, and even blindness.
Related: Read Our Just Food For Dogs Review
Dogs with diabetes require frequent monitoring and daily insulin injections, as well as special diets that will keep their glucose levels low. The best preventative is to keep your dog on a healthy diet and lifestyle to help him avoid developing diabetes. You’d be surprised how much sugar the dog food in your pantry might have. It’s usually in the form of starchy fillers, which make up much more of the recipe than your dog needs – or can handle.
Ollie understands the most important part of feeding a diabetic dog is consistency, along with a consultation from your veterinarian. Ollie’s recipes can help combat diabetes with high protein ingredients and no simple carbohydrates believed to spike blood glucose.
5. Obesity
Serving sizes on packaged food are often one-size-fits-all, and those numbers are not specific to the unique needs of your dog. Pet parents who feed according to package directions are often shocked to find they’ve been over or underfeeding their dogs. Additionally, obesity can cause painful joint problems, breathing issues, and can even shorten your pup’s lifespan.
It’s important your dog gets enough to eat without going overboard. Calorie counting is the usual solution, but it can be challenging to make sure your pup is getting the proper nutrition and calories while still getting enough food to keep his belly feeling full.
