Food & Feeding

Vet’s Guide to Pet Nutrition: Recognizing When it’s Time for a Change

Dr. Candice Akers  |  January 4, 2024  |  5 minute read

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As a holistic veterinarian with over a decade of experience, I understand how crucial nutrition is for our pets’ health. Picture your furry friend radiating health, their coat gleaming and eyes sparkling, each day brimming with energy and vitality. This isn’t a distant dream, but a reachable reality through optimal pet nutrition.

I’m Dr. Candy Akers, and in this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the critical signs indicating a need to reassess your pet’s diet. The early signs of dietary imbalances might seem subtle at first glance, but with keen observation, they become evident. Let’s look at some of the most common indicators,  to reveal when your furry companion might be signaling a need for enhanced dietary care and nutrition. 

Let’s jump into the basics of holistic nutrition and how biologically appropriate diets can elevate your pet’s health!

Understanding Basic Pet Nutrition

Navigating through the world of pet nutrition can often feel like a complex journey. However, arming yourself with fundamental knowledge can make this process seamless and highly rewarding.  Allow me to shed some light on essential nutrients and their role in your pet’s overall health.

Essential Nutrients for Cats and Dogs

Every pet, from the playful puppy to the graceful cat, requires a mix of essential nutrients to thrive. These nutrients play a pivotal role in various bodily functions, ensuring optimal health and vitality.

• Proteins:
  • Aid in cell repair and growth
  • Essential for skin, coat, muscles, and organ development
  • Include meat, poultry, fish, and some plant-based proteins
• Fats:
  • Provide energy
  • Are essential for brain development, skin health, and coat shine
  • Include fish oil, flaxseed, and animal fats
• Carbohydrates:
  • Supply a quick energy source
  • Aid in digestion and waste elimination
  • Include vegetables, fruits, and some grains
• Vitamins and Minerals:
  • Vital for immune function, bone health, and metabolic regulation
  • Derived from a balanced diet of meats, vegetables, and fruits
• Water:
  • Fundamental for digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation
  • Ensures skin elasticity and joint lubrication

5 Common Signs Your Pet’s Nutrition Needs a Reevaluation

It’s essential for pet owners to be vigilant and responsive to signs that their pet’s nutritional needs are changing. Various indicators, both physical and behavioral, can signify a need for dietary adjustment. 

Recognizing these signs early can lead to timely interventions, enhancing the health and happiness of your pet. Here we dissect these signs and symptoms so that you can evaluate your pet and respond if needed.

#1 ) Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain

Changes in weight can be one of the first noticeable signs that your pet’s diet may need a reevaluation. Monitoring these fluctuations can prevent potential health issues.

Weight Loss:

• Loss of muscle mass or body fat
• Visible ribs, spine, or pelvic bones

Weight Gain:

• Increase in body fat, reduced muscle definition
• Sluggishness or reduced activity levels

# 2 ) Skin and Coat Issues

The condition of a pet’s skin and coat is a direct reflection of their internal health, especially concerning nutrition.

• Dry or Flaky Skin
• Excessive Shedding 
• Hair loss
• Dull Coat

Optimal skin health requires a full plate of nutrition with essential vitamins and minerals. An ideal diet should contain all the healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins involved in keeping your pet’s coat in tip top condition.

# 3 ) Digestive Problems

Digestive issues can be directly linked to the quality and appropriateness of your pet’s diet.

• Diarrhea 
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Tummy Gurgles
• Unusually smelly stools
• Feces with mucous
• Excessive Gas / Flatulence

These digestive health symptoms could indicate potential food intolerances or allergies. They may be related to the consumption of certain foods or a lack of digestive enzymes. If you notice these signs on a regular basis, or you think your pet just isn’t quite thriving, it might be time for a strategic diet change.

# 4 ) Behavioral Changes

Alterations in behavior can be confusing and quite complicated. While genetics and training play a big role, in my experience, sometimes nutrition makes a big difference. I have been so surprised by improvements in mood and behavior when we prioritize our pet’s nutrition.

Nutrition also plays a huge role in the balance of hormones and other complex organ systems. Deficiencies can build up over time, or they can seem to come on suddenly. Small changes in diet can support a healthy nervous system and balanced hormones. 

Here are some examples of changes in behavior that you may notice if your friend needs a new diet:

• Increased Anxiety
• Jumpiness / Startled by loud noises
• Shaking or tremoring
• Hiding
• Separation Anxiety
• Increased “Aggression” or Grumpiness
• Resource Guarding
• Hyperactive / Overstimulated
• Excessive Barking
• Self Soothing- ie. licking paws or blankets
• Eating strange things like mulch or rocks, aka ‘pica’

# 5 ) Low Energy Levels

A pet’s energy level can be a telling sign of their nutritional wellbeing. It’s true that activity and energy change over a pet’s lifetime, but sometimes our friends can act sluggish. I’ve had tons of clients that come to me saying that their pet “just isn’t right” or “is a little off”. 

Signs may include:

• Lethargy
• Fatigue
• Less playfulness
• Less family engagement
• Isolation

Nutrition directly affects pet health, just like our diet choices affect our health as humans. If we eat junk food, we feel like junk. And if we feed our pets “junk” they will feel that way too. 

Recognizing these signs is the first step towards reevaluating and optimizing your pet’s nutrition. Being attuned to these changes and seeking professional advice from a holistic veterinarian can ensure that dietary adjustments are precise, timely, and contribute to the health of your best friend, the way nature intended.

How Balanced Pet Nutrition Supports Health and Wellbeing

A balanced diet is the cornerstone of your pet’s overall health and well-being. By providing a diet rich in essential nutrients, you’re laying the foundation for a natural healthy life– physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Physical Health: Strength & Shine!

• Boosts muscle strength and bone density
• Enhances skin and coat quality
• Improves digestive health

Mental Wellbeing: Low Anxiety & Happy Mood

• Supports cognitive function
• Reduces anxiety and stress
• Enhances mood and behavior

Immune System: Fight Infections & Autoimmune Disorders

• Strengthens the body’s defenses against illness
• Speeds up recovery post-sickness

Longevity: Healthier Golden Years

• Increases life expectancy
• Enhances the quality of life
• Reduces age-related ailments

In essence, understanding the basics of pet nutrition is pivotal in ensuring that our beloved companions live a life characterized by vigor, health, and happiness. Equipping yourself with this knowledge allows you to make informed dietary choices, positioning your pet for a lifetime of optimal health!

Learn more about Dr. Candice Akers and her holistic approach to veterinary medicine by visiting Journeys Mobile Veterinary Services.