7 Signs Your Dog’s Diet Needs an Upgrade

Even if you’ve carefully designed your pet’s diet, factoring in their nutritional needs and ensuring their food comprises high-quality ingredients, it’s advisable to track whether the diet is doing its intended job. Dogs’ nutritional needs change as they go through different stages of life. What a puppy needs to grow and thrive may not be the same as what a senior dog needs to lead a healthy and comfortable life. 

Besides, sometimes a diet that has served your dog well can suddenly lead to problems like skin issues or digestive distress. That’s why it’s important to make sure you don’t miss the signs your dog needs a diet change. Now, what do the signs your dog needs better nutrition look like? And how quickly must you act when you spot them? Let’s find out. 

7 Signs Dog Needs Diet Change—Don’t Ignore These

It can be hard to correlate your dog’s health issues with their diet. For instance, one of my pets developed a skin infection because certain ingredients in his dog food caused an allergic reaction. However, it was months before we were able to make the correlation. The first few times, the vet prescribed ointments and medication to treat the infection. 

It was only when it became chronic that he looked deeper and suggested we change his diet. Lo and behold, the infection resolved. That’s why, as a pet parent, you must be aware of and watch out for signs of poor nutrition in dogs. These include: 

1. Lack of energy and lethargy

If your dog seems unusually tired, less playful, or reluctant to go for walks, it could be because they are not getting a requisite amount of nutrients from their diet. This is one of the foremost signs your dog needs a diet change because energy is directly impacted by a balanced diet, and missing nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, or fats can affect your dog’s activity levels.

Commenting on dog food upgrade indicators, Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM, says, “When a dog’s energy is lacking, it’s often the diet that’s the first suspect. Energy sources like proteins, healthy fats, and carbs keep them active and engaged.”

2. Skin issues and dull coat

Wondering how to tell if your dog needs better food? Your pet’s skin and fur health is a pretty good indicator to look out for. A lack of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with essential vitamins, can lead to dry, flaky skin, and a lackluster coat. These nutrients are essential to make dog’s fur shiny and keep their skin healthy. In their absence, no matter how many measures and remedies you try, you won’t see much of an improvement in your dog’s skin and fur health. 

That’s why a dog’s coat is considered a telling indicator of their overall health. Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, says, “A dog’s coat should feel soft, and skin should be free of redness or irritation. Lack of fatty acids and other nutrients in their food often contributes to skin and coat problems.”

Suggested Reading: Heat Rash in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, Prevention

3. Digestive problems

Of course, an occasional bout of diarrhea or vomiting, one-odd instance of constipation isn’t a cause for concern. In fact, it’s to be expected. However, when these issues become chronic and recurrent, they’re warning signs of poor digestive health, which could be brought on by an imbalanced diet. 

Perhaps, your dog’s food lacks fiber or is too rich in certain ingredients. Or maybe sensitive to certain ingredients in their diet such as grains. Or maybe their diet contains ingredients like diary, which is typically not considered healthy for dogs. These common indicators that your dog’s diet is not balanced need to be addressed promptly. 

Commenting on when to change dog food, Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, says, “Digestive issues often point to a need for better quality food with fiber and appropriate ingredient sourcing. Probiotics can also aid in gut health.”

Suggested Reading: How Long Does It Take a Dog to Digest Food?

4. Excessive itching or licking paws

Excessive licking, scratching, or biting at paws or other parts of the body are among the common dog health issues related to diet. They typically indicate an allergy to certain food ingredients, like grains or proteins. 

This often happens when your pet is being fed a diet containing dog food ingredients that are best avoided—fillers, artificial preservatives, or common allergens. Pet nutritionist Linda Case explains, “Food allergies are common in dogs, especially when diets contain unnecessary fillers. Finding a high-protein, limited-ingredient food can help with food sensitivities.”

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5. Frequent ear infections

If you’ve been wondering about when to upgrade your dog’s food, treat recurrent ear infections as your cue. These infections can often be triggered by food sensitivities, especially to ingredients like dairy, wheat, or soy. As the immune system fights these sensitivities, it can result in inflammation, which affects sensitive areas like the ears most severely. 

If your pet has been struggling with frequent ear infections, it may be time to talk to your vet or consult a canine nutritionist about a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet. Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, notes, “Diet-related ear infections are commonly overlooked. Food allergies and intolerances frequently show up as chronic ear infections, particularly in certain breeds.”

6. Weight gain or loss

One of the biggest—and most obvious—dog food upgrade indicators is an unexplained weight gain or loss. If your dog has suddenly started gaining or losing weight without any changes in their appetite or any underlying factors, it means that their diet is too high or too low in calories. This can also happen if your dog’s diet contains overly processed foods often that contain empty calories but lack adequate amounts of protein to support healthy muscle mass.

Dr. Ward explains, “Dogs need their diets adjusted at different life stages and activity levels. Unmonitored weight fluctuations could indicate an imbalance in calories or missing nutrients.” What worked for your pet as a puppy or even in their adolescence may not serve their calorific and nutritional needs as an adult dog. Likewise, a diet that serves your adult dog well may not be appropriate in their senior years. So, if you’ve been wondering when to upgrade your dog’s food, “at different life stages” could well be the answer. 

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7. Bad breath or dental problems

Dental health—or lack thereof—is also among the indicators your dog’s diet is not balanced. Foods high in fillers and sugars can lead to plaque buildup, and at the same time, a lack of crunchy foods in the diet can contribute to poor dental hygiene and bad breath.

Dr. Jan Bellows, a veterinary dental specialist, explains, “Diet-related dental issues are very common in dogs. Including foods that promote chewing can improve dental health, as can reducing ingredients that lead to plaque.”

Here’s an eye-opener video for you to watch:

FAQs

1. How do I know if my dog’s food is causing allergies?

If your dog has allergies, you might notice symptoms like itching, red or inflamed skin, excessive licking (often on the paws), recurring ear infections, or digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Food allergies in dogs are often caused by common proteins (like beef, chicken, or dairy) or grains. To pinpoint if food is the culprit, try an elimination diet with guidance from your vet—introduce hypoallergenic foods, then reintroduce ingredients to find the allergen. Allergies can mimic other conditions, so a vet’s diagnosis is essential to rule out other issues and ensure your dog gets proper treatment.

2. Can I change my dog’s food immediately if I notice these signs?

It’s best not to change your dog’s food abruptly, even if you suspect it’s causing issues like itching, digestive upset, or ear infections. A sudden switch can lead to more digestive trouble, including diarrhea or vomiting. Instead, transition gradually over 7–10 days by mixing the new food with the current one, increasing the new food amount each day. This helps your dog’s digestive system adjust. If signs of allergies persist, consult your veterinarian—they can recommend an elimination diet or hypoallergenic food tailored to your dog’s needs, ensuring a safe and effective dietary change without added discomfort.

Final Thoughts

The signs your dog needs a diet change can be concerning. Fortunately, there is a rather simple solution to the problem—each of these issues can be resolved by upgrading your dog’s food quality and adjusting their diet to meet their nutritional needs. If you can see that your dog could benefit from a diet change but aren’t sure what changes to make, I recommend talking to your vet or a canine nutritionist for a customized nutrition plan. 

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to canine nutrition. Not only can each dog’s needs be unique but they also change as your dog goes through different life stages. It’s always advisable to monitor your pet’s health and nutrition to address any shortcoming or deficiencies before they take a toll on your beloved furry baby’s well-being.