5 Clues Your Dog May Need a Different Diet in 2025

Maintaining a consistent diet is crucial for your dog's health. Unlike humans who may enjoy a variety, dogs thrive on steadiness in nutrition and feeding times. While adding occasional treats, vegetables, or different flavours of their usual food can offer variety, frequent diet changes without reason can upset their digestive system and wellbeing.

Yet, certain clues may indicate it’s time to consider a different diet for your dog. Recognising these signs early can support your dog's health and happiness.

1. Your Dog Is Overweight or Obese

If your dog is too fat, the issue might not only be the type of food but also quantity and exercise. Overfeeding, frequent treats, or insufficient activity contribute. However, some diets high in fat, carbs, or fillers can cause weight gain even at correct portions. Switch to foods richer in lean protein with fewer fillers and fats to help manage weight effectively.

2. Digestive Upsets: Frequent Pooping, Gas, or Foul Stools

Diets high in fillers and bulking agents provide poor nutrition for their volume, resulting in larger, more frequent stools and unpleasant odours. If your dog experiences excessive flatulence, large stools, or smelly faeces, a diet change to higher-quality, more digestible food can improve digestive health and nutrient absorption.

3. Recurrent Urinary Infections

While diet rarely causes urinary infections directly, it impacts hydration levels. Dry kibble can reduce water intake, worsening urinary tract issues. Dogs prone to infections often benefit from vet-recommended special diets formulated to support urinary tract health and reduce infection risk.

4. Dental Problems Affecting Eating

Poor dental health is common in dogs. Regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental care are essential, but diet plays a role. Hard kibble helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup compared to wet food. Special dental diets designed for abrasive action can support oral health. Conversely, dogs with fragile or missing teeth may require softer, wet foods to eat comfortably after veterinary dentals.

5. Sensitive Stomach or Food Allergies

Dogs with sensitive digestion or food allergies need diets free from common allergens and artificial additives. Choosing hypoallergenic or limited ingredient diets with minimal components helps reduce digestive upsets and allergic reactions. Once the right diet is found, maintain consistency and avoid unnecessary treats or changes to protect their sensitive stomachs.

Choosing the Right Diet and When to Seek Veterinary Advice

Opt for high-quality dog food with real meat or fish proteins, limited fillers, and no artificial additives. Proper portioning based on your dog's age, breed, and activity level is essential to prevent underfeeding or obesity. Always provide fresh water, and consider mixing kibble with broth for dogs needing hydration support.

Regular veterinary check-ups can pinpoint if your dog’s diet meets their health needs. Vets can recommend allergy testing, prescribe therapeutic diets tailored for medical conditions, and guide you on the best food choices for your dog's lifestyle and health.

Being attentive to your dog's clues and working closely with your vet ensures your pet enjoys optimal nutrition, vitality, and a happy life in 2025 and beyond.