Seven signs your dog’s food may not suit them

Soft stools, itching, or recurring ear problems may be related to feeding. However, they can also have many other causes. These seven signs will help you organise observations and proceed systematically together with the veterinary practice.

No single symptom proves that a food is unsuitable. Parasites, infections, environmental allergies, organ diseases, medications and stress can cause very similar symptoms. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a detailed feeding history if problems recur.

It is important to differentiate between food allergy and intolerance. In a food allergy, the dog’s immune system reacts to components of the food. Intolerance occurs without an allergic immune reaction. At home, the two forms cannot be reliably distinguished based on the symptoms.

A one-off soft stool can be caused by excitement, treats or a quick change of food. Recurrent diarrhoea, frequent defecation, mucus or nocturnal urge to defecate should be examined.

Note consistency, frequency and amount of food. Blood, black faeces, severe weakness or dehydration require rapid help.

Recurrent vomiting may be related to an adverse reaction to food. However, there are many other possible causes, including inflammation, foreign bodies, and diseases of the liver, kidneys, or pancreas.

Document the timing, colour, and context of meals. Repeated vomiting, blood, abdominal pain or lack of water intake are urgent.

Food allergies can cause itching of the paws, ears, face, abdomen or rear. However, environmental allergies and parasites are more common. Pain, injury or boredom can also cause paw licking.

Redness, hair loss, odour or weeping skin indicate additional inflammation. It must be treated regardless of the later clarification of the cause.

Ear problems may be the first or only visible sign of an allergic skin condition. Head shaking, scratching, odour, redness or discharge need to be checked by a vet. An ear cytology will show whether bacteria or yeast are involved.

Simply changing food does not treat acute inflammation. The ear needs targeted therapy and the cause must be systematically sought.

Flatulence is caused, among other things, by the composition of the food, hasty eating, swallowing air or diseases of the digestive tract. A little gas is normal. What is noticeable are frequent severe flatulence, abdominal pain, a tense stomach or simultaneous diarrhoea.

In the case of sudden abdominal bloating, unsuccessful retching and severe restlessness, gastric torsion is suspected. This is an emergency.

A dull coat can occur if the supply is unbalanced. However, skin diseases, parasites, hormonal problems or chronic inflammation are more common. Bathing too often and using unsuitable care products also play a role.

Nutritional supplements should not be combined indiscriminately. Too much can also be harmful and makes it difficult to assess the overall ration.

Weight and energy depend heavily on portion size, exercise and health status. A food can basically be of high quality and still be given in the wrong quantity.

Unintentional weight loss, rapid weight gain, significant loss of appetite or severe fatigue should be clarified medically. Only then can the feeding be sensibly adjusted.

Keep a diary for two to four weeks. Write down main foods, treats, chews, table scraps, nutritional supplements and flavoured medications. Take photos of packaging and ingredient lists. Record symptoms alongside their dates.

Do not change food, shampoo, medication and environment at the same time. Otherwise it will be difficult to see later what helped.

If a food allergy is suspected, a strict elimination diet followed by a controlled food challenge is considered the most reliable method. Depending on the symptoms, the diet often lasts eight to twelve weeks.

During this time, only the agreed food may be given. Treats, chews, toothpaste, additives and flavoured medications can distort the result. If the symptoms improve, the previous food or an individual ingredient is reintroduced in a controlled manner. Only when the symptoms return is the connection confirmed.

Blood, hair or saliva tests cannot reliably prove a food allergy. Therefore, plan the elimination diet together with the veterinary practice.

The seven signs are clues, not a diagnosis. Recurrent skin, ear or intestinal problems require a thorough examination. A complete food history and a properly planned elimination diet prevent unnecessary changes and provide more reliable answers.