5 Signs Your Dog Needs a Better Food Formula

Your dog's diet directly impacts their health, energy, and happiness. Here are 5 key signs that it might be time to switch to a better food formula:

1. Poor Digestion: Issues like vomiting, bloating, or irregular stools suggest your dog's food may not be meeting their needs. Look for high-quality protein and fiber-rich ingredients.

2. Unhealthy Coat: A dull, dry, or thinning coat can signal a lack of essential nutrients like omega-3s and quality protein.

3. Low Energy: If your dog seems tired, uninterested in play, or unusually lethargic, their diet might not provide enough energy.

4. Weight Problems: Overweight or underweight dogs often need a diet adjustment, focusing on proper protein and portion control.

5. Skin Issues: Persistent itching, redness, or hot spots may indicate food allergies or nutritional deficiencies.

Quick Tips:

• Switch to freeze-dried raw diets for better nutrient retention.

• Gradually transition to new food over 7–10 days to avoid stomach upset.

• Consult your vet for tailored recommendations.

Addressing these signs early can improve your dog's overall health and well-being.

5 Signs Your Pet Might Have A Nutrient Deficiency

Sign 1: Poor Digestion

Digestive problems can indicate that your dog's current food isn't meeting its needs. According to veterinarians, stomach issues are among the top reasons for vet visits [2]. Below, we’ll explore common digestive symptoms and how diet changes can help.

Common Digestive Symptoms

Watch for these signs of digestive trouble:

• Changes in stool color, consistency, or frequency

• Drooling, bloating, or signs of abdominal discomfort

• Vomiting or loss of appetite

• Straining during bowel movements or other signs of distress [1]

If these symptoms persist, it could be time to reassess your dog’s diet. As veterinarian Erin Bortz points out:

Food Changes That Help

Adjusting your dog's diet can improve digestion. Here’s what to focus on:

• High-Quality Protein: Freeze-dried raw diets are easier to digest and provide better amino acid absorption [4].

• Fiber-Rich Ingredients: Look for foods containing:

  • Whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal

  • Vegetables such as pumpkin and sweet potatoes

  • Fibers like flaxseed, with a total fiber content above 4.5% [5]

Hill's Pet Nutrition has developed ActivBiome+ technology, featuring a specialized blend of fibers to support gut health, introduced in December 2024.

• Gradual Transition: When switching foods, take 1–2 weeks to slowly introduce the new formula to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach [2].

Consider trying Loyal Saints' freeze-dried raw formulas. Made with cold-pressed, human-grade ingredients, they’re designed to promote better digestion [3].

Sign 2: Unhealthy Coat

Your dog's coat can reveal a lot about their health and diet. In fact, issues with skin and fur account for about 25% of vet visits for dogs [10].

How Food Impacts Fur

Did you know that 25–30% of the protein in your dog's diet supports their skin and coat? With fur being 95% protein, proper nutrition is a must [9].

Look out for these warning signs:

• Dull, dry, or oily fur

• Brittle texture

• Thinning or bald patches

• Split ends in longer-haired breeds [8]

These symptoms often suggest that your pup's diet needs some fine-tuning.

Foods That Support a Healthy Coat

To improve your dog's coat, focus on these key ingredients:

• High-Quality Animal Protein: Look for foods with real chicken, beef, or fish as the first ingredient. These are packed with amino acids vital for a healthy coat [11].

• Omega-Rich Foods: Add cold-water fish like salmon to your dog's diet. They provide omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and enhance coat shine [10].

• Nutrient-Packed Additions: Eggs are a great source of biotin and healthy fats. Adding one to meals can noticeably boost coat vibrancy [11].

Freeze-dried raw diets are another excellent option. They preserve more nutrients than traditional kibble, offering bioavailable proteins and essential fatty acids. Many dog owners see coat improvements in just 14–30 days [6][12].

Sign 3: Lack of Energy

Your dog's energy levels can take a hit if their diet is missing key nutrients [13].

Energy Needs Based on Dog Type

Different dogs have different energy requirements, and their diet plays a big role in meeting those needs.

If your dog is:

• Sleeping more than usual

• Avoiding play or exercise

• Getting tired quickly during activities

• Losing interest in walks

It might be time to reevaluate their diet. These behaviors often signal that their food isn't meeting their energy needs.

Nutrients That Boost Energy

The right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates can make a big difference in your dog's vitality. Here are some key nutrients to look for:

• High-Quality Protein: Active dogs thrive on foods with at least 24% protein [17].

• Healthy Fats: Fats are a concentrated energy source, offering over twice the energy of protein or carbs [14].

• L-carnitine: This nutrient helps convert fat into usable energy and supports lean muscle growth [16].

Freeze-dried raw foods, like those from Loyal Saints, are a great option. They retain up to 97% of essential nutrients [15] and provide a high-protein formula without unnecessary fillers.

Tips for Transitioning to Better Food

• Look for foods with real, whole ingredients listed first [18].

• Keep carbohydrates under 30% of your dog's diet [13].

• Transition gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset.

While most commercial dog foods are nutritionally balanced, dogs with specific needs might benefit from a vet's guidance [13]. Making thoughtful adjustments to your dog's diet can help restore their energy and overall well-being.

Sign 4: Weight Problems

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is key to their overall well-being. Did you know nearly 50% of household dogs are overweight? [23] Spotting weight issues early can make a big difference.

How to Check Your Dog's Weight

Here are a few ways to assess if your dog is at a healthy weight:

• Look for a visible waistline and a tucked abdomen.

• You should be able to feel their ribs easily, and they should have good muscle tone.

• The hip bones and spine shouldn't be overly prominent. [19][21]

Why Protein Matters for Weight Control

Protein plays a big role in managing your dog's weight. Here's what it does:

Tips for Effective Weight Management

• Use a kitchen gram scale to measure portions accurately. [23]

• Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. [23]

• Try low-calorie snacks like carrots or cucumbers. [24]

For a balanced diet, premium options like Loyal Saints' freeze-dried raw formulas offer essential nutrients without unnecessary fillers. These human-grade ingredients can help your dog maintain their ideal weight while staying healthy and satisfied.

Sign 5: Skin Problems

Your dog's skin issues could be a sign that their diet is missing important nutrients. In fact, skin problems are one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits, accounting for about 25% of them [10].

Allergy Warning Signs

Certain skin symptoms might suggest that your dog's food is causing problems. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Food allergies are responsible for 10–20% of allergic reactions in dogs [26]. Ingredients like beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat are often culprits. If your dog - especially a younger one - shows these symptoms, it might be time to evaluate their diet. Simplifying their food ingredients can help minimize triggers and improve their skin health.

Simplified Ingredient Diets

Certain nutrients can make a big difference for dogs with skin issues. Aim for:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Helps reduce inflammation.

• Zinc: About 120 mg per kg of dry food to support skin repair.

• High-quality protein: Should make up roughly 30% of their diet.

• Vitamin E: Protects the skin from oxidative damage.

Studies show that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve itching, skin condition, and coat quality in as little as six weeks [27].

When choosing food, avoid common allergens like beef, dairy, wheat, and soy. Steer clear of artificial colors, preservatives, unnamed meat products, by-products, and heavily processed ingredients. Freeze-dried raw diets are a great option - they naturally eliminate many allergens while keeping essential nutrients intact. These minimally processed formulas can be especially helpful for dogs with sensitivities.

Picking Better Dog Food

If you've noticed issues in your dog's diet, it's time to choose a better option to boost their health and address those concerns. The first step is selecting food that meets strict nutritional standards.

What to Look For

Good dog nutrition depends on the right balance of ingredients and quality sources. According to AAFCO guidelines, adult dogs need at least 18% protein (dry matter basis), while growing puppies require 22% [14]. When reading labels, focus on these key elements:

Once you're familiar with these nutritional basics, you might want to consider how freeze-dried options can further improve your dog's diet.

Why Choose Freeze-Dried

Freeze-dried dog food has several advantages:

• Retains nutrients due to minimal processing

• Contains no artificial preservatives

• Tastes better thanks to preserved natural flavors

• Easier on sensitive stomachs

• Includes fewer fillers and processed ingredients

The freeze-drying process removes moisture while keeping natural enzymes and vitamins intact, resulting in a shelf-stable product packed with nutrients. In fact, the freeze-dried pet food market is projected to hit $525.3 million by 2025 [30].

After picking the right formula, it's equally important to transition your dog to the new food carefully to avoid digestive issues.

Switching Food Safely

Switching dog food takes patience to prevent stomach upset. Use this 7-10 day transition plan:

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, you may need to extend the transition period [25]. Keep an eye on your dog's digestion throughout the process. Also, remember that dietary fats provide 2.25 times more calories than protein or carbs [14], so adjust portion sizes carefully when introducing nutrient-rich freeze-dried food to maintain a healthy weight.

Conclusion

Pay attention to the signs that your dog’s diet might need a change. Symptoms like poor digestion, a dull coat, low energy, weight fluctuations, or skin irritations often point to nutritional gaps.

Overlooking these signs can lead to bigger health problems down the road. Freeze-dried diets are a great option for maintaining nutrients while avoiding artificial additives that can cause sensitivities. As Dr. Doug Knueven from Beaver Animal Clinic explains:

For a plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs, always consult your veterinarian. They often recommend diets with a proven track record [32]. This ensures your pet gets the right nutrition while addressing any concerns you’ve noticed.

Related Blog Posts

• 6 Essential Nutrients Your Dog Needs Daily

• Ultimate Guide to Dog Stool and Digestive Health

• Freeze-Dried Food For Life Stage Changes

• Why High-Quality Dog Food Is a Wellness Investment