Protein is an important part of your dog’s diet. Protein provides the building blocks for muscle and tissue growth and allows your dog’s muscles to heal from strenuous exercise. If you are feeding your dog inexpensive dog food, chances are your dog is filling up on carbohydrates and not getting the correct amount of animal protein into their diet.
Meat by-products are even highly nutritious for dogs as long as they don’t include non-food materials swept up off the floor. Whether you purchase expensive dog food or decide to cook for your pet, a dog that gets enough protein in their diet is usually a happy, healthy animal.
1. Your dog is overweight
Dogs that are overweight either don’t get enough exercise or eat a diet of too many carbohydrates. Sometimes a combination of both factors is the problem.
A dog that is overweight needs more protein in their diet because protein is excreted through the kidneys and is not stored as fat.
Extra calories consumed in the form of carbohydrates aren’t excreted by the kidneys and transform to fat on your dog’s body.
If your dog is overweight, increase their amount of daily protein and take your dog on longer walks.
2. Dandruff is a problem
If your dog has white flakes throughout their coat, this is a sure sign that your dog needs to eat more protein.
When your dog is not eating optimally, dandruff quickly develops. Just like humans, if dogs don’t eat a balanced diet their skin begins to suffer.
When your dog has dandruff, increase the amount of protein in their diet before you seek treatment with medicated shampoos.
Medicated shampoos work, but they have to be used often and generally only mask the problem.
3. Your dog scratches frequently
Frequent scratching is another sign that your dog’s skin has been impacted by a poor diet. Dogs can get eczema and rashes from eating food that isn’t healthy for them.
Sometimes your dog is allergic to the fillers in cheap dog food and will get dry, itchy skin from the allergy. A diet high in carbohydrates and low in protein causes skin problem in humans as well as dogs.
If your dog is scratching frequently, check for fleas first and if there are no fleas change your dog’s diet.
4. Your dog’s coat is brittle and coarse
A brittle, coarse coat is one of the first signs of a nutrient deficiency that pet owners notice.
Your dog needs protein to grow a healthy coat and if their diet is low in protein their coat will become dull, brittle and coarse.
To improve your dog’s coat make sure they are getting enough vitamins in the food they eat and change their dog food to a more expensive brand.
You can even try cooking for your dog using animal protein, vegetables and brown rice. Look for recipes that are easy to make and avoid using heavy oils.
5. Energy levels are low
If your dog is experiencing unusual lethargy, this could be a sign that they are not getting the right nutrients in their food. Dogs need a good combination of animal protein, carbohydrates and fat in their diet.
If the diet is too high in fat and carbohydrates, your dog will not be able to run, fetch or go for long walks. Give your dog more protein and see if they have more energy.
It won’t be immediate, but you should notice a difference within a few days. If your dog’s energy level does not improve after a few days of better nutrition, contact your veterinarian for advice.
6. Your dog begs for table scraps
Dogs that do not get enough protein in their diet are the most likely pets to beg for table scraps. Most often dog owners throw their dog a piece of red meat, of chicken or another piece of animal protein.
Dogs that beg for table scraps are hungry for protein and they are going to get it any way they can.
Begging for table scraps is not always a sign because for some dogs, begging is a habit that started when they were young.
Make sure to feed your dog enough protein and stop feeding your dog from your own plate.
7. Infections are frequent
If your dog has trouble fighting infections or they have repeated issues with the same infection, diet is likely the culprit. Without proper nutrition, your dog’s immune system is compromised.
If your dog has all of their immunizations but still has trouble with infections it could be the food they are eating.
Dogs that are always sick should be fed hiqh-quality dog food to see if this makes a difference in their overall health.
8. Your dog has brittle nails
Just like brittle hair, if your dog has brittle nails this is a strong sign that their diet is lacking in protein.
Nails need protein to grow and strong, healthy nails are a sign that there is enough protein in your dog’s diet. Check your dog’s nails on a regular basis and if they are brittle, diet is likely the problem.
Try using vitamin supplements as well to see if this improves the health of your dog’s nails.
9. Your dog seems depressed
Dogs can get depressed. During the winter months and low light conditions, dogs can be as affected as humans by the cold, dark weather.
If it is the middle of summer and your dog has no interest in playing, try changing up their diet to see if they begin to feel better.
The right combination of food and exercise will get your dog out of a funk.
10. Your dog won’t eat their food
If your dog simply won’t eat their food, this is a clear sign that you need to change what you are feeding it.
Dogs aren’t picky eaters. If you try a new food and your dog refuses to eat it, the food is probably unhealthy and shouldn’t be fed to any pet.
Find a combination high in animal protein and see if your dog will eat it.