Common Issues with Poor Nutrition for Cats and Dogs

If you’re like most loving pet parents, it’s no secret that sharing your life with a cat or dog (or both!) adds a level of joy that’s beyond comprehension. Like any doting parent, you want only the best for your pets, and would never think of doing anything that may cause them harm.

You make sure they have a comfortable place to sleep, they get enough exercise, they always have fresh water, and that they are well fed. But what many pet parents don’t realize is that there is a big difference between well-fed and well-nourished.

Just like with humans, poor nutrition in cats and dogs can cause a range of different issues that can lead to a lower quality of life. It’s not just about eating enough; it’s about eating enough of the right foods that will help your pet thrive and stay healthy for years to come.

Here are some common issues to watch for and a solution that will help get you pointed in the right direction.

A Lack of Energy

If your cat or dog isn’t having her nutritional needs met on a consistent basis, it’s only a matter of time before some level of lethargy sets in. This is an issue that you can easily spot on your own since you are around her every day. But before you hit the panic button and start going through worst-case scenarios for her lack of energy, consider changing her diet first because that could very well be the culprit.

Food Allergies & Sensitivities

Food allergies and sensitivities can come on seemingly overnight. They often manifest in issues like dry, itchy skin, a dull-looking coat, ear infections, digestion issues or weight gain/loss. Most commercial pet foods include ingredients that dogs and cats are unable to digest properly. Unfortunately, labeling of pet foods can be misleading, which sends confused consumers buying into great marketing at the expense of their pet’s best interest. In addition to watching out for filler ingredients, it’s also important to understand where meat ingredients are sourced. Anything unfit for human consumption is usually what ends up in pet food. It’s no wonder all of these considerations contribute to allergenic symptoms in pets.

Unwanted Behavior

Nutrition also affects pet behavior. An example of this is if your pet eats too many carbohydrates, it can lead to hyperactivity due to spikes in sugar levels. Dogs can also get into icky behaviors like eating other dog’s and cat’s poop due to malnutrition from a poor diet.

Health Issues

If your dog or cat consistently consumes inferior sources of nutrition, the chances of more serious health issues increase. Over time, this can lead to a long list of health issues including:

Digestion/Stomach Issues: Poor diet leads to digestive issues and irritates sensitive stomachs leading to gas, vomiting, loose stools, and diarrhea. If your pet can’t handle their food, it can lead to malnutrition if they can’t absorb vitamins and minerals.
Kidney Disease: If you have a cat, they are especially prone to kidney disease if they are on a strictly dry food diet due to the lack of moisture in their diet. Salty foods such as table scraps also contribute to a higher risk for kidney issues.
Pancreatitis: High-fat diets can contribute to inflammation in the pancreas.
Diabetes: Sugar in pet food can lead to issues with blood sugar regulation and increases the risk for diabetes.
Periodontal Disease: A raw diet can help reduce plaque buildup that can lead to the same teeth issues we develop as humans.
Anorexia: If your pet refuses to eat, it could likely be related to some form of nutritional illness. Symptoms such as mouth or stomach pain can lead to food aversions.
Obesity: If your pet tends to be on the heavier side, they can face the same list of health complications as humans. Weight gain in pets might be caused by overfeeding, but they might also be eating an unhealthy diet too saturated in carbs, sugars, and synthetic ingredients.
Weight Loss: Unhealthy diets can also lead to weight loss. Weight loss is always a reason for a vet visit to rule out possible serious illnesses.

The good news is, you are in control of your pet’s diet and it’s never too late to make positive changes!

Consider a Healthy Raw Diet

A raw diet is one of the best diets to help avoid upset stomachs, itchy skin, and allergenic symptoms caused by unhealthy ingredients such as yeast, carbohydrates, and sugar. A raw diet eliminates fillers that your naturally carnivorous dog or cat doesn’t need. PureLifeRaw makes it easy to feed your pet healthy meals every day.

Just set up a pet profile with your pet’s info and preferences, choose a meal plan, and place your order. You’ll receive healthy meals delivered to your doorstep and your pet will love every bite.

Get your pet’s perfect healthy raw diet by setting up a tailored meal plan today. Learn more.