Sometimes the most difficult thing about owning a dog is knowing what food they need or want. Some dogs don’t react well to food that they aren’t used to, but knowing dogs, it usually ends up being the food they like the most. Most people tend to try several brands and once they find one that sits well with their dog’s stomach, they stick with it. Although this is more convenient for the owner, it may not be the best option for the dog or their health. If your pet is sick or tired, they may need a prescription dog food until they get back to their normal selves. Below are a couple of reasons why you may want to make a temporary switch to prescription dog food.
KIDNEY FAILURE
Dogs experiencing kidney failure need to eat higher quality food to support muscle function and reduce toxic metabolites. It’s important to reduce phosphorous and sodium levels, and a veterinarian will be able to recommend the best brand to you.
ALLERGIES
Allergies aren’t just for humans, your pet can also have food allergies. If your dog has an intolerance to certain ingredients in an over the counter dog food, you may need to make the switch to a prescription dog food.
GASTROINTESTINAL CONDITIONS
Sometimes, a more digestible diet is better managed by a dog with gastrointestinal disorders. These foods are usually low in fat and fiber so their bodies don’t have to work so hard to digest their food.
WEIGHT LOSS
Most dogs get to that point in their life where they start gaining weight. This could be because they are overeating or not getting enough exercise. However, if you feed your dog the same amount as you used to and take them on regular walks but they don’t seem to be losing weight, you may need to switch to a prescription dog food. There are a lot of options out there, so talk to a vet about what’s right for your dog.
AGING
When your dog starts to get old, their bodies just don’t work as well as they used to, and that goes for digestion too. If your dog throws up his/her food often, you may need to consider switching to another over the counter food or a prescription food.
URINARY TRACT DISEASE
Dogs who have experienced urinary tract stones before are at a higher risk of recurrence if they continue the same habits. Typically canned dog food has less of the substance that causes crystals and stones and will get your dog feeling happy and healthy again.
If your dog is experiencing any type of sickness or disease it may be best for you to get prescription dog food. It will be a bit more pricey than your standard over the counter dog food, but your dog will thank you later! If you are looking for a pet clinic in Garden Grove, look no further than VetCare Pet Clinic. We would be happy to help you and your dog, so reach out to us today. We happily offer daily veterinarian services as well as emergency care!