If you are feeling a bit worried that your dog is missing vital nutrients, it might be time to look for some key signs that they are suffering from malnutrition. First, start off by giving your dog a quick exam. Things to look for are:
Teeth: Take a quick look at your furry friend's pearly whites (or, not so pearly whites). Are any missing? Is their breath worse than usual? Are their gums red or inflamed?
Lethargy: Have you noticed that little Fido isn't running around as much? Does she sleep all day? Has he been looking depressed? Has his weight increased?
His Coat: Is his coat dull? Maybe your dog has had irritated skin or has been itching a lot. Do you notice any sores?
If you notice any of these symptoms on your pooch, it may be time to look into some nutrients he might be missing or need more of. The most common ones are fats, iron, and vitamins.
Fats: Although not always visible through physical markers like obesity, less-than-optimal fat ratios can take a huge toll on a dog's body much like they do on humans. Most importantly, dogs need healthy amounts of fat (omega 3 and omega 6 fats, in the right balance, to be exact) in order to stay energized and have healthy organ growth. Finding this balance is key.
Iron: Iron deficiency can cause anemia. Anemia is a gateway to many more health problems in dogs. Check your pet's gums; if they appear pale in color, seek vet assistance immediately in order to check for anemia.
Vitamins: Ahh, Vitamins. Vitamin deficiency can cause a lot of problems, however, it is hard to tell which vitamin your furry friend is needing. One Green Planet breaks it down in the simplest of forms.
Vitamin A- If your dog needs Vitamin A, you can tell by flaky skin, or a weakened immune system. Sweet potatoes are a doggy-safe source of Vitamin A
Vitamin D- Signs of Vitamin D deficiency include: bowed legs, excessive vomiting, and diarrhea. Taking your pal out for walks on sunny days is a great source of Vitamin D.
Vitamin B6- Lack of this vitamin can be detrimental to a dog's health. Without enough B6, your dog could become more prone to cancer, asthma, or even allergies. Bananas and pumpkins have been proven to provide this vitamin.
What if your pup is a picky eater, however? Would your little guy rather wrestle a bear than eat raw pumpkin seeds? That's almost assuredly why they have a vitamin deficiency in the first place, and that's also exactly where Canine Boost comes in to fill the gaps.
No matter what, always do regular check ups on your dog. Never forget vet visits and check back frequently on Canine Boost for tips and tricks on increasing the longevity of your beloved dog's life.