How to Know if Your Dog Food Is Making Them Sick

Question

How to Know if Your Dog Food Is Making Them Sick

Short answer

You may suspect food if signs begin after a diet change, improve when the diet is removed, and return when it is reintroduced. But vomiting, diarrhea, itching, weight loss, gas, or poor appetite can have many other causes. Food may be involved, but it should not be the only assumption.

Possible signs

• repeated vomiting;
• persistent diarrhea or soft stool;
• excessive gas;
• itching, ear infections, or paw licking;
• unexpected weight loss or gain;
• lethargy;
• food refusal;
• changes in thirst or urination.

Check first

Ask: Was there a sudden change? Did the dog eat trash? Were new treats introduced? Is there a recall? Is the package damaged? Does the food smell different? Are other pets sick too?

When it is urgent

Seek veterinary care quickly for blood, repeated vomiting, pain, swollen abdomen, marked lethargy, dehydration, collapse, toxin exposure, or symptoms in a fragile puppy or senior.

How to investigate without confusion

Do not change five things at once. Record food, treats, amount, symptoms, and timing. If allergy or intolerance is suspected, a veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet or therapeutic diet.

Conclusion

Food can cause problems, but signs are nonspecific. Look for patterns, control variables, and get veterinary help when signs are strong or persistent.

Sources consulted

• AAFCO — Selecting the Right Pet Food: https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/selecting-the-right-pet-food/
• WSAVA — Guidelines on Selecting Pet Foods: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Selecting-a-pet-food-for-your-pet-updated-2021_WSAVA-Global-Nutrition-Toolkit.pdf
• Merck Veterinary Manual — Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals
• AAHA — 2021 Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: https://www.aaha.org/wp-content/uploads/globalassets/02-guidelines/2021-nutrition-and-weight-management/resourcepdfs/new-2021-aaha-nutrition-and-weight-management-guidelines-with-ref.pdf
• FDA — Pet Food Recalls & Withdrawals: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals
• AVMA — Raw or Undercooked Animal-Source Protein in Cat and Dog Diets: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/raw-or-undercooked-animal-source-protein-cat-and-dog-diets
• FDA — Raw Pet Food Diets Can Be Dangerous: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-raw-pet-food-diets-can-be-dangerous-you-and-your-pet
• Today’s Veterinary Practice — OTC vs Therapeutic Veterinary Diets: https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/nutrition/focus-nutrition-nutritionists-view-counter-versus-therapeutic-veterinary-diets/