And, what is valid for human beings, is just as valid for our pets. A quality and balanced diet is essential for the he alth of your dog. As proof, here are 5 common he alth problems seen in dogs that can be directly linked to their diet.
Obesity
In developed countries, overweight and obesity affect 34 to 59% of dogs. This poses a real problem because dogs suffering from obesity are more prone to developing cardio-respiratory and locomotor disorders, diabetes, cancers or infectious diseases, etc. It is even estimated that pet obesity would reduce their life expectancy by up to 2 years.
Overweight results from an imbalance between energy balance (too many calories provided by food) and energy expenditure (not enough calories burned by physical exercise).
In the event of dog obesity, special attention must therefore be paid to the dog's diet, ensuring that it does not provide him with enough nutrients but not too many calories in relation to his expenditure energy. It is also necessary, in parallel, to increase his energy expenditure by suggesting that he move more.
Also read:
- Put your dog on a diet
- Overweight dog: take part in the he althy weight challenge!
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, the gland located behind the stomach and near the liver, which produces enzymes necessary for digestion and hormones that help regulate blood glucose.
Although pancreatitis can occur for various causes, sometimes it is related to nutritional causes. Thus, we know that a diet too rich in fats can be the cause of the appearance of pancreatitis in dogs. Accidental ingestion of a large quantity of a very fatty food such as a wafer of butter can also be the cause.
Urinary stones
The causes of the appearance of urinary stones in dogs are numerous and variable depending on the nature of these stones.
But, a dry and poor quality dog food can promote, among other factors, hypersaturation of the urine in minerals or in another substance (cystine, xanthine), at the origin of the formation of these calculations .
Overweight and a sedentary lifestyle also increase the appearance of urinary stones in dogs because they promote urine stagnation.
Heart disease
Certain heart diseases in dogs can be favored or aggravated by a poor quality or unsuitable diet.
For example, a diet that is too low in protein of good nutritional quality can weaken your pet's heart.
Some studies have also established that the consumption of kibbles that are too rich in peas, lentils and potatoes (grain-free kibbles) could expose dogs to taurine deficiency and promote the occurrence of dilated cardiomyopathy in breeds not genetically predisposed to this disease.
Diarrhea
Lack or excess of fiber, food intolerance, excess food, diet too rich in starch or indigestible protein, contaminated food, changing food too quickly, many are the reasons related to the dog's diet which can explain the occurrence of diarrhea in dogs.
In the event of diarrhea, your veterinarian is therefore likely to be primarily interested in the way your animal is fed.
Remember that nutrition plays an important role in maintaining your pet's good he alth. Discuss this with your veterinarian in order to properly adapt your animal's diet according to its stage of life, its state of he alth and its lifestyle.