Whether its niggling issues like itchy skin or a noticeable lack of energy, changes in your dog's health and behaviour can often be attributed to what they're eating.
Making changes to their diet – like switching from processed to real food, made with natural ingredients – can help them not only get back to their active best in the short term, but live happy, healthy lives for years to come, too.
SoGlos sits down with experts from Gloucestershire-based premium dog food producer, Cotswold RAW, to find out what the right diet can do for your dog, how best to make the transition and how soon you should see results.
For more information about Cotswold RAW, visit cotswoldraw.com.
What are the common signs that your dog’s diet isn’t working for them?
Dogs can’t tell us when something feels off, but they show us in plenty of ways. Common signs include itchy skin or recurring ear issues, dull coats or excessive shedding, smelly breath, digestive problems like loose stools or wind, low energy and unexpected weight changes. Some dogs also become unsettled or lethargic.
If your dog just doesn’t seem quite themselves, it’s often worth looking at their diet first. What goes into their bowl has a huge impact on how they feel every day.
Why is nutrition so important for long-term health?
Good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy dog. A natural, balanced diet supports strong immunity, healthy joints, good digestion, healthy skin, shiny coats and steady energy levels. Over time, poor-quality food can contribute to inflammation, sensitivities, weight issues and other chronic problems.
We all want what’s best for our dogs and feeding them the right food allows them to thrive. It gives them the best possible chance of a long, happy, active life.
What is the best way to identify the right food for your dog?
Every dog is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Age, activity level and individual sensitivities all play a part. The best place to start is by looking at ingredients. You want clearly named meats, natural components and no unnecessary fillers or artificial additives.
Just as importantly, watch your dog. Their energy, digestion, coat condition and overall mood will tell you more than any label could. Sometimes small changes can make a huge difference.
How should you transition your dog to a new diet?
When switching from processed to raw, we usually recommend a straight switch. Raw food and processed food digest very differently, so feeding them together for long periods can sometimes cause tummy upsets.
That said, every dog is individual. Some may experience mild gut symptoms in the early days, which is completely normal as their body adjusts to real food. If your dog has a particularly sensitive stomach, you can start with a single protein like chicken or turkey and keep meals simple at first.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or you are switching between brands of processed food, take it slower and gradually transition over to their new food over 7 to 10 days.
How soon after changing your dog’s diet can you expect to see an improvement in their health?
Many owners start seeing positive changes within the first couple of weeks, improved digestion and better stools are often the first signs. Increased energy usually follows, with coat and skin improvements becoming noticeable over the next 4–8 weeks.
Every dog is unique, but when you feed the right food, the difference can be remarkable, and incredibly rewarding to see.
To browse premium raw dog food products from Cotswold RAW, head to cotswoldraw.com.
