5 Signs Your Dog Might Need a Diet Change

Not all dietary issues are obvious. Sometimes, the signs that your dog’s current food isn’t quite right are subtle—easily overlooked or mistaken for unrelated problems. But over time, these small signs can point to a bigger issue: your dog’s nutritional needs simply aren’t being met.

Here are five signs that it might be time to rethink what’s in your dog’s bowl.

1. Dull Coat and Itchy Skin

If your dog’s once-glossy coat has lost its shine or their skin seems constantly itchy, flaky, or irritated, it’s often a reflection of internal inflammation or nutrient imbalances. Common culprits include over-processed kibble, poor-quality fats, or food sensitivities.

What to look for:

1. Excessive scratching or licking
2. Dry or flaky skin
3. Hair thinning or patchy areas

A fresh, species-appropriate diet—like Raw Gold—naturally includes omega-3s and bioavailable nutrients that support skin and coat health from the inside out.

2. Irregular or Smelly Stools

Your dog’s digestion says a lot about their overall health. If stools are frequently soft, smelly, inconsistent, or too frequent, it could mean their digestive system is struggling to process what they’re eating.

What to look for:

1. Loose stools or diarrhoea
2. Excessive gas or bloating
3. Constipation or excessive strain during bowel movements

Highly processed foods often contain fillers and synthetic additives that are hard on the gut. Switching to a natural, raw diet can dramatically improve stool quality and gut health within days.

3. Low Energy or Behavioural Shifts

Diet directly affects how your dog feels—and how they behave. If your normally active dog seems sluggish, grumpy, or unusually anxious, poor nutrition might be a factor.

What to look for:

1. Lethargy or reluctance to exercise
2. Difficulty focusing or listening
3. Increased irritability or hyperactivity

Feeding high-quality protein and fat, as found in raw diets, provides sustained energy and better mental focus. Raw Gold’s carefully formulated meals support both physical and cognitive wellbeing.

4. Weight Fluctuations

Whether your dog is gaining weight unexpectedly or struggling to keep it on, it may be a sign that their current food isn’t meeting their unique needs.

What to look for:

1. Weight gain despite portion control
2. Noticeable muscle loss or rib visibility
3. Constant begging or unsatisfied after meals

Low-quality kibble often contains excessive carbs and not enough protein or fat. A raw diet delivers nutrient-dense calories that help regulate weight naturally—especially in active or senior dogs.

5. Frequent Ear Infections or Paw Licking

These are two of the most commonly overlooked signs of food sensitivity or inflammation in dogs.

What to look for:

• Red, inflamed ears or chronic infections
• Licking or chewing at the paws
• Yeasty odour from ears or skin

Many commercial foods include common allergens like wheat, corn, or chicken by-products. A clean, raw diet—like those from Raw Gold—can help eliminate triggers and support immune balance.

When to Make the Switch

Even if your dog isn’t showing all these signs, noticing just one or two may indicate that it’s time to explore a more natural, nutrient-rich option. Raw Gold’s raw feeding solutions are designed to support long-term health, promote gut balance, and deliver visible improvements you can feel good about.

Your dog can’t tell you what’s wrong—but their body will.