How to Tell When it’s Time to Review Your Pet’s Diet

A good diet plays a key part in keeping your pet happy, healthy and full of energy. Most dogs and cats benefit from a consistent feeding routine, but that doesn’t mean their diet should stay the same forever. As pets get older, become more or less active, develop new preferences, or start showing signs of discomfort, it may be time to take a look at what’s going into their bowl.

We always encourage owners to pay attention to small changes. A pet can’t tell you when their food is no longer suiting their needs, but their body, behaviour and appetite often give clues. Sometimes the answer is as simple as adjusting portion sizes. Other times, it may involve swapping from wet to dry food, changing the protein source, or reviewing feeding guidelines and how treats fit into the daily intake. 

Here are some of the most common signs that it may be time to review your pet’s diet.

Weight Changes 

Weight changes are one of the clearest signs that a pet’s diet may need adjusting. If your dog or cat is gaining weight, they might be eating more than they need for their activity level. This can happen gradually, especially as pets get older or are getting more treats throughout the day. 

Unexplained weight loss shouldn’t be ignored either. If your pet is losing weight despite eating normally, book an appointment with your vet. Once any health concerns have been ruled out, their diet may need to be reviewed to ensure it provides them with the right nutrition.

For dogs, this may mean checking the feeding guide on their dog food and adjusting the portion based on their size, age and lifestyle. For cats, it may involve balancing wet and dry cat food, as some cats manage their weight better with a mixed feeding approach. 

Energy Levels

A pet’s food should support their typical daily activity. If your dog is usually lively but has become sluggish, or your cat is less playful than usual, their diet may be worth reviewing. Low energy can have many causes, but food can make a difference.

Active dogs, especially working breeds, often need different food compared to less active pets. Standard adult dog food might not provide enough fuel for a dog that’s constantly on the move. In these cases, dog food for working dogs can be a better fit.

Less active pets might need the opposite approach. A dog that has slowed down with age or a cat that spends most of the day indoors may need slightly smaller portions or a food that better suits their routine.

Skin and Coat Changes 

A healthy coat is often a good sign that a pet is getting the right balance of essential nutrients. If your dog’s coat has become dull, flaky, or dry, or if your cat is grooming excessively, their diet could be an area to review.

Skin and coat issues can be linked to many things, including fleas, seasonal changes, grooming habits or allergies. Food sensitivities may also play a role for some pets. If you suspect allergies, it’s best to speak to a vet before making big changes, especially if your pet is scratching, licking, losing fur or showing signs of discomfort.

The main thing is not to keep swapping foods. Sudden diet changes can upset digestion, so any new food should be introduced gradually.

Treats and Extras 

Many owners like to give their pets variety, and there is nothing wrong with that when it’s done carefully. The issue comes when meals, treats, leftovers and extras all start adding up. 

A dog might be eating complete dog food but also receive bones, chews, biscuits, scraps, and training treats throughout the day. A cat may have access to dry food all day, plus wet food at mealtimes. Over time, this can make it hard to know how much your pet is really eating. It can also make it harder to spot which food is causing a problem if they have an upset stomach.

Regular Digestive Upsets

Occasional stomach issues can happen, but regular sickness, diarrhoea, or discomfort after eating may suggest your pet’s current food isn’t agreeing with them. Digestibility is very important; a good food should be both complete and balanced, and gentle on the stomach.

For dogs, it may be worth checking how they respond to their current dry dog food or wet dog food. Some prefer one over the other; for instance, wet dog food can work well if your dog is fussier, older, or needs a softer texture. 

Cats can be just as particular. Some enjoy dry food because it can be left out all day and grazed on as they please. Others prefer wet food because the texture and smell are more appealing. If your cat is refusing meals or only eating part of their food, the format might be to blame. 

Fussy Eating 

Fussy eating can be frustrating, but it doesn’t always mean your pet needs a completely different diet. Sometimes they go off their main meals because they’re getting too many treats, being offered table scraps, or learning that refusing food leads to something more exciting.

Before changing food, we often suggest looking at the feeding routine first. Are meals being offered at consistent times? Is the portion size right? Are treats being counted towards their daily food intake? Is food being left down for too long?

If you have a good routine but your pet still seems uninterested, it may be time to look at flavour and texture. Dogs that turn away from dry food may enjoy a small amount of wet dog food mixed through their usual meal. Cats that ignore biscuits may respond better to wet cat food. The aim is to make mealtimes enjoyable without encouraging overfeeding.

Different Life Stages 

Pets need different things at different stages of life. A young, growing pet won’t have the same needs as an adult pet, and an older pet may need food that is easier to chew, digest or manage alongside changes in activity.

As dogs get older, they may become less active and more prone to weight gain. Some may also need softer food due to dental issues. In these cases, adding or switching to wet food for dogs may improve palatability and texture. Cats can also change their eating habits as they age. Some prefer softer food, while others continue to enjoy dry food. 

The key is to monitor body condition, appetite, hydration and general comfort. If your pet is eating less, losing weight, drinking more or behaving differently, it’s worth speaking to a vet. You might just need to adjust portions, add variety, or choose foods that better suit their stage of life.

A Change in Routine 

Seasonal changes, training or working routines and household habits can all affect how much food a pet needs. A dog that spends more time outdoors, whether it’s on longer walks or working regularly, might need more calories than usual. A dog that’s resting more during winter or recovering from an injury may need less.

This is where portion control becomes very important. Feeding guides are a useful starting point, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all rule. You still need to look at your own pet and whether they’re gaining or losing weight to find the right balance. 

Improve Your Pet’s Diet With Favour

Reviewing your pet’s diet doesn’t have to be complicated. If you notice any of the signs above, take a look at what they’re currently eating, choose a new food that suits their age, lifestyle and preferences, and make any changes gradually to avoid stomach upset. 

At Favour, we make it easy for pet parents to purchase wet and dry dog or cat food made with quality ingredients at an affordable price. Our team is made up of passionate pet lovers, and we will be happy to help you find a product that provides the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your pet needs for a healthy, balanced diet. Feel free to contact us today for some tailored advice.