How To Tell If Your Dog Is Malnourished

Back in the old days, the farm dog was the worst fed dog in the United States, it was usually left to fend for itself, and had to scrounge for the food that it did get. They were undernourished; skin and bones. Most of these farms have disappeared, and along with them went these once skinny, hollowed-eyed hound dogs, that welcomed every visitor with an ill-tempered bark.

The times have changed, and now most of the farmers have moved to the city, gotten a J.O.B and are now called a suburban man. He also brought his companion dogs with him. These now city dogs, have replaced the farm dog that was once considered the poorest fed dog in the USA. 85% of all dogs located in America, which are owned by private individuals, are household pets.

Most household dogs are anywhere around 10% to 50% overweight, this is due to most dog owners overfeeding their dogs. Unlike in the old days, today's poor fed dogs are not underfed, but instead, are overfed. The sad fact is that, although the dog is overweight from being fed too much, they could also be undernourished! People are mislead to believe that any food they get from a store is adequate, and contain the right amount of nutrients for their dog.

This belief has caused most people to believe that house-hold dogs are fed better than humans, although, it is true that certain house-pets receive far better nourishment than some people. It is also a sad fact, that many dogs in the United States are malnourished. Most of these dogs, that are suffering from malnourishment, are the ones eating commercial dog food that does not provide the nutrients, and calorie density a dog needs.

Now, I'm not saying that all, probably not even most, of the commercial dog foods are the cause of malnourishment in a dog. It is best to read up on the nutritional value of the food you are purchasing for your dog, and keep a watch on him to make sure he is getting what his body needs from the food he is eating. If you feel that your dog isn't getting what it needs from the food, maybe try switching it up, or checking with a vet.