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10 Most Common Causes of Dog Diarrhea by A. Gaffaud, DVM

Dog diarrhea is a clinical sign of many diseases characterized by loose or unformed stools. It is associated with mild or severe conditions. Minor cases can often be resolved quickly with simple treatments. Still, they may become serious if treatment is not begun early enough. Whereas severe cases may be the result of serious or life-threatening illnesses such as organ system failure or cancer. As always, if you have any concerns about your dog’s health, consult your veterinarian.

Here are 10 of the most common causes of dog diarrhea.

1) Sudden Change in Diet

The gastrointestinal tract of dogs and other animals requires enough time to adjust to new food; hence gradual changes are always recommended to prevent stomach upset. It usually takes several days to shift to the new food as the system needs to adjust and adapt to the new proteins. Puppies are more sensitive to these changes since their bodies are not fully developed yet.

To prevent this, make sure to introduce the new food gradually. You may start for days 1 and 2 with a mixture of 75% old – 25% new food. For days 3 and 4, change it to 50% old-50% new, and for days 5 and 6, 25% old – 75% new food. By day 7, you may give 100% new food.

2) Dietary Indiscretion

Forcing the stomach to accommodate and digest too much food or exposing it to anything foreign would cause irritation, leading to dietary indiscretion. These include a sock, a toy, dirt, poop, wood, certain fruits, spoiled food, or even table scraps from the garbage, hence the term “garbage toxicosis” or “garbage gut.” This irritation changes the stool consistency.

This can be prevented by discouraging the scavenging behavior of your dogs using clicker training or a food-based reward system. You may also distract them with toys.

3) Food Allergies and Intolerances

dog experiencing stomach upset from dietDogs have many allergies, and food is one of the most common. Food allergy could be due to the ingredient or food group to which dogs could be allergic such as lactose, gluten, and glycoproteins.

The findings in the study of Rosser indicated that the recommendation of a 3-week elimination-diet trial for diagnosis of food allergy was adequate for only 25% of the dogs. It is recommended that test diets be fed for at least ten weeks before a food allergy is ruled out. Skin testing is another commonly used diagnostic technique to determine food allergies. However, the study of Kunkle involving 100 dogs concluded that skin-testing with selected allergenic food extracts was not helpful in identifying food-sensitive dogs.

4) Intestinal Parasites

Dogs usually get infected with endoparasites and could suffer from diarrhea. Puppies with weak or compromised immune systems are more susceptible. These internal parasites are whipworms, roundworms, hookworms, Coccidia, and Giardia. They usually get this by fecal-oral route or by exposure to contaminated soil, drinking water, or stool.

Whipworms could cause mucoid and bloody diarrhea as the parasite burrows itself in the intestinal mucosa causing hemorrhage.

You may see roundworms such as ascarids in your dog’s poop or vomit if infected. Toxocara canis is usually found in puppies, but some studies have suggested that these worms may be present in up to 33% of adult dogs.

Hookworms are small but terrible suckers that consume large amounts of blood from their host leading to life-threatening anemia. They attach themselves to the intestines like a hook hence the name.

According to Dr. Moorehead of the University of Georgia, the “unholy trinity” of roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms ranks among some of the most common and well-known infectious agents affecting dogs. You can discuss with your veterinarian the best options for dewormers based on your area and your health status.

Coccidia may cause severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal distress. In severe cases, death may occur. Your veterinarian may prescribe a sulfa-type antibiotic.

Giardia is a protozoan parasite that attaches itself to the intestinal wall causing an acute, sudden-onset of foul-smelling chronic intermittent diarrhea. The stool is soft to watery, often has a greenish tinge, and occasionally contains blood. You may also observe excess mucus in the feces. This may persist for a week leading to weight loss. Metronidazole is commonly prescribed.

5) Bacterial Infection

The dog’s gut is a common target for various microorganisms. Bacterial infections are usually accompanied by severe (explosive and often bloody) diarrhea. The most commonly reported bacteria causing diarrhea include Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium difficile, Campylobacter spp, pathogenic Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp, among others.

6) Viral Infections

Parvovirus – Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease causing acute gastrointestinal illness in puppies transmitted through the fecal-oral route. It has a notable odor; hence experts would usually say, “smells like parvo” when encountering such a case. Some breeds have a higher risk of infection. The virus destroys the enterocytes causing bloody diarrhea.

Distemper – Canine Distemper is a contagious viral disease of carnivores, usually in young animals. It could be acute to subacute and often fatal. It is also known as the “disease of unvaccinated puppies” or “hard pad disease” and can be transmitted airborne with droplet exposure. It invades the respiratory tract but can progress to a multisystemic problem. Clinical signs include diarrhea, vomiting, thick yellow discharge from the eyes and nose, cough, and some neurological symptoms such as seizure, ataxia, and paralysis in severe cases.

Coronavirus – Canine coronavirus is characterized by sudden onset of diarrhea with lethargy and inappetence. The stool is loose, with a fetid odor and orange tint. It may also contain blood or mucus.

These infectious diseases are preventable by vaccination.

7) Illnesses

Dog diarrhea can be one of the symptoms of severe health issues like cancer, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal inflammations, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver, pancreas, or kidney diseases. Chemotherapy could also induce diarrhea.

8) Toxin Ingestion

Dog on a toilet to illustrate diarrhea causesSome food has toxic substances to dogs and could be life-threatening, and its complex manifestation usually starts with diarrhea. Some of these are chocolate, grapes, avocado, and salt. Drugs and chemicals such as household products (detergents, antifreeze) and plants could also be toxic.

Treatment is based on the toxic agent ingested by your dog.

9) Foreign Bodies

Ingesting foreign objects such as toys, cloth, sticks, and rocks can cause intestinal blockage and diarrhea.

This is a life-threatening situation and requires immediate veterinary intervention.

10) Stress or Emotional Upset

dog in stress

Any condition that alters the mood of dogs, such as fear, trauma, depression, anxiety, changes in routine, and excitement from playtime, visitors, car rides, or new experiences that could disrupt digestive function and biome balance may lead to inflammation of the colon a.k.a. colitis. The stressful condition leads to the proliferation and overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

Keep a Lookout for These Common Causes of Dog Diarrhea

Dealing with dog diarrhea is no fun. Fortunately, being aware of these common causes of dog diarrhea can help avoid some of the preventable cases. Knowing the cause of your dog’s diarrhea can also help rule out more serious causes, such as illness. And if your dog is already experiencing diarrhea, don’t worry: there are still things you can do to firm up your dog’s stool.

 

We would love to hear your thoughts. Have you experienced dog diarrhea? What worked for you?

Please leave a comment below and share your experience. Your feedback could help others in similar situations.

Author

Author Dr. Athena Gaffud, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Athena Gaffud, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Athena Gaffud earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in 2011. She finished as Top 10 in the class and received the award for the Best Undergraduate Thesis in Large Animals. Athena became board certified in the same year. She is currently running her own veterinary business and is a part of veterinarians.org as a fact-checker and a remote staff of an Oregon-based animal rehab practice.

Everything You Need to Know about Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Osteoarthritis in dogs is a common problem. A study in 2015 suggests that one in four of 77.2 million pet dogs in the United States are diagnosed with some form of arthritis with osteoarthritis being the highest, affecting about 25% of the population.

Osteoarthritis is the inflammation of the synovial joints. This degenerative joint disease is a common chronic problem in senior dogs, particularly in large breeds. Its development is affected by age and weight. The key is to identify the problem early on and initiate care management to improve the quality of life and keep the dog active.

What Is Osteoarthritis in Dogs?

The cartilage acts as a cushion to move the joints freely through their full range of motion. However, they degenerate over time, leading to loss of movement and pain. Age, injury, disease, or repetitive trauma could cause the cushion to break. The cartilage thinning, fluid build-up, and bony outgrowths around the joints worsen joint inflammation and decrease the range of motion. Other possible causes of joint degeneration include developmental malformation, infection, trauma, or immune-mediated abnormalities.

Osteoarthritis can develop in any joint of the body but is mostly seen in the lower spine and limbs. It could be classified as primary or secondary. Primary osteoarthritis is usually associated with aging or those which are of unknown cause (idiopathic). Secondary osteoarthritis occurs because of another joint problem, such as dysplasia (hip/elbow), cruciate ligament tear, patellar luxation, or other injuries. Regardless of its classification, the series of changes as the disease progresses degrades joint health.

What Are the Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis in Dogs?

dog with osteoarthritisAge and weight are the most important factors, with middle-aged to senior dogs being most at risk. Obesity as a result of diet or improper nutrition is one of the most common factors.

Another contributing factor is a lifestyle, including exercise and repetitive stress from athletic activities.

Genetics is also said to play a part, having a predilection to large or giant breeds such as Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and German shepherd dogs.

Other risk factors include infections and injuries of the joints, such as Lyme Disease or dysplasia and ligament tears.

Symptoms are not apparent until the joint is badly damaged, which is why osteoarthritis is hard to detect in its early stages. As part of their natural instincts in the wild, some dogs are good at hiding pain until they can no longer hold it, but by then, the case is already severe. It is crucial to stay up-to-date with regular veterinary visits if your dog is predisposed to developing osteoarthritis. They can help monitor your dog’s weight, and lifestyle, notice early signs, and address the condition before it becomes serious.

What Are the Signs of Osteoarthritis in Dogs?

Pet parents will notice some general signs of sickness such as lethargy, irritability, reluctance to move such as sitting or standing, decreased energy, and willingness to play. More specific signs related to joint pain may include lameness, muscle wasting, joint swelling, limping, change in posture or gait, and slouching when walking. As the disease progresses, a grating sound can be heard during joint movement.

How Do Vets Diagnose Osteoarthritis in Dogs?

It is important that you bring your dog to a vet if you suspect that they are suffering from or have observed some signs of osteoarthritis. The veterinarian would start by conducting a physical examination. This would include palpation of the joints and assessing the range of motion. Swollen and relatively warm joints indicate inflammation. The presence of thickening, muscle atrophy and crepitus will also be checked. To further evaluate the condition and see the extent of damages, if there is any, the veterinarian may also order radiographs (x-rays). In some cases, more advanced imaging techniques may be done, such as CT and MRI. Samples may also be taken for joint fluid analysis and bloodworks. Arthroscopy may also be performed, wherein a small incision is done to evaluate the joint structures using an endoscope.

Is There a Treatment for Osteoarthritis in Dogs?

symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogsManaging osteoarthritis could be through surgical or medical intervention.

Surgical options could be a preventive, repair, or salvage procedure. The purpose of preventive procedures is to improve the function and structure of the joint and delay the onset of arthritis, allowing the joint to function more normally. This is usually applied in cases of ruptured ligaments, patellar luxation, elbow and hip dysplasia, limb deformities, fractures, and joint dislocations. Once arthritis has already occurred, repair surgery such as joint replacement is an option to reduce pain and improve the function of the affected limb. However, if the arthritis is beyond repair, salvage surgery such as arthrodesis and Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE) are performed to make the patient comfortable and mobile again. This is usually a last resort because the joint can no longer function normally.

Medical intervention may include the use of drugs, weight loss, warm compress, exercises, physical therapy or a multimodal approach to ensure joint health. Medications to address inflammation, pain, and to slow down the disease progression are usually prescribed. These would include corticosteroids, NSAIDS, Adequan, gabapentin, tramadol, and amantidine. However, the use of these drugs is guarded in patients with liver and kidney disease. Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, omega 3 fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans, antioxidants, and natural anti-inflammatory products are given long-term.

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, cold laser, physiotherapy, physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, swimming and underwater treadmill are also utilized for the management of osteoarthritis .

Weight management is important to all dogs, with or without osteoarthritis. The excess weight exacerbates osteoarthritis as it inflicts pain and speeds up cartilage breakdown. Maintaining a healthy weight of your dogs since they are puppies is a critical deterrent of osteoarthritis. If at some point, being overweight is a risk factor, your veterinarian might prescribe a therapeutic weight loss diet. These formulas contain supplements like glucosamine. Bully Max Total Health Powder has 250 mg glucosamine, 50 mg chondroitin sulfate, and 240 mg Omega 3 fatty acid, which are all good for joint health.

 

About the Author:

Author Dr. Athena Gaffud, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Athena Gaffud, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Athena Gaffud earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in 2011. She finished as Top 10 in the class and received the award for the Best Undergraduate Thesis in Large Animals. Athena became board certified in the same year. She is currently running her own veterinary business and is a part of veterinarians.org as a fact-checker and a remote staff of an Oregon-based animal rehab practice.

How to Calm a Dog During a Storm

Want to learn how to calm your dog during a storm? If your typically brave dog has a tendency to turn into a scaredy cat whenever a storm rolls in, don’t fret. Many dogs get nervous or anxious during storms.

But here’s the good news: if you can identify what exactly it is about storms that makes your dog feel afraid, you can usually take steps to keep them calm—and also reduce the amount of whining, chewing, and scratching you have to deal with as a result. But before we get into the tips, there’s one important question you need to answer.

What is Your Dog Afraid of?

how to calm a dog during a storm - what is your dog afraid ofLet’s face it—storms can be scary! The world turns dark and cloudy, the rain can be heavy, the lightning is unexpected, and the thunder can even rattle your dishes if it’s close enough. The key to learning how to calm a dog during a storm is to figure out exactly what is making your dog nervous.

Is it the loud noise? Research shows that thunder can create anxiety in dogs, just like guns or fireworks can. If this is the case, your biggest challenge will be to reduce the noise your dog hears during the storm.

Is it the storm as a whole? Some dogs get anxious at the combination of sensations that come with a storm—even the changes in pressure and the smells. In this case, you’re probably best off keeping your dog completely insulated from the storm as much as you can.

Or is it a variety of stresses working together? For instance, separation anxiety in dogs might mean you should keep them some company to prevent them from getting nervous.

Once you understand what exactly is making your dog afraid, it’s much easier to help keep them calm.

5 Tips on How to Calm a Dog During a Storm

Here are some specific tips to help calm your dog.

Let Your Dog Inside

It might seem obvious, but if your dog is outside when a storm is on the way, then let them inside. Being out during a storm—or even before a storm—can make your dog feel exposed and even endangered. Let them inside where it’s dry, well-lit, quiet, and where they can feel more secure in your company.

Play Calming Music

Consider playing some relaxing music, such as spa music or yoga music, to help create a calming atmosphere inside during a storm. Not only can this help to calm your dog down, but it will also act as white noise, helping to make any thunder sound a little less loud by comparison.

how to calm a dog during a storm - create a sanctuaryCreate a Safe Sanctuary for Your Dog

This can be an especially important tip if it’s ever loud inside your house—such as during a party, a loud movie, and so on. Giving your dog a little space where they can go to feel safe is a powerful way to help keep them calm during a storm. A small, contained room like a closet could be ideal. And make sure to include some creature comforts there, like a bed, a bone, a bowl of water, or whatever will make your dog feel at home.

Keep Your Dog Away from Windows

When your dog is inside, the scariest part of a storm is liable to come in through the windows. Think about it: lightning may flash through the windows, scaring your dog with sudden light; and when thunder strikes, the sound is liable to be loudest by the windows. A loud thunderstrike can even cause your windows to rattle, making the sound even louder inside.

So keep your dog away from those windows. Once again, a quiet, windowless closet might be the ideal place for your dog to feel safe until the storm passes. And if you don’t have a room like that, at least make sure to draw the curtains or the drapes to cut down on the light and sound.

Keep Your Dog Comfortable

Does your dog have a favorite blanket, bone, or toy? If so, this is a great time to make sure they have those items that might help them feel a bit more comfortable. Another way to achieve this is by simply keeping them company during the worst part of a storm! Your presence will help them feel more safe than they would on their own.

If these tips aren’t enough, some medication might be in order. Benadrayl for dogs might be a good way to help encourage your dog to take a nap while the worst of the storm happens. But always make sure to speak with your vet about this first, to ensure you’re using a safe dose of a safe medication.

Hopefully these tips have helped you learn a little more about how to keep a dog calm during a storm. Try them out the next time those rain clouds roll in, and see if your dog responds to any of these tips in particular. Every dog is a little different, so find what works for you and go from there to keep your dog feeling secure during inclement weather.

5 Tips on How to Exercise Your Dog

If you want to learn more about how to exercise your dog, this post is for you. We’ve compiled some important basic information along with some suggestions of the best ways to help improve your dog’s health with more physical activity.

How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

how to exercise your dog with walkingSo how much exercise does a dog need? Generally speaking, most dogs will do best with around 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. But keep in mind that different breeds can vary in how much exercise they need. And of course, some dogs are naturally more energetic than others. Our recommendation is to start with an hour or two of physical activity, and adjust based on how your dog reacts.

The 5 Best Types of Exercise for Your Dog

Looking for specific types of exercise for your dog? Here are some of our favorites:

Take Your Dog On a Walk

Taking your dog is probably the most common and classic form of exercise, and it’s incredibly convenient. No matter where you are, you can almost always put on a leash and take your dog around the block for a walk. And of course, there’s a hidden benefit of walking your dog—which is that it forces you to get out of the house and get some exercise, too!

Take Your Dog On a Hike

Going for a walk is great, but taking your dog on a hike can be even better. Dogs love getting out in nature, and plus, this gives you an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle so you can see a new trail too. Taking your dog on a hike often takes a little extra work, since driving is often involved, and for that reason it probably won’t happen as often. But your dog will love you for it! Just remember to bring along some treats and water, especially if it’s a long hike and/or if the temperature is hot.

Take Your Dog For a Jog or Bike Ride

So far, your dog has done a lot of walking. But once they’re ready for something a little more intense, you can take them jogging or bike riding with you. Depending on your physical fitness, you may find that you have to run slower and shorter than you’re used to…especially if your dog has very short legs. But this is another great way to give both of you an excellent workout at the same time.

Play Fetch or Use a Flirt Pole

Another fun way to exercise your dog is to simply play a game! Fetch is a classic game that takes only a ball or frisbee, or you can also buy or build a flirt pole to help build some extra strength and muscle for your dog.

how to exercise your dog with swimmingTake Them Swimming

Most people don’t think of swimming as an exercise for dogs, but it absolutely can be! Especially if your dog is a common swimming breed like Labrador Retrievers or Standard Poodles. The nice thing about swimming is that it’s low impact, which means it’s gentler on your dog’s joints than running and jumping.

How to Exercise Your Dog Responsibly

It’s important to learn how to exercise your dog in a way that’s safe. So when you’re exercising your dog, make sure to start slow and progress slowly. Anytime your dog starts to exhibit signs of being tired, that’s always a great time to stop and take a break. There’s no point in pushing your dog past the point where they want to stop.

And there you have it—some of our favorite tips on how to exercise your dog. Now get out there and work up a sweat with your dog!

Bully Max Dog Food Comparison Chart

Not sure which brand of Bully Max dog food is the right choice for you? Not to worry! We’ve put together this handy chart for you to use as a reference to find the best dog food for your pup.

We take pride in ensuring that every dog food we create here at Bully Max is made from the highest-quality, human-grade ingredients with no fillers, no wheat/corn/soy, and no infuriating “proprietary blends” that some manufacturers use to hide the stuff they don’t want you to see.

Just browse this handy table to quickly & easily compare our dog foods for the choice that makes the most sense for you! A few quick hints on what to look for in this table:

  • If you want your dog to gain muscle, look for higher calorie, and protein density.
  • Real meat is the #1 ingredient in all our dog foods, but your dog may prefer the flavor of some meats more than others.
  • Probiotics help encourage healthy gut bacteria, making them good for your dog’s digestive system.
  • “All Life Stages” formulas are appropriate for both puppies and adults.
  • Each food has its own unique feature that makes it special, so make sure to read the last row!

bully-max-dog-food-table(Click the image to see a larger version)

Small Dog Teeth Problems: Why Smaller Breeds Have Dental Issues

Did you know that by the time a dog reaches 2 years old, there’s an 80% chance that it will have some sort of periodontal disease? It’s a sad, but true fact: teeth and gum issues are extremely common in dogs. And that’s especially true of smaller dogs, which are more likely to experience dental issues (and more likely to experience them at a younger age).

Read on for more information about teeth problems in both small dogs and large dogs, along with a few tips on how to help keep your dog’s dental health in tip-top shape.

Why Are Small Dogs More at Risk for Teeth Problems?

No one is 100% sure why small dogs have more dental issues, although many people believe it may be related to the smaller size of their head and jaw area. When the mouth is overcrowded with teeth, it becomes easier for food to get stuck between teeth and start to collect bacteria.

It’s also more common for small dogs to keep their baby teeth, which can contribute to even more overcrowding of the mouth. If your dog hasn’t naturally shed their baby teeth, consider asking your vet if they should be removed to help free up space for their adult teeth.

Last but not least, some breeds of dogs also tend to experience more teeth crowding as a result of an abnormal bite or a flattened face (such as with pugs or Boston terriers).

What Are the Problems Caused by Periodontal Issues?

Teeth and gum issues can range in severity from mild discomfort to creating a serious health issue. Over the short term, plaque forms on the surface of the teeth. For the first 48 hours or so, that plaque can be removed with a toothbrush.

But once that plaque has time to harden into tartar, it becomes much more difficult to remove. And over time, that tartar can introduce bacteria to the gum—causing inflammation and potentially even tooth loss.

What Should You Do If You Have a Small Dog?

Taking care of your dog’s dental health is always important, but especially so with small dogs. It pays to take the time to practice the preventative measures that can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.

One easy way to take care of your dog’s dental health is to give them dental chews and other dental products such as oral sprays, gels, or water additives. Look for the VOHC seal of approval, which stands for the Veterinary Oral Health Council, to find products that will effectively reduce plaque and tartar.

Another important habit is brushing your dog’s teeth. Doing this on a daily basis can help you remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. If you need help learning how to brush your dog’s teeth effectively, ask your vet to show you how.

But while preventive measures are important, it’s also important to take your dog to the vet regularly. Make sure they take a look at your dog’s teeth and gums and let them know if you notice any signs of dental issues, such as bad breath, inflamed gums, or discolored teeth. Your vet will be able to examine your dog’s mouth, and to schedule x-rays if necessary to analyze the extent of any dental problems.

And if it turns out that your dog does have periodontal issues, your vet will be able to perform a professional cleaning that can remove the tartar that you can’t remove at home. When you put them both together, at-home preventive measures and a veterinarian’s professional treatments can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy for life—no matter what size dog you have.

Here’s What 99.3% of Customers Say About Bully Max Dog Food

Here at Bully Max, we’re obsessed with creating the highest-quality dog foods and supplements from natural, protein-rich ingredients we can find. And in the service of that mission, we wanted to check in and make sure that our customers are happy with the Bully Max dog food they’re buying.

So we recently sent out a survey to customers who had purchased our food products to ask what their opinion was about Bully Max Dog Food.

We were blown away by the positive responses we got!

*At least 9 out of 10 people responded positively to all these questions:

  • 91.4% of customers saw increased energy levels
  • 94.5% of customers reported improved digestion
  • 89.9% of customers saw more fur shine
  • 99.3% of customers reported food quality as excellent
  • 92.3% of customers saw increased muscle tone

91.4% Saw Increased Energy Levels

energy levels

There are 3 things you can do to increase your dog’s energy levels: make sure they get enough sleep, give them exercise, and feed them a healthy diet high in protein and vital nutrients.

And that’s exactly what you’ll get with Bully Max dog food, including our best-selling and 5-star rated Bully Max 30/20 High Protein Dog Food.

It will fuel your dog with the calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals they need for their body to look, feel, and perform their best.

94.5% Saw Improved Digestion

digestion

With the wrong food, digestion can be a big problem for dogs. They may experience vomiting and/or diarrhea. Not only are those problems messy to clean up, they also mean your dog isn’t absorbing all the important nutrients in their food—which could lead to malnourishment.

That’s why we formulate our dog foods to be gut-friendly for your dog. We avoid unhealthy and artificial ingredients that can interfere with digestion, and instead use loads of real meat and veggies. We also include gut-healthy probiotics in many of our formulas, which help to maintain the healthy bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract.

89.9% Saw A Shinier Coat

shiny coat

Your dog’s coat and fur are intimately tied to their diet. Soft, shiny, beautiful fur requires certain essential nutrients to be present in your dog’s diet. As you can see in the results above, 9 out of 10 Bully Max customers saw a visible improvement in their dog’s coat after switching to our food! That’s a difference you can see, and it’s another reason why our formulas are among the best-reviewed dog foods online.

99.3% Said the Food Quality Is “Excellent”

excellent dog food

That graph says it all! Just about every single person who tried our dog food found it to be “excellent” in quality. That probably isn’t much of a surprise, given all the other positive results, but we’re just over the moon that so many people are happy with our products.

92.3% Noticed an Increase in Muscle Tone

muscle tone

It’s not uncommon to want to help your dog to bulk up, reach a normal weight, or add some lean muscle. Many people find that their dogs aren’t particularly interested in some types of food. And many other brands of food lack the high-quality protein in high enough quantities to help your dog add some increased muscle tone.

In our dog food products here at Bully Max, we make sure real meat is always the #1 ingredient on the label. (Sometimes it’s the #2 ingredient, too!) And the reason is simple: because we know your dog needs plenty of high-quality meat to grow strong, healthy, and happy.

So if you want to help your dog achieve a healthier physique, consider our 30/20 High Protein Dog Food, our 25/11 High Protein & Low Fat Dog Food, or our new Instant Fresh Food. We’re sure that you’ll agree with the vast majority of dog owners who love the way it makes their dog look, act, and feel.

If you didn’t find a suitable product from this article, have a look at our variety of:

  1. Puppy dog foods,
  2. Freeze-dried dog foods,
  3. Dehydrated dog foods,
  4. Low-fat dog foods, or
  5. Dog food toppers

 

*Based on an informal survey of more than 859 Bully Max customers, wherein all respondents fed their dog a two month supply of Bully Max dog food. Results do not guarantee nor are they representative of what would happen for anyone else’s dog.

What Causes Upset Stomach in Dogs?

Nobody enjoys having an upset stomach—and that goes for dogs just as much as it does for people. But if your dog does have an upset stomach, the only way to help them find relief is first to figure out what’s causing their symptoms in the first place.

Unfortunately, your dog can’t simply tell you what’s wrong. Which means that in a lot of cases, you’ll need to do a little detective work to figure out what’s causing your dog’s upset stomach. But not to worry, because we’ve put together this guide to help you narrow down the cause of your dog’s problems as quickly as possible.

Just note that this is a guide only. Please contact your vet with any health-related issues.

Let’s start with the most obvious question: how do you know when your dog has an upset stomach in the first place? Well, some of the warning signs could include:

  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Blood in the feces or vomit
  • Severe lethargy

But of course, this doesn’t tell you what’s really causing the problems. In order to figure that out, ask yourself the following questions.

Is Your Dog Eating Something They Shouldn’t Be?

Dogs are known for eating all kinds of things that they shouldn’t be—from grass and sticks to toys, bones, bugs, and more. If your dog has an upset stomach, that’s a good time to be a little more observant. Keep a closer eye on your dog than usual to make sure they aren’t eating anything that could be causing their upset stomach.

Here’s another tip: make sure your dog has enough healthy, nutritious food—such as this health-boosting raw dog food recipe or this ground beef dog food recipe. Getting enough good food might help discourage your dog from chewing on things it shouldn’t be.

Is Your Dog Drinking Something They Shouldn’t Be?

This is an extension of the last question, but it could also be part of the problem. Make sure your dog has clean, fresh water in their bowl, and make sure that’s the only water they drink. Keep the toilet seats down, don’t leave drinks out where they can get at them, and if you have a pool, make sure your dog doesn’t drink from it.

Has Your Dog Recently Taken Antibiotics or Other Drugs?

In the right situation, antibiotics can be a life-saving drug. However, they can also do damage to the delicate gut bacteria that are essential for optimal health. If your dog has taken antibiotics for a recent illness, their gut flora might be out-of-whack as a result.

Does Your Dog Have Food Allergies?

Just like people, some dogs just don’t get along well with certain types of foods. Common culprits can include ingredients like soy, wheat, gluten, and artificial products. Now, here’s the good news: here at Bully Max, we don’t use any of those unhealthy additives or fillers. So go ahead and feed your dog Bully Max products with confidence.

If you suspect allergies may be the source, try out this hypoallergenic dog food recipe.

Could Your Dog be Sick?

Of course, an upset stomach could also be a sign that your dog has some kind of illness. If you think this might be the case, it’s definitely time to take your dog to the vet. Sickness is nothing to mess around with. Whether it’s the common flu or something much more serious, only your vet will know how to diagnose the illness and create a treatment plan to bring your dog back to health.

Finally, here are 2 last tips when your dog has an upset stomach:

Tip #1: Do NOT try to diagnose and treat an illness yourself using OTC products.

While OTC products exist for vomiting and nausea, we recommend not using these to treat your dog’s upset stomach unless instructed to do so by your vet. Especially if it’s a product intended for use by humans, since some products that are safe for humans could be toxic for dogs.

Tip #2: DO give your dog plenty of fluids.

Vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can create further health risks. So if your dog has an upset stomach, make sure they have access to clean, fresh water to drink. This will at least help prevent them from getting too dehydrated until their upset stomach can be resolved.

How to Count Calories for Your Dog

If you’ve ever been on a diet (and who hasn’t?), then you’ve experienced the joy that is calorie counting. But what you may not have done is counted calories for your dog.

Believe it or not, though, counting calories for your dog is critical!

According to a 2017 survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over 55% of dogs in the U.S. are either overweight or obese. And the health ramifications of carrying around too many pounds are clear: being overweight can lead to all kinds of problems, including…

  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis

But you can reduce your dog’s risk for all these conditions by helping them to reach and maintain a healthy weight—and the best way to do that is to use calorie counting to make sure they’re eating the proper amount of food each day.

The Good News About Counting Calories For Your Dog

For millions of people around the world, losing weight is HARD. Whether you’ve tried the Atkins Diet, the Keto Diet, the Mediterranean Diet, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, or any of the hundreds of diets out there—you know that sticking to a diet isn’t easy.

Fortunately, it’s a lot easier to help your dog lose weight than it is to do it yourself.

There are a few reasons for this, but the main one boils down to willpower. As a person, you can make your way to the fridge anytime you want. This makes it easy to derail your diet by grabbing a snack when you shouldn’t be! Luckily, your dog can only eat when you feed them. Which means that once you determine how much they should be eating, you can feed them the correct amount and trust that they aren’t sneaking in late-night trips to the ice cream drawer.

The other convenient thing about counting calories for your dog? The fact that your dog eats the same food for every meal. Calorie counting for humans can get tricky when you need to figure out the calories in a hot dog versus a piece of pizza. But with your dog, all you need to do is find the calorie information from their bag of food and figure out how many cups of food that translates to. Then, simply feed them that amount each day at mealtime.

First, Find Your Dog’s Ideal Weight Range

The first thing we recommend you do is get an idea of how many calories your dog needs. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has a handy chart to help you determine the ideal weight range for your dog. If you have a German Shepherd, for example, this chart reveals that based on its breed, your dog should probably weigh approximately 75-95 pounds.

Another helpful tool is the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Body Condition Score for Dogs. This visual guide can help you determine if your dog is overweight, underweight, or at a healthy weight.

And if your dog is a pitbull, check out our guide to average pitbull weight, height, and size.

Granted, this is all fairly generic information. But you can make adjustments based on your unique dog. Consider questions like this:

  • How much exercise does your dog get? If they’re very active, they’ll need more calories.
  • How old is your dog? Puppies need more calories to fuel their growing bodies, while older dogs may need less.
  • How is your dog’s weight right now? If your dog is already overweight, you’ll want to reduce their calories slightly to induce gradual weight loss.

Measure Your Dog’s Food for Every Meal

If you’re one of those people who just fills your dog’s bowl at mealtime, it’s time to stop that behavior. Counting calories meals you’ll need to determine exactly how many cups of food your dog needs to reach and maintain their ideal weight—and that means using a measuring cup when feeding them.

There’s no universal recommendation for how many cups of food to give your dog, because some foods are more calorie-dense than others. (Our Bully Max 30/20 Dog Food, for instance, is more calorie-dense—which means you can feed less food.) So use the nutrition information on your dog food’s bag to determine the proper serving size for your dog.

Make Adjustments as Necessary

If you initial attempts at calorie counting for your dog don’t work out the way you planned, don’t worry. It’s not uncommon for dog owners to need a few weeks to tweak and optimize their dog’s diet until they find the right serving size.

If your dog’s weight isn’t moving in the right direction after a week or two, try decreasing their calorie count by a small amount (say 2-3%). Don’t overdo it and reduce their food too much. It’s always better to induce slow and steady weight loss.

Remember to Exercise

Diet is important, but so is getting plenty of activity and exercise! You should be taking your dog for regular walks, and letting them let loose and play from time to time. Another great form of exercise is using a flirt pole for dogs to help build lean muscle that can increase their metabolism and help them stay at a healthier weight.

Last But Not Least

Remember to consult your veterinarian if you have any questions. They can always do a better job of assessing your individual dog’s needs. And if you need help with weight management, consider giving our Lamb 25/11 Dog Food a try!

Is Food Coloring Safe for Dogs?

If you’ve ever opened a bag of dog food to reveal colored bits of kibble, it may have made you wonder if artificial food coloring is safe for dogs. Is it harmless, or something you ought to avoid? Here’s our two cents on the matter.

We’ll start by sharing two relevant facts that you probably need to know.

First, the food manufacturing process removes all color from food.

Your dog goof may contain beef, broccoli, and sweet potatoes, but that doesn’t mean your kibble is going to be colored red, green, and orange. That’s because the manufacturing process removes those colors from food. So, if your dog food has bits of green kibble meant to represent the vegetables inside, realize that the green color is added after the fact—after processing—via food coloring.

Second, dogs can’t see the full spectrum of colors.

Your dog’s eyes have only two cones, which means their ability to perceive colors is limited. They can’t see red or green, and they have a limited ability to discern subtle changes in a color’s brightness. This means that the color of your dog food doesn’t matter at all to your dog. These colors are added purely for the benefit of you, the owner.

(Related: 5 common feeding mistakes dog owners make.)

That might make you wonder if all those artificial colors are really necessary, or if they simply add unhealthy ingredients to your dog’s food.

The History of Food Coloring

Here’s an interesting bit of trivia: did you know that food coloring was first used to hide the fact that food might be spoiled, damaged, or otherwise less than fresh? To make matters worse, many of these early food colorings contained toxic chemicals like lead, arsenic, and mercury. As you might imagine, this practice was banned by the FDA (in 1906).

So food manufacturers started using different food coloring products, these ones made from coal-tar dyes. If that doesn’t sound very appealing, you might not be surprised to learn that these, too, were eventually banned by the Color Additives Amendments of 1960 for safety reasons.

The State of Food Coloring Today

Today, the FDA keeps a close eye on the food coloring additives used in food for both humans and animals. There are less than ten certified, manmade food coloring additives (although some uncertified food colorings are still used). Some manufacturers also use natural pigments that come from food or plants, although these are also monitored by the FDA.

So, Is Artificial Food Coloring Safe for Dogs or Not?

The answer is a little more nuanced than a simple “yes/no.” Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

There’s some evidence that food coloring may be linked to cancer, allergies, and hyperactivity in humans. However, these apply to the non-certified food dyes, and not the food coloring that is certified by the FDA. And we can’t say for sure whether the same thing is true of animals or not.

There’s very little research on the effect of food coloring on dogs. This means we don’t really know for certain if artificial food coloring is really safe for dogs—or not.

Good News: Manufacturers Are Moving Away from Artificial Food Coloring

Today’s consumers are more aware and educated than ever, and food coloring is one of the top 3 things that most people prefer to avoid in their products. As a result, many food producers have started moving toward the use of more natural food coloring agents—which are probably liable to be safer, since they come from safe foods in the first place.

So what should you, as a responsible pet owner, do?

All the evidence points to modern food coloring being quite safe for dogs. However, the matter has not been studied extensively, so no one can say for sure. Your best bet is to feed your dog the highest-quality dog food you can find—ideally, one without artificial dyes.

Our 30/20 High-Performance Dog Food is a great example of healthy dog food that doesn’t mess around with unnecessary food colors. Instead, it’s filled with healthy, natural ingredients that will help keep your dog feeling healthy and happy.