Nutritional Diseases of Dogs
Nutritional diseases of dogs are protein energy malnutrition, vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, zinc deficiency, canine obesity, etc.
Nutritional diseases of dogs are:
- Protein-Energy Malnutrition
- Starvation
- Vitamin A Deficiency
- Vitamin A Toxicity (Hypervitaminosis A)
- Vitamin D Deficiency
- Vitamin D Toxicity
- Vitamin E Deficiency
- Vitamin K Deficiency
- Calcium Deficiency (Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism)
- Calcium Toxicity (Hypercalcemia)
- Phosphorus Imbalance
- Zinc Deficiency
- Iron Deficiency (Anemia)
- Iodine Deficiency (Hypothyroidism)
- Copper Deficiency
- Copper Toxicity
- Selenium Deficiency
- Canine Obesity
- Pancreatitis
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Fiber Deficiency
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV/Bloat)
- Food Allergies and Intolerances
- Rickets (Vitamin D or Calcium Deficiency)
- Hyperlipidemia
- Nutritional Myopathy (White Muscle Disease)
- Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Osteoporosis/Osteomalacia
- Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis
- Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency
- Poor Coat Quality
- Thiamine Deficiency (Vitamin B1 Deficiency)
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Not all above mentioned diseases are clinically important and widely seen. Following list is have some of these important nutritional diseases in dogs:
- Protein-Energy Malnutrition
- Vitamin D Deficiency
- Calcium Deficiency (Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism)
- Zinc Deficiency
- Iron Deficiency (Anemia)
- Canine Obesity
- Pancreatitis
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV/Bloat)
- Food Allergies and Intolerances
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis
- Thiamine Deficiency (Vitamin B1 Deficiency)
- Hypoglycemia

(1) Protein-Energy Malnutrition
Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) occurs due to inadequate intake of protein and calories, leading to muscle wasting, weight loss, and systemic weakness. Puppies, senior dogs, and those suffering from chronic illnesses are particularly susceptible to PEM due to their higher nutritional requirements.
Clinical signs of PEM include severe weight loss, muscle atrophy, lethargy, weakness, dull coat, and delayed wound healing. Affected dogs may also develop edema due to low protein levels.
Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, and laboratory tests such as serum albumin levels, total protein concentration, and body condition scoring.
Treatment involves correcting the nutritional deficiency through a well-balanced, high-protein, and calorie-dense diet.
(2) Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency in dogs occurs due to inadequate dietary intake or insufficient exposure to sunlight. Since dogs primarily rely on their diet for vitamin D, poor-quality commercial or homemade diets lacking in vitamin D can lead to deficiency.
Conditions such as chronic kidney disease or gastrointestinal malabsorption disorders can also interfere with vitamin D metabolism, reducing calcium and phosphorus absorption.
Clinical signs include bone deformities, joint pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty in walking. In puppies, vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets, leading to bowed limbs and stunted growth. In adult dogs, it can result in osteomalacia, characterized by brittle and soft bones.
Diagnosis involves assessing serum calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels, along with radiographic evaluation of bone abnormalities.
Treatment includes dietary supplementation with vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus.
(3) Calcium Deficiency (Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism)
Calcium deficiency occurs when dietary calcium intake is insufficient, leading to an imbalance in calcium and phosphorus levels.
This is common in dogs fed homemade diets that are not properly supplemented with calcium. Large-breed puppies, pregnant or lactating females, and dogs with kidney disease or gastrointestinal malabsorption disorders are at higher risk.
Chronic calcium deficiency results in the body mobilizing calcium from bones, leading to skeletal demineralization.
Dogs with calcium deficiency often exhibit lameness, bone pain, muscle tremors, and weakness.
In severe cases, spontaneous fractures, difficulty standing, and neurological signs such as seizures may develop.
Treatment involves dietary correction with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Feeding a properly balanced diet with an appropriate calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is essential.
(4) Zinc Deficiency
Zinc deficiency in dogs occurs due to inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption, or excessive loss through chronic illnesses. It is commonly seen in dogs fed low-quality or imbalanced homemade diets.
Certain breeds, such as Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, have a genetic predisposition to zinc malabsorption.
Gastrointestinal disorders, high-phytate diets, and excessive calcium supplementation can also interfere with zinc absorption.
Affected dogs exhibit skin lesions, crusting dermatitis around the face and limbs, hair loss, poor wound healing, and immune dysfunction.
Severe deficiency can lead to stunted growth and reproductive issues.
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, dietary history, and serum zinc levels. Skin biopsies may reveal characteristic changes associated with zinc-responsive dermatosis.
Treatment involves zinc supplementation, either through dietary correction or oral zinc preparations. In genetically predisposed breeds, lifelong supplementation may be required.
(5) Iron Deficiency (Anemia)
Iron deficiency in dogs is primarily caused by chronic blood loss, poor dietary intake, or malabsorption disorders.
Common causes include parasitic infestations (hookworms, fleas, or ticks), gastrointestinal ulcers, and chronic kidney disease.
Puppies, pregnant females, and dogs with chronic illnesses are at higher risk due to increased iron requirements.
Clinical signs include pale mucous membranes, lethargy, weakness, exercise intolerance, and increased heart rate.
In severe cases, dogs may develop pica, seeking out non-food items to compensate for mineral deficiencies.
Diagnosis is confirmed through a complete blood count (CBC), serum iron levels, and bone marrow analysis to evaluate red blood cell production.
Treatment involves iron supplementation through oral or injectable preparations, addressing underlying causes such as parasite control or treating gastrointestinal bleeding.
(6) Canine Obesity
Canine obesity results from excessive calorie intake relative to energy expenditure, leading to excessive fat accumulation.
It is commonly caused by overfeeding, feeding high-fat or carbohydrate-rich diets, lack of physical activity, and metabolic disorders such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease.
Neutered or spayed dogs have a reduced metabolic rate, making them more prone to weight gain.
Certain breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers and Beagles, have a genetic predisposition to obesity.
Clinical signs include excessive body fat, reduced activity levels, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and joint pain.
Obese dogs are at higher risk for diabetes mellitus, arthritis, hip dysplasia, cardiovascular diseases, and heat intolerance.
Diagnosis is made through body condition scoring (BCS), weight measurements, and assessing metabolic conditions through thyroid function tests and fasting blood glucose levels.
Treatment involves implementing a controlled weight loss plan with a calorie-restricted, high-fiber, and protein-rich diet. Regular exercise, portion control, and behavior modifications such as reducing treats and feeding low-calorie snacks are essential.
(7) Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas that occurs due to dietary indiscretion, consumption of high-fat foods, obesity, or metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia.
Certain breeds, such as Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers, have a higher genetic predisposition to pancreatitis.
Clinical signs include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, and inappetence.
Dogs with severe pancreatitis may exhibit dehydration, shock, or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).
Diagnosis is based on clinical history, serum pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) tests, elevated amylase and lipase levels, abdominal ultrasonography, and radiographs to assess pancreatic inflammation.
Treatment involves fasting to allow pancreatic rest, fluid therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain management.
A low-fat, easily digestible diet is introduced gradually once the symptoms subside.
(8) Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus in dogs is a metabolic disorder characterized by inadequate insulin production or insulin resistance, leading to persistently high blood sugar levels.
The primary causes include genetic predisposition, obesity, pancreatitis, and immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
Certain breeds, such as Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles, and Dachshunds, have a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Affected dogs show signs of excessive thirst (polydipsia), increased urination (polyuria), weight loss despite a good appetite, and lethargy.
Advanced cases may develop cataracts, recurrent infections, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a life-threatening complication.
Diagnosis is confirmed through fasting blood glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and urine glucose tests.
Treatment involves lifelong insulin therapy, dietary management with a high-fiber, low-carbohydrate diet, and routine glucose monitoring.
Weight management and consistent feeding schedules help regulate blood sugar levels.
(9) Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV/Bloat)
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition that primarily affects deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Boxers.
It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and rotates on itself, leading to obstruction of blood flow and potential organ damage.
Clinical signs include a distended abdomen, unproductive retching, excessive drooling, restlessness, and signs of shock such as pale gums and rapid heart rate.
If untreated, GDV can lead to gastric necrosis, circulatory collapse, and death. Diagnosis is confirmed through abdominal radiographs, which show an enlarged, gas-filled stomach with displacement.
Treatment involves emergency decompression of the stomach, either through orogastric tubing or percutaneous needle aspiration, followed by surgical correction (gastropexy) to prevent recurrence.
(10) Food Allergies and Intolerances
Food allergies and intolerances in dogs result from adverse immune or digestive reactions to certain dietary components, most commonly proteins such as beef, chicken, dairy, or grains.
Symptoms include chronic itching, skin inflammation, ear infections, gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and diarrhea), and excessive licking of the paws.
Diagnosis is based on elimination diet trials, where suspected allergens are removed and gradually reintroduced.
Intra-dermal skin testing and serum IgE allergy tests may help identify specific allergens.
Management involves feeding a hypoallergenic diet containing novel protein or hydrolyzed protein sources.
Avoidance of trigger ingredients is key to long-term control (like wheat containing food).
(11) Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition where kidney function declines over time, often due to aging, genetic predisposition, or underlying conditions such as hypertension or infections.
Poor dietary phosphate regulation and long-term exposure to nephrotoxic substances can accelerate kidney damage. Senior dogs and breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bull Terriers are more prone to CKD.
Clinical signs include increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination, weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, and bad breath (uremia).
Advanced stages may present with anemia, high blood pressure, and neurological signs. Diagnosis involves blood tests to assess blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and electrolyte imbalances, along with urinalysis and ultrasonography to evaluate kidney structure.
Treatment focuses on dietary management with a renal-friendly diet low in phosphorus, high in omega-3 fatty acids, and moderate in protein.
Fluid therapy, phosphate binders, and blood pressure management help slow disease progression.
(12) Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disorder characterized by improper development of the hip joint, leading to joint instability and osteoarthritis over time.
It is most common in large and giant breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers. Contributing factors include rapid growth, obesity, and improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios in the diet.
Affected dogs exhibit difficulty in rising, stiffness, reduced activity levels, and reluctance to jump or run. Chronic cases develop osteoarthritis, leading to progressive pain and joint deformities.
Diagnosis is confirmed through physical examination, orthopedic manipulation tests, and radiographic imaging of the hip joints.
Treatment involves weight management, joint supplements (glucosamine and chondroitin), pain control with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and physical therapy.
(13) Thiamine Deficiency (Vitamin B1 Deficiency)
Thiamine deficiency occurs due to inadequate dietary intake, excessive consumption of thiaminase-containing raw fish, or chronic gastrointestinal diseases that impair vitamin B1 absorption.
Poorly formulated homemade diets and certain commercial diets with thiamine degradation contribute to deficiency.
Clinical signs include neurological abnormalities such as ataxia, seizures, muscle tremors, and weakness.
Affected dogs may also show anorexia, vomiting, and dilated pupils.
Diagnosis is based on dietary history, neurological examination, and blood thiamine level testing. Treatment involves thiamine supplementation through injections or oral tablets.
(14) Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia in dogs occurs when blood glucose levels drop below normal, leading to weakness, confusion, and potentially life-threatening complications.
It is commonly caused by prolonged fasting, excessive insulin administration in diabetic dogs, liver disease, severe infections, or congenital metabolic disorders.
Clinical signs of hypoglycemia include lethargy, weakness, tremors, disorientation, and seizures. In severe cases, affected dogs may collapse or enter a comatose state.
Diagnosis is based on clinical history, blood glucose testing, and ruling out underlying conditions such as insulinoma (a pancreatic tumor that overproduces insulin) or Addison’s disease.
Treatment involves immediate administration of glucose, either orally (honey, sugar water) or intravenously in severe cases.