What Diseases Can a Dog Get From Not Having the Correct Diet?

Taking care of a dog requires dedication, patience and knowledge about what foods are good for it and what are not. Dogs can suffer from a myriad of diseases just like humans, and what they eat may determine how healthy they are throughout their lives. In fact, some diseases are directly linked to improper diet. Knowing that what you feed your dog could make it sick should make you reconsider your pet's dietary intake.

  1. Pancreatitis

    • Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is located behind the stomach and is responsible for metabolizing sugars and producing insulin and aiding in digestion. Inflammation will often cause severe abdominal pain in the animal as well as a hunched posture, vomiting, lack of appetite and even depression, according to the Pet Education website.

      Several causes can be linked with pancreatitis, including bad response to medications, infection and other disorders. However, diet plays a strong role as well. Dogs who eat table scraps or other greasy foods typically eaten by people tend to have excess lipids in their blood stream and may be obese---both of which are related to pancreatitis. Dogs who eat out of trash cans are often at higher risk as well. Pancreatitis can also lead to diabetes in dogs.

    Addison's Disease

    • While dog food companies spend a fortune on market research to ensure customer loyalty, some people believe that feeding your dog commercial pet foods can lead to illness. Since dog food often uses grains and meat byproducts as well as various chemical preservatives, these skeptics could have a point, according to an article by Caroline D. Levine, R.N., on B-Naturals.com.

      Grains and some chemicals found in some commercial dog foods can irritate a dog's digestive system. When the animal feels this stress, its body responds by releasing cortisol. This adrenal gland secretion is meant to soothe inflammation and keep the immune system working properly, according to Levine's article.

      Excessive irritation coming from regular feedings can create an excess of cortisol, whiich leads to an autoimmune problem in which the body attacks itself. When the body attacks and shuts down the adrenal glands and cortisol production is shut off, it is known as Addison's disease. Addison's disease can be fatal because a certain amount of cortisol is needed for survival.

    Periodontal Disease

    • Chew toys and bones are helpful in cleaning your dog's teeth.

      When pieces of food and bacteria build up around the gum line and the base of teeth in dogs, periodontal disease ensues. This mouth disease eventually leads to the inflammation of the mouth and gums, pain in the teeth and gum line, gingivitis, extremely bad breath and eventually rotting teeth and tooth loss.

      Feeding a dog hard kibble-like dog foods helps to scrape the teeth clean of buildup, while soft canned foods tend to promote the buildup and formation of bacteria. Plaque and bacteria may also be scraped away by the consistent use of chew toys or edible dental chews. A healthy alternative diet may also include raw meat.