Why Does My Dog’s Food Smell Bad? 7 Causes & Solutions
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Dogs are known for their great sense of smell. Unfortunately, this means that they can also smell things that humans cannot. That sense of smell could lead to them rejecting their food. If your dog’s food smells bad, there may be a number of causes. In this article, we will discuss the most common causes of bad-smelling dog food and provide solutions to fix the problem!
Before We Begin: Defining “Bad” Smells
When people talk about bad-smelling dog food, they could mean one of two things. The first is that there’s a strong smell in the food they don’t like. The second is that the food is spoiled. When we talk about suggestions for replacing foods with strong smells, those are just recommendations. When we talk about solutions for spoiled food, we’re giving you tips you shouldn’t ignore. Feeding spoiled food to your dog is not just sad and miserable for your poor, hungry dog, it’s also potentially deadly.
The 7 Causes of Bad-Smelling Dog Food
There are a few different reasons why your dog’s food may smell bad.
1. It’s Gone Bad
The most common cause of bad pet food odors is spoilage. Spoiled food will have a sour smell, and you should not feed it to your dog. If the food is only slightly spoiled, you may be able to salvage it by cooking it thoroughly. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and throw out any food that smells bad. If the food went bad before the expiration date, contact the manufacturer or store to get a replacement.
2. Poor-Quality Ingredients
Another common cause of bad-smelling dog food is poor quality ingredients. If the ingredients in your dog’s food are not fresh, they will start to spoil and smell bad. This is why it is important to choose high-quality dog food that is made with fresh, healthy ingredients.
3. Insect or Rodent Infestation
Infestation is another possible cause of bad-smelling dog food. If your dog’s food is infested with pests, it will have a musty smell. If rats or mice have gotten into your dog’s food, you may also be able to see droppings in the food or smell urine in the food. If you suspect that your dog’s food is infested, do not feed it to your dog and contact the manufacturer immediately.
4. Strong-Smelling Ingredients
Some ingredients have strong smells, even when they’re fresh and of high quality. Examples include fish, seafood, and liver. If your dog’s food contains these ingredients, it may have a strong smell that is off-putting. However, this is not necessarily an indicator of spoiled or rotten food.
5. Expired Food
Another possible cause of bad-smelling dog food is that it has expired. Just like human food, pet food can go bad after a certain amount of time. If your dog’s food is past its expiration date, the ingredients may have started to spoil, and the food will smell bad.
6. Improperly Stored Food
If your dog’s food is not stored properly, it can go bad and start to smell bad. Pet food should be stored in a cool, dry place. If the food is exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures, it will spoil and smell bad.
7. Your Bowl, Container, or Scoop Is Dirty
If you use a bowl, container, or scoop to serve your dog’s food, it can affect the smell of the food. If these items are not cleaned regularly, they can build up bacteria and other microorganisms that will make the food smell bad.
Which Dog Food Ingredients Are Most Likely to Smell Bad?
There are a few different ingredients that are more likely to cause bad-smelling dog food.
Fish
One of the most common culprits is fish. Fish is a great source of protein for dogs, but it can also make their food smell bad. If you want to feed your dog a fish-based diet, look for foods that are made with fresh fish or freeze-dried fish.
Liver
Another ingredient that is known for causing bad-smelling dog food is liver. Liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that is often used in dog foods. However, it can also make the food smell bad. If you are concerned about the smell of your dog’s food, you can try feeding them a liver-free diet.
Processed Corn
Processed corn is often used as a filler in dog foods. However, it can also make the food smell bad. If you are concerned about the smell of your dog’s food, you can try feeding them a diet that is free from processed corn.
There are a few other ingredients that can cause bad-smelling dog food, but these are the most common culprits. If you are unsure about an ingredient, it is always best to speak with your veterinarian.
How to Prevent Bad-Smelling Dog Food
There are a few things you can do to prevent bad-smelling dog food.
1. Choose High-Quality Dog Food
One of the best ways to prevent bad-smelling dog food is to choose a high-quality food that is made with fresh, healthy ingredients. Avoid foods that contain fillers, preservatives, and other additives.
2. Store Dog Food Properly
Another way to prevent bad-smelling dog food is to store it properly. Pet food should be stored in a cool, dry place. Do not store pet food in damp or humid areas, as this can cause the food to spoil and smell bad. Consider using an airtight container to store your dog’s food.
3. Clean Your Bowls, Containers, and Scoops Regularly
If you use bowls, containers, or scoops to serve your dog’s food, it is important to clean them regularly. Bacteria and other microorganisms can build up on these items and make the food smell bad.
4. Use Before Expiration Date
Finally, make sure to use your dog’s food before the expiration date. Just like human food, pet food can go bad after a certain amount of time. If you are unsure about when to use your dog’s food, it is best to speak with your veterinarian.
What to Do if My Dog Eats Spoiled Food
If your dog eats spoiled food, it is important to watch for signs of illness.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in bathroom behavior
- Changes in personality
If your dog shows any of these signs, it is best to speak with your veterinarian right away.
Will My Dog Die?
In most cases, your dog will not become seriously ill after eating spoiled food. In fact, they may not have any symptoms at all. Still, it’s important to monitor your pet until you’re sure they’re OK.
If your dog does become ill after eating spoiled food, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
While most dogs will not die from eating spoiled food, there is a small chance that they could develop complications that could be life-threatening.
Will My Dog Refuse This Food in the Future?
If your dog has eaten spoiled food and become ill, they may be reluctant to eat the same food in the future. This is normal and nothing to worry about. If your dog does not want to eat their food, you can try offering them a different type of food.
Considerations
It may be more dangerous for elderly, sick, or injured dogs, as well as puppies, to eat spoiled food. Make sure to watch them more carefully if they happen to eat some. Call your vet right away if they start to show any signs of illness. Remember, prevention is always the best medicine.
Bottom Line
Bad-smelling dog food can be caused by a number of different things from ingredients to age. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent odor. Choose high-quality dog food with ingredients you can tolerate the smell of and that your dog enjoys. Store the food properly in clean containers and use it before it goes bad. Don’t buy more than you can use before the expiration date. Finally, talk to the manufacturer concerning any spoiled food. Talk to your vet if your dog gets sick after eating foul-smelling food.
By following these tips, you can help prevent bad-smelling dog food. If you are still concerned about the smell of your dog’s food, speak with your veterinarian. They may be able to recommend a different food or diet for your dog.
- You Might Be Interested In: How To Get Rid of Fishy Smell From a Dog: 7 Vet-Approved Expert Tips
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
