Let’s face it — pets can’t exactly tell us what they need. They can’t say, “Hey, I’m not getting enough zinc,” or “I’d love some more omega-3s in my bowl, thanks.”

Instead, they show us. Subtly. Quietly. And if we’re not paying attention, we might miss the signs.

But here’s the thing: even a mild nutritional deficiency can have a big impact on your pet’s long-term health. The good news? When caught early, most deficiencies are easy to fix — especially with the right diet.

So, let’s dig into the early signs of nutritional deficiency in pets and what essential nutrients they may be missing.

Dull Coat or Excessive Shedding

Healthy pets have shiny coats. It’s one of the easiest ways to tell how well they’re doing on the inside. If your dog’s fur has lost its luster or your cat’s leaving more fur around the house than usual, it could be a sign they’re low in essential fatty acids — like omega-3 and omega-6.

These are the building blocks of healthy skin and coat, and when they’re missing, things can get flaky. Literally.

What to look for:

Dry, flaky skin
Brittle fur
Bald patches or excessive scratching

Psst — quick tip! If your pet’s coat is looking a little dull or dry, our Hemp Seed Oil might be just what they need. It’s packed with essential omegas to help bring back that glossy shine and soothe dry, itchy skin.

Low Energy and Lethargy

Is your normally energetic pup suddenly snoozing all day? Or is your curious cat hiding away more than usual?

While there are many reasons pets can feel a bit flat, a lack of key nutrients like iron, B vitamins, or protein can drain their energy fast. Nutrient-poor kibble might fill them up — but it doesn’t always fuel them.

What to look for:

Decreased interest in play or walks
Sluggish movement
Sleeping more than usual

Digestive Upset

Tummy troubles are one of the most obvious ways pets tell us something’s not right. A poor-quality diet or one lacking in digestive support can throw their whole system off.

Dogs and cats need diets that are easy to digest and rich in fibre, probiotics, and species-appropriate proteins. Without them, things can get messy.

What to look for:

Loose stools or constipation
Frequent vomiting
Excessive gas or bloating

Poor Growth or Muscle Loss

This one’s especially important for puppies, kittens, and senior pets. Growth and repair require essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, high-quality protein, and amino acids. If your young pet isn’t growing steadily — or your older pet is starting to lose muscle — it might not be age. It might be what’s in their bowl.

What to look for:

Underdeveloped muscles
Slow growth in young pets
Weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight

Behavioural Changes

PSA: Pets get hangry too.

And, just like humans, pets can get moody when they’re not feeling their best. A diet lacking the right vitamins and minerals can impact brain function, mood regulation, and even sleep patterns.

What to look for:

Increased anxiety or clinginess
Sudden aggression or irritability
Restlessness or trouble sleeping

So, What Can You Do?

First things first: don’t panic. Nutritional deficiencies are surprisingly common, especially in pets eating low-quality, filler-packed kibble. The most powerful thing you can do is choose a food that supports whole-body wellness — not just an empty belly.

That means food that’s:

Grain-free and easy to digest
Packed with real meat and natural fats
Free from artificial colours, preservatives, and “mystery meat meal”

Pet Food Australia recipes are designed to fuel your pet’s body and brain with every bite. We focus on clean, bioavailable ingredients that support gut health, skin and coat, immunity, and more — all made right here in Australia.

The Bottom Line

Your pet relies on you to notice the little things — the subtle signs that something’s missing. And when you do? You have the power to turn it all around.

If you’ve spotted one (or more) of the early signs of nutritional deficiency in pets mentioned above, it might be time to reassess what’s going in their bowl. Because when your pet’s getting what they truly need, the results speak for themselves: brighter eyes, softer fur, zoomies that don’t quit, and gas-free cuddles that you’ll never take for granted again.

When you know better, you feed better — and Pet Food Australia is here to help you do just that.

Keen to learn more about our pet food? Read our previous blog: 5 Ingredients We Never Use here.