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Recognizing dietary issues in your Havanese can improve their health and wellbeing.
- Look for signs of itching or scratching, which may indicate food sensitivities. Switching to a limited ingredient diet may help.
- If your Havanese's coat appears dull or greasy, consider a high-protein formula with omega-3s. A proper diet can improve coat condition within weeks.
- Watch for digestive issues like gas or loose stools, which may suggest poor-quality ingredients. Introduce probiotics or a digestive support formula for relief.
- If your dog shows low energy or lethargy, review their food for essential nutrients like B vitamins. Transitioning to a low-carb, high-protein diet can boost energy levels quickly.
The Havanese is a joyful, intelligent, and affectionate breed. But beneath the cuddly charm lies a surprisingly sensitive system—especially when it comes to nutrition.
Many pet owners don’t realize just how deeply food impacts their dog’s behavior, coat, digestion and long-term health. And because Havanese are small, even minor imbalances can throw their whole system off.
Havanese Diet and Health Products
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Salmon…
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Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food for Small Breed Adults, Sensitive Stomach, 12 lb
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog…
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Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small-Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Healthy Grains, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small-Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Healthy Grains,…
VIEW LATEST PRICEWhether you’re feeding dry kibble, homemade meals, or a combination of both, it’s crucial to watch for signs that something isn’t right. Unlike humans, dogs can’t explain how they feel. But their bodies will always show you the truth—if you know how to read it.
Here are 5 subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that your Havanese’s diet may be unbalanced—and exactly what you can do about it.
1. Constant Itching, Licking or Scratching
At first, it might seem harmless.
A scratch behind the ear.
A few licks at the paw.
Maybe a bit of rubbing against the couch.
But if it happens daily—or seems to get worse after meals—this is often your first clue.
Many Havanese suffer from food sensitivities, especially to low-quality proteins, fillers (like corn or soy), or artificial additives. These sensitivities show up not as vomiting or diarrhea, but as chronic itching and licking.
You may notice:
- Red or inflamed skin under the legs or belly
- Recurrent ear infections
- Hot spots (raw, moist patches)
- Brown staining around the paws from constant licking
Why this happens:
An unbalanced diet lacks the right anti-inflammatory nutrients, especially omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or flaxseed. When the balance tips too far in favor of pro-inflammatory ingredients—such as grain fillers, poultry by-products, or excess omega-6 fatty acids—the immune system reacts. The skin becomes the battleground.
What to do:
- Switch to a limited ingredient diet with a single protein source like salmon or duck
- Add a high-quality fish oil supplement to rebalance omega-3s
- Eliminate common allergens like wheat, soy, chicken by-product meal, and artificial colors
- Have your vet rule out mites or fleas, but don’t stop there—check what’s in the bowl
If your dog’s scratching seems seasonal, allergies may play a role. But if it’s year-round, diet is the first place to look.
2. A Coat That’s Dull, Greasy or Patchy
The Havanese coat should be soft, silky and full of life. It’s one of their most recognizable features.
When that coat begins to look dull, thin, greasy, or starts falling out more than usual—nutrition is usually the root.
You might also notice:
- An increase in shedding
- Clumps of fur collecting on the floor or couch
- Greasy residue on your hands after petting
- Bald spots behind the ears or along the tail
Why this happens:
Skin and coat health require a steady supply of nutrients: biotin, vitamin A, zinc, B vitamins and omega-3s. When even one of these goes missing, the body prioritizes more “vital” organs—and the coat suffers first.
Low-quality dog foods often contain fillers or heat-processed ingredients that lose most of their original nutrition. Even some homemade diets miss the mark if they’re not carefully formulated.
What to do:
- Choose a high-protein formula from animal sources—not plant
- Make sure your food lists ingredients like salmon oil, flaxseed or DHA
- Add a skin-support supplement with zinc, vitamin E and omega-3s
- Brush regularly to stimulate oil glands and remove dead fur
Within weeks of changing their diet, many Havanese owners report that their dog’s coat becomes shinier, fuller and easier to manage.
3. Frequent Digestive Upset: Gas, Diarrhea or Soft Stool
Your dog’s digestion is the fastest way to gauge how they’re processing food.
Bloating, gas, foul-smelling stool or irregular bathroom habits? None of that is normal. Even if it’s mild.
The Havanese is prone to a sensitive stomach, especially if their food includes multiple protein sources, starchy fillers or ingredients like carrageenan or rendered fats.
Look for:
- Loose stools more than once a week
- Mucus or blood in the stool
- Excessive gas or belly bloating
- Straining during bowel movements
- Vomiting within hours of eating
Why this happens:
An unbalanced diet may overload the digestive system with carbs or poor-quality proteins. Some commercial foods use meat meals or by-products that are difficult to digest. Others include cheap binders, synthetic preservatives or low-quality oils that inflame the gut lining.
And without adequate fiber or probiotic support, the system can’t recover on its own.
What to do:
- Try a digestive support formula with probiotics and pumpkin
- Look for foods with named meats (e.g., “lamb” instead of “meat meal”)
- Avoid foods that list corn, wheat or soy as the first few ingredients
- Introduce bone broth or goat milk to soothe the gut lining
If symptoms persist beyond a week, talk to your vet. Chronic digestive issues can lead to dehydration, weight loss and long-term inflammation.
4. Low Energy or Sudden Lethargy
The Havanese is naturally playful and curious. They may nap often, but in between, they should be alert, responsive and ready to engage.
If your dog seems unusually sleepy, slow to move or disinterested in walks—it’s not just age or laziness. Diet plays a central role in regulating energy and mood.
Watch for:
- Napping most of the day instead of playing
- Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
- Disinterest in toys or interaction
- Slower response time or less tail wagging
Why this happens:
An imbalanced diet can deprive your Havanese of essential energy nutrients: B-complex vitamins, iron, taurine, magnesium and healthy fats.
Some foods also spike blood sugar (from carbs) then cause an energy crash, especially those loaded with rice, potatoes or sweeteners like molasses.
What to do:
- Transition to a high-protein, low-carb food
- Make sure the formula includes B vitamins, taurine, and iron
- Use smaller, more frequent meals to stabilize energy
- Rule out thyroid or heart conditions if symptoms persist
Energy should bounce back quickly with the right food. Within 10 to 14 days, most dogs regain their spark—and stay more active throughout the day.
5. Bad Breath That Smells Off (Not Just Doggy)
Mild morning breath is normal in dogs. But if your Havanese’s mouth smells rancid, sour or fishy—it’s time to take a closer look.
Chronic bad breath can mean more than just dental issues. It’s often linked to poor-quality food, excess carbs, and imbalanced internal systems.
You may also notice:
- Yellow buildup on teeth
- Inflamed or bleeding gums
- Discoloration of the tongue
- Slime-like drool or reluctance to chew
Why this happens:
Diet high in sugars, starches or synthetic additives promotes bad bacteria in the mouth and gut. Over time, this bacterial imbalance leads to plaque buildup, gum inflammation and systemic issues.
Some kibbles are marketed as “dental friendly” but actually stick to teeth and ferment, making things worse.
What to do:
- Switch to a grain-free, low-carb diet
- Add raw meaty bones (supervised) or dental chews approved by your vet
- Use coconut oil or enzymatic toothpaste as part of a brushing routine
- Introduce probiotics to balance gut flora, which impacts mouth health
If bad breath continues after dietary changes, a dental checkup is non-negotiable. Rotten teeth and infected gums can lead to heart, kidney or liver issues over time.
How to Choose the Right Food for Your Havanese
Fixing an unbalanced diet doesn’t require extreme changes—it requires informed ones.
Here’s what to look for in any food:
✅ Named proteins first (chicken, lamb, salmon—not “meat meal”)
✅ No by-products, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives
✅ Digestible carbohydrates only (sweet potato, lentils—not corn or wheat)
✅ **Omega-3s
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that my Havanese may have a food sensitivity?
Common signs of food sensitivity in Havanese include constant itching, licking, or scratching, as well as recurrent ear infections and hot spots. If you notice these symptoms worsening after meals, it's important to assess their diet for potential allergens or low-quality ingredients.
How can I improve my Havanese's coat health?
To enhance your Havanese's coat health, choose a high-protein dog food that lists animal sources as the primary ingredients. Incorporating supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and ensuring regular grooming can also help maintain a shiny, healthy coat.
What should I do if my Havanese is experiencing digestive issues?
If your Havanese has frequent digestive upset, consider switching to a food with named meats and avoiding fillers like corn or wheat. Introducing digestive support formulas with probiotics can also help, but if symptoms persist, consult your veterinarian for further evaluation.
Why does my Havanese have bad breath, and how can I fix it?
Bad breath in Havanese can indicate poor diet or dental issues. Switching to a grain-free, low-carb diet, along with dental chews and regular tooth brushing, can improve oral health and reduce bad breath. If the problem persists, a dental checkup is recommended.
What should I look for when choosing food for my Havanese?
When selecting food for your Havanese, prioritize formulas with named proteins as the first ingredient and avoid by-products or artificial additives. Look for digestible carbohydrates and ensure the food contains omega-3 fatty acids for overall health.
