Summer Menu for Dogs – Adjusting Your Dog’s Diet in Summer
Summer is filled with sunshine, warmth, and adventures for both you and your beloved furry friend. However, it is also a time when your dog's diet may need some adjustments to keep her/him slim and healthy. In this article, we will explore some important aspects of your dog's diet during summer and provide useful tips on how to tailor her/his diet for optimal health.
1. Ensure your dog's hydration
The most crucial aspect during summer is to ensure that your dog is hydrated. While most dogs take care of this themselves, some may need a little help. The hot weather can lead to increased water loss through sweating and increased thirst. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh and clean water, both indoors and outdoors. Place multiple bowls around to encourage water intake. If you're going on adventures or long hikes with your dog, remember to bring enough water to keep her/him hydrated. If your dog has problems with hydration, you may want to read more about shoe food & hydration for dogs.
Measures for dogs that drink too little
If your dog isn't drinking enough, first ensure that it's not a symptom of something more serious. Consult your veterinarian. You can increase water in your dogs diet by adding fresh raw food or pouring water over the kibble. Some dogs appreciate water fountains, and others may drink more if you mix a little meat or add treats to the water.
2. Adjust the amount of food to your dog's appetite
Summer may affect your dog's appetite and energy needs. The heat can make dogs less hungry, so it may be necessary to adjust portion sizes. Follow your dog's preferences. If her/his appetite is low in the morning, feed a larger meal in the evening instead. If your dog prefers multiple small meals throughout the day, go with it. If you have concerns about appetite problems in dogs, it may be a good idea to review their diet and routines.
3. Maintain a healthy weight for your dog
If your dog is less active due to the heat, it can be good to decrease her/his amount of food per day to avoid weight gain. On the other hand, if your dog is very active or spends a lot of time outdoors, it may be necessary to increase her/his food intake to meet her/his increased energy needs. You don't want your dog to lose too much weight during summer. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations specific to your individual dog if you're unsure.
4. Give your dog the right amount of energy
If your dog is more active during summer or on specific days, it's good to adjust her/his diet to provide sufficient energy and nutrition. If you know it will be an active day outdoors with activities like swimming, playing, or long walks, it can be beneficial to feed your dog a meal rich in protein and fat, the necessary fuel to keep her/his energetic and alert. A lack of energy increases the risk of injury and prolongs recovery time.
5. Cooling food and snacks for the dog
During summer, it's nice to offer your dog cool and refreshing snacks. You can provide frozen treats like meat and vegetable purees or frozen bone broth. Fill an interactive toy with fresh raw food and freeze it. You can also try making dog ice cream - a perfect summer dessert! These cool treats will give your dog a tasty and refreshing mealtime. Be careful to avoid large frozen blocks that could harm her/his teeth
6. How to store your dog's food in the heat
In hot weather, food can spoil quickly if not stored correctly. Ensure that your dog's food is kept in a cool and dry environment to prevent bacterial growth. If you're feeding your dog fresh or homemade food during summer, be extra careful to store it in the refrigerator and use it within the recommended time to avoid it going bad and causing food poisoning. Adapting your dog's diet during summer can be crucial in keeping your furry friend happy and healthy during the hot season. Maintaining proper hydration, adjusting portions based on energy needs, offering cooling alternatives when the sun is scorching will help your dog enjoy rather than be burdened by the summer.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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