Many first-time pet parents don’t know this: A dog’s nutritional requirements will change based on the seasons.
The dynamic weather conditions will indeed impact their health if you don’t adjust their dietary needs properly. With changing temperatures, your little pooch’s eating habits will also change. For instance, their summer diet and appetite will be different from winter or autumn. The influential factors include the variations in activity levels and the dog’s body needs.
According to NIH research, 81.7% of dog parents reported reduced exercise duration in their pets in hot weather. Similarly, 48.2% of dogs were less likely to play in the cold. This change in canine activity can have negative consequences if you don’t make modifications to the dog’s diet.
In this blog post, we’ll learn how the seasonal changes affect your dog’s diet and what adjustments to make.
Spring
Spring is called the season of renewal or rebirth. The birds are chirping, the sky is clear, and everything seems positive. It’s characterized by longer days and warmer temperatures.
As a result, dogs also get renewed energy and excitement. They get to spend more time outdoors, explore new scents, and have fun under the warm sun. However, that’s also when they shed their winter coat and are susceptible to allergies.
Due to the sudden warmth of the weather, their metabolism also increases. With an increased appetite, dogs often get tempted to nibble on fresh grass and plants. According to an article by NC State University, some plants and mushrooms are harmful to canines, making them sick.
Ensuring Dog’s Optimal Health During Spring
You can consider these dietary adjustments:
- Increase their protein intake to support their energy levels. You can give them a protein-rich supplement or ethically sourced dry dog food. It’ll help boost their immunity, improve their coat quality, etc.
- Choose nutrient-dense dry food with low-carb and high-meat content. For example, the product should have a balanced blend of vitamins, fiber, proteins, and minerals. This dry dog food can also have chia seeds, pumpkins, non-GMO products, omega-3 fatty acids, etc.
- Monitor their hydration and provide access to clean water. Similarly, consult with your vet and give your dog supplements based on the potential seasonal allergies of the breed.
You can also add fresh veggies and fruits to their diet. Feed them probiotics to aid their digestive health.
Summer
With spring gone, it’s the season for scorching heat, longer days, and increased outdoor activities. However, without a proper dietary change, dogs are prone to getting heat-related illnesses during the summer.
Did you know that heat waves are increasing across America? PETA reported 123 heat-related deaths among dogs and cats during the summer of 2023. This number stood at 57 in 2022.
That’s why it’s essential to prioritize hydration during the hotter months. According to Open Farm, pet parents must keep an eye out for excessive panting and signs of fatigue during dog-friendly summer activities.
Dogs usually have a decreased appetite in summer. Their need for food gets replaced by excessive thirst.
Dietary Adjustments During Summer
Consider these dietary adjustments this summer to ensure your dog’s well-being:
- Encourage your canine to drink fresh and clean water, ice cubes, and dog-friendly electrolyte supplements.
- Adjust meal times and feed them during the cooler parts of the day, like late evening and morning, to avoid overheating.
- Monitor and ensure your dog is at a healthy weight because excessive calories can lead to heat strokes.
- Summer can also bring toxins like algae blooms and pesticides. Be vigilant and keep your dog away from those areas.
- Opt for canned wet food as it has a high moisture content and offers good hydration.
The best thing to add to their diet is a bone broth rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It’ll give an extra boost of nutrition and hydration to enhance their dietary tract and improve their immune system.
Ideally, dog parents should opt for lighter and more hydrating foods and cooling treats for summer.
Fall/Autumn
Autumn is the season for cooler temperatures and decreased outdoor activities. Just like the falling leaves that signify change, your dog also transitions to low metabolism and appetite.
During cooler weather, the dog will have lower energy levels, resulting in reduced appetite. Shorter days can also disrupt their internal clock, which can cause hormonal changes.
How to Maintain Your Dog’s Health During Autumn?
One way to ensure your dog is healthy during the fall is by adjusting their diet. To ensure optimal health, you must:
- Give them foods like pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, turkey, apples, cranberries, etc.
- Check your dog’s appetite and visit a vet if you notice a significant decrease.
- Reduce portion size to prevent weight gain. You can give them nutrient-rich dry food or kibble during autumn.
- Get vaccinations for kennel cough and give them supplements as preventive measures.
Avoid giving them avocados, grapes, chocolate, and onions during autumn. You can also make a pumpkin-spiced latte (doggie edition) for them. All you need is Kefir, made from organic raw cow milk, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and whipped cream.
Remember to transition to richer foods as the temperature drops and keep monitoring their weight.
Winter
‘Tis the season to be jolly, or is it? A foster dog literally shook his head to say ‘No,’ when the parent asked if he liked snow.
Winter means shorter days and colder temperatures. Your dog will prefer to stay indoors, leading to a change in dietary needs, activity levels, and metabolism. They’ll also experience a decreased appetite.
Dog’s Diet Changes During Winter
You must increase your dog’s calorie intake (high fat/protein content food) to ensure they don’t lose weight during winter. The decrease in appetite can reduce their body’s healthy fat source. Hence, high-calorie dry dog food can help.
You can give them raw food to help improve their coat and energy levels. You’ll also need dog food rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and high-fat content. These ensure hydration, as dogs might drink less water during the winter.
Examples include oysters, flax seeds, cod fish, walnuts, anchovies, etc. Cooked grains and vegetables can also keep them warm.
All in all, the change in weather between seasons will impact your dog’s eating habits. For example, they might need more juicy fruits during the summer than in the winter.
Understanding and adapting to the changes will help maintain your canine’s happiness and health throughout the year. Why do they need this? That’s because there’ll be a difference in activity levels, temperature regulations, and hydration needs.
For example, spring is the time for protein-rich dry food. Conversely, summer calls for keeping your furball cool and active. During the fall and winter, your dog’s diet must contain elements to prepare for the chill with the right nutrition.
