Summer Diet Tips: How to keep your dog healthy in summer

Feeding dogs in summer

In India, summers mean scorching heat and high soaring temperatures, which is difficult to bear for both pets and pet parents. Pets suffer more than humans, since they are far less adapted to tolerate hot weather conditions. At TheTruthfulTail, we understand how important it is for pet parents to keep their dogs safe, healthy, and happy year-round. In this blog, we’ll share expert-backed summer diet tips to help you make the right nutritional adjustments for your pup, ensuring they stay energetic and comfortable even during the harshest summer days.

Dog eating less: A common concern

Ever wondered why this happens ?

• Less movement- When temperatures soar, your dog could become less active. You might notice that they power down a bit – preferring to rest than chase a toy around.
  
• Reduced metabolism- Longer periods of daylight and high temperature can decrease a dog’s metabolism, slowing down the food digestion.
  
• Discomfort due to heat- Dogs might not fancy their food when they’re uncomfortably hot or busy using energy trying to stay cool.

It’s always a good idea to keep track of your dog’s eating habits – particularly during the hotter months when their appetite might decrease naturally.

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Tips for summer diet and feeding patterns:

• Choose cool areas for feeding: Try to find a cool, comfortable place to feed your dog. Also, don’t leave out the food for long periods.
• Fix the diet: Enticing your dog with different lean (low-fat) meat sources can help when their appetite drops. Target achieving protein intake of 4-5 gms / kg BW a day for healthy dogs. 
• Healthy Food Toppers: Try adding healthy food toppers like bone broth or berries.
  
• Adjust meal times: When it’s hot, your dog’s mind might be distracted away from food as they focus on trying to stay cool and rehydrating themselves. You could try feeding your dog early morning and post sunset
  
• Keep water topped up: Make sure your dog always has access to cold, fresh water. You could even put out bowls throughout the day so they can hydrate regularly. Throwing in a few ice cubes to keep it nice and cool can also help.

Bonus Tips:

Hydrating treats for your pup: In the summer, it’s important to help your dog stay healthy, hydrated and well-fed. Here are some ideal treat ideas for summer.

• Frozen treats: Try spreading a little plain yoghurt or mashed banana on a licking mat; or filling a Kong and popping it in the freezer. Licking treats for longer will help your dog keep calm and cool in the heat
  
• Summer snacks: Fruits containing high amounts of water like watermelon and cucumber are great in summer, to provide the much required hydration. Just be sure to remove any seeds or pits and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
  
  

Debunking common myths:

Myth: Dogs should be fed less meat in summer.

Reality: Low fat meats are healthiest protein source for dogs in summer

Myth: I should feed more curd rice.

Reality: Plain curd is a good source of probiotic for dogs. However, it should not substitute the main meals. Otherwise, the overall diet will get deficient in required nutrients.

Quick Takeaways:

• The summer heat can affect your dog’s digestive system and appetite levels
• Dogs can eat up to 15% less during the summer months
• Try feeding frozen treats, hydrating & low-fat foods and adjusting mealtimes to cooler times of day
  

Summers mean extra precautionary measures. Heat stress is a serious concern for dogs, which needs to be taken care of. Check out our blog on heat stress to learn more.

Conclusion:

Summer heat poses serious risks to dogs, including dehydration, heatstroke, and burned paws. Prioritize shade, fresh water, and limited midday walks. Avoid hot surfaces, use cooling mats, and never leave dogs in parked cars. Recognize signs like excessive panting or lethargy. Responsible care ensures their safety and comfort during high temperatures.