Winter presents unique challenges for our canine companions. The extreme cold, icy winds, and shortening daylight hours can adversely affect their energy and well-being. Like humans, dogs require diet adjustments to stay warm, energized, and thrive during winter.
Cold weather demands more energy from our dogs and cats to maintain their body temperature. This increased energy consumption necessitates a closer look at their caloric intake. At the same time, some dogs experience slightly reduced appetites due to cold or decreased activity levels.
In addition, the dry, wintry air can harm their skin and coat, making them dry and dull and increasing shedding. Therefore, they must eat and get nutrition that benefits their skin's health and glossy coat.
Weakened immune systems are another common winter consequence. Cold weather can weaken the immune defenses, making them more likely to fall sick. Therefore, strengthening the immune system through a nutritionally balanced diet is of high priority during winters.
In this blog, we'll discuss how winter can affect a dog's diet and nutritional requirements, provide actionable guidance on adapting a winter diet plan, and discuss the advantages of including winter superfoods and supplements in your dog's diet. We'll also introduce you to FurrMeals bone broths, a natural and delicious way to support your dog's health and well-being during winter.
Why Winter Impacts Your Dog's Diet
Winter season poses a unique challenge to our canine friends, directly and heavily affecting their nutritional requirements. Here's a closer look at why:
1. Increased Energy Expenditure: Dogs are not immune like us to expend more energy to keep warm in winter. They burn more calories to maintain their body temperature, especially those living in colder climates or spending significant time outdoors. This increased energy consumption necessitates a closer look at their caloric intake to ensure they get enough fuel to stay warm and active.
2. Reduced Appetite: While some dogs may thrive in the cooler weather, others may experience a slight decrease in appetite during the winter. This can be attributed to several factors, including:
-
Lowered Activity Levels: As days become shorter and temperatures cooler, some dogs may become less active, resulting in reduced energy expenditure and, in turn, decreased appetite.
-
Shivering is a natural response to cold temperatures but can also be energy-consuming. The increased energy expenditure and the added work of being warm tires them and can sometimes lead to decreased appetite.
3. Dry Skin and Coat: The cold, dry winter air can severely damage a Dog's skin and coat. Humidity levels drop significantly during this time, leading to moisture loss from the skin. This can lead to dry, itchy skin, dandruff, and a dull, matte coat.
4. Weakened Immune System: Like humans, dogs can experience a suppressed immune system during the cold season, making them more prone to infection.
Their bodies are under increased stress to maintain a stable body temperature. A weakened immune system means it is more difficult to defend the body against infections and diseases.
Adjusting Dog’s Winter Diet Plan
1. Increase Calorie Intake: If your dog is active, consider increasing its daily calorie intake to compensate for the extra energy they’re burning.
2. Choose Higher-Quality Food: Choose good quality dog food that provides optimal protein, fat, and carbohydrate levels. Find food formulated for the winter or active dogs.
3. Add Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats into your dog's diet. These can provide extra insulation and support a healthy coat. Good sources of healthy fats include fish, coconut oil, and flaxseed.
4. Boost Immunity: Include immune-boosting ingredients in your dog's diet. These can include:
-
Probiotics: To support a healthy gut microbiome.
-
Antioxidants: To protect cells from damage.
-
Vitamin C and E: To strengthen the immune system.
5. Hydration is Key: Even though your dog may not feel thirsty in the winter, ensure they have access to fresh and clean water at all times.
Winter Superfoods for Dogs
Also Read : Pet Immunity Boosting Foods for Winter Health
Like humans, animals need a balanced diet for healthy living. It is important to correctly address their caloric needs, nutritional requirements, supplements for winter, and foods that stimulate their immunity in winter. Winter superfoods are loaded with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to better support your pet and help avoid illness.
These are some of the greatest winter superfoods for pets:
-
Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a good source of vitamins A and C, crucial in maintaining the healthy immune system of a beloved pet. It is also high in fiber, which is beneficial for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Pet food can be supplemented with steamed or boiled pumpkin.
-
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamins A and C and beta-carotene, which can protect cells from damage. Your pet will benefit if fed cooked sweet potato as a treat or simply by adding it to their bowl.
-
Blueberries: Antioxidants in blueberries help protect the cells by counteracting the damages. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C, making fresh or frozen blueberries a great treat for your pet.
-
Yogurt: Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which support a healthy gut and immune system. Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt as a treat for your pet.
-
Salmon: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
-
Spinach: Add cooked or frozen spinach to your pet's diet. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron and calcium. These nutrients are all crucial for a healthy immune system.
-
Ginger: A small amount of fresh or powdered ginger can be added to the pet's diet. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. It may help relieve gastrointestinal distress and boost the immune system.
Healthy Food in Winter: Feeding Your Pet for a Strong Immune System
Just as a good diet benefits the health and well-being of the human body, it is also necessary for a healthy Pet Immunity. Aiming for the appropriate nutrition of the pet's diet in the winter season can significantly strengthen its immunity against winter diseases.
Feed your pet a diet with adequate amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for their strong immune system:
-
Vitamins A and C: Vitamins are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage and stimulate white blood cell production, a front-line defense against infection in your pet's body.
-
Vitamin E: This vitamin is also an antioxidant, protecting against cell damage and enhancing immunity.
-
Zinc: This mineral is a key to the development of immune cells.
-
Selenium: This mineral plays a role in antioxidant defenses and normal immune response.
FurrMeals: Supplements for Winter
FurrMeals provides winter diet solutions for your pet with healthy, pre-cooked, pre-packaged, ready-to-serve dishes.
1. Herbed Chicken & Rice for Superior Immunity
Chicken is an excellent source of proteins that can strengthen immunity. Combined with herbs like turmeric, it becomes just the right winter foods for your lovely pooch. This ready-to-serve meal gives your doggo all the essential pet amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Benefits:
1. High-Quality Protein: Builds strong muscles and supports overall health.
2. Herbs for Immunity: Natural herbs enhance gastrointestinal and immune function in the recipe.
3. Promotes Gut Health: The rice aids digestion and reduces allergies.
4. Vet-Recommended: Specially formulated to enhance your pet’s immunity during winter.
FurrMeals Herbed Chicken & Rice is a home-cooked, preservative-free, ready-to-serve meal. With fresh chicken as the #1 ingredient, it's a good way to spoil your pet and be healthy this winter.
2. Lamb Bone Broth (Paya Soup) for Joint and Immune Support
Bones broth is a winter superfood containing collagen, amino acids, and minerals. It is a versatile addition to the pet's diet, offering many benefits.
Benefits:
1. Boosts Immunity: It contains antioxidant fortification to guard against your pet's seasonal illnesses.
2. Joint Health: It is inherently anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for senior pets or pets recovering from injury.
3. Improves Digestion: Gentle on the stomach and supports gut health.
FurrMeals Lamb Bone Broth (Paya Soup) is a 100% natural and preservative free supplement with bone, joint, and immunity enhancement properties. Ideal as a treat, meal topper, or supplement.
3. Chicken Bone Broth for Enhanced Dog Nutrition
Winter nutrition superstar, FurrMeals Chicken Bone Broth, a winner on taste and the elixir for health.
Benefits:
1. Strengthens Immunity: High levels of amino acids and minerals, which are helpful for immunity.
2. Joint Support: A treatment for arthritis or osteoarthritis in pets.
3. Energy Booster: This keeps your pet active and energetic during cold days.
FurrMeals Chicken Bone Broth is a ready-to-serve, preservative-free broth that supports joint health and immunity. It can be used as a delicious meal topper or a soothing winter treat.
How to Incorporate FurrMeals into Your Pet’s Winter Diet Plan
Feed your furry Herbed Chicken Rice as their everyday meal with balanced nutrition and immune support.
-
For Treats or Meal Toppers, Use gently warmed Chicken bone (Paya soup) or Lamb bone (Paya soup) broth to warm up the cold winter evenings or to top up their food.
-
For Special Needs: Bone broth can be added to a pet's diet during recovery from illness or injury and also to maintain joint health and strengthen the immune system.
Conclusion: Winter Diet for Dogs
Incorporating dog food nutrition, winter superfoods, and the power of natural supplements for winter, like FurrMeals, can keep your dog healthy and happy all season long.
Winter may pose unique threats to your dog's health and happiness. Once you understand its effects on nutritional requirements, you can make the necessary dietary adjustments to cope with the cold weather and keep your dog warm, healthy, and cheerful all winter.
Incorporating winter superfoods, such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, blueberries, carrots, and spinach, can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support their immune system and overall health.
The power of natural supplements, such as FurrMeals bone broths, should not be forgotten. Our 100% natural chicken and lamb bone broths are rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidants and immune-boosting benefits. They also benefit joints and bones and suit older and recovering dogs too.
Remember to discuss your dog's dietary needs with your veterinarian. By taking these steps, you can ensure your furry friend stays healthy, happy, and thriving all winter.
Visit the FurrMeals website today and have our tasty and healthy bone broths delivered to keep your dog happy and healthy this winter!