Just like humans, who find winters extremely cosy, breezy and lazy, dogs are usually no less to feel the same sensations and emotions. Both the species stumble upon routines that include waking up late, a lot of calorie intake, and lazing around.
Not all the dogs are ever-ready to face extreme weather conditions. They are also susceptible to illness during winters due to harsh wind conditions. The pet parents need to keep a regular check on the activities of their dogs during winters.
During winters, the diet for dogs or food habits is more likely to change. Dogs usually require more intake of calories to keep themselves warm and combat the weather. Ideally, they should eat 10% more of what they generally eat. But what happens with the diet for dogs in places of harsh weather conditions?
In such circumstances, the temperature restricts the dog to take a stroll, resulting in low activity. Feeding more food/calories in the diet of the dog will result in weight gain.
One common mistake that pet parents make in the diet for dogs is that they assume they require more calories and overfeed them, which results in obesity. Calories are not the only factor in play here.
Rather than increasing or decreasing their calories, it is essential to provide the right kind of food to them by the inclusion of red meat and Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids in the diet of the dogs.
Every dog has different needs. For instance, the winter diet for furry dogs is not the same as that for dogs with less fur, and winter diet for diabetic dogs are also different from regular dogs.
Table of Contents
1. Staying Hydrated is Critical
There is a common misconception that dogs are not subject to dehydration during winters. But the truth is, winter is a dry season. Like human beings, who needs water to stay hydrated, dogs need the same be it of any stature or age group.
Pet parents need to make sure that they include enough water in the diet for dogs so that they do not dehydrate or dry themselves up.
Pet parents need to focus on changing the drinking water more often from ice cold to room temperature.
Dehydration can also be a cause of lack of energy in their bodies. Thus, providing an ample supply of water is necessary to be included in the diet of all kinds of dogs, no matter how old or young.
2. Lots of Exercises
Dogs, during extreme winters, feel lazy and become inactive.
Take your dogs on a walk or a run to help keep them fit and active. This will ensure that all the food that your dog has had is digested properly and assimilated by the body.
Winter diet of senior/old dogs should include sufficient exercises since their digestive process is slower compared to the others. Also, the diet of diabetic dogs should encompass movement as it helps to keep their insulin and blood glucose level at bay.
3. Provide the Right Amount of Food and Calories
In cases of active dogs, their diet needs to include an increased amount of calories to retain energy levels.
The diet of furry dogs and the diet of dogs with less fur depends on their habits during the season. If they are lazy, the food intake needs to decrease so that they do not store a lot of fat.
That means you should reduce treats like frozen eggs, sliced carrots (frozen/fresh), fruits like apples, bananas, dog treats and carbohydrate-rich foods like rice, chicken broth, mutton broth, potato and sweet potato.
Diet of diabetic dogs needs to be consistent throughout the year. It may prove to be risky if the diet is changed drastically and may lead to health complications.
Diet of senior/old dogs should include less fat, which includes Omega 3 fatty acids(fish oils, flaxseeds, etc) and Omega 6 fatty acids(pork fat, chicken fat, etc), and fewer calories. But make sure that they do not lose too much weight. Consulting your vet is greatly recommended.
Conclusion
Human beings or dogs, both of the species need to be taken care of during extreme weathers like winter. Pet dogs cannot take great care of themselves. as their owners and adopted parents, we must ensure that they live a healthy and happy life.
Consult a trusted veterinary doctor for information on winter diet that is better tailored to your dog’s current health.
