5 Winter Food To Maintain Your Pets’ Diet

Seasonal care for pets

Different pets need different care. Different seasons in India further make ‘caring’ a little more critical according to the prevailing climate. Although every pet is different and need different levels of attention.

India is known to experience a wide range of climatic conditions. At one time while the Himalayas in the north experience freezing cold, many other parts of India may not be as chilly. Depending on your location and the climate zone it is, you may decide how alert you have to be towards keeping your pet in the best of health.

Winters, however severe or mild in your region would require you to be mindful about your baby pets’ dietary needs. The sudden change and drop in temperature in itself may invite different symptoms in your canines and felines that may be best dealt with right nutrition.

Winter nutrition

Studies have shown that dogs require more calories to stay warm in cold temperatures but essentially they do not need to be served extra food at all. During such times, their regular portion of food can be divided into smaller meals and be served at regular intervals.  Since it is cold outdoors, their routine – walking and exercising may not be as easy too. Luckily, we can manage a healthy lifestyle for them by serving them food wisely.

Here are 5 healthy food that can keep your little ones in best shape, happy and active-

Your pet and its winter diet

Dogs may need to change their diet in winter because the weather affects their eating and exercise habits. Some dogs don't like to wear sweaters, and if it's too cold, they may have trouble eating enough to stay healthy. Additionally, if they get less exer in the winter, they may become fat couch potatoes. A fat dog is not a healthy dog.

1.   Vegetable and chicken broth

Furry babies with short coat and little body fat will require more winter-defence than a dog with a thick coat and more body fat. In any case, keeping them warm and strong is primary. Lukewarm broth of vegetables and protein rich chicken works well for them. Bone broth is also believed to be a healthy option, packed with minerals including magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus.

For your elderly doggos who may be facing joint ailments due to temperature drop, chicken or bone broth is a great option. It may also help their nervous system, muscles and keep them hydrated. 

Avoid serving your kitty vegetable broth as they are flesh-loving pets.

2.   Fibre rich veggies and rice

Since our pets have a considerably reduced level of activities during winters, they do not burn as many calories as they generally do. In addition, their digestion level goes low. Snuggling up with you in your super soft bed or staying curled up in their bedding may even make them dull.

Serving your furry babies fibre rich food like vegetables and fruits may prove healthy since they are broken down into short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids may protect their gut lining, support the immune system, as well as act as a prebiotic that aids digestion. Most importantly, fibre rich veggies like pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, beans, peas and more can provide a lot of energy to them besides being antioxidants. 

For many pooches, except for vegetables, rice makes for an ideal source of fibre which is also highly digestible.

Vegetable can be served alongside your little companion’s meals and not just as mere meal in itself. They may add more value to your pets’ food.

3.   Indispensable fruits

To make fruits, lower in calories and high on nutrition, a part of our pets’ diet during winters is extremely important. The flesh of oranges and grapefruit, with no seeds, when fed to doggos in small quantity are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. Most of them might not like the citrusy flavour but it depends on individual pets. Grapefruit is also slightly bitter in taste.

Pears can provide dog pets with vitamins C and K, and fibre and it is considered a great snack too.

Bananas offer natural sugar that may help boost energy in them, especially during winters when they choose to remain inactive comparatively. Bananas also contain amino acids, potassium, vitamin C and B6, considered heart and blood pressure friendly. Blueberries too contain antioxidants that may help prevent cell damage.

Remember, fruits can be served as treats and cannot replace actual meals.

4.   Food that provides moisture and hydration

This climate causes dryness in skin and fur-coat. Making efforts to make both of these moisturised and hydrated ensures lesser skin problems in future. Their paw pads, elbows and skin on nose need to be moisturised as well. These areas are more susceptible to drying up. Cracked skin is painful and irritable.

Adding Nutribles Organic Virgin Coconut Oil to their diet is essential. This organic oil is an incomparable super-food that has essential fatty acids and vitamins that keep our pet’s internal system working well. Nutribles Organic Apple Cider Vinegar for pets with the mother is another health supplement that can be safely given to pooches. Diluting it and serving to pets may have several benefits for them. You may add a little of both above to the broth too.

Additionally, they can also be given a quick massage with Bathright Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. A massage not only keeps their body healthy but also ensures a better bond between the pet and you.     

 5.   Treats that keep your pets energised and happy

They say treats are the reason behind a well behaved and encouraged pet. And, more so when the treats are nutritive, safe and can be served guilt free. Nutribles Himalayan Dog Chew are highly energising chew treats, exactly what your furry baby needs for the chilly winters. Crafted with real Himalayan Yak and Cow Milk, these are rich in omega-3 fatty acid, magnesium, calcium, protein and vitamins A, D, and B12. There can be nothing better than these long lasting, odour-free sticks. These also may keep our pet's skin healthy and hydrated. 

 

Every pet has different nutritional needs. And, they may need different care. Some may like to eat vegetables and fruits while some may not. One has to observe the pets and understand their preferences, likes and dislikes. 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog is for informational purposes only and the readers may use or apply the same at their will. We believe in the uniqueness of every pet and its parent. Therefore not every piece of information and idea presented here may be suited to all.