Just like us, winter is quite difficult for our furry companions. According to experts, cold weather tends to affect pets’ appetites, slow down their metabolism and make them less active. Therefore, as pet parents, it is highly important that you serve them adequate nutrition so as to maintain their energy, strength and body heat. If you’re new to pet parenthood and wondering what should be the ideal diet for your pet this winter, don’t worry, as we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll dig into the ideal winter nutrition for pets that will help them stay happy and healthy during the chilly weather. Read on to find out more.
Best Foods to Serve Pets During Winter
The following are the best foods to serve your pet this winter.
1. Protein-Rich Diet
During winter, all pets experience reduced activity levels. However, they still require energy to stay warm and withstand the cold weather. Therefore, it is highly important that your pal consumes an adequate amount of protein to maintain its muscle strength and for its immunity. To ensure that your pet receives plenty of protein, you may consider adding healthy sources like chicken, mutton, turkey, fish and eggs to its diet. Just make sure that the diet doesn’t have salt, spices and oil.
Besides offering strength and energy, protein also helps keep your pet’s coat glossy and their immune system healthy and functioning.
2. Healthy Fats
According to experts, it can be a good idea to add an appropriate amount of healthy fats to your pet’s diet during winter. The fat provides slow-releasing energy and also helps maintain your pal’s body heat. You may consider serving your pet foods like fish oil, flaxseed and chicken fat as they are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The fats also promote healthy skin and coat in pets by helping their coat remain shiny and keeping their skin hydrated.
3. Seasonal Vegetables
Vegetables are immensely healthy for pets. Offering them freshly cooked carrots, pumpkins, green beans, spinach and sweet potatoes helps boost their immunity and strengthen their digestive system.
4. Fruits
Fruits can be a safe addition to your pet’s diet during winter. However, not all fruits are safe for pets and it is important to determine which fruits you can safely feed your pets. Fruits like apples (without seeds), bananas, blueberries, strawberries, watermelons (without seeds), cantaloupe, pears (without seeds) and pineapple help boost your pet’s immunity and protect it from cold and flu.
5. Bone Broth
Bone broth is one of the healthiest diets for dogs in winter. Besides being warm and soothing, a broth is enriched with nutrients like calcium, collagen and glucosamine that benefit senior pets and ensure their joint health. A bone broth can be easily prepared at home by simmering bones of beef, lamb or chicken for a few hours till the broth becomes thick and aromatic. A bone broth can be served as a warm drink or a meal topper to keep your furry baby warm and hydrated.
6. Oats & Rice
If your pet suffers from a sensitive stomach, offering it oats and rice can be highly beneficial for its health. The items are easy to digest and keep the body warm. You can also incorporate cooked oats or rice with meat or vegetables to serve your pet a well-balanced diet.
7. Gravy Meal Toppers
Pets tend to drink less water during winter, causing dehydration. Offering gravy meal toppers to your furry companions can work well to keep them hydrated, warm and healthy. Gravy meal toppers also support pets’ skin and coat by preventing dry skin and keeping the skin moisturized and the coat shiny.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are some of the best supplements that benefit pets during winter?
Ans. The following are some of the health supplements that help pets during winter:
–Lamberts Multi Vitamin and Mineral for Dogs: Provides vital nutrients, enhances the immunity and overall health of dogs.
– Bob Martin Multicare Condition Tablets for Dogs:Improve overall health, strengthen immunity, maintain healthy heart functions, improve vitality and support skin, coat and bone development of dogs.
–Bob Martin Multicare Condition Tablets for Cats: Support overall health, promote bone development, ensure healthy skin and coat, support muscle health and ensure healthy heart functions of cats.
– Medimune Tablets for Dogs and Cats: Boost the immune function, help in quick recovery from diseases and help in the management of immune compromised diseases in dogs and cats.
Q2. Do pets eat more during winter?
Ans. Many pets, especially active or outdoor ones, tend to eat more in winter. This is because their bodies burn extra calories to stay warm as a natural metabolic response to cold. However, indoor pets might eat less due to reduced activity.
Q3. Should I change my pet’s diet completely in winter?
Ans. You do not necessarily need to change your pet’s entire diet during winter. You will just need to incorporate a few nutrient-rich, warm and easily digestible items like boiled vegetables, gravy toppers and broths into its diet.
Q4. How can I tell if my pet isn’t getting enough nutrients in winter?
Ans. If your pet is not receiving enough nutrients in winter, it will experience symptoms like dry skin, dull coat, low energy and weight loss. In such a situation, you should seek your vet’s advice to determine a nutrient-rich winter diet for your pal.
Parting Words
Prioritizing winter nutrition for pets is crucial to keep our four-legged furry beings warm, energetic and resilient against challenges related to seasonal changes. Tailoring diets not only helps ensure pets’ overall health and combat winter woes but also fosters long-term vitality and helps pets thrive comfortably throughout the cold months.
