Have you noticed that your dog reduces his appetite during the hot summer days? Has your super, bouncy pet suddenly dropped from eating 4 meals a day to not eating at all, making his owner crazy with worry? Don’t be concerned. It’s pretty normal for your pet to decide to eat a smaller amount of food during the summer season when he is less active. Depending on his lifestyle, breed and age, your dog’s behaviour will change during the warmer season when he will use less energy and rest more. As long as you give them nutritious meals, they stay cool and hydrated and maintain their body weight. Your dog will eat when they need to, and only as much as they need.
Food ideas for hot weather
During sunny weather, there are many ways that you can keep your dog cool. Your dog will love the surprise of a frozen or chilled doggy treat. They’ll not only cool him down but also help prevent him from being bored when he’s kept indoors during the heat of the day. You co d also try these other cold, healthy treats that your pet will love.
Ice Cream for dogs
Mix plain yoghurt, 1 large spoonful of peanut butter and 1 mashed banana, then freeze into suitable shaped containers—Experiment with other additions, such as lean meat, apples or finely chopped carrots.
Meaty Ice pops
Freeze beef or chicken broth (with no onions or added salt) into ice cube trays for a deliciously tasty, cooling treat. This can also be used in kongs.
Frozen Kongs
These rubber, cone-shaped toys with a hollow centre are amazing for filling with various foodstuffs, and when frozen, they become a brilliant, cooling plaything for your dog. The options are endless: fill it with canned dog food, bananas, yoghurt, shredded chicken or chopped fruit and vegetables. Freeze for a minimum of two hours or overnight for an even harder treat suitable for serious chewers.
Read our complete guide to kongs
Melon
Honeydew and seedless watermelon are both high in moisture content and cool the dog from the inside. Make sure the seeds are removed.
Fresh vegetables for the dog
Carrots are A refreshing summer chew treat, but make sure you don’t leave him alone while chewing, as they can be a choking hazard, just like bones.
Green Beans – While you might not think of your dog as a veggie-lover, given whole, they will enjoy these crunchy treats, which also provide a good source of fibre.
Radishes – Used frequently in Chinese medicine to help with bodily functions such as draining and cooling. It should be f in small doses
Grilled lean meat for dogs
f you’re having a BBQ, pop on some chicken for your dog. Don’t add any spicy sauces, and avoid the garlic and onions. Also, avoid bones and skewers, which can cause a choking danger if swallowed.
Water
An absolute summer essential for your dog. Your pet will love ice cubes in his drinking water, or try making him an ice “pancake” by placing water in a plastic bag and keeping it flat in the freezer until frozen solid.
Whichever tasty, chilling treat you choose to give your dog, remember that snacks should only make up around 10% of your pet’s daily diet. If you feed him treats, adjust his other meal allowances to avoid weight gain from these additional calories.
Feed in the shade
If your dog eats his meal outdoors, keep him out of the full sun and in a shady area. You could also move his meal time until later in the evening when the sun has gone down. He probably won’t mind what time he eats but would much prefer to eat when it’s cooler.
Please note that it’s always advisable to check with your Vet before introducing new foods into your pet’s feeding routine.
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