The Top Foods for Your Pet Dog this Winter

Do you have winter blues? Your furry friend might be having too. Dogs feel unmotivated and lazy and can gain weight easily during the cold months. 

During winters, your canine companion needs special care and attention. You have to monitor the diet of your pet, and maybe hire a dog walker Toronto to help your pet stay fit and get the daily dosage of exercise.

You don’t want your dog to burn lesser calories and having the same intake of food might lead to weight gain and indigestion. You need to be more careful if your dog suffers from diseases like arthritis or diabetes.

On the other hand, dogs having less fur and fat density can burn calories quicker, which means you could even do with fewer dog walking Toronto hours.

However, they need to consume more food, which is the reason why you might find your pet being hungrier during winters. But you need not worry - the right foods and nutrients would keep your pet happy and active.

Today, we are going to discuss few foods essential for maintaining the health of your dog during winters.

1. Fresh is the best.
   Be it winter or summer, feeding fresh cooked or raw food is vital for the overall health of your dog. During winters dog needs extra moisture and fewer carbohydrates, so feeding fresh food is essential. Compared to a high-carbohydrate diet, such as a dry kibble which can lead to obesity and lethargy, home-made raw or cooked food is always a better option for your dog during winters to maintain body moisture.
2. Coconut oil
   Every household stocks coconut oil, if you have not, grab some. Coconut oil added to your dog’s food provides much needed medium-chain triglycerides i.e., good fats. Coconut oil has a good many health benefits improving digestion and boosting immunity.
3. Water
   As simple as it sounds, yes, water it is. Since your dog’s physical activities fade during winters, do not rear any misconception as far as water consumption is concerned. Your dog needs an adequate amount of fluids to fight these dry chilly days as much he needed during summers. During winters, cracked paw pads and chapped noses are signs to watch out for.
4. Berries
   As much as you enjoy that hot blueberry pie, your dog will love berries this winter too. Berries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, and can help you better your immunity levels.  
   
   Berries like strawberries and blueberries are dog-friendly and you can add them to home-prepared raw or cooked dog food.
5. Eat your greens and feed him too
   Rich in vitamins and minerals these are an excellent addition to your dog’s food. They are low in calories and fat helping you lessen the probability of cancer and heart disease.
6. Bone Broth
   This is not an off-the-shelf food item. You have to make this bone broth for your dog at home. It is the best thing to make if you feel like cooking something for your dog. Just simmer low the bone with apple cider vinegar for a few hours so that the nutrients get infused in the broth. This broth has
   healing properties that wil
   Detoxify the liver
   Offer relief from joint pain
   Boost the immunity system
   Improve cognition and memory.
   Above all, most dog sicknesses start from the gut. The gelatin in the broth will help in faster digestion of fats and proteins. Add this broth in the diet of your dog, and he will never fall sick!
7. Eggs
   It’s the best bio available source of protein. You can prepare the egg for your dog in the following ways:
   Scrambled
   Hard boiled
   Soft boiled (6 minutes approx.)
   Half an egg is adequate for a small breed, but a big breed should be fed an entire egg. Make sure to remove the egg-shell before serving the egg to the dog.

You may cook with your choice of meat or blend in a food processor the leafy greens include spinach, kale, beet tops, and parsley. Like the toddlers, your dog may not be too keen on eating the greens, but you can always rotate and add natural flavors to tickle his taste buds. Good luck, though! Get in touch with us for dog walking Toronto hours.