You have probably wondered whether the weather outside should affect your dog's diet. The truth is that you should only modify it slightly. Regardless of the season, every dog should receive food with a high meat content, a small amount of plants, and no unnecessary additives or flavor enhancers. If your pet is regularly fed good quality food, there is no need to change it. However, there are a few products you can add to your pet's menu to help support their body through autumn and prepare for winter.
Autumn calorie needs of a dog
In autumn, the ambient temperature drops, which – after a heatwave – can encourage dogs to increase their physical activity. On colder days, however, a dog's body uses more energy to keep warm, which combined with intense movement leads to increased calorie needs. On colder days, you can therefore give your dog a little more food or treat them to a healthy snack between meals. Feel free to choose products with a higher fat content.
However, remember to keep moderation and observe whether your dog gains weight after the changes. It may turn out that autumn does not encourage increased activity for your dog, and the extra calories are unnecessary in their case.
Seasonal fruits in a dog's diet
The beginning of autumn is also the time for seasonal Polish fruits such as apples and pears. They can also be included in a dog's diet as a variety. However, remember not to give fruits whole. It is safer to remove the skin, which may contain harmful pesticides. You must also remove the seeds from the fruit. Apple seeds contain poisonous cyanide, which can even lead to a dog's death. Fruits can be served sliced or in larger chunks, remembering to adjust the size to the dog's size. Such a fruit snack will be a source of vitamins and valuable fiber that supports the digestive system. However, you should know that fruits should not be the basis of a dog's diet. Due to their relatively high sugar content, treat them rather as an occasional snack given 2-3 times a week.
How to support a dog's immunity in autumn?
The end of summer is also a great time to think about supporting your dog's immune system. Good immunity is key to getting through the cold days without illness. It can of course be supported through a balanced diet, but if a dog tends to catch colds and infections, proper nutrition may not be enough. Then it is worth reaching for supplements that support the immune system.
The most popular and very effective substance found in such products is beta-glucan. It supports the body's nonspecific immunity, meaning general defense mechanisms. You could say this substance strengthens the body's first line of defense against microorganisms. Specific immunity can be strengthened through regular vaccinations. However, it is worth remembering that autumn is a period of increased illness, so you must be absolutely sure that the dog is completely healthy at the time of vaccination. A weakened body may not cope with fighting the pathogen contained in the vaccine.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation
Preparations containing omega-3 fatty acids are also an excellent addition to the diet. The most important ones, EPA and DHA, positively affect dogs' immune systems. They will help animals prone to illness as well as allergy sufferers. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids benefit skin condition, which can become dry and sensitive during low temperatures. They will also be helpful in cases of excessive hair loss and support the shedding process that occurs in autumn. Omega-3 fatty acids are worth supplementing year-round, but if you haven't done so before, autumn is a great time to start. Just remember to follow the dosage recommended by the manufacturer of the chosen preparation.
What you must remember!
If you decide to make changes to the diet, for example switching to food with a higher fat content, remember to do it gradually. The dog's body needs time to adjust to the changes gradually. Introducing new items too quickly can cause digestive problems, such as diarrhea. This also applies to snacks previously unknown to the dog. They can bring many benefits, including behavioral ones (natural chews satisfy the chewing need that every dog has), but they may also not suit your pet. That is why it is so important to observe their reaction to new things and respond appropriately to the dog's needs.
Also, do not forget about constant access to water. A drop in temperature does not mean the dog stops feeling thirsty. Autumn changes do not have to be scary. They can be an opportunity to introduce new habits that will have an excellent impact on your pet's health.
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