Like other seasons, winter can have an effect on your pet’s appetite. Because they need a little more fat to stay warm and insulate from the cold, pets tend to eat more during the winter. Pets will move less and exercise less when the temperature is low. Their metabolism slows as a result, and they eat fewer calories. In this situation, individuals should eat foods that are low in calories and carbs and high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Here are some tips from Dr. Shatanu Kalambi, Chief Veterinarian of Supertails.com
For dogs, increase caloric nutrition in their diet
Even though dogs love to play and be outside, they also tend to get lazy during the winter. According to research, dogs exposed to colder temperatures require two to three times more calories than dogs exposed to more moderate temperatures. The increased caloric intake produces more fat storage and insulation while reducing and balancing the caloric loss caused by shivering.
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Always serve hot food to aid digestion
Are you not reheating your food many times during winter? Well, dogs are no different. Dogs digest food in the same way as humans, so we must conclude that hot food helps them in the same way that it benefits us.
Consider giving supplements or nutritional toppers
In case you haven’t already realized how similar your dog is to you. Here is another important factor that will help you understand the similarity even more. Just as humans need some extra supplements because we’re not always on top of our diets, as the seasons change, so do the eating habits of many pets. To ensure that they are getting the right amount of nutrition, you can add supplements to their diet or supplement their meals with a nutrition topper.
Keep an eye on their coat and behavior for signs of nutritional deficiencies
You know how your knees ache and your back hurts, how you have spots on your body due to deficiency. Similarly, pets, like humans, may display signs of malnutrition, such as a dull, brittle coat and dry, scaly skin. Check for these symptoms and make necessary dietary modifications.
Since most pets don’t drink much water in the winter, be sure to add it to their food so they stay hydrated and always have access to fresh water.
Source: IANS
