Taught by a Pet Nutritionist! 6 Foods You Should Feed Your Dog to Combat Summer Fatigue
This summer's heat has been incredibly severe. Even normally energetic dogs can lose their appetite or become easily fatigued... it's worrying, isn't it?
"I want to give them something to eat to cheer them up."
"But I don't know what to give them or how."
To such pet owners, we will explain nutrition in an easy-to-understand way and introduce six ingredients you can give your dog during the summer.
Let's cleverly choose foods that are perfect for this season and help our dogs overcome the heat energetically.
What is Summer Fatigue?
Before we talk about food ingredients, you'll want to know what summer fatigue is and what happens to the body when it sets in.
First, the heat makes dehydration more likely. When dogs feel hot, they sweat from their paw pads and regulate their body temperature by panting. Because of this, they require more water than usual. However, it is said that dogs actually have difficulty sensing thirst, and few dogs can drink the necessary amount of water, which often leads to dehydration.
By the way, to check if a dog is dehydrated, you can gently lift the skin on their back, release it, and observe how long it takes to return to its original state. When dehydrated, the skin loses its elasticity, and it takes longer to return to normal.
Additionally, the autonomic nervous system can become imbalanced, weakening the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to loss of appetite or difficulty converting eaten food into energy effectively, causing a decrease in vitality.
Thus, when your dog is lethargic due to summer fatigue, it's important to understand what's happening in their body and take appropriate measures.
Foods to give to dehydrated dogs
Of course, water! But sometimes, even if you just put water out, they won't drink it, right? In such cases, try to creatively use meal toppings or snacks to help them rehydrate deliciously.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are a classic vegetable for summer hydration. They are 97% water and contain only about 14 calories per cucumber, making them a food you can give without worrying about weight gain. If your dog can eat cucumbers on their own, give them as a snack. If not, finely chop them and sprinkle them on top of their food as a topping. Their refreshing taste can also help stimulate appetite.
Tip
To help with digestion, it's best to peel cucumbers before giving them to your dog.
Tomato
Tomatoes are also 90% water and have a sweet taste, so many dogs probably like them. The antioxidant properties of lycopene found in tomatoes are also beneficial for the body during summer.
Tip
It's best to remove the skin of tomatoes if possible. Also, a mini tomato contains about 3 calories, and a medium-sized tomato about 30 calories, so be careful not to give so much that they won't eat their regular meal.
Watermelon
Watermelon is also 90% water and, as a summer fruit, contains many essential minerals for this season. It's a fruit that can only be enjoyed during this time, so please let your dog enjoy it too.
Tip
Many dogs seem not to eat watermelon when it's sold in small pre-cut pieces at the supermarket. While a whole watermelon might be too large for your home, try buying a half or quarter watermelon and cutting it for your dog yourself.
Foods to give to dogs with poor appetite
Dogs with poor appetites can become lethargic due to a lack of energy. For such dogs, foods that efficiently convert eaten food into energy are recommended.
Pork
Pork is the most recommended meat for the summer body. Pork contains proteins and fats that are sources of energy, but it is also characterized by being rich in vitamin B. Vitamin B plays a role in helping proteins and fats convert into energy, and effectively taking in this vitamin B leads to recovery of vitality.
Tip
Pork contains a considerable amount of fat, so feeding it continuously for several days can lead to obesity. Also, when giving it to your dog, try to choose leaner cuts, trim off as much fat as possible, or boil it to reduce the fat content.
Molokhiya
Molokhiya is a particularly nutritious summer vegetable, and of course, it's rich in Vitamin B. In addition, the slimy component of Molokhiya, mucin, helps protect the stomach lining.
Tip
Molokhiya must always be cooked. Since Vitamin B is a water-soluble vitamin, it dissolves into the cooking liquid when boiled. Don't discard this nutrient-rich liquid; use it over their food. Boiled Molokhiya can sometimes be a choking hazard if left whole, so be sure to chop it finely.
Banana
Bananas are popular with dogs for their sweetness. Besides Vitamin B, bananas contain energy-yielding nutrients like protein and carbohydrates, as well as many other minerals. Eating bananas alone can provide a lot of nutrition.
Tip
A single banana contains approximately 90 calories. For small dogs, give them a maximum of one 1cm-thick slice at a time, little by little.
Summary
Food contains various nutrients. By understanding the causes of summer fatigue and the necessary nutrients at that time, you can choose foods that suit your dog's condition. Carefully select ingredients and prepare them in a way that suits your dog's body to help them maintain their vitality.
Profile:
Misa Niikura (Pet Nutritionist / Certified Animal Care Management Expert)
Currently living with her third rescue dog. Her experience caring for her previous dog, who suffered from kidney failure from the time of rescue, led her to study canine nutrition. Discovering that a little knowledge can make a big difference, she founded "Dog Nutrition Classes" to share this information with others. Her goal is to empower pet owners to choose and prepare suitable food for their dogs themselves. Misa is a certified pet nutritionist, certified animal care management expert, pet foodist, pet helper level 1, and dog life counselor.
