Summer diet for your pets

The summer season brings with it sumptuous mangoes, long days, lemonades and pool parties but it also brings days that are too hot to handle.
Enjoying the fruits of summer is great but have you ever noticed that your diet and appetite changes during the summers? The same thing happens to your pet too! Summers can be hard on your little fur ball, apart from giving them plenty of water and keeping them indoors, there are other ways you can help your pet beat the heat.

This summer season, cool your pet down with these foods, which are great to be consumed during the hot weather.
Foods good for dogs in summer

Watermelons
Watermelons are 90% water and hence they make an ideal summer food for all pets. They are super hydrating, packed with potassium and vitamins like B6, A and C. But always remember to remove all the seeds from the watermelon before letting your pet eat. Watermelon seeds, actually any kind of seeds in fruits can cause intestinal blockage and hence can be harmful for pets.

Cucumbers
Cucumbers contain vitamins like B1, B7, C and K along with copper, magnesium and potassium. This is the perfect snack for your pet during the summers especially if they need to lose a few kilos. The carbohydrates content and sugar level in cucumbers is very low and that makes it guilt-free and a healthy snack!

Coconut Water
It’s a well known fact that coconut water is the most refreshing drink for the summers, but did you know that your pet can enjoy it too? Coconut water is completely safe for your pets, it is full of electrolytes, calcium, potassium and Vitamin C and helps with a cooling effect on your pet and serve as a great source of hydration too! If your pet is unwell, you can dilute the coconut water with 25% of water to make it easier for your pet to drink.

Yogurt and buttermilk
Buttermilk and yogurt are a must-have for the summers. The cool bacteria (metaphorically and literally) solve a lot of problems related to heat. The lactic acid bacteria present in yogurt and buttermilk are beneficial for your pet’s gastrointestinal system. It is also a natural probiotic and keeps the gut healthy and safe.

Mangoes
Although it might be hard to share your beloved mangoes, do let your pet enjoy this seasonal and mouth watering fruit too! Ripened mangoes minus their seed and outer peel are completely a-okay for your fur babies. Mangoes are rich in vitamins like A, B6, C, E, antioxidants, flavonoids and fiber. All this goodness packed together makes mangoes a delicious and healthy treat for your pet.

Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in nutrition and loved by most pets! Blueberries are high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat, they also help in increasing antioxidants in the blood. Since they are low in calories and sugar they make a perfect feel good treat for the summers!

Ginger
Ginger is highly soothing for your pet’s stomach and has anti-inflammatory properties.You can add ginger in the frozen treats you make for them or in coconut water. Adding ginger to your pet’s diet can help in keeping your pet’s tummy cool.

Ice cream
Pets can be given an occasional scoop of vanilla ice cream or mango slush, but not frequently as most pets can’t handle lactose. Check for pet-friendly ice cream or then make one at home. Puree a ripe banana with some frozen yogurt and refrigerate for a day. You can even add a little bit of cinnamon in powdered form in the puree as it’s good for dogs with arthritis. This is safe for pets. A homemade icecream treat once in a while can help them cool down a little.

Blanched mint leaves
Since mint has amazing cooling properties they can be a great addition in drinks or treats you prepare for your pets. But make sure you give them in moderation, the recommended amount is one leaf in 200 ml of water.

Inputs by Dr Sonal Rane, Veterinary Officer, Wiggles.in

READ ALSO:
Tips for pet care during the summer season

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