The sunny summers are here! We prefer cooling ourselves and we are masters at it. Worried about your furry friend? Don’t know how to feed your dog during summer? we got you. Similar to humans, dogs also have a natural change in their diet due to this hot weather. Let’s take care of our dogs by helping them stay hydrated and prevent them from dangerous side effects like heatstroke.

Here are some summer foods that help your dog to stay cool during summer.

Water 

Water is everything. Make your dog drink a lot of water during the summer days. On a regular basis, an adult dog has to drink about an ounce of water per pound of body weight to maintain a good metabolism and health. Therefore, in summer the requirements are increased. 

Always put some bowls filled with chilled water around your home, you can even freeze them and let it stay on day time melting. You can also add ice cubes to the water which gives a cooling effect to your doggy. Always carry a water bottle for your dog whenever you go out ,this is the time of maximum contact with the sun and have higher chances of getting dehydrated.

 If you are taking your dog to beaches prevent them from drinking seawater as it makes them thirsty and even cause vomiting. Beware when your dog drinks from open lakes, make sure it’s free from blue green algae which have various toxic effects like convulsions on dogs.

Watermelon

The common question which usually comes is, can my dog eat watermelon? Is it safe for him? Surprisingly yes, you can feed your dog watermelon during summers. Listen, your dog is going to love you for it. 

Watermelon should be fed in moderation, that is, no more than 10% of the daily caloric amount should be in treats. The average 1-inch cube of watermelon contains approximately 5-6 calories.

This is how you can feed them

• For, Small Dogs (up to 20 lbs.)-Around ¼ to 1/3 cup of cubed watermelon

• For, Medium Dogs (21-50 lbs.)-Around ½ to ¾ cup of cubed watermelon

• For Large Dogs (51-100 lbs. )-Up to 1 to 1.5 cups of cubed watermelon

Watermelon is 91% water, filled with vitamin c, potassium and even a good source of fiber. It not only quenches the thirst but also provides essential nutrients to your dog. Always monitor your dog for any signs of gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions, especially when introducing new foods.

You can remove the seeds and make small cubes and feed them. Make a puree after removing the seeds, and then freeze it on an ice cream tray. You can also make watermelon ice cream by mixing it with unsweetened yogurt unless your dog doesn’t suffer from lactose intolerance. It’s yummy and you can even have it together on a hot, sunny afternoon.

Blueberries and strawberries

Summers are known for the berry season. Whenever you enjoy the sweet fresh berries, have you ever thought of giving them to your furry friend? Of course you may have, but you may be confused whether you can give it or not. Berries except Grapes, Wild Berries, Cherries, can be given to your dog by 90/10 rule , which means  treats should make up only 10% of their daily caloric intake which includes berries, yogurt,coconut water etc., while their regular food should account for the remaining 90%.

Berries are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Do you know that, Strawberries actually contain a unique enzyme known to help whiten teeth and that includes your fur babies! 

In the case of blueberries, you can give them as a whole without cutting, or can also mash them up into a paste as it can still pose a choking hazard for small dogs. In the case of strawberries, you can give them as whole or into freshly cut pieces. You can also make a paste of these berries and mix with your doggie’s favorite unsweetened yogurt and give them a yummy summer treat. Try to give them fresh berries instead of preserved /packed ones as they contain preservatives that can be allergic to your dogs.

Yoghurt

Yes, dogs can have yogurt in summer as a refreshing and nutritious treat but in moderation. You can feed your dog with yogurt to cool down during hot weather while providing essential nutrients like calcium, probiotics, and protein. However, it is crucial to ensure that the yogurt is plain, unsweetened, and does not contain any artificial sweeteners or added sugars that could be harmful to your dog.

You can make frozen yogurt treats for your dog by mixing plain, non-fat yogurt with dog-safe fruits like blueberries or bananas. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds and freeze them for a cool and tasty snack. Another fun way to feed yogurt to your dog in the summer is by making yogurt popsicles.

 Mix plain yogurt with a bit of water or low-sodium broth, pour the mixture into popsicle molds or small paper cups, add a dog treat as a stick, and freeze for a fun and cooling treat. You can also use plain, non-fat yogurt as a topping for your dog’s regular meals during the summer. Simply pour a spoonful of yogurt over their food to add some extra flavor and nutrition.

Coconut water

You can give coconut water to your dog and it's a completely safe and refreshing drink for dogs during hot weather. It is packed with essential electrolytes like calcium, potassium, and Vitamin C, which can help cool down your pet and provide hydration. However, it is important to introduce coconut water gradually into your dog’s diet to observe how their system reacts to it.

The simplest way is to offer coconut water directly in a bowl for your dog to drink. Make sure it is plain coconut water without any added sugars or flavors.

 You can also Freeze coconut water in ice cube trays and give these frozen treats to your dog on hot days. This can be a fun and cooling way for them to enjoy the benefits of coconut water.

Another way is to blend coconut water with dog-friendly fruits like bananas or berries to create a nutritious smoothie that your pet will love. This can be a great way to introduce variety into their diet.

You can also make homemade treats by mixing coconut water with other dog-safe ingredients like plain yogurt or fruits, then freeze them into molds for a tasty and hydrating snack.

Foods that are safe for your dog	Foods that are unsafe for your dog
• Veggies • Cheese • Lean meats • Coconut • Frozen Peanut Butter • Frozen Bone Broth • Frozen KONG Treats	• BBQ bones • Avocados • Processed or fatty meats • Fatty mayonnaise-based foods • Garlic/onions  • alcohol grapes/raisins • macadamia nuts • xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in sugarless gums/candies)

Conclusion

In this 20th century, summers are unbearable not only to humans but also to your pet dogs. It is very much important to take care of your furry friend by providing them proper hydration and nourishment. Watermelon, yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, coconut water are some excellent food choices you can include in their summer diet to prevent them from worse diseases like heat stroke which is very much common in summers.

Always give these food items on moderation level (10% rule) and be careful when feeding foods for the first time as it concerns allergies. Taking care of the health of our pets is a unique form of love that each pet parent is responsible for. If you have any doubts regarding ‘how to feed your dogs during summer?’ Feel free to comment below. We will be happy to help you.