Why You Should Warm Up Your Dog’s Food in Winter

warm-up-dog-food
Eating warm foods when it's cold outside increases blood flow, helping the blood reach the body's extremities.

Although you might dress Fido in cosy jerseys when the weather takes a dive, his food should also be nice and warm. But warming up your dog’s food does more than just give him a bit of TLC.

It’s a well-known fact that some dog breeds deal with the cold better than others, such as huskies. Other dogs are especially more prone to feeling cold during winter. These breeds include greyhounds, chihuahuas and weimaraners. Getting warm food will especially benefit these dogs, but all breeds should get a warm plate. Here’s why.

Warm Food Boosts Blood Circulation

Eating warm foods when it’s cold outside increases blood flow, helping the blood reach the body’s extremities. This increases warmth throughout the body. If you worry about microwaves zapping nutrients from your dog’s food, you can boil water and add it to his food instead. But make sure it’s not too hot to burn him!

Warm Food Aids Digestion

According to Chinese medicine, warm foods are easier to digest. So, your dog won’t have to use up lots of energy trying to digest and break down food because if it’s already warm this makes it easier to get absorbed by his body.

Warm Food Encourages Appetite

No one wants to dig into cold food during winter. It’s so off-putting! A steamy bowl of food is immediately more appetising and will encourage your dog to eat more. Remember that if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, he should also be given more food during the winter to keep him satisfied. Warm food will therefore encourage him to consume more.

It’s More Than Just Temperature, Though

The cold weather means that your dog should have warm food – but not just when it comes to temperature. Foods that naturally boost circulation and give your pet more warmth are highly beneficial, too. These foods should be comprised of fat and complex carbs. Some examples of foods are stews with turkey or chicken and oily veggies for a satisfying and comforting treat.

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