Dogs and Summer Feeding

The burgers are sizzling on the grill, the hot dogs are piled on the picnic table and assorted fruits sit in heaps in large decorative bowls. Summer is finally here and you're out enjoying the balmy days with your family, and of course, the dog. The kids are avoiding their vegetables by showering the dog with the unfavorable greens, although a hearty salad may be healthy for humans, it may be harmful for our furry little friends. This common perilous situation unveils a recurring question, what should you be feeding your dog in the summer season? Along with nurturing a bond through family outings and the sharing of food, feeding your canine certain delicacies in the summer will help them battle the often unrelenting and merciless Massachusetts heat. In our quest to answer the question of feeding guidelines, we must dive into a field of Chinese medicine, where certain foods are termed “Yang” or warming foods, and others are considered “Yin” or cooling foods. Protein ​assists in creating body chemicals like hormones and enzymes that are needed for normal function in dogs, feeding your dog Yin proteins will benefit the well being of the entire household. You should be feeding your dog proteins such as cod, tofu, turkey and yogurt. While you shouldn't be feeding your dogs bread rolls, carbs will provide him or her with energy which will aid in thermoregulation. Carbohydrates you ought to feed your dog on a beach day are treats consisting barley, buckwheat, millet and wild rice. Nothing is more refreshing than picking up a fresh fruit bowl from the store and nothing is more stimulating than sharing this summer delicacy with your entire family, including the household hound. You can share your apples, bananas, cranberries, coconuts, mangos, melons, pears and watermelon. There are certainly fruits you should avoid, so make sure to meticulously monitor the kids and what they're tossing to the dog, your dog shouldn't be eating cherries, avocados, grapes and tomatoes. So what vegetables are your kids allowed to avoid and mischievously pass to the dogs? Some summery greens include alfalfa sprouts, celery, brussel sprouts, cucumber, lettuce and an infamously avoided veggie known as broccoli. Make sure you lecture the family about averting potentially poisonous vegetables, such as asparagus, mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Fresh foods, fed with moderation, will significantly enhance your dog's diet due to the amount of processed food they tend to consume on a daily basis. It is very imperative to remember the difference between human and canine calorie consumption, you should calculate your dogs needs by weight and count his calories. Keep in mind restrictions such as food allergies and GI sensitivity, discontinue this diet if you see any rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, lethargy or if your pup just stops acting like himself. Enjoy your summer with the family tail-wagger and make sure he's protected for fleas, ticks and heartworms. Citations: 1. "For the Love of dog." ​Dogster ​ . N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2017.