Mausam Ke Hisaab Se Khana! (Diet According to the Season!): Feeding Your Dog the Smart Indian Way ☀️🌧️❄️

 

We Indians naturally adjust our own diet with the changing mausam (seasons)—we drink nimbu paani (lemonade) in summer and eat richer, warmer food in winter. The same common-sense approach works wonders for our dogs!

While your dog’s core diet (dal-roti or kibble) remains the same year-round, making small seasonal adjustments can boost their comfort, hydration, and energy levels.

Here is a simple guide to feeding your dog through India’s three main seasons:

 

1. The Summer Strategy (Garmi Ka Mausam) 🥵

 

Summer heat in many parts of India is intense. The focus must be on cooling and hydration.

• Water is Life (Paani Zaroori Hai): Never let your dog’s water bowl go empty or warm. Keep a continuous supply of fresh, cool water.
• Hydrating Treats: Think of water-rich foods as natural coolants. You can safely offer small, occasional pieces of watermelon (tarbooz) or cucumber (kheera).
• The Pupsicle Treat: Freeze plain, unsweetened yoghurt (dahi) or blended coconut water into small ice moulds (pupsicles). This is a refreshing, cooling treat.
• Lighter Meals: Dogs are often less active in the scorching heat. Consider smaller, more frequent meals instead of one heavy meal to keep their digestion easy and prevent stomach overload.

 

2. Monsoon and Damp Days (Barsaat Ka Mausam) ☔

 

The dampness and humidity of the monsoon bring a different set of challenges, mainly concerning hygiene and immunity.

• Hygiene First: The risk of waterborne diseases is higher. Always wash and clean your dog’s food and water bowls daily. Do not let stale food sit out.
• Immunity Boost: The dampness can lower immunity. Add nutrient-rich foods that naturally support health, like a small amount of cooked pumpkin (kaddu) or fresh leafy greens (hari sabzi).
• Serve Warm: If the weather is damp and chilly, serving their regular food slightly warmed (not hot!) can be comforting and appetising.

 

3. The Winter Warmth (Thand Ka Mausam) 🥶

 

As temperatures drop, the focus shifts to energy and warmth.

• More Fuel Needed: Dogs burn more calories trying to keep warm in the cold. You may need to slightly increase their portion size or add a little extra healthy fat to their meals (on your vet’s advice) to give them the fuel they need.
• Warming Meals: Incorporate cooked meats, eggs, and warming vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes into their diet. A home-cooked meal of boiled chicken and rice can feel wonderfully comforting in the winter chill.

 

Your Year-Round Diet Checklist ✅

 

• Quality Protein: Always ensure your dog gets high-quality protein from sources like lean meats, eggs, or good-quality fish. Protein is the building block of their health.
• Monitor Weight: Keep an eye on your dog’s weight year-round. If they get lazy in the summer, cut back slightly. If they are very active in the winter, increase slightly. Maintain a healthy weight for joint and heart health.
• New Food Caution: Introduce any new foods—even seasonal vegetables—gradually and in small amounts to avoid stomach upset.

 

The Golden Rule: Consult Your Veterinarian! 🩺

 

Remember, every dog is different! Their age, breed (small, large, or working), and specific health conditions (like allergies) require personalised advice.

Before making any significant change to your dog’s diet, always discuss it with your veterinarian. They are your best guide for tailoring the perfect mausam-ke-hisab-se (seasonal) diet for your beloved companion.