Energy for winter fun with a dog

How the outside temperature influences the dog's needs?

When the temperature drops, some of us feel bad. It is similar with dogs that have a certain thermal optimum. So the temperature at which they feel comfortable. For most dogs, it is between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. Depending on the thickness of the coat and the amount of undercoat, some dogs cope better with cooler temperatures than optimal and others with less heat. Smooth and short-haired dogs, and breeds without undercoat (e.g. Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese) below the thermal optimum will be happy to use clothing and it is justified for them.

Regular exposure to lower temperatures, wind or rain (they lower the perceived temperature), increase the dog's needs and sometimes many times. It can be assumed that every 5 degrees Celsius below the optimum, the needs increase by 20%. If the walks are not very long and the temperatures are very low, our dog can cope with thermoregulation by eating its standard food. However, if we notice that the dog is losing weight or his coat is deteriorating, we should consult a veterinarian and if it was not caused by disease and the weather - provide a diet with higher energy and digestibility.

What nutritional proportions is the average pet food?

Foods must provide a minimum amount of nutrients in a dog ration, in line with European standards. These standards were created on the basis of many years of research on dogs and cats, and you can find them on the website of the Polish association POLKARMA. As you probably guessed, the necessary minimum may not be enough for a dog that actively spends time outside in a low environmental temperature. Both humans and dogs need more energy to cope well with internal heating in winter. Foods that provide the lowest levels of essential ingredients may not meet your dog's needs.

See what is the composition of the minimum feed (click to see)

Dry foods with a minimal nutritional profile have approx. 16% protein and 8% fat, and approx.5% protein and 4% fat. In order to provide the optimal amount of nutrients, our dog needs to eat a little more of them, which when his needs increase, may mean that the amount of food will be impossible to absorb and digest properly. That is why in winter it is worth reaching for more nutritious premium food and those with optimal digestibility recommended by Purina for more active dogs.

Purina food for active dogs in winter

From small to large, every winter-active dog deserves a food that gives him more nutrients like Purina. Thanks to the feeding of a more nutritious food, you do not need to increase the daily portion, and our dog is not at risk of emaciation, deterioration of the coat or decreased immunity and disease. The feeds we offer below provide 70% more valuable protein and have 2-3 times more fat than feeds that meet the minimum requirements with their composition. Therefore, after 2-3 weeks of feeding with properly selected Purina food, you can see how your dog's condition visibly improves.

Regardless of the size of your pooch and where you shop, you can choose the right food for your pet.

• For dogs of small breeds, we recommend Purina® ONE® Mini Active, rich in chicken, whose delicious soft pieces will encourage every little canine connoisseur to eat their portion.

• For medium and larger dogs open to any winter adventure with their handler, we recommend Purina® Dog Chow® Active with Chicken, which is more than half made of natural ingredients and does not contain artificial dyes.

• For large, athletic canine athletes, we recommend Purina® Pro Plan® Large Breed Adult OptiDigest rich in lamb, which is characterized by a higher bioavailability of nutrients and is recommended for dogs with a sensitive digestive system.

So, regardless of the size of his urchin, he can safely go for a longer winter walk with him, without fear that he will run out of vital energy.