Raw Feeding in Summer

The sun is out. Temperatures are rising, nature is blooming, and the list of places you want to visit with your furry friend keeps growing by the day. However, even with all of the enjoyment the summer months bring, precautions are also necessary to ensure your dog remains happy and healthy.

This is the case with raw feeding. You know the benefits gained from raw feeding your dog. You also understand there are extra points to consider when opting for a raw diet. It requires extra thinking to ensure your pooch is not only getting all of the vitamins and minerals they need, but it’s also safe for them to consume. With this in mind, we have put together a little guide below about raw feeding during the summer.

Serving raw food in the summer

For the most part, you will go through the same process of serving raw food in the summer as any other time during the year. Yet the increased temperature can change up a couple of aspects. This includes defrosting the frozen meat. You can still do this as normal by leaving it in the fridge overnight. However, if you are leaving it to defrost at room temperature, make sure this is only done for two hours at most. Also, avoid keeping the food in a place that is too warm; otherwise, bacteria is going to quickly multiply. The issue of bacteria is also something to remember once you have served the raw meat to your dog. As bacteria grows rapidly in warm temperatures, it cannot be left out for too long. It is advised you utilise a 10-minute serving time. If there’s any leftover food following these 10 minutes – unlikely, we know! – you have to deal with it appropriately. That is done by covering up the raw food and placing it in your refrigerator. Just remember: any defrosted meat has to be consumed within 24 hours.

Added water

As it’s naturally full of moisture, raw food results in dogs requiring less water to stay rehydrated. While you might have adjusted to this change by putting out less drinking water, it’s essential you encourage your dog to consume more water on hot days. They can easily overheat and become dehydrated in the sun. Due to this, it’s vital you give them access to an unrestricted amount of fresh, cool water. This can be achieved by placing a number of water bowls around your home.

Help cool the water by adding ice cubes

Remember to feed your dog earlier in the morning and later at night. Feed them in a shaded place to help keep your dog cool. Remember, hot weather can change your dog’s appetite, so make sure to reduce the amount if you find your dog leaves food. You can add extra vitamins and minerals by freezing down bananas and other fruit and vegetables.

Trip out

You want to take advantage of the weather. You want to go on some adventures with your dog. Yet if you’re planning a holiday or even just a long day out, you have to contemplate what they’ll be eating during the trip. Ask about freezer space at your holiday accommodation. Put your dog’s food in a cool box and pack icepacks. Make sure the product is packed tightly. You can always buy ice along the way to keep the product frozen or ask your supplier if they can send it directly to your holiday accommodation.

You could also contact your supplier to find out if they have a stockist close to where you are going or if they have any frozen brands. If you are unable to use frozen food, choose a product with high meat content. Also, remember to feed a few days before you go. 

Last of all, have a great time.