Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Please note that we only recommend products we genuinely use and love with our own dogs.
Summer is here, and if you’re feeling the heat, it’s worse for your dog wrapped in a furry coat! Rising temperatures can quickly lead to dehydration, low energy, loss of appetite, and excessive panting. If your pup’s struggles are keeping you up at night, take a deep breath, you’re not alone, and I’ve got you covered.
In this article, I’m sharing 10 summer superfoods for dogs that will help keep your furry friend cool, healthy, and energetic all season long. The best part? Every single food here is delicious, nutritious, and pup-approved by all four of my dogs! So let’s begin.
Importance Of Summer Nutrition For Dogs
Before we jump to the list, let’s understand why planning a summer diet for your dogs is important. Many pups don’t get enough water during the hot months, either because they lack constant access to fresh water or simply because they’re not big drinkers (just like my hound!).
Low water intake, especially during summer months, can lead to canine dehydration. Some easy-to-spot symptoms of dehydration in dogs are:
- Dry nose
- Excessive panting
- Dry skin
- Thickened saliva
- Vomiting
- Low energy
- Dry eyes
This is why including hydrating and nutrient-rich foods in your dog’s summer diet is essential. These mainly include fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade, dog-friendly juices and drinks. So, without much ado, let’s plan the perfect summertime diet for your dog.
Top 10 Summer Superfoods for Dogs
Here’s a list of the best summer foods you can add to your dog’s daily diet. Serve them as a nutritious snack, training treats, or as tasty toppers over your dog’s regular meal. Your pup will surely love every bite.
1. Watermelon: The Hydration Hero
Watermelon is a great summer snack for dogs to keep them cool and hydrated. They have a high water content and are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, potassium, and magnesium. Watermelons also serve as a low-calorie snack for dog breeds that are prone to obesity (such as my Rottweiler).
How To Feed Your Dog Watermelon The Right Way
Always remove the seeds and rinds. You can serve it as a cold juice after playtime. Or cut it into small cubes and freeze them to make homemade watermelon popsicles for your pup.
2. Blueberries: A Boost Of Antioxidants
Want your dog to live longer? Add blueberries to their regular diet. Research suggests that these antioxidant-rich berries can help reduce the risk of developing cancer in dogs. Blueberries are also hydrating and low in calories, making them a perfect addition to your dog’s summer diet.
How To Feed Your Dog Blueberries The Right Way
You can feed frozen blueberries to your dog after they return from a tiring walk or play on a hot summer day.
3. Cucumber: Cool and Crunchy
If you are looking for a low-calorie, hydrating summer food for your dog, trust cucumbers. Apart from their popularity as a cooling fruit, cucumbers are also a rich source of Vitamin C. With over 90% water, cucumbers help make up for your dog’s daily water intake during summer.
How To Feed Your Dog Cucumber The Right Way
Cucumbers are best served raw, fresh, and unseasoned. You can cut them into small slices and feed in moderation.
4. Apples: Summer-Fresh Fiber
Apples are hands down my dog’s favorite summer fruit, and honestly, I love hearing that cheerful crunch! Packed with dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A, apples support healthy digestion and immunity. They’re also natural breath fresheners, and their crisp texture helps gently clean your dog’s teeth with every bite.
How To Feed Your Dog Apples The Right Way
Make sure to remove seeds and core while serving apples to your dog. I often prepare a healthy smoothie with bone broth and apples for my dogs during summer.
Pro-Tip For Paw-Parents🐾
For extra hydration, add some Bone Broth to your pup’s regular meal. It serves as a yummy topper for fussy eaters and is also great for joint support. I recommend trying Sara’s Chicken Blend Bone Broth from HUFT or Chicken Bone Broth from Goofy Tails. Both are highly nutritious and well-loved by my dogs.
5. Pumpkin: Digestive Health Superfood
If your pup has a sensitive stomach, light, hydrating, and easy-to-digest pumpkin is the best summer food to add to your dog’s diet. Due to their high fiber content, pumpkins are a quick fix for diarrhea and constipation problems that frequently occur as the summer heat rises.
How To Feed Your Dog Pumpkin The Right Way
Pumpkin must be served cooked and plain or mildly seasoned with a pinch of turmeric powder.
6. Carrots: Crunchy Vitamin Treat
Carrots are one of the most affordable, nutrient-rich foods that you can feed your dog during summer. They are hydrating, rich in fiber, and a great source of Vitamins A, K, and C. Carrots also double up as dental chews that help clear away plaque and tartar.
How To Feed Your Dog Carrots The Right Way
Carrots can be safely fed raw or cooked.
7. Buttermilk: Probiotic Cooling Drink.
Buttermilk is a probiotic superfood that aids digestion, improves gut health, and keeps dogs cool. And if your dog is not too keen on drinking water, this yummy, calcium-rich, homemade beverage can easily keep your pup hydrated and healthy during summer.
How To Feed Your Dog Buttermilk The Right Way
Always serve plain, unsalted buttermilk.
8. Strawberries: Sweet & Safe Snack
Juicy and hydrating, strawberries are a sweet way to help your dog stay refreshed while sneaking in antioxidants and fiber during summer.
How To Feed Your Dog Strawberries The Right Way
You can feed them raw or make a yummy summer smoothie with plain Greek yogurt. Due to their high sugar content, strawberries are best fed in moderation.
Did You Know?
Strawberries contain malic acid, a natural enzyme that can help break down plaque and clean your dog’s teeth with every bite.
9. Sweet Potatoes: Vitamin A Powerhouse
A popular superfood for humans, sweet potatoes are equally beneficial for dogs. Rich in beta carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamins C, iron, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants, sweet potatoes are great immune boosters for humans and dogs alike. Further, being a good source of dietary fiber, these root vegetables aid digestion and keep heat-related stomach issues at bay.
How To Feed Your Dog Strawberries The Right Way
Sweet potatoes can be steamed and served mashed or finely chopped without seasonings.
10. Tender Coconut Water: Natural Electrolytes
Being an Indian pet mom, tender coconut water is our go-to summer drink, and all my dogs enjoy it a lot. I also add some of the tender coconut meat or malai to their diet. It serves as a sweet, yummy, fiber-rich snack during summer.
How To Feed Your Dog Tender Coconut Water The Right Way
Serve it fresh for a quick boost of hydration and energy in the hot weather.
Tips to Safely Introduce Superfoods into Your Dog’s Diet
- Introduce new foods gradually after consulting your VET.
- Watch for any allergic reactions.
- Serve fresh, unseasoned, and in moderate amounts.
Paw-Sitive Takeaway🐾
Summer can be tough on our dogs, but with the right seasonal foods, you can keep your pup happy, hydrated, and healthy. From juicy fruits to cooling treats, these dog-friendly superfoods are not only nutritious — they’re deliciously refreshing too! Every dog is different, so introduce new foods gradually and always keep an eye on how your pup responds. Here’s to a tail-wagging, treat-filled summer ahead!
FAQs About Summer Foods For Dogs
Buttermilk for Dogs – Safe Summer Superfood!
Watch this short video for a quick dog-friendly buttermilk recipe!
