10 cooling superfoods to keep your dog healthy this summer
From yoghurt to watermelon, pet nutritionists suggest simple cooling superfoods to help dogs stay comfortable in summer. Here is an easy guide to what to add and what to watch out for.
Hot weather can be just as tough on dogs as it is on people. Loss of appetite, low energy and dehydration are common during peak summer months. The good news? A few smart changes to your dog’s diet can help.
Keeping your dog cool in summer is not just about shade and water, it also comes down to what goes into their bowl.
Adding cooling superfoods like cucumber, watermelon, yoghurt and lighter proteins such as fish can help maintain hydration and support digestion.
Simple additions like buttermilk, bone broth or even small portions of fruits can make meals more refreshing during hot days.
These foods help reduce heat stress, keep energy levels stable and make it easier for dogs to stay comfortable through rising temperatures.
According to pet nutritionist and co-founder of A Petter Life, Anjali Kalachand, adding cooling superfoods and hydrating foods can make a real difference.
From switching proteins to adding fruits and herbal infusions, here are simple ways to help your dog stay cool, active and comfortable this season.
WHY COOLING FOODS MATTER FOR DOGS
Dogs regulate heat differently, and diet plays a key role in keeping them comfortable. Cooling foods help maintain hydration, support digestion and reduce heat stress during warmer months.
10 COOLING SUPERFOODS FOR DOGS
1. SWITCH UP PROTEIN SOURCES
Chicken is common, but in summer, try lighter proteins like white fish, duck or rabbit—if your dog tolerates them well.
2. ADD COOLING VEGETABLES
Vegetables like zucchini and cucumber are easy to digest and help keep the body cool.
3. INCLUDE DAIRY FOR GUT HEALTH
Yoghurt, buttermilk and kefir can help cool the gut and support digestion.
4. WATERMELON FOR HYDRATION
Seedless watermelon is a great way to boost moisture intake. Always remove seeds before feeding.
5. TRY OTHER SUMMER FRUITS
Fruits like pear and apple are also cooling and safe in small amounts.
6. BASIL SEEDS (USE CAREFULLY)
Basil seeds have strong cooling properties but should always be soaked before feeding.
- Toy breeds: 1/4 tsp
- Small dogs: 1/2 tsp
- Medium dogs: 3/4 tsp
- Large dogs: 1 tsp
Use only a few times a week. Too much can cause bloating or gas.
7. CHAMOMILE FOR SOOTHING EFFECT
Chamomile can be given as a weak tea mixed into meals. It helps calm the gut and has cooling effects.
8. SWITCH GRAINS SMARTLY
Replace rice with grains like barley and millet (avoid millet if your dog has hypothyroidism). Always serve grains in small quantities.
9. ADD BONE BROTH
Bone broth is a simple way to increase hydration and add nutrients to meals.
10. FENNEL SEEDS FOR DIGESTION
Fennel helps digestion and cools the body. Prepare a tea using 1 tsp fennel seeds in 1 cup boiling water, then cool it.
- Small dogs: 1 tsp daily
- Medium dogs: 2–3 tsp daily
- Large dogs: 4–5 tsp daily
ALSO READ: What truly makes a gut-friendly diet for pets?
Keeping your dog cool in summer is not just about shade and water, it is also about what goes into their bowl. A few simple additions can go a long way in keeping them comfortable and healthy through the heat.
Hot weather can be just as tough on dogs as it is on people. Loss of appetite, low energy and dehydration are common during peak summer months. The good news? A few smart changes to your dog’s diet can help.
Keeping your dog cool in summer is not just about shade and water, it also comes down to what goes into their bowl.
Adding cooling superfoods like cucumber, watermelon, yoghurt and lighter proteins such as fish can help maintain hydration and support digestion.
Simple additions like buttermilk, bone broth or even small portions of fruits can make meals more refreshing during hot days.
These foods help reduce heat stress, keep energy levels stable and make it easier for dogs to stay comfortable through rising temperatures.
According to pet nutritionist and co-founder of A Petter Life, Anjali Kalachand, adding cooling superfoods and hydrating foods can make a real difference.
From switching proteins to adding fruits and herbal infusions, here are simple ways to help your dog stay cool, active and comfortable this season.
WHY COOLING FOODS MATTER FOR DOGS
Dogs regulate heat differently, and diet plays a key role in keeping them comfortable. Cooling foods help maintain hydration, support digestion and reduce heat stress during warmer months.
10 COOLING SUPERFOODS FOR DOGS
1. SWITCH UP PROTEIN SOURCES
Chicken is common, but in summer, try lighter proteins like white fish, duck or rabbit—if your dog tolerates them well.
2. ADD COOLING VEGETABLES
Vegetables like zucchini and cucumber are easy to digest and help keep the body cool.
3. INCLUDE DAIRY FOR GUT HEALTH
Yoghurt, buttermilk and kefir can help cool the gut and support digestion.
4. WATERMELON FOR HYDRATION
Seedless watermelon is a great way to boost moisture intake. Always remove seeds before feeding.
5. TRY OTHER SUMMER FRUITS
Fruits like pear and apple are also cooling and safe in small amounts.
6. BASIL SEEDS (USE CAREFULLY)
Basil seeds have strong cooling properties but should always be soaked before feeding.
- Toy breeds: 1/4 tsp
- Small dogs: 1/2 tsp
- Medium dogs: 3/4 tsp
- Large dogs: 1 tsp
Use only a few times a week. Too much can cause bloating or gas.
7. CHAMOMILE FOR SOOTHING EFFECT
Chamomile can be given as a weak tea mixed into meals. It helps calm the gut and has cooling effects.
8. SWITCH GRAINS SMARTLY
Replace rice with grains like barley and millet (avoid millet if your dog has hypothyroidism). Always serve grains in small quantities.
9. ADD BONE BROTH
Bone broth is a simple way to increase hydration and add nutrients to meals.
10. FENNEL SEEDS FOR DIGESTION
Fennel helps digestion and cools the body. Prepare a tea using 1 tsp fennel seeds in 1 cup boiling water, then cool it.
- Small dogs: 1 tsp daily
- Medium dogs: 2–3 tsp daily
- Large dogs: 4–5 tsp daily
ALSO READ: What truly makes a gut-friendly diet for pets?
Keeping your dog cool in summer is not just about shade and water, it is also about what goes into their bowl. A few simple additions can go a long way in keeping them comfortable and healthy through the heat.
