9 Foods You Should Add to Your Schnauzer’s Diet to Keep Him Healthy During Winter

The seasonal changes from fall to winter can impact your Schnauzer’s health by making him less active. And that is because of the cold weather that makes life outside unbearable. Therefore, you might want to make a few adjustments to his diet to keep him healthy throughout winter.

Remember, high-calorie foods and fewer activities in winter can result in your pooch gaining some winter weight. And burning the extra weight come spring will be more challenging than adjusting his diet a little bit in winter. So here are some foods that you should add to your dog’s diet to keep him healthy in winter.

9 Foods You Should Add to Your Schnauzer’s Diet to Help Him Keep Healthy in Winter

1. Eggs

For decades, we have been conditioned to believe that raw eggs are bad, but did you know that eggs can be a unique source of nutrients for your Schnauzer when eaten with their shells? An egg is an excellent source of fatty acids, riboflavin, iron, selenium, folate, and vitamin B12. Even though an egg cannot be your pup’s main source of nutrients, dogs love eating eggs several times a week. Plus, it can be a great addition to your special formula for Schnauzers.

Most dogs have no problem with consuming raw eggs, but it’s fine to feed them scrambled, hard-cooked, or soft-cooked eggs. Eggs are easy to feed and readily available. So make sure you purchase your eggs from organic poultry farmers.    

2. Yogurt

Another highly nutritious food that is readily available and inexpensive is yogurt. Yogurt can be a great source of probiotics. And since your pooch is less active and doesn’t need the extra sugar provided by flavored yogurts, you can give him either non-fat or low-fat yogurt. The probiotics in yogurt can improve your dog’s digestive system. So look for yogurt that contains more than just Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Remember, both cats and dogs love yogurt, but don’t be tempted to allow them to share the yogurt. After all, some Schnauzer owners go as far and give them the same food, but Friendly Claws advise against it. And that is because mixing dog and cat food can have numerous health consequences on your pets.    

3. Sardines

Sardine supplies the omega-3 fatty acids that are great for your Schnauzer’s coat and skin. And winter being the coldest season in a year, you want your dog to have a healthy coat and skin to keep him warm. On top of that, the Omega-3s can also reduce inflammations and regulate your dog’s immunity. Therefore, it can be helpful to Schnauzers with autoimmune diseases and allergies.

4. Goat Milk

Goat milk is the most digestible milk in the market. Goat milk has small-sized molecules that make it easily digestible. So if your dog doesn’t like bovine milk, then you can try goat milk. Goat milk is more hypoallergenic than bovine milk. This milk also offers all the benefits offered by probiotics in an easily digestible form. Goat milk can help hydrate Schnauzers with digestive issues.

5. Bone Broth

One of the best things about bone broth is that it hydrates your dog’s diet. This is very important for Schnauzers that consume dry dog food. Remember, water is essential for our dogs, and most of them don’t take enough water. Bone broth also helps improve the health of your dog’s joints. Therefore it can make life easier for dogs with joint issues and senior dogs in winter. Bone broth can also help with liver detox, repair the leaky gut, and promote healthy digestion.

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6. Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin has been a famous food supplement for years now, and it’s for a good reason! Pumpkin can help regulate digestion thanks to its high fiber content. If your dog is constipating, pumpkin can help loosen the stool, and if it has diarrhea, it can help bulk up his stool. Pumpkin is also high in vitamin C, potassium, calcium, B vitamins, carotenoids, and antioxidants. And the fact that it is low in calories is a bonus. Canned organic pureed pumpkins can be found in stores, but make sure it is pure with no spices or sugar.

7. Blueberries

Available all year long, blueberries are loaded with phytochemicals. Blueberries can make great treats for Schnauzers. These berries supply antioxidants, fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and E. blueberry’s deep color comes from anthocyanidin. This antioxidant can help combat the free radicals that are degrading your dog’s DNA, proteins, and membranes. Blueberries have phytochemicals like phenolic acid that helps fight cancer in dogs.

8. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have 150% more antioxidants than blueberry and are rich in beta-carotene. They are also packed with vitamin A and Vitamin C that helps keep your dog’s immunity stronger. However, you should never give your dog raw sweet potatoes; instead, you should bake or boil them to provide your dog with the needed antioxidants, beta-carotene, and numerous minerals and vitamins. Sweet potatoes can be a great source of manganese for your dog. Sweet potatoes can help improve your dog’s immunity, eyesight, skin, and fur. But make sure they don’t have any additives.

9. Organ Meats

Regardless of your dog’s meal, organ meat should be a huge part of his meal. In most commercial foods, organ meats make up 10% of the animal protein. Therefore, make sure you give your dog more organ meat. Organ meats like liver, kidney, pancreas, stomach, and heart are nutrient-dense. Organs like kidneys are rich in vitamin, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and iron, while others like liver have folate, zinc, and amino acids.  

Final Thoughts

Like all pets, Schnauzers become less active in winter, and most of them would prefer cuddling in front of a fireplace with their owners. But lack of exercise can result in your dog gaining winter weight. So make sure you adjust your dog’s diet by giving him the above foods. Other than being nutritious, these foods can help improve your dog’s immunity and help him stay healthy throughout winter. So why don’t you improve your Schnauzer’s health this winter by giving him the above unique foods?