The end of summer means a return to routine for many families and their pets. After a period marked by more flexible schedules, increased outdoor activity, and changes in diet, the return to work brings a significant change in dogs’ daily routines.
With the arrival of September, the pace of life changes significantly. Workdays once again take up a good part of the day, dogs spend more hours alone, and spontaneous outings and physical activity in general decrease.
All of this results in a decrease in energy expenditure, so it is important to assess whether the amount of food they are receiving is appropriate for their new situation, with the goal of maintaining a balance between the energy they consume and the energy they need.
Does lower energy consumption mean a smaller portion?
Not necessarily. A decrease in exercise does not mean that all dogs need to eat less or automatically reduce their daily food intake. Recommendations should always be based on an individual assessment of each pet, taking into account factors such as size, age, appetite, physiological status, body condition, and lifestyle.
However, when a dog goes from enjoying long walks and plenty of activities during the summer to leading a more sedentary lifestyle, it may be necessary to adjust its caloric intake. Maintaining exactly the same intake without taking this change into account could lead to gradual weight gain.
Nutrition as a counseling tool
Returning to a routine is, therefore, an opportunity for specialty stores, distributors, and veterinary clinics to remind their customers of the importance of tailoring a pet’s diet to each life stage and circumstance, providing value beyond simply recommending a specific product.
Asking the client how the dog’s routine has changed, how much time it now spends alone, what its schedule is like, and how many treats it receives allows us to develop a much more personalized approach.
If you decide to change your dog’s diet, the change should be made gradually. At Danna Pet Food, we recommend a one-week transition period to help your dog’s digestive system adjust to the new formula.
Is it necessary to change your diet in September?
A change in season alone does not necessarily mean you need to change your dog’s diet. If your dog is healthy, in good physical condition, and is eating a complete formula that meets its needs, you can stick with the same food, adjusting the portion size as needed. However, it is a good time to review whether the product still matches your dog’s profile.
The key is to choose the option that best suits each pet and to pair it with a feeding plan that’s consistent with the pet’s activity level and physical condition. At Danna Pet Food, we offer a variety of product lines and recipes to meet the needs of dogs at different life stages, providing them with numerous benefits.
Return to the usual schedule
A dog’s diet depends not only on what it eats, but also on when it eats. Sticking to a regular feeding schedule allows us to track how much it eats, monitor its weight, and detect any changes in its appetite.
It’s also a good idea to pay attention to treats. Since you’ve been spending more time with them, some dogs may have received more snacks or treats over the summer. It’s important to monitor this intake and reduce it as part of their daily diet to avoid excessive calorie intake.
Offer Danna Pet Food at your retail location
If you are a retailer or specialty distributor and would like to expand your product lineup with our brand, please contact us at info@dannapet.com, via this form, or by phone at +34 652 716 605. We will assist you with whatever you need and provide you with the special terms and benefits we offer to wholesalers and retailers.
Leticia Arboleda, Head of Customer Service at Danna PetFood
