dog food for the immune system
How to strengthen your dog's immune system naturally - tips for a healthy defense in the cold season
Author: Carla Steffen
Proofreader: Veronika Hajek
Updated: 01.10.2024
Published: 23.05.2024
Your furry friend's immune system is put to the test every day. Especially in the cold season, there are many viruses and bacteria circulating that can lead to infections if the immune system is weak. To protect your darling from a cold, it is important to strengthen its defenses. We will tell you below how you can do this when choosing dog food. We will also give you further tips on how you can naturally strengthen your dog's immune system.
The task of the immune system
The immune system is the body's defense system. Its job is to protect the dog's organism from pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. In addition, the immune system fights harmful substances and pathological cell changes, such as cancer cells. While the body's own defense system protects intact cells, dead cells and pests are attacked and destroyed before they can harm the organism. A strong immune system can therefore withstand many diseases, while diseases can develop if the immune system is weakened.
What weakens your pet's immune system?
If your dog seems exhausted and often struggles with parasites or infections, he may have an immune deficiency. This can be caused by the following factors:
- Puppy age (puppies in particular have not yet developed a specific immune defense)
- Old age (in old age the immune system slows down)
- taking medications such as antibiotics
- Chronic Infections & Diseases
- intestinal parasites
- unbalanced diet
- nutrient deficiency
- stress
- overexertion
- lack of sleep
- Wet and cold weather
The intestine: the command center of the immune system
The intestine plays an important role in the dog's immune system. Around 70 to 80% of the immune cells are located there. The intestine is therefore essential for an intact immune system.
The intestinal mucosa protects the body from pathogens by binding them and flushing them out of the organism. The intestine also has its own microbes that contribute to the immune system. The more of these "good" bacteria that populate the intestine, the stronger the digestive tract and the immune system of your furry friend. However, a one-sided diet and the associated lack of nutrients can lead to the death of these valuable intestinal bacteria. This not only weakens the immune system of your beloved four-legged friend, but also his health.
To strengthen your dog's immune system from the inside out, you should choose a high-quality dog ββfood that optimally covers its nutritional needs.
dog food for the immune system
A nutrient-rich dog food strengthens the stomach lining and the good intestinal bacteria, allowing the immune cells to multiply. However, if the food does not meet the needs, a nutrient deficiency can quickly occur, which can contribute to a weakening of the immune system. All in all, you need a high-quality dog ββfood with a good nutrient composition that is also easy to digest. You can find such food at VEGDOG.
Together with veterinarians, we have developed a vegan dog food that meets 100% of your dog's needs. It provides your four-legged friend with all the essential nutrients and is also free from artificial attractants and colorings. Our complete dog food also has a hypoallergenic recipe, making it particularly suitable for people with food allergies and dogs with intolerances.
With the high-quality wet and dry food from VEGDOG you can at least contribute nutritionally to a healthy immune system.
Treats & nutritional supplements for extra power
To boost your furry friend's immune system, we have also developed special treats: VEGDOG VEGGIES IMMUNE. These small dog snacks combine the power of sea buckthorn and turmeric. They therefore have a high content of vitamin C, B12 and iron, as well as a potentially anti-inflammatory effect.
If you cook for your faithful companion yourself, we also have the right nutritional supplements ready. With VEGDOG ALL-IN VELUXE you can supplement the nutritional content of your home-cooked meal with vitamins, minerals, trace elements and amino acids, while VEGDOG VISH OIL provides your four-legged friend with essential Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Strengthen your dog's immune system naturally
Aside from diet, you can also strengthen your furry friend's immune system in other ways. Among other things, you can support your four-legged friend's defenses by taking the following measures:
- Ensure adequate water intake
- Regular walks
- Enough sleep and rest
- Avoiding stress and overexertion
- Regular check-ups with the veterinarian
Especially in the cold season, it can be a good idea to dry your dog thoroughly after walks and give him a warm place to stay. Also note that some dog breeds need extra warmth in winter and should therefore wear a coat outside.
FAQ
Which dog food for a healthy immune system?
To support your dog's immune system, you should choose a dog food that optimally covers your four-legged friend's nutritional needs and is free of attractants and colorings. You can find such food at VEGDOG, among others.
How can you strengthen your dog's immune system?
A dog's immune system can be strengthened by high-quality dog ββfood and sufficient water intake. Regular walks as well as rest and sleep are also beneficial.
What weakens the immune system in dogs?
A dog's immune system can be weakened by an unbalanced diet, nutrient deficiencies and food allergies. In addition, intestinal parasites, chronic diseases, taking medication, lack of sleep and stress can also lead to a weakening of the immune system.