10 Ways to Boost Your Dog’s Immune System with the Right Nutrition

Your dog’s immune system is like their own personal superhero, always prepared to battle germs and keep them feeling paw-some! You have the power to boost their immunity simply by feeding them the right foods. Let’s explore some delicious ways to keep your pup strong, happy, and ready for any adventure.

1. Feed a high-quality, balanced diet

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)’s nutrition policy highlights that a balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals plays a crucial role in maintaining a dog's overall health and welfare [1].

Every superhero needs their fuel! A diet rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates with soluble and insoluble fibres, and essential vitamins and minerals is key to keeping your pup’s immune system in tip-top shape. Essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, and zinc support immune cell production and reduce inflammation. 

Gold standard dog food like Petzyo is the perfect example. We ensure that our Australian made and sustainably sourced dog food is packed with real, wholesome ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition.

2. Maintain optimal body weight

Boosting your dog’s immune system isn’t just about eating a few blueberries and checking out. Studies show that dogs with a healthy body weight and condition score live healthier, longer lives with fewer chronic diseases compared to their chubbier counterparts. Obesity in dogs is linked to a weakened immune system and a range of serious health issues, including arthritis, diabetes, liver disease, pancreatitis, dental problems and even an increased risk of cancer. 

If you’ve been wondering how much food to feed your dog, don’t fret. Our feeding calculator will ensure you’re meeting your dog’s dietary needs. 

2. Add some superfoods to their bowl

Think of these as your dog’s secret weapons against illness. Superfoods are packed with immune-boosting nutrients, and they taste pretty great too! Look for these power-packed ingredients:

• Blueberries & Cranberries: Tiny but mighty! These berries are rich in antioxidants that help combat free radicals, reduce inflammation, and possess anti-cancer properties [2].
• Pumpkin & Sweet Potato: Not just for Halloween! These provide fibre and beta-carotene for a happy tummy and a strong immune system.
  
• Salmon: Omega-3s keep inflammation at bay and promote overall well-being [3]
  
• Spinach & Kale: These vibrant vegetables are fantastic sources of natural fibre and are packed with wonderful vitamins like A, C, and K, along with essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium. Plus, they boast important phytonutrients.
  
• Turmeric: Curcumin, the wonderful active ingredient found in turmeric, offers some amazing benefits. Not only does it have anti-cancer properties, but it also acts as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever [4].

3. The omega fatty acid train

All aboard the omega-3 express, next stop: a resilient immune system. Omega-3s support the immune system by:

• Regulating the immune response by reducing inflammation 
  
• Improving the activity of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections and cancers
  
• Supporting a strong skin barrier to prevent pathogens and allergens from entering the body

There are three main types of Omega-3 fatty acids: EPA, DHA, and ALA. Interestingly, dogs can’t metabolise ALA very well, best to look for diets that are rich in EPA and DHA [3]. These are sourced mainly from fish oils, such as salmon, cod liver and herring, and also from algae. 

Omega-3s are commonly used under veterinary guidance in the nutritional management of various conditions in dogs such as osteoarthritis, cancers, kidney disease, heart and inflammatory bowel disease [5].

If you’re considering supplementing your dog’s diet with omega-3s, ensure to do this under veterinary recommendation and guidance, as the regulations for safety are lacking in many supplements, which may contain dangerous levels of vitamin A or D [3]. 

Petzyo’s recipes have been developed by Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists so you can rest assured that the omega-3 and 6 balance is optimal and completely safe.

4. Show some love to their gut

Petzyo’s raw and dry dog food range contains prebiotics (specific types of fibre that serve as food for gut bacteria) and probiotics to support your dog’s oral and gut microbiome.

A healthy microbiome helps your dog’s gut absorb nutrients and fight infections effectively, as 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. A healthy balance of gut flora strengthens gut immunity, which has been proven to enhance overall internal immune function. [6] 

Insoluble fibres

Peas, sweet potato, broccoli, carrot and kelp contain insoluble fibre types. Insoluble fibre helps to add bulk to stool and keeps the digestive tract moving efficiently. This is important to prevent the buildup of harmful ‘bad’ bacteria and toxins that could negatively impact immune function. If your dog has the occasional loose stool, a trial with supplementary fibre types, like a lot of pumpkin or a little bit of unflavoured psyllium, may help to improve their stools.

5. Hydration is key!

Water is essential for your dog (after you, of course!). Providing fresh, clean water supports organ function, promotes digestive health, and keeps their coat and skin in great condition. Always ensure that their water bowl is topped up! [7]

6. Add some bonus health boosters

Want to take things up a notch? Here are some extra immunity boosters:

• Vitamin A, C & E: Like a shield for your pup’s cells! Vitamins A, C, and E serve as powerful antioxidants, safeguarding the body from damage inflicted by free radicals. [4]
  
• Zinc: This mineral is especially important because of its role in cell division in maintaining your dog’s skin and coat, immune system and thyroid function. [8]
  
• Colostrum: A great way to support your pet's immune system! Older animals may absorb antibodies less effectively, but colostrum can still provide a soothing, local anti-inflammatory effect in the intestines when consumed [9].

7. Keep them moving

Exercise + good nutrition = one healthy, happy pup! Keeping extra fat in check helps your dog's immune system stay strong. In addition to balanced nutrition in correct portions, regular playtime and walks are wonderful ways to keep your furry friend in top shape and feeling great.

8. Transitioning to a new diet

We know you're excited to introduce your dog to their new food, but slow and steady wins the race here. A transition should take 7 to 14 days. This gives your dog’s digestive system enough time to adjust without causing any tummy troubles. Summarised from our guide on transitioning to a new diet, here’s how to do it:

If your dog has trouble adjusting to dietary changes, or if the new food differs drastically from the old, you might need to  transition even more gradually. 

Monitor and adjust: Keep an eye on your dog’s symptoms and adjust the transition if needed. Should your dog stop eating, experience vomiting, or have diarrhea at any point in this process, revert to the previous food and slow down the transition further. If your dog’s symptoms persist after returning to their old diet, contact your veterinarian for guidance. [10]

9. Check with your vet

Every dog has their own personality and dietary preferences. If you’re unsure or have more questions about changing your furry friend’s diet, chat with your veterinarian.

10. Fuel your dog’s health with Petzyo

At Petzyo, we believe that a well-fed pup is a happy pup! Our high-quality, nutrient-packed kibble and raw food recipes are designed to give your dog everything they need for a strong immune system. Boost your dog’s immune system with Petzyo’s dog food crafted with Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and perfect for dogs of any age and any breed.

References

1. Nutrition of dogs and cats

2. Total antioxidant power in sled dogs supplemented with blueberries

3. Combining Nutrition and Physical Rehabilitation to Improve Health Outcomes for Dogs and Cats

4. Sheahan S. Efficacy of turmeric for treatment of osteoarthritis

5. Bauer J. Therapeutic use of fish oil in companion animals

6. Use of Probiotics in cats and dogs Fact Sheet 

7. Vital Importance of Pet Hydration 

8. Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis in Dogs 

9. Pagnoncelli MGB et. al Potential bovine colostrum for human and animal therapy