Your pet's immune system is put to the test every day. Especially in the cold season, there are many viruses and bacteria circulating, which can lead to infections if the immune system is weak. To protect your pet from catching a cold, it is important to strengthen its defenses. In the following, we will show you how to do this when choosing dog food. We'll also give you more tips on how you can naturally strengthen your dog's immune system.

The role of the immune system

The immune system is the body's defense system. Its task 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. This means that a strong immune system can withstand many diseases, while diseases can develop in the event of an immune deficiency.

What weakens your furry friend's defenses?

If your dog seems exhausted and frequently struggles with parasites or infections, it may have an immune deficiency. This can be favored by the following factors:

• Puppy age (puppies in particular have not yet developed a specific immune defense)
• Old age (the immune system shifts down a gear in old age)
• Ingestion of medication such as antibiotics
• Chronic Infections & Diseases
• Intestinal parasites
• Unbalanced diet
• Nutrient deficiency
• Stress
• Overexertion
• Lack of sleep
• Wet and cold weather

The gut: The command center of the immune defense

The intestine plays an important role in the dog's immune defense. 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 defense. The more of these "good" bacteria colonize the intestines, the stronger the digestive tract and the immune system of your furry friend. However, an unbalanced diet and the associated lack of nutrients can lead to the death of these valuable intestinal bacteria. This not only weakens your beloved four-legged friend's immune system, but also their health.

To strengthen your dog's immune system from the inside out, you should therefore choose a high-quality dog food that optimally covers their nutritional requirements.

Dog food for the immune system

A nutrient-rich dog food strengthens the gastric mucosa and the good intestinal bacteria so that the immune cells can multiply. However, food that does not meet the dog's needs can quickly lead to a nutrient deficiency, which can weaken the immune system. All in all, you need a high-quality dog food with a good nutritional composition that is also easy to digest. You can find such a food at VEGDOG.

Together with vets, we have developed a vegan dog food that meets 100% of your dog's needs. It provides your four-legged friend with all essential nutrients and is also free from artificial attractants and colorants. 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 wetand dry food from VEGDOG , you can contribute to a healthy immune system, at least nutritionally.

Treats & Food supplements for extra power

We have also developed special treats to boost your furry friend's immune system: The VEGDOG VEGGIES IMMUNE. These small dog snacks combine the power of sea buckthorn and turmeric. This gives them a high content of vitamin C, B12 and iron as well as a potential anti-inflammatory effect.

If you want to cook for your faithful companion yourself, we also have the right nutritional supplements. 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.

Naturally strengthening your dog's immune system

In addition to nutrition, 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 with the following measures:

• Ensuring sufficient water intake
• Regular walks
• Sufficient sleep and rest
• Avoiding stress and overexertion
• Regular check-ups at the vet

It can also be useful, especially in the cold season, dry the dog thoroughly after walks and give it a warm place to rest. Also note that some dog breeds need extra warmth in winter and should therefore wear a coat outside.