Supporting Their Health Through the Colder Months
Winter changes more for our pets than just the weather. Shorter days mean less exercise. Heat pumps and fires dry out the air indoors. Cold mornings can leave older joints stiff and slow to get going. It's a good time of year to look at what extra support your cat or dog might need. Here's some tips on what to watch for this winter, and how our Pure Maranui and Fourflax Supplement range can help.
Joint Stiffness in the cold
Just like us, dogs feel the cold in their joints. Senior dogs, large breeds, and pets recovering from injury often slow down noticeably once temperatures drop. If your dog is hesitant on the stairs, slower on walks, or stiff after resting, it's worth adding a joint supplement to their daily feed.
Our Joint Guard powder combines New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel, Chondroitin, MSM, Glucosamine, Flaxseed Meal, and Turmeric to help reduce inflammation, support cartilage, and keep dogs moving comfortably through winter. For dogs who prefer a liquid to a powder, Bone & Joint is a bacon-flavoured option with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Green-Lipped Mussel that's just as easy to add to a meal.
Dry Skin and Dull Coats
Central heating and drier winter air can leave skin flaky and coats looking dull. Cats and Dogs prone to allergies or itchy skin often feel it more this time of year.
Our Dog Health Booster and Cat Health Booster are daily powders rich in Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, with Green-Lipped Mussel and Flaxseed meal for skin, coat and joint support in one simple serve.
For dogs with more noticeable skin irritation, Skin & Coat combines flaxseed, borage seed, and black cumin seed oils - three of the best plant-based sources of essential fatty acids for calming dry, itchy skin.
If it's a general top up your dog needs, Omega 3 Flaxseed Oil is a simple, 100% New Zealand grown option for pets on raw or kibble who could use a bit more essential fatty acid support.
Supporting Overall Vitality
Winter often means less daylight, less activity, and for some pets, a dip in energy and appetite. A Daily Health Booster helps make sure they're still getting the essential fatty acids and nutrients that support eyes, brain function, and digestion, even when routines change. A few simple habits go a long way over winter:
- Keep an eye on weight. .Less exercise can mean pets put on condition over winter without you noticing, so adjust portions if activity drops.
- Dry pets off properly after walks in the rain, especially around paws and between toes, to avoid skin irritation.
- Make sure outdoor cats and dogs have a warm, dry place to shelter, and check bedding is thick enough for the cold.
- Keep fresh water available. Pets often drink less in winter, and hydration still matters.
- Stick to a consistent raw feeding routine. Real food, fed simply and consistently, is still the best foundation for your pet's health, whatever the season.
Talk to us In-store
Every pet is different, and the right supplement depends on their age, breed, and any health concerns they have. Pop into your local New Zealand Petfoods store in Timaru, Oamaru, or Dunedin, and our team can help you find the right fit for your dog or cat this winter. Browse the full range here: Pure Maranui & Fourflax Supplements.
