New Delhi: As the rains bring relief from the scorching heat, they also usher in a season of muddy walks, damp paws, and an increased risk of digestive troubles for dogs. Veterinarians often report a spike in gastrointestinal infections, tick-borne illnesses, fungal skin infections, and appetite changes during the monsoon, making nutrition one of the most important aspects of pet care at this time of year. While there isn’t a special “monsoon diet” for every dog, experts agree that simple, fresh, easily digestible, and hygienically prepared meals can go a long way in keeping pets healthy through the rainy months.

The focus, veterinarians say, should be on supporting gut health, maintaining hydration, and avoiding foods that spoil quickly in humid weather. Here’s a look at the best monsoon meals for dogs and the foods pet parents should steer clear of.

One of the most recommended meals during the rainy season is a simple combination of plain boiled chicken and cooked white rice. The meal is gentle on the digestive system, provides easily digestible protein, and is especially useful if a dog has a sensitive stomach or is recovering from mild digestive upset. Rice also supplies easily available carbohydrates for energy.

Cooked pumpkin is rich in fibre, vitamins A and C, and is widely recommended by veterinarians to help regulate digestion. It can help with both constipation and mild diarrhoea when served in moderation alongside a dog’s regular diet. Plain, unseasoned pumpkin is the safest option.

Lightly cooked vegetables such as carrots, green beans and sweet potatoes make excellent additions to a dog’s meal during the monsoon. These vegetables provide antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre while remaining easy to digest. They should always be served plain without salt, butter, spices or seasoning.

Dogs that regularly eat home-cooked diets can be offered lean proteins such as boiled chicken, turkey or fish (without bones), paired with veterinarian-approved vegetables and carbohydrates. The emphasis should remain on freshly cooked meals rather than refrigerated leftovers kept for several days.

Although temperatures are cooler during the rains, dogs still require adequate water intake. Clean drinking water should always be available, and bowls should be washed daily to prevent bacterial contamination. Some dogs naturally drink less during cooler weather, so adding moisture-rich foods, if appropriate for their diet, may help maintain hydration.

Humidity accelerates food spoilage, making certain foods particularly risky during monsoon.

Experts advise avoiding:

• Leftover food kept at room temperature
• Raw or undercooked meat
• Fried, oily or heavily spiced human food
• Sugary treats and desserts
• Table scraps
• Excessive treats that may upset digestion
• Any food showing signs of mould or spoilage

Pet owners should also remember that several everyday human foods remain toxic to dogs throughout the year, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts and foods containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener.

Diet alone cannot protect dogs during the rainy season. Experts also recommend drying paws and fur thoroughly after walks, maintaining flea and tick prevention, keeping bedding dry, and avoiding waterlogged areas where parasites thrive. Together with balanced nutrition, these simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of seasonal illnesses.