Winter is starting to set in across the United States, and for many states that experience all four seasons, that means more indoor time for our beloved pets. Being cooped up inside during the darkest, coldest part of the year can be trying for human beings, so imagine how our four-legged friends feel! 

Keeping pets healthy and vibrant during the winter months can often depend on their diet. As the colder weather settles in and daylight hours dwindle, a well-balanced diet high in meat and rich in protein might help maintain their energy levels. 

ZIWI, a premium pet food company based in New Zealand, aims to redefine how pet owners keep dogs active and engaged in the long winter months. With innovative methods like the world’s first gentle air-drying technology, which preserves the nutritional value of the food, ZIWI provides options designed to support your pet’s health — even during the time of year when they can’t get as much time outside to run around every day. 

Complete and Balanced Nutrition for All Stages

When outdoor activities are limited due to the weather, pets may benefit from good nutrition more than ever. The recently launched ZIWI Peak Steam & Dried food utilizes ZIWI’s proprietary Z-MicroSteam process to enhance texture and palatability, potentially making mealtime an exciting experience for dogs. 

ZIWI incorporates wild-caught, sustainable seafood, cage-free poultry, and recipes rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, and even fruit. They never use rendered meat or harsh processing, which supports their goal of providing optimal nutrition for your dog. In addition, everything that ZIWI offers is ethically sourced. “We knew that when it came to pet nutrition, there had to be a better way,” said Jessica Krueger, Senior Marketing Manager at ZIWI. 

The goal of ZIWI is to offer the nutritional value of a natural, raw diet with convenience, not compromise. “When it comes to innovation, we take our cues from nature,” says Krueger. ZIWI bases its approach on the idea that nature got it right, and they simply serve as a way to make natural foods more accessible and convenient for pet owners. 

Keeping Pets Active

ZIWI was founded on the New Zealand concept of Kaitiaki, which embraces the role of guardian, caring for people, the land, the sea, and its creatures. Care and kinship involve keeping pets healthy and happy, and keeping them active is part of that. 

The ZIWI staff has tested several different methods for helping pets burn off energy indoors during winter. Hiding treats such as ZIWI’s air-dried recipes around the home could keep one’s pet happily searching for treasure all afternoon. 

Playdates can also be a great idea. If you have a friend with a pet who also needs some active time, try arranging a visit so your pets can play together. Set up a safe, designated play area and sprinkle in some ZIWI treats during the playdate. 

Interactive feeders may also help keep your pets engaged. Many dog and cat toys are “stuffable,” allowing you to insert treats and have your pet try to get them out. If you have toys like these, just put some ZIWI Peak air-dried in the toy and let the dog get to work. 

You can also use the slower winter months, when you’re more likely to be stuck indoors, to teach your dog or cat some new tricks. With some ZIWI Peak air-dried food or treats, you can reward or reinforce new skills. 

ZIWI also offers oral chews that can provide entertainment for bored pets (and may help prevent them from chewing your shoes or furniture). The long-lasting venison shanks are a particular favorite of chew-happy dogs. 

Lastly, nothing can replace quality time with your pet. Pets, cuddles, playtime, and treats may provide enough engagement to get dogs and cats through the long winter months indoors. 

Keeping pets active and engaged during the indoor winter season is important for their physical and emotional well-being. Good nutrition plays a role in keeping dogs and cats healthy enough to stay active even if they can’t get much outdoor time. By providing nutrient-dense foods and treats like those offered by ZIWI, owners may be able to support their pet’s energy levels, promote healthy weight levels during the less active months, and enhance overall vitality. 

When pet owners incorporate interactive feeding techniques and opportunities for treats, mealtime can become an engagement opportunity that stimulates the mind and supports their health. Maintaining your pet’s enthusiasm during winter may help them avoid boredom and enter the warmer months just as healthy as they were over the summer. 

Providing your pets with healthy food and engagement can also enhance your bond with them. By prioritizing health and happiness, our pets may maintain their vibrancy and happiness even as they reach their later years. ZIWI offers products designed to support pets in reaching their peak potential and helps owners raise energetic, playful, and content pets.

Published by Elle G.