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Winter vs. Summer Dog Nutrition
- Kristina Voltin
- Jun 8
- 11 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Dogs need different diets in winter and summer to stay healthy. Here's what you should know:
- Winter: Dogs burn more calories to stay warm. Increase food portions by 10–20% and focus on high-calorie, fat-rich meals. Hydration is still important, even in colder weather.
- Summer: Dogs are less active and need fewer calories - reduce portions by 20–30%. Prioritize hydration with fresh water, wet food, and water-rich treats like watermelon.
Quick Comparison
Season | Calorie Needs | Key Focus | Best Foods | Hydration Tips |
Winter | Higher (up to 20–30%) | Warmth & Energy | High-fat, nutrient-dense foods | Add room-temperature water |
Summer | Lower (20–30% less) | Cooling & Hydration | Light, hydrating meals | Fresh water, frozen treats |
Adjust meals gradually between seasons to avoid digestive issues. Monitor weight and activity levels year-round for a healthy, happy dog.
HOMEMADE + HEALTHY DOG FOOD RECIPE | Winter/Summer Dog Food For Your Dog | Doggyz World
Winter Dog Nutrition: Cold Weather Feeding
When temperatures drop, your dog's body has to work harder to stay warm. This means their diet may need some adjustments to keep them healthy and energized.
Higher Calorie Requirements in Winter
Cold weather significantly increases a dog's calorie needs, especially for those spending a lot of time outdoors. To maintain warmth, they burn more energy than usual. In fact, dogs that are outside for extended periods during cold days might need up to three times their regular food intake[3]. Shivering can further elevate their energy demands, making dietary changes essential to avoid an energy deficit[2].
"Just like us humans, dogs have to work a little harder to stay warm when the weather turns chilly. Cold temperatures cause their metabolism to increase, as their bodies burn more energy to maintain a comfortable body temperature."– Tanner Dritschler, West & Willow[5]
Smaller breeds face additional hurdles since their lower body fat and insulation make them more vulnerable to the cold. These dogs often need higher energy and fat levels in their diet to stay warm and maintain their health[3].
How Cold Affects Dog Metabolism
Cold weather triggers metabolic changes in dogs, shifting their energy source from glucose to fat[2]. Additionally, shorter daylight hours can slow their metabolism as a way to conserve energy, often leading to increased fat storage[2].
Temperature drops also have a direct impact on calorie requirements. For every 10°F decrease in temperature, a dog's caloric needs can rise by 7% to 7.5%. If the temperature plummets by 20°F below normal, they may need up to 14% more calories to maintain their condition[5].
Winter Diet Changes to Make
Start by evaluating your dog's weight, activity level, and overall energy needs. Gradually increase their food portions by about 10%, keeping an eye on their weight and body condition. If your dog begins to lose weight, consider bumping up their daily intake by 10–20% and continue monitoring their progress[1].
Adding more dietary fat can be especially helpful, as it provides a concentrated energy source ideal for cold weather. Look for nutrient-dense foods with high-quality animal proteins, essential fatty acids, and a balance of vitamins and minerals to support their increased needs[6][7].
Activity levels play a big role too. Dogs that are less active and spend most of their time indoors may need slightly fewer calories to avoid weight gain. On the other hand, working dogs or those exposed to the cold for extended periods will require more energy to sustain their activity and stay warm[3].
Hydration is another key factor. Even though cold weather can reduce your dog's natural thirst, it's important to ensure they have access to fresh, clean water at room temperature. Adding wet food to their diet can also help boost their fluid intake[8].
"Dogs need the same seasonal adjustments in their food amounts as we do with seasonal changes. If housed outdoors during the winter, they may also need a different food."– Ken Tudor, DVM[9]
Finally, regular check-ins with your veterinarian can help you fine-tune your dog's winter diet. They can provide guidance tailored to your dog's breed, age, weight, and any specific health concerns[10].
Summer Dog Nutrition: Heat and Hydration Focus
When the summer heat rolls in, your dog's nutritional needs shift. Warmer weather often means lower energy demands, changes in metabolism, and an increased need for hydration. Adjusting your dog's diet and care routine can help them stay healthy and comfortable during these hot months.
Hydration Strategies for Summer
Staying hydrated is crucial for dogs in the summer, as they struggle to cool themselves efficiently. Dogs lose a lot of water through panting, with a 44-pound dog losing anywhere from 0.5 to 1.5 gallons of water daily. In fact, about 60% of their heat is dissipated through respiratory evaporation [13][14]. Even moderate exercise in temperatures between 70°F and 80°F can cause mild to moderate dehydration, depending on the intensity of the activity [13].
To keep your dog hydrated, ensure they have access to fresh water throughout the day. During particularly hot weather, offer water every 20 to 30 minutes [11]. For longer activities, give small amounts of water every 15 to 20 minutes [13]. You can also encourage hydration by adding ice cubes to their water, offering frozen treats, or mixing wet food with their kibble [4][18]. Creative options like low-sodium chicken broth ice cubes or frozen seedless melon chunks not only help with hydration but also provide extra nutrients [18].
These simple hydration strategies can make a big difference in keeping your dog cool and comfortable during the summer.
Best Feeding Times in Hot Weather
Meal timing is another important factor during hot weather. To avoid adding to your dog's heat stress, feed them during the cooler parts of the day - early morning and late evening [15]. This timing aligns with when their body is under less strain from the heat.
It's also essential to avoid feeding your dog immediately before or after intense activity [4]. After exercise, wait until their panting slows down before offering large amounts of water [13]. Smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the metabolic heat generated during digestion while maintaining steady energy levels throughout the day [12].
Summer Diet Composition
Once hydration and feeding schedules are under control, the next step is adjusting your dog's diet to match their reduced energy needs during summer.
Dogs naturally become less active in hot weather, leading to a 20-30% drop in energy requirements [4].
"Dogs prefer to sleep more during summer... When a dog is less active, their energy requirements aren't as much either. Things are fine as long as your dog is eating something every day." [15]
To support this change, focus on lighter meals with high-quality, easily digestible proteins. Lean options like chicken, pork, ham, and turkey make great meal components or treats [16]. Incorporate healthy fats, such as omega-3s, to promote skin health [4][16].
Including cooling foods like watermelon and cucumber can further help keep your dog comfortable. Watermelon, which is 92% water, is an excellent source of hydration and nutrients [17]. Blueberries are another refreshing option that many dogs enjoy [17].
Serve meals at room temperature or slightly chilled rather than warm [12], and stick to lighter, easy-to-digest foods that won't weigh your dog down in the heat [12].
Switching Between Winter and Summer Diets
As the seasons change, so do your dog's dietary needs. Winter often calls for more calorie-dense meals, while summer diets tend to be lighter. Making this switch carefully is crucial to maintaining your dog's health. A gradual approach is key - sudden changes can upset your dog's stomach, causing issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Let’s walk through how to transition their diet smoothly.
Making Diet Changes Slowly
When transitioning your dog's food, take it slow - over 7 to 10 days - to help their digestive system adjust comfortably.
Here’s a simple guide to follow:
Days | New Food | Current Food |
1-2 | 25% | 75% |
3-4 | 50% | 50% |
5-7 | 75% | 25% |
8-10 | 100% | 0% |
Start by mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of the current food for the first two days. Gradually increase the amount of new food every couple of days, so by day 8, your dog is fully transitioned to the new diet.
Keep an eye out for any signs of trouble - like a change in appetite, unusual behavior, or digestive issues. If these occur, slow down the transition and give your dog more time to adjust. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies may need an even longer adjustment period.
Also, avoid feeding your dog immediately after exercise. Let them cool down first to reduce the risk of bloating or other digestive problems. Once the new diet is in place, monitor their weight and body condition to ensure they're thriving.
Tracking Weight and Body Condition
Keeping tabs on your dog’s weight and overall condition is especially important when shifting between seasonal diets. Moving from calorie-rich winter meals to lighter summer options can impact their weight, so regular monitoring is essential.
A helpful tool for this is the Body Condition Score (BCS), which uses a 5-point or 9-point scale to assess body fat. An ideal score typically falls around 4 or 5 on a 9-point scale. Here’s how to check:
- Look for a visible waistline when viewing your dog from above.
- Run your hands along their ribcage. You should feel the ribs without pressing hard, but they shouldn’t be too noticeable.
"If your pet is a healthy weight, you should easily feel his ribs." – VCA Animal Hospitals [19]
Weigh your dog regularly and track these results to spot any trends. This data is especially helpful when adjusting portion sizes. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight in 2017 [19]. Maintaining a healthy weight can add about two years to your dog’s life compared to their overweight counterparts [19].
"Closely monitor your dog's body condition score during the offseason to determine if a change in diet is necessary." – Russ Kelley, Scientific Services Nutritionist at Eukanuba's™ Pet Health and Nutrition Center [20]
If your dog needs to gain weight during the transition, increase their calorie intake by roughly 10%. If they need to shed a few pounds, reduce it by the same amount. Seasonal activity levels also play a role - dogs are often more active in winter and less so in summer, which may require adjusting their portions.
Year-Round Nutrition with Loyal Saints
Seasonal nutrition for pets can be tricky, but Loyal Saints' premium freeze-dried raw dog food makes it simple. This high-quality option ensures your dog gets the nutrients they need all year, easily adjusting to seasonal changes. It’s a practical way to meet your pet’s needs, especially when considering the natural metabolic shifts that occur throughout the year.
Benefits of Freeze-Dried Raw Food
Freeze-dried raw food offers a standout advantage: it retains about 98% of its original nutrients[22]. This means your dog gets maximum nutrition, no matter the season. Plus, its shelf-stable nature eliminates the hassle of storing fresh or frozen food. Whether your dog needs extra energy in the winter or lighter meals in the summer, this type of food has you covered.
"Freeze-dried dog foods equal kibble for convenience. They need no refrigeration. They're unsurpassed for taste and nutrition. But they sell at a premium. Optimum nutrition comes from freeze-dried." – Richard S Patton PhD[21]
Loyal Saints' high-protein formula is designed to promote muscle development, aid in recovery, support skin and coat health, improve digestion, and help with weight management[23]. You can serve it as a full meal, mix it with kibble for added nutrients, or even use it as a special treat - whatever works best for your dog.
Seasonal Adjustments with Loyal Saints
Loyal Saints makes it easy to fine-tune your dog’s diet based on the season.
- Winter Adjustments: Dogs, especially those spending a lot of time outdoors, often need more energy during colder months. You can gradually increase their portion sizes to meet these higher demands. Adding warm bone broth to rehydrated meals can also enhance hydration and make meals more appealing on chilly days.
- Summer Adjustments: In warmer months, dogs usually require fewer calories. You can reduce portion sizes or switch to a lower-fat formula. To keep your dog hydrated, try mixing in water-rich fruits and vegetables or adding extra water to their meals. Feeding during the cooler parts of the day - like early mornings or late evenings - can also help them stay comfortable.
For indoor dogs, the seasonal changes may be less pronounced, but it’s still important to monitor their activity levels and adjust portions as needed. Keep an eye on their weight, energy, and stool quality, and consult your vet if anything seems off.
The high digestibility of freeze-dried food makes it easier to see how well your dog is responding to these adjustments. With global demand for freeze-dried pet food on the rise (from $277 million in 2018 to a projected $525 million by 2025), Loyal Saints stands out by offering AAFCO-compliant nutrition tailored to your dog’s needs[21].
Conclusion: Keeping Dogs Healthy All Year
To maintain your dog's health throughout the year, consider adjusting their diet with the changing seasons. As Regina Robinson from Outward Bound Hounds puts it, "Incorporating seasonal changes into your dog's diet is a straightforward way to enhance their nutrition and quality of life. By providing a diverse array of nutrients and flavors throughout the year, you can keep your canine companion happy and healthy" [24].
Seasonal shifts impact your dog's nutritional needs. For instance, during winter, focus on meals rich in calories and healthy fats to support energy and warmth. In summer, opt for lighter, hydrating meals to help them stay cool and refreshed.
Hydration is crucial regardless of the season. A good rule of thumb is to offer one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily [25]. Always ensure fresh water is available, especially during hot days or colder months when dogs may naturally drink less.
Keep an eye on your dog's weight and adjust their portions as their activity levels fluctuate. Brands like Loyal Saints offer freeze-dried raw food that can simplify this process. Their nutrient-dense options allow for easy portion adjustments while ensuring your dog gets high-quality nutrition year-round.
Additionally, rotating protein sources may help lower the risk of allergies [24]. By making these thoughtful adjustments, you can support your dog's well-being through every season.
FAQs
How do I know if my dog’s diet needs to change with the seasons?
Dogs’ nutritional needs can change with the seasons, so keeping an eye on their activity levels and overall condition is key. In colder months, your dog might need extra calories - sometimes even double or triple their usual amount - since they burn more energy staying warm and active. Conversely, during the summer, dogs are often less active and may need fewer calories to avoid unnecessary weight gain. It’s also common for dogs to have a smaller appetite in hot weather.
To keep your dog in good shape all year, monitor their weight regularly and adjust their portions accordingly. If you’re unsure about how much to feed them, consult your veterinarian to create a seasonal diet plan that meets your dog’s specific needs.
How can I tell if my dog isn’t adjusting well to seasonal diet changes?
If your dog seems off during a seasonal diet change, there are a few telltale signs to watch for. A drop in appetite or unexpected weight changes - whether it’s weight loss or a sudden increase in hunger - could mean your dog’s nutritional needs aren’t being met or it’s not adjusting well to the new food. Keep an eye out for low energy levels or digestive problems, like vomiting or diarrhea, as these can indicate the diet isn’t sitting well. On top of that, behavioral shifts, such as irritability or increased anxiety, might point to discomfort tied to the dietary adjustment.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to reach out to your veterinarian. They can help make sure your dog’s diet is meeting its health and activity needs for the season.
How can I transition my dog's diet between winter and summer without causing digestive problems?
To switch your dog's diet safely between winter and summer, take it slow - spread the transition over 7 to 10 days. Begin by mixing a small amount of the new food into their current meals. Gradually increase the new food's portion while reducing the old one. This slow process helps avoid digestive problems like diarrhea or vomiting.
In the summer, try feeding your dog during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings. This can make digestion easier and help prevent overheating. You might also add lighter, water-rich options like dog-safe fruits and vegetables to their meals to keep them comfortable in the heat. Keep an eye on how your dog reacts to the changes, and if you notice any issues, reach out to your veterinarian for guidance.
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