Seasonal Pet Nutrition — How to Adjust Feeding Year-Round

Does your furry friend have a favorite spot in the sun, or do they love to burrow under blankets when it's chilly? Just like us, our beloved dogs and cats feel the changing seasons, and their bodies respond in amazing ways. While it's easy to stick to the same routine, your pet's nutritional needs actually shift throughout the year. Factors like temperature, daylight hours, how much they play, and even their coat growth all play a part in how many calories they need, how much water keeps them feeling great, and what nutrients help them truly thrive. We're here to help you understand these natural rhythms, so we can work alongside you to prevent things like winter weight gain or summer dehydration, ensuring your cherished companion feels their best in every season.

Summer: Heat, Hydration, and Reduced Appetite

Decreased Calorie Needs

In warm weather, our pets naturally use less energy maintaining body temperature and often become less active during the hottest parts of the day. Most dogs need 10-15% fewer calories in summer compared to winter. If you notice your dog isn't quite as enthusiastic about dinner during a heat wave, don't worry — this is often a perfectly normal way their body adapts.

We know it can be tempting to encourage them, but try not to force your pet to eat their normal portion in summer heat. Instead, gently reduce their portion sizes and try feeding them during the cooler parts of the day — like early morning or evening. If your dog skips a meal on a very hot day but is otherwise alert and drinking water, you can usually rest easy — it's a common way they manage the heat.

Staying Hydrated is So Important

Heatstroke is one of the leading causes of preventable death in dogs during summer. Fresh, clean water should always be available, in multiple locations if possible. Consider placing extra water bowls in every room your beloved companion enjoys spending time in, and always remember to bring water along for every walk or adventure.

• Dogs need approximately 50-70 ml of water per kilogram of body weight daily, more when it is hot or after exercise.
• Cats have a naturally low thirst drive and benefit from wet food during summer to increase water intake.
• Consider adding water or low-sodium broth to dry food to increase fluid consumption.
• Frozen treats (ice cubes with small pieces of fruit, frozen broth popsicles) provide hydration and enrichment.

Food Safety in Heat

Wet food and raw food can spoil quickly in warm temperatures. Any wet food your pet doesn't finish should be removed after 30 minutes in summer. If you feed raw, it's best to never leave it out for more than 20 minutes. Even dry food, while more stable, can go rancid if stored in hot garages or direct sunlight. To keep everything fresh, always store food containers in cool, dry spots.

Autumn: Getting Ready for Cooler Days

As temperatures drop and daylight decreases, our pets naturally start getting ready for winter. Dogs, especially double-coated breeds, start growing their winter undercoat. This amazing coat growth means they need a little extra protein and fatty acids in their diet. You might even notice your companion's appetite picking up in autumn — that's their natural instinct kicking in to build up those cozy reserves for winter.

As the weather cools, start gradually increasing their portions by 5-10%. This is also a perfect moment to make sure their diet includes plenty of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are fantastic for supporting that healthy, shiny winter coat. If you notice a dull or thin winter coat, it could be a gentle nudge that their diet might be missing something important.

Winter: Increased Calories and Joint Support

Higher Calorie Needs

For dogs who love spending a lot of time outdoors in cold weather, they can need 20-40% more calories than in summer. Keeping warm in cold conditions takes a lot of energy — it's a substantial effort for their bodies. Working dogs, sled dogs, and outdoor farm dogs, for example, might even need to double their calorie intake during severe cold.

For our indoor companions who enjoy cozy, heated homes, only a modest increase (around 5-10%) is usually needed, primarily to compensate for drier indoor air and the energy their body uses to maintain their beautiful coat. It's important not to simply double your indoor dog's food just because it's cold outside — we know what works, and too much can easily lead to unwanted winter weight gain.

Joint Care in Cold Weather

Cold weather can make joint stiffness more noticeable, especially for our cherished older pets and those managing arthritis. Make sure their diet includes plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, and you might want to consider a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement for your senior companion. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is also key — because we care, we know every extra kilogram can amplify joint stress, especially on those cold, stiff mornings.

Winter Hazards

• Antifreeze: Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that attracts dogs and cats. Even a tablespoon can be fatal. Clean up any spills immediately and store antifreeze securely.
• Road salt: Dogs that walk on salted streets and then lick their paws can ingest enough salt to cause vomiting and electrolyte imbalances. Wipe paws after winter walks.
• Frozen water: Ensure outdoor water bowls do not freeze. Use heated bowls or check multiple times daily.

Spring: Allergy Season and Weight Check

As spring arrives, it's a great time to gently check in and see if your pet might have gained a little extra weight over the winter. A simple way to do this is to run your hands along their ribs — you should be able to feel them easily without pressing too hard. If you can't, it's a gentle sign to start gradually reducing their portions back to what they'd eat in the warmer months.

Spring also ushers in environmental allergies (pollen, grass, mold) which can sometimes look a lot like food allergies and make things a bit tricky. If you notice your pet's itching gets worse in the spring, we recommend working closely with your veterinarian to figure out if it's environmental allergies or food sensitivities before making any big changes to their diet.