Do dogs need to eat more in winter?

Do dogs need to eat more in winter? Here’s everything you need to know about your dog’s eating habits during the colder months.

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As the weather starts to cool down, you and your dog might spend more time inside rather than out for long walks. You might also notice your dog seems hungrier than normal. But is an increased appetite in dogs a normal seasonal change, or something to be worried about?

Do dogs eat more in winter?

An increase in a dog’s appetite is normal over winter. Research shows that many dogs eat more when it’s cold, especially if they’re very active or spend a lot of time outdoors.

Why do dogs eat more in winter?

When it’s cold, dogs use more energy to stay warm. If your dog can’t keep their body temperature up, they may start shivering, which burns even more calories. That means if your dog feels cold, they’re also likely to want to eat more. 

Should I feed my dog more in winter?

Although some dogs need to eat a little more over winter, there is no need to increase the portion unless your dog appears to be losing weight. Keep an eye on any changes you notice from late autumn onwards. Stick to their regular kibble or wet food and avoid feeding your dog any Christmas leftovers or scraps.

If your dog is eating all their meals and still seems hungry, it’s best to ask your vet for advice before automatically offering more food. They’ll check your dog’s health and body condition to confirm whether they need any extra food.

And if you do have to increase your dog’s portion during the winter, remember to decrease it again as the weather starts warming up in the spring.

If your dog is on a calorie-controlled diet, has any health conditions, or is already overweight, speak to your vet before increasing their portions. If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also use the Pet Expert Chat feature to speak with an expert about nutrition whenever you need to. Simply log into your My Petplan account and go to the My Support area.

Will eating more mean my dog puts on weight?

As obesity in dogs is becoming more common, it is important to balance feeding your dog enough while also making sure they don’t put on too much weight.

Even though your dog might be eating more over winter, they’ll probably be using those extra calories to stay warm. This means most dogs shouldn’t put on weight when eating more over winter – but it’s still important to keep an eye on your dog’s weight. The best way to do this is using body condition scoring (BCS), by weighing them at home, or by taking them to your vet for a checkup.

If you’re using BCS at home, here’s what to look for:

• Ribs: When you run your hands down your dog’s sides, you should be able to easily feel their ribs with a little bit of pressure. If your dog is overweight, you might not be able to feel their ribs at all.
• Waist: When looking at your dog from above, you should see a narrowing at their waist, just behind their ribs. Overweight dogs may have little or no narrowing at this point.
• Abdomen: Look at your dog from the side, and you should be able to see an abdominal tuck, where their belly slopes upwards from their ribs. An overweight dog will have less of an abdominal tuck.
• Spine and pelvis: When you run your hands along your dog’s spine and pelvis, you should be able to feel the bones under a thin covering of fat and muscle. In overweight dogs, you may not be able to feel these bones at all.

If you’re worried about your dog’s weight, speak to your vet for advice.

How to keep your dog warm and healthy during winter

As well as ensuring your dog is fed the right amount over the winter, use these tips to keep them as warm and comfortable as possible.

Offer them lots of warm places to sleep

When it’s cold outside, make sure your dog has plenty of cosy places to sleep. Add an extra blanket to their bed, or use a heated pad to add extra warmth on particularly cold nights. This can be particularly useful for older dogs or those with arthritis, who may find the cold weather hard to cope with.

Use a dog coat if necessary

Some dog breeds, particularly those with thin fur like Greyhounds or Boxers, can benefit from a coat for winter walks.

Encourage indoor playtime

From playing hide and seek to teaching your dog to put away their toys, there are loads of fun games you can play together when it’s too cold to spend much time outdoors.

Take walks outside when you can

The weather over winter can be unpredictable, so make the most of any dry and sunny days by heading outdoors. You could head off to explore a new winter walk or simply take a quick stroll around the block when you can.

Learn something new

Winter is the perfect time to teach your dog some new tricks or games. You could also sign up for an indoor training or agility class, or spend some time refreshing your dog’s basic training.