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Questions
- Do Dogs Need More Food in the Winter?
- How to Prevent Canine Weight Gain in Winter
- The Best Dog Food for Winter
Cold weather affects dogs. Like other mammals, lower temperatures impact energy requirements and some pooches metabolise food differently in order to maintain body warmth, which can result in weight loss.
 At the other end of the spectrum, certain breeds are more sedentary during the winter, so weight gain is a real possibility. 1 in 14 dogs in the UK is overweight so it’s really important to get your dog’s diet just right.
 As the weather turns colder, you may be wondering whether you should change your furry friends diet. You might have a couch potato who won’t leave the sofa, so weight gain is a worry, or a pup who lives outside and is losing condition. What to feed dogs in winter is a question that puzzles many owners, but luckily, we’ve got all the tips and advice you need to make sure your pooch thrives this winter
Do Dogs Need More Food in the Winter?
Whether you should feed your pup more in winter depends upon the breed, age, health and lifestyle. The ones which may need their diet altering during the colder months include:
Working breeds that are active during the winter
Dogs which are kennelled outside
Thin-coated breeds like greyhound, whippet or Chihuahua feel the cold more than others
Old dogs may not thrive as well and can often lose weight during the winter.
Small dogs have a larger surface area to volume ratio than big dogs so essentially, this means they have more skin, meaning they get colder more quickly and may require more fuel
The more body fat a dog has, the greater its insulation and the longer that dog will stay warm.
Dogs which are unwell will feel the cold more than a healthy dog
So, the answer to the question, ‘should I feed my dog more in winter?’ is, ‘it depends’, and some owners will certainly need to feed their dog more. Don’t assume your dog needs more food just because of the calendar – sometimes, a warm coat during exercise is all that is required.
Always speak to your vet if your dog is experiencing unexpected weight loss during the winter as there could be another underlying cause or health issue.
How to Prevent Canine Weight Gain in Winter
Some owners find that rather than losing weight during the winter months, some dogs who love the fireside more than walkies, actually put weight on. Just like us, certain pooches are naturally less interested in exercise when the weather is cold and miserable, but this can lead to weight gain.
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Additionally, older dogs who may have mobility issues like arthritis can naturally gain weight simply because they don’t move around as much during the colder months, as cold temperatures impact circulation and can make stiffness worse. If your dog is gaining too much weight during the winter months, it’s advisable to review their diet and feed them less or change their food to a lower- calorie option. There are lots of tasty weight control diets available . Additionally, it’s a good idea to try and limit treats and human snacks. But always remember, it’s not advisable to change your dog’s diet overnight -, it should be done gradually
The Best Dog Food for Winter
The best dog food for winter is one which suits the age , breed and exercise levels of your canine companion.
Working dogs or ones that might feel the cold will need more calories to stay warm and maintain a healthy body weight. However, if you have a canine couch potato, then you should be reducing intake either in terms of the volume offered or the calorie content you’re feeding. In 2021, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) produced a report that demonstrated just how big the overweight epidemic is in the UK. The report found that 1 in 14 dogs in the UK are overweight and sedentary dogs are more likely to gain weight in the winter than in the summer, just like less active people.
Offering your dog titbits from your plate can all add up and lead to weight gain. That doesn’t mean you can’t treat your pooch at all, as there are some healthy options you can share, such as carrots and potatoes from the Sunday roast. Some cooked vegetables and rice can provide a warming low-calorie meal after a cold walk too. However, not all human foods are safe for dogs so do your research carefully.
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Whilst some dogs do need more food in the winter, it depends on their age, lifestyle and breed. With canine obesity on the rise, it’s important to get your feeding regime just right and not assume you should feed your dog more in the winter just because it’s colder. Find the best dog food for winter from our extensive range - whether you need extra calories for your furry friend or a lower calorie diet for a canine couch potato.