Seasonal Feeding for Dogs 2025: Adjust Natural Diets for Summer & Winter 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Just like humans, dogs feel the effects of seasonal changes. Temperature shifts, humidity, energy needs, and environmental stress all influence appetite, hydration, and digestion. Your dog’s natural diet should shift with the seasons, too.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Here’s how to seasonally adjust your dog’s feeding plan using real food, hydration strategies, and subtle nutrient shifts to support health all year round.

☀️ Summer Feeding Adjustments

1. Focus on Hydration-Rich Foods

• Add water-rich ingredients like cucumber, watermelon (no seeds), and zucchini
• Use bone broth cubes or goat milk as frozen treats

2. Reduce Fat Content Slightly

• Dogs burn fewer calories in the heat—switch to leaner meats like turkey or white fish

3. Avoid Spoilage

• Serve meals cooler (but not cold straight from the fridge)

4. Natural Cooling Foods

• Mint, parsley, cucumber, spinach, and blueberries support cooling and detox

❄️ Winter Feeding Adjustments

1. Increase Healthy Fats for Energy

• Add coconut oil, sardine oil, or a bit more meat fat for working or outdoor dogs

2. Use Warm, Cooked Meals

• Serve warm (not hot) food to stimulate appetite and support digestion
• Slow-cooked stews with turkey, pumpkin, oats, and green veggies are ideal

3. Add Warming Herbs (if approved)

• Ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon (small, dog-safe amounts) can aid circulation and immunity

4. Adjust for Reduced Exercise

• If your dog is less active during winter, reduce portion size slightly
• Use low-calorie fillers like steamed veggies to maintain volume

📋 Sample Seasonal Natural Feeding Swaps

🛑 Common Seasonal Feeding Mistakes

• Feeding the same meals year-round without adjusting for activity or weather
• Giving cold, raw meals to senior or arthritic dogs in winter
• Overfeeding in winter when exercise levels drop

🔗 Tools from & Ask A Vet

• Ask A Vet – Upload your seasonal feeding log and get custom adjustments from a vet

📋 Summary Excerpt

Just like humans, dogs benefit from seasonal shifts in their diet. A vet explains how to adjust natural feeding during summer and winter for hydration, energy, digestion, and immunity.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Should I feed more in winter?
  A: Only if your dog is more active (e.g., working or outdoor breeds). Most indoor dogs need less food due to reduced movement.
• Q: Can I give raw food in cold weather?
  A: You can—but consider lightly cooking it for older dogs or those with arthritis. Warm food is more digestible in winter.
• Q: What’s the best summer treat for hydration?
  A: Frozen bone broth cubes, cucumber, or unsweetened coconut water (in small amounts).