Seasonal Tips
Winter Feeding: Do Dogs Need More Calories in Cold Weather?
Do dogs need more calories in winter? While some active, outdoor dogs do, many indoor pets might gain weight. Learn who needs extra fuel and who doesn't.
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Enter weight, age and body shape: 30 seconds and you get the daily portion.
Winter Feeding
Classic rule: more energy in cold weather. BUT: this is only entirely true for active, outdoor dogs. For a significant portion of indoor dogs, no change is needed — in fact, many move less in winter and GAIN WEIGHT.
Who Needs More Calories?
✅ +10-20%:
- Outdoor, kennel-dwelling dogs
- Working dogs (hunting, rescue)
- Active sport dogs in winter
- Thin, short-haired breeds (Hungarian Vizsla, Greyhound)
- Huskies/Malamutes working outdoors
⚠️ Not Necessary:
- Indoor dogs, in heated homes
- Dogs with short walks
- Elderly, less active dogs
- Overweight dogs (good time for a diet)
How to Determine?
It depends on Body Condition Score (BCS). Palpate ribs monthly, measure.
- Gaining weight → decrease
- Losing weight → increase
For Winter Walks
Wet fur cools faster. After walks:
- Towel dry
- Don't leave them in the cold
- Fresh, NOT cold water (lukewarm is better)
Cold Food?
DO NOT give frozen or refrigerator-cold food/water.
- Canned food: room temperature
- BARF/freeze-dried: thaw completely
- NO ice cubes in winter
Winter Walk Treats
- Dried meat
- Cooked chicken breast
- Small pieces of cheese
- Fish oil in kibble (tasty + omega-3)
Cold-Tolerant Breeds
Husky, Akita, Samoyed:
- Seasonal shedding → omega-3
- Don't bathe too often
- Peak winter activity → replenish calories
Short-haired (Vizsla, Doberman):
- Coat is recommended
- Diet doesn't need to change, coat is more important
Decreased Winter Water Intake
- Increased urinary tract risk
- Harder on kidneys
- Concentrated urine
Solution: more water bowls, slightly more wet food, lukewarm water for walks.
Winter Coat + Portion
If wearing a coat, NO extra calories are needed.
Seniors in Winter
- Joints are more sensitive
- Slower movement → reduce portion
- Glucosamine-chondroitin is important
- Warm resting place
Free tool — no sign-up
Enter weight, age and body shape: 30 seconds and you get the daily portion.
References
- 1.National Research Council (US), Committee on Animal Nutrition — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.Hill RC — The nutritional requirements of exercising dogs. The Journal of Nutrition 128(12 Suppl):2686S–2690S, 1998. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/128.12.2686S (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) — Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. FEDIAF, 2024. https://europeanpetfood.org/self-regulation/nutritional-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist