Should my dog gain weight in the winter months? We’ve been asked that question quite a bit, and the answer isn’t cut and dry. It is important to monitor your dog’s diet, especially around the holidays when extra food and treats are available.
There’s an adage that dogs should put on extra weight in the winter to store fat. In doing so, dogs will stay warmer and insulated. In the wild, this is true, but domesticated dogs do not experience food scarcity as their wild ancestors did.
Dogs that spend a significant amount of time outdoors or are used as sledding, working, or herding dogs may require extra calories. The average indoor dog with limited outdoor exposure usually needs the same calories or even slightly less.
We separate fact from fiction regarding feeding your dog during the winter months.
Take a peek at this list and see if you can guess which are true (fact) and which are false (fiction). We will reveal the answers right after.
Fact: Outdoor dogs may need more calories than indoor dogs in winter. Dogs that pull sleds, hunt, or work a lot outside may require more calories than a housepet. A slight increase in food intake may be necessary and helpful to maintain both energy levels and body condition.
Fiction: Indoor dogs need extra weight in winter months to stay warm. Unlike their wild ancestors (wolves), today’s domesticated dogs are kept indoors, wear apparel, and are provided the comforts of indoor heat, bedding, and blankets. Adding extra weight to their diet is not only unnecessary but also unhealthy.
Fact: Reduced activity may lead to dogs gaining weight in colder months. Fewer walks, less outdoor play fun, and more time snuggling on the couch can lead to weight gain. The sudden drop in activity can cause some dogs to gain weight in the winter. Fortunately, we’ll be discussing solutions to combat this.
Fact: Underweight dogs may need more calories than indoor dogs in winter. Dogs who are naturally thin or recovering from an illness may need more calories. Talk to your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist for specific caloric recommendations.
Fact: Carrying extra weight can lead to long-term health problems in dogs. Like people, dogs who carry extra weight are at increased risk for respiratory issues, mobility concerns, and joint problems. According to the Association for Pet Obesity, more than half of American dogs are either overweight or obese.
Several factors influence your dog’s dietary needs in colder months. Ensuring they receive the right nutrition is essential for their health and well-being.
Puppies and seniors have different nutritional requirements than most dogs. Their energy level and response to colder weather will affect how much they eat and what they eat. Consider a high-quality air-dried food.
As always, protein is important to a dog’s diet. High-quality protein sources like those found in Elevate Pet Provisions beef (and soon chicken and chicken and beef) help maintain energy levels. Healthy fats are also important. Read our article on dog food fats: how much is too much.
Breeds with thicker coats may handle the cold temperatures better than thinner counterparts. This holds true when it comes to canine apparel, too. If it’s cold enough for you to wear a coat or jacket, your dog likely needs one.
Outdoor working dogs likely need more calories in the cold months to maintain energy levels and body heat.
Pet parents of dogs with specific health concerns should speak to their veterinarian about dietary adjustments and/or the addition of supplements in colder months.
Some common supplements added to meals in the colder months include omega-3 fatty acids/fish oil, glucosamine and chondroitin, multivitamins, or coconut oil. Never add too many supplements at one time.
Overfeeding your dog in the winter will lead to winter weight gain. You may feel like you are doing right by your dog, but extra weight can have detrimental effects on their health.
Stick with a high-quality dog food that meets your dog’s needs without contributing to excessive weight gain. Your dog will receive the right balance of nutrients while maintaining a healthy weight. Other dogs become less active and need fewer calories to prevent weight gain.
Many Elevate Pet Provisions team members have active, outdoor dogs, and others have indoor dogs that still get outdoors for exercise and walks. Here’s how to maintain your dog’s healthy weight all winter long:
Dogs love treats. Puppy dog eyes tend to get anything they want. Instead of trying to monitor what treats your dog gets, fill a container or bag with treats at the start of every day. When the treat bag is empty, no more treats that day. Consider supplementing with green beans or carrots as a healthy alternative.
Pro Tip: Break up pieces of Elevate’s Trail Treats to reward your dog throughout the day or after a long walk.
Athletic dogs require high-performance dog food high in protein and essential fatty acids. The quality of protein in your dog’s diet is paramount.
Keep active indoors on cold or rainy days year-round. Not only does this keep your dog in shape, but it also prevents injury in the spring when muscles are active again. Here are over 100 things to do with your dog indoors.
Skin can dry, and paws may get rough or dry in the winter. Sometimes, this is due to the cold weather or other times from a health condition. Their coats can become thin and dry if they have food allergies or intolerances. If your dog’s coat isn’t healthy and shiny, you may want to consider allergy testing with a veterinary dermatologist.
Dogs are more prone to dehydration in the winter due to less activity. Cold air can be dry, and indoor heating can contribute to dehydration. Offer your dog a few bowls of water throughout the home, some low-sodium beef or chicken broth, and consider a water station with free-flowing water to encourage drinking.
Check your dog’s bedding and ensure it is not in any drafty location. Dogs can get sick when exposed to cold air, so keep them warm and cozy.
Pro Tip: Consider canine pajamas or an indoor cozy outfit to beat winter’s cold air.
Weigh your dog at least monthly, and keep an eye on their body condition and coat. Keep them moving and adjust activities according to age, energy level, and general health.
By avoiding common myths and paying attention to your dog’s dietary intake and exercise, you can contribute to their overall health and well-being.
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