Do Pets Need More or Less Food and Water in Winter? It Depends

Shorter days, colder temperatures, and less physical activity disrupt your pet’s regular routine during the winter. Does this mean you need to adjust his or her nutrition to account for these changes in routine? Do pets need more or less food and water in the winter months? This guide helps you figure out what exact nutrition your pet needs to stay happy and healthy all season long.

Pets Who Need More Food in Winter

It may seem counterintuitive, but many pets need more calories during the colder months. Active pets burn more calories during the winter to stay warm. If your pet is very active or spends a lot of time outside, you should give him 7-15% more calories to compensate for the extra energy expenditure. Many of these active pets will especially need more protein. If you have any questions about whether or not your pet qualifies as “active,” your veterinarian can help you determine the right amount of food.

Pets Who Need Less Food in Winter

Alternatively, some pets move far less in the winter than they do the rest of the year. This means that if they eat the same number of calories they usually do, they will start gaining weight. Even a little bit of weight gain can negatively affect your pet’s overall health. If your pup tends to spend most of the winter snoozing on the couch, you might have to decrease his or her calories for the season.

How to Adjust Your Pet’s Food Intake

Whether you are giving your pet more or less food during the winter, it’s essential to adjust gradually. Give a little more or a little less food each day until you reach the optimal amount. Changing the amount you feed your pet at once can cause upset stomachs and weight fluctuations.

Is Your Pet Getting Enough Water?

Winter air is much drier than during other times of the year. This lack of moisture increases pets’ risk of dehydration. It is very important to ensure that your pet always has easy access to fresh, clean water. You might want to consider adding some wet food to your pet’s daily meal time to sneak in a little more hydration. A little water or broth with dry kibble can also help to keep pets getting enough liquid. If you notice that your pet is not drinking the water you provide, you might want to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. 

Do pets need more or less food and winter? We hope we have helped you answer that question for your pet…or at least have you thinking about the question.

Advice for All Seasons

At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we are here to help you find the answers you need to your top pet care questions. Whether you are looking to keep your pet healthy during the winter or want to know what to do during a pet emergency, we have the answers for you. Check out our blog for more tips or call (248) 334-6877 to learn more about our specialty veterinary services.