As May ushers in the crisp South African winter, we instinctively pull out our thickest jackets, switch on the heaters, and crave hearty, warming meals. It’s natural to look at our furry companions and wonder if they need a little extra padding, too. One of the most common questions pet owners ask this time of year is: “Should I increase my dog’s food portions during winter to keep them warm?”
The answer isn’t a straightforward yes or no. Surprisingly, it depends entirely on your dog’s daily lifestyle and where they spend the majority of their time.
The Indoor “Couch Potato”
Let’s be honest about our modern pets: for many of our beloved dogs, the onset of winter simply means migrating from a sunny patch on the patio to the warmest spot in front of the heater.
If your dog lives primarily indoors, sleeps in a cozy bed with blankets, and their daily walks are getting slightly shorter due to the early, dark evenings, they are actually expending less energy than they do in summer. Feeding these indoor companions extra food will only lead to one thing: unwanted winter weight gain. Excess weight puts terrible strain on their joints, which can make arthritis and mobility issues much worse in the cold. For indoor dogs, you generally need to maintain their regular portion size, or even slightly reduce it if their activity levels drop significantly.
The Outdoor and Active Dog
On the flip side, the rules change if your dog is a working farm dog, spends most of their day outdoors in the yard, or consistently accompanies you on vigorous, chilly trail runs.
Shivering and attempting to maintain a normal core body temperature in cold air requires a significant amount of metabolic energy. For these active, outdoor dogs, they are burning more calories just to stay warm. In this scenario, they may indeed require a slight increase in their daily food allowance to prevent weight loss and maintain their energy reserves.
Quality Over Quantity
Whether your dog needs a slightly larger scoop or a strict maintenance diet, the quality of the calories is what matters most in May. As the weather turns, your dog is busy growing a thicker, denser winter coat. This biological process requires a diet rich in high-quality proteins and essential fatty acids, like Omega-3 and Omega-6.
Instead of just piling cheap calories into their bowl, ensure you are feeding a premium, nutrient-dense dog food. A high-quality diet ensures that every bite contributes to maintaining healthy skin, a thick, insulating coat, and a strong immune system capable of fending off the winter chill.
The Rib Test
The best way to know if you are feeding the right amount is to monitor your dog’s body condition regularly. You should easily be able to feel their ribs without applying hard pressure, and they should have a visible waistline when viewed from above. If their waist is disappearing, it’s time to cut back on the treats.
This May, take a moment to evaluate your dog’s winter routine. By adjusting their food to match their actual energy output, you’ll keep them healthy, happy, and in perfect shape for the season ahead.
