Most dog owners look for grain-free labels and protein percentages when trying to find the healthiest dog foods for their pup. Almost no one thinks about changing seasons. Take, for example, a Kelpie in Melbourne. A kelpie burns extra calories in winter trying to stay warm. That same dog experiences slower metabolic processes to avoid overheating during the summer months. But when its diet doesn’t change, the effects become obvious: weight gain in summer, sluggish energy in winter, coats that resist shedding, and skin that flares up during seasonal changes.
This is precisely why focusing on the dietary needs of dogs during different seasons is important. It is a practical, science-backed approach to keeping your dog healthy and thriving all year.
Key Benefits of Seasonal Feeding for Dogs
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Improved digestion: Numerous studies have shown that seasonal fruits and vegetables have higher concentrations of vitamins and nutrients.
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Easier on the gut: Lightly cooked, home-made dog foods are simpler to digest.
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Seasonal foods: Feeding dogs seasonal foods gives them variety and keeps meals exciting.
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Better for sensitive dogs: Fresh fruits and vegetables are free of artificial colours and preservatives, which means fewer skin irritations and allergic reactions.
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Hydration helps keep energy levels up: Moisture-rich seasonal foods help maintain hydration and kidney function, particularly in summer.
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Healthier skin and shinier coats: Fresh home-made dog foods are rich in essential fatty acids that help maintain the skin barrier, resulting in fewer flakes and less scratching.
While dogs don’t need a completely different diet every few months, subtle dietary changes can improve energy levels and overall health. Here's how to adapt your approach as the seasons shift.
Summer Feeding Strategy – Focus on Managing Heat Stress
Dogs regulate their food intake to match their energy needs, and tend to eat less during the hot summer months. Therefore, keep the following in mind when planning food for dogs in summer -
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Reduce portions: If your dog's activity level decreases in summer, reduce portions by 10-15% to prevent weight gain.
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Adjust meal timing: Feed during cooler parts of the day - early morning or late evening - when dogs are more comfortable eating.
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Focus on balanced, cooling nutrition: Dog food for summer should typically include moisture-rich foods—such as watermelon, cucumber, or small amounts of plain, unsweetened coconut water to help support hydration and electrolyte balance. Pair these with lean proteins like fish, turkey, or rabbit, which are easier to digest.
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Increase moisture content: A roughly 20 kg dog can lose 1.5 litres (perhaps more - depending on how hot it is) of water per day. Consider switching to wet food with 70-80% higher moisture content than kibble. Ensure that fresh water is always available, and consider adding ice cubes to keep it cool.
More frequent meals: Food for dogs in summer should ideally be served in smaller quantities and more frequently to aid digestion.
Winter Feeding: Increased Energy Demands
As temperatures drop, dogs produce more metabolic heat and grow thicker, more insulating coats. For dogs regularly exposed to cold conditions, the need to generate internal heat often necessitates an increase in portions. So, winter dog food plans should involve -
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Increased portion sizes: If your dog seems hungrier than usual or their energy levels start to dip, slowly raise daily food intake by about 10–15%. Choosing good puppy dog food or high-quality adult meals like those offered by Brunswick Fur Food helps ensure that they get balanced, nutrient-rich meals that support overall wellbeing.
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Calorie-dense foods: Select formulas with moderate fat content (12-18% for most dogs) to provide sustained energy without requiring excessive volume.
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Warming ingredients: Some great winter dog food options include cooked squash, parsnips and carrots along with chicken, beef, or bone broth. These not only add calories but also provide digestive support during the winter months when dogs may be less active.
Strategic meal timings: Feed your pets during daylight hours when the weather is not as cold and dogs are more active.
Spring and Autumn: Reassess Dietary Needs for Dogs
Moderate weather in spring and autumn often leads to a spike in outdoor activity for some dogs, while others experience lethargy due to the increase in airborne allergens. Therefore, it is important to assess the dietary needs of dogs and adjust meals as required.
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Rotate protein sources: Introduce variety to prevent food sensitivities. Chicken, turkey, and pork are neutral options suitable for transitional weather. Other great options include fish treats from Brunswick Fur Foods. Made with nutrient-rich ingredients like hemp seeds, kelp, and MCHA, these healthy dog treats take care of skin, produce a shiny coat, and ensure overall vitality.
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Make the most of seasonal veggies: Fibre-rich foods like pumpkin, sweet potato, and apples can be mashed or lightly cooked and stirred into meals as they offer essential micronutrients.
Monitor seasonal allergies: Fresh, whole-food additions can support immune function and are considered to be the healthiest dog foods.
Easy, Practical Options
By aligning the dietary needs for dogs with seasonal changes, you can help maintain their energy, digestion, and overall health throughout the year. However, preparing homemade dog food from scratch or constantly switching foods can be time-consuming, which is why vet-approved options like the 7 Fresh, Ready-to-Serve Meals from Brunswick Fur Food are a practical solution—fresh, balanced, and ready to serve. In a country where the weather can swing from scorching heat to chilly gusts in the same week, adjusting what you feed your pets throughout the year is one of the smartest, simplest ways to keep them healthy, happy, active, and thriving.
FAQs
1. What is seasonal feeding for dogs and why is it important?
Seasonal feeding means adjusting your dog's diet based on weather changes and energy needs. Dogs burn more calories in winter and slow down metabolism in summer. Small seasonal diet changes support healthy weight, digestion, skin, and coat throughout the year.
2. What should I feed my dog in summer for better hydration and energy?
Dog food for summer should include cooling and hydrating ingredients. You can offer:
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Moisture-rich foods like watermelon and cucumber
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Lean proteins such as fish or turkey
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Fresh or wet meals with higher water content
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Meals served during early morning or evening. These help manage heat stress and prevent weight gain.
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3. How should I adjust my dog’s diet in winter?
Dogs often need 10 to 15 percent more calories in winter. Focus on:
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Slightly larger portions
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Calorie-dense and balanced meals
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Warming foods like pumpkin, carrots, chicken, or bone broth
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Feeding during warmer daylight hours. This supports warmth, energy, and a healthy coat.
4. Does my dog need diet changes in spring and autumn?
Yes, because activity levels and allergies often change during these seasons. You can:
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Rotate protein sources to avoid sensitivities
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Add seasonal vegetables like sweet potato, pumpkin, or apples
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Support immunity with fresh whole-food additions. These adjustments help manage shedding, itching, and energy levels.
5. Is homemade dog food suitable for seasonal feeding?
Homemade meals can include fresh seasonal ingredients and support digestive health. However, it can be time-consuming to prepare balanced meals. Many pet owners prefer a mix of fresh commercial meals and seasonal toppers for convenience.
6. What is the easiest way to follow seasonal feeding without daily cooking?
Fresh ready-to-serve meals are the simplest option. Vet-approved food from Brunswick Fur Food offers balanced nutrition with moisture-rich and seasonal ingredients. This helps maintain your dog’s health throughout the year without extra preparation.
