Last Updated: 29/04/2026
Do Pets Need More Food in Winter?
Does your pet need more calories when the temperature drops? Discover expert advice on Winter pet nutrition, how to monitor body condition, and tips for keeping your pet hydrated and healthy while avoiding unwanted Winter weight gain.
Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 2 minutes - short read
When the weather turns chilly, it is tempting to assume pets require more calories. But does Winter actually mean more food? Not necessarily. The answer largely depends on your pet’s lifestyle, breed, and environment.
Adjusting food to energy levels
It’s a common misconception that all pets need more food in the winter. While active, working dogs, lean pets or those with shorter coats might need a little extra fuel to regulate their body temperature, many indoor pets spend more time lounging when it’s cold.
If they aren't burning off energy through daily walks or play, overfeeding can lead to excessive weight gain, putting stress on their joints and increasing their risk of other health complications. Instead of increasing their meals, you’ll likely want to maintain or even slightly reduce their portions to keep them healthy.
How can you tell if you need to adjust the amount of your pet's food: The most reliable indicator is body condition; you should be able to feel your pet's ribs without excessive fat coverage, and notice a tuck in their abdomen from the top and side.
If you need help knowing how much to feed your pet, read our Pet Feeding Guide or contact our Vet Squad.
Hydration and mixed feeding
Pets often drink less water in Winter, and combined with environmental factors like indoor heating and lower humidity, pets can be more prone to mild dehydration as well as dry, flaky skin.
How to increase water intake in Winter:
- Mixed feeding: combining dry kibble with warmed wet or fresh food or pet-safe broths. This also provides winter warmth and can help entice picky appetites.
- Water fountains: pets, particularly cats, often prefer drinking from running water sources. Water fountains also filter the water, keeping it clean and enticing.
Read more about How to Increase Your Cat's Water Intake.
Winter warmers: Vet picks
Supporting immunity, coat and joints
Cold weather can exacerbate joint stiffness, especially in senior pets, arthritic dogs and cats with stiff joints. You can help maintain mobility, joint comfort and overall vitality by choosing diets and supplements enriched with:
- Glucosamine & chondroitin
- Omega fatty acids: also excellent for strengthening the skin barrier and reducing the impact of indoor heating and low humidity
- Pre- and probiotics: since roughly 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, pre- and probiotics help to maintain digestive health as well as boost immunity.
Read more in What are the Best Joint Supplements for Dogs? and Best Probiotics for Cats.
Recommended Winter health support products
Beating the Winter-blues
Since time spent indoors often increases in Winter, enriching meal time can help to beat boredom and provide mental stimulation. Bowl-alternatives like slow feeders, lick mats, and puzzle toys stimulate the mind, burn energy, and help to stretch out meal-times.
Read more about the Benefits of Puzzle Feeders.
Meal-time enrichment ideas
Articles recommended for you
Discover essential winter pet care tips to keep your furry friends safe, warm, and healthy during the colder months, from proper shelter to diet adjustments.
Winter is the perfect time for comfort food and snuggles. Help your pet join in the seasonal fun with these easy, healthy, and pet-friendly recipes. From warm chicken soup to carob puppuccinos, discover how to spoil your pet with these winter treats.
Find out which coat would be best for your pooch and how to find the right size.
Wondering if your pet is overweight? Learn how to use the Body Condition Score to check their health at home. Our vets guide you through the signs of obesity and provide 5 actionable steps to help your pet lose weight and live longer.
Do you own an indoor cat? Read more from our vets how to keep them active, entertained and safe.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 29 Apr 2026
Written by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Gillian graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She worked in a number of small animal clinics, before joining the Pet Circle Vet team in 2020. Dr. Gillian has special interests in ultrasonography, surgery and behaviour. Her favourite part of being a vet is being an advocate for the animals. She loves helping owners to make the best, evidence-based decisions for their pets, and seeing the beautiful bond that people have with their fur-babies.
