Have you noticed that as the temperature gets lower, your pet’s appetite increases? It’s not your imagination. Generally, pets eat more in winter. People do too. Our ancestors’ harvest festivals and our own late December feasts are not that different from a bear eating extra to build up a store of body fat for the winter. But why do we do it?
It’s a lot more than the temptation we face in the shops or holiday traditions. Animals, domestic and wild, don’t share those reasons, but they too get hungrier in winter.
Our bodies burn more calories keeping us warm. You may also notice your pet slowing down or becoming a little stiffer in cold weather, which affects their activity levels and overall energy use. Our blog on Winter Pet Mobility Tips for Dogs and Cats offers simple ways to keep them moving comfortably during winter.
Why Pets Eat More in Winter?
Pets have what is known as a metabolic response to cold. Simply put, if they burn more calories, they need to consume more calories. But not all pets are the same, and factors like lifestyle, genetics, age and overall health influence their body’s reaction to winter and whether they develop a seasonal increase in appetite.
A dog who spends their time in a warm house won’t be as affected by the temperature outside as a working dog or one who spends a lot of time outdoors. Older pets often feel the cold more than younger ones, which affects how much their winter feeding habits may need to adjust. Cats who spend time outside can show similar changes in calorie needs during colder months.
We need to watch, however, that our pets don’t fall into the same bad habits we can namely winter comfort eating. Less daylight and less activity are a recipe for boredom and low mood. The shorter days also increase melatonin in both humans and dogs, affecting energy levels and hunger cues. This is why the answer to ‘why do pets eat more in winter’ varies from pet to pet, depending on lifestyle and environment.
Balancing Calories & Nutrition
Managing an increased appetite in pets during winter starts with understanding whether their hunger comes from genuine cold-weather calorie needs or boredom-based comfort eating. If they are active or outdoors frequently, pets often need the extra fuel to stay warm. For indoor pets who spend most of the day resting, a rising winter appetite is usually linked to reduced activity rather than increased energy demands. In those cases, portion control becomes important to prevent unnecessary weight gain.
A simple way to keep your dog satisfied without overfeeding is to offer slightly larger portions of a lower-calorie option. You can mix a quality food such as Leader Slimline with their regular diet to increase volume without adding too many calories. A thick, soft bed and some fun indoor toys can also help distract pets who comfort eat in winter.
For active or outdoor pets, the goal is to maintain or increase calories without relying on low-quality fillers. A higher-protein diet such as the Go Native range is an excellent way to support winter energy needs and keep them fuelled in a healthy way.
Smarter Nutrition Swaps for Winter
The best winter pet diet tips depend on your dog or cat’s individual needs, but some general winter pet nutrition principles apply to most pets. Protein is the building block of muscle, and how much your dog or cat needs depends a lot on their age and life stage. Choosing a food calibrated for different ages and sizes helps ensure they get the right balance during colder months.
Lean proteins and slow-release carbohydrates help pets feel full without making them sluggish, while healthy fats and the right mix of Omega-3 and Omega-6 support your pet’s joints, skin and coat. Including these nutrients in your winter diet for dogs and cats helps them look and feel their best.
Dog and cat feeding in winter should also consider immune support, which is closely linked to gut health. Prebiotics and probiotics can help keep your pet’s digestive system strong through colder weather. While most people food isn’t suitable for pets, small amounts of pet-safe fruits and vegetables such as apple, spinach and carrot can be beneficial when offered plain and in moderation.
Cold weather can also reduce thirst cues, so keep an eye on how much your pet is drinking. If you notice they’re not drinking enough, offering some wet food or slightly warming their water can help.
With decreased activity during winter, keep an eye on your pet’s weight and adjust portions if needed. If you notice weight gain, you may need to be more mindful of portion control during the colder months.
Managing Treats & Snacking
We all enjoy a few extra winter treats, and our pets are no different. Winter pet diet tips often focus on preventing pets from overeating, especially when we’re tempted to offer more snacks ourselves. It’s easy to feel guilty and include them in our own comfort-eating habits, but treats should always be kept in balance.
Treats shouldn’t exceed 10% of your pet’s daily intake, particularly during winter when activity levels may drop. They also don’t need to be unhealthy or high in calories. Leader Train Me treats are a great option as they’re low in calories while still being very appealing to dogs.
Cat feeding in winter brings similar challenges but needs slightly different solutions. If your cat is eating out of boredom, puzzle feeders or slow-feeding toys can make mealtimes more stimulating and help moderate their intake. It’s mindful eating for cats and can support better weight control during the colder months.
Reading Hunger Cues vs Habitual Begging
To understand winter pet nutrition needs, it’s important to recognise the difference between real hunger and habitual begging. Begging is a learned behaviour, and winter routines can make it more frequent especially when pets are indoors more. Use these simple steps to tell whether your dog or cat is genuinely hungry or just looking for extra snacks.
- Watch where the attention goes. A pet that goes to their own food bowl is more likely genuinely hungry. A pet that ignores their bowl and heads straight for the table is usually begging.
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Check for leftover food. If your dog or cat leaves food in their bowl but still approaches you for more, this is almost always begging rather than true hunger.
- Establish a consistent feeding schedule. Feeding at the same times every day builds trust and reduces begging behaviours. This is especially important during winter when routines shift.
- Support rescue pets with predictable mealtimes. Pets with a history of neglect or food insecurity may take longer to feel safe. A steady routine helps them develop confidence around food.
- Consider smaller, more frequent meals. For pets that seem anxious around feeding times, offering several smaller meals each day can reduce food-related stress and curb begging.
- Pair routine with winter nutrition awareness. Understanding your pet’s true hunger signals helps you avoid unnecessary feeding during winter, preventing overeating and supporting healthy cold-weather calorie management.
The key to good winter pet nutrition is learning to nourish, not overfeed. Our pets can give us good clues, but they can also be a tad manipulative to get more food. Consider their individual needs, and keep an eye on their weight and you’ll go a long way to ensuring they stay happy and healthy all year.
