Feeding routines
Does cold weather mean I should feed my dog more or on a different schedule
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors in cold weather, or that live outside, often need more food to maintain body heat, but the schedule itself usually does not need to change, just the portion size. Indoor dogs with a similar activity level rarely need more food purely because it is cold.
When cold weather genuinely increases food needs
Dogs that spend long periods outside, work outdoors, or live in an unheated space burn extra calories keeping warm, so their daily food total may need a modest increase during colder months, while their meal timing stays the same.
Indoor dogs and cold weather
A dog that lives mostly indoors and gets its usual walks, even in cold weather, does not typically need more food just because the temperature has dropped, since their body is not working as hard to regulate temperature as an outdoor dog's is.
Adjusting gradually if you do increase food
If your dog's lifestyle genuinely calls for more food in winter, increasing the amount by around 10 percent gradually over a week or two, while keeping meal times the same, and watching body condition, is a sensible way to make the change.
Key takeaways
- Cold weather mainly affects total food amount, not meal timing.
- Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors often need more calories in winter.
- Indoor dogs with normal winter walks usually do not need extra food.
- Increase any needed amount gradually and monitor body condition.