You know how food just doesn't hit the same way on a sweltering summer day, especially a hot meal? Well, our dogs might feel pretty similar. When summer gives way to the cooler days of autumn, dogs often seem to change their habits a little, too. 

If you've noticed your dog acting a little different during this seasonal shift, you're definitely not imagining things.

Nature's Smart Ways

In the wild, animals are naturally good at adjusting to whatever food is available. When autumn arrives and food starts to become scarce before winter, some animals automatically try to eat more and gain weight while it's still easy to find.

Could our dogs be doing something similar, following an old survival urge? Even though they live with us now, our pets live with us now, but they often still have connections to their wild ancestors. This change in their behavior might just show how smart their instincts truly are.

Researching Pet Appetites

Many animal studies show that food intake changes with the seasons, yet there hasn't been extensive research specifically on dogs and cats. 

Hoping to understand this better, a group of French and English researchers recently shared findings from a six-year study. They observed the eating habits of +35 cats in the south of France, who were allowed to eat as much as they wanted. The study included 22 cats of normal weight and 16 that were overweight. Thirty of these cats had access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, while eight lived strictly indoors. For the entire six-year period, researchers carefully tracked each cat's daily food intake.

What they found revealed a clear pattern: The cats ate the least during June, July, and August. Their food consumption was moderate in March, April, May, and September, and they ate the most in January, February, October, November, and December. In fact, their food intake in July was 15% less than in December.

Because only eight cats lived solely indoors, the researchers couldn't statistically confirm if their eating patterns differed from the indoor-outdoor cats. This made it harder to definitively link temperature changes to appetite.

But why does autumn make dogs hungry?

This intriguing phenomenon of pets, like dogs, appearing hungrier during autumn and winter can be partially attributed to those very temperature changes. When the weather cools, dogs burn more calories to keep warm. Their bodies then need more nutrients, which naturally makes them hungrier.

As winter approaches, your dog's nutritional needs actually change. Their brains start sending signals to slow down their metabolism and, at the same time, boost their desire for food. This strategy helps them optimize fat storage, which would have been necessary for surviving periods of food scarcity in the wild during winter.

While this behavior is a powerful evolutionary instinct, it's often not essential for most modern-day pets, especially those living in warm homes with constant access to food. Yet, nature's influence is strong, making it perfectly natural for your pooch to show a bigger appetite during the colder months. Additionally, the changing amount of daylight can affect their internal clocks, which might also alter when and how they want to eat.

Beyond internal changes, the availability of seasonal foods, like fallen fruits or nuts, can also entice dogs to look for extra healthy snacks. It's really important to keep all these factors in mind and ensure that any additional treats or food align with your dog's complete dietary needs.

Should You Adjust Your Dog's Food in Autumn?

If your dog seems unsatisfied after their meal or starts begging for food well before their next feeding time, it's a good sign they might be genuinely hungry. A simple way to start is by increasing their total daily food intake by about 10% for a week. 

Then, keep a close eye on their behavior. Are they still looking for more after eating, or do they seem happy and content? This 10% is just a starting point; your dog might need a little more or a little less.

For many pet parents, especially as the seasons change, ensuring your dog gets the right balance of nutrients can feel complicated. This is where a solution like Original PetMix can be really helpful. It’s a top-selling, grain-free dog food, crafted with natural ingredients such as whole eggs, apples, flaxseed, and nutrient-rich kelp. 

This homemade-style blend is designed to help keep your pooch in peak physical condition, naturally supporting them through seasonal shifts.

PetMix simplifies mealtime…

Offering complete and balanced nutrition effortlessly. You can serve it cooked or raw, and since it's 100% grain, gluten, and allergen-free, it's perfect for dogs with food sensitivities. A big bonus is how easy it is to rotate different protein sources that you choose, which is great for picky eaters or pets needing specialized diets. 

Healthy Dogma offers a full collection of flavors with high-quality, US Midwest-sourced proteins, so your pup never gets bored! Think chicken, lamb, duck, beef, or fish, along with other recipes focused on skin and coat health, upset stomach, or mobility. It’s all about finding what perfectly suits your dog's needs during these changing months.

Managing Your Dog's Weight in Colder Months

To figure out if your dog is gaining weight, you first need to know what a healthy weight looks like for them. This naturally varies quite a bit based on their breed, sex, age, and any existing health issues. 

Weighing a dog isn't always simple if they won't stand still on the scale, but you can try standing on the scale while holding your dog, noting that combined weight, then weighing yourself alone, and finally subtracting your weight to find your dog's weight. 

If your calculations show your dog is heavier than they should be, try reducing their daily food by 10% for a week and then weigh them again, but if your dog has any health conditions, it’s always best to consult your vet for specific nutrition advice. You can also easily cut down on calories by reducing treats. 

Beyond food, making sure your dog gets enough exercise and walks are essential for weight management, and if it's too cold for outdoor walks, fun indoor games can be a great alternative.

Is It Ever Too Cold for Your Dog to Eat?

As long as your home's temperature is comfortable for you, it generally won't be too cold for your dog to eat; adding extra blankets or comfy beds around the house can also help them stay warm and cozy. 

And if your dog gets too chilly, it might actually lessen their desire to eat. A good rule to remember is this: if you feel too cold, your dog probably does too.

Feeding our pets isn’t as simple as it seems, which is one reason why about half of all pets today are overweight. Just like with our own health, keeping them fit takes careful choices and attention. We hope these blogs make it easier for you.

Healthy Dogma Team!