Have you ever noticed that you need more food in the winter than during the summer? That you seem to begin to crave warmer, more calorie-dense foods when the temperature starts to drop? That’s because when the weather is colder, you need more calories to keep you warm. That’s why you’re happy eating salads all summer long but turn to comforting foods like broths and stews when the temperature starts to dip. That’s seasonal feeding although you may not necessarily think of it in those terms. So what about dogs and seasonal feeding? Does the changing of the seasons affect them the way if affects human beings? Can you feed your dog seasonally?

Can I feed my dog seasonally

Dogs and human beings have more in common than most people realise. In fact the extent to which we’re similar is quite remarkable. So what if, like you, given the choice, your dog would actually prefer lighter meals during the summer and more calorie-dense foods during the winter? Particularly a dog who traditionally suffers from the cold like a Greyhound or a French Bulldog, a Chihuahua or a Pug.

And what if, in addition to keeping your dog warmer during the winter months and cooler in the summer, feeding your dog seasonally was actually better for its health? Welcome to the concept of dogs and seasonal feeding.

How can I feed my dog seasonally?

Feeding your dog seasonally involves feeding ingredients, primarily fruits and vegetables, when they are naturally ripe and at their peak. When they are season.

Essentially that means feeding locally, a practice that aligns with the natural harvest times of the year. A practice that focuses on produce that thrives under specific climatic conditions.

It often means feeding a dog foods that are grown closer to home. Reducing the need for long-distance transportation and potentially lowering the carbon footprint associated with food production.

The same very often applies to protein sources, certainly in terms of proteins such as pheasant, partridge and deer, all of which are generally hunted ‘in season.’

What about the benefits of protein rotation?

Rotating your dog’s protein has many benefits, whatever the season. First and foremost, it stops your dog developing food intolerances through overexposure to a single protein. There’s also the fact that different protein sources contain nutrients, so varying your dog’s protein makes its diet more complete.

Spring or summer, autumn or winter, as a canine nutritionist I recommend you regularly rotate your dog’s protein.

Why should I feed my dog seasonally?

• Freshness and flavour: seasonal foods are typically at their peak ripeness and flavour when harvested, as they haven’t spent extended periods of time in transit or storage.
• Nutritional value: nutrient retention in fruits and vegetables can decline over time due to factors like storage conditions, with water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C and B vitamins being particularly susceptible. Feeding your dog seasonally can ensure it is consuming produce with higher nutrient levels.
• Environmental impact: by focusing on locally grown, seasonal produce for your dog, you can reduce the environmental impact associated with food transportation and storage.
• Cost-effectiveness: in-season produce is often more readily available and can be more affordable than out-of-season imports.
• Variety: feeding your dog seasonally encourages you to explore a wider range of fruits and vegetables throughout the year, as different crops are in season at different times.
• Supports local farmers: purchasing seasonal produce often means supporting local farmers and communities.

What do I need to consider when feeding my dog seasonally?

• Nutritional deficits: it could be argued that relying solely on seasonal foods might lead to nutritional gaps if certain nutrients are not naturally available at certain times of the year. That said, it’s important to remember that dogs and their ancestor the grey wolf always ate seasonally. They had no choice. They ate whatever food was available according to the seasons. As a result, their bodies naturally adapated to storing nutrients when they were available, and drawing on the reserves of those nutrients during leaner times.
• Frozen foods: frozen fruits and vegetables can be a viable option for seasonally feeding your dog. They are often flash-frozen soon after harvest, preserving their nutrients, and not uncommonly making them more nutrient-dense than poorly stored fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Individual needs: it’s important to consider individual dietary needs and preferences when planning your dog’s meals and choosing seasonal produce.

So how do I feed my dog seasonally?

If you are interested in learning more about dogs and seasonal feeding:

• Consult seasonal guides: use online resources or local guides to determine which fruits and vegetables are in season in your area.
• Visit farmers’ markets: farmers’ markets are great places to find fresh, locally-grown produce.
• Grow your own: if you have space, consider growing your own fruits and vegetables.
• Preserve seasonal produce: learn how to preserve fruits and vegetables (canning, freezing, dehydrating) so your dog can enjoy them throughout the year.

Do dogs naturally eat seasonally?

As previously mentioned, dogs have always eaten seasonally. It’s perfectly natural for them. They are genetically programmed to eat more in the winter and less in the summer. This reflects a natural seasonal eating pattern. This is due to a combination of factors, including changes in activity levels, temperature and metabolism.

• Winter: dogs may eat more in the winter to generate more body heat and maintain their activity levels in colder temperatures. Increased calorie intake helps them stay warm and active during the winter months.
• Summer: conversely, dogs tend to eat less in the summer. They may be less active due to the heat and may have a slower metabolism, which can lead to a reduced appetite.
• Normal fluctuations: it’s normal for dogs to experience changes in appetite based on the season and other factors like activity level and temperature. They are genetically programmed that way.
• Adaptation: dogs have adapted to eating according to the seasons, with periods of abundance in spring and summer and leaner times in autumn and winter.

Given all the above, it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s individual needs and adjust its diet accordingly. Always ensuring they have access to fresh water and adjusting food portions based on their activity level and the season.