7 Feeding Tips for Hot Weather | Should You Change Your Dog’s Diet in Summer?

Hot weather can change how your dog eats, drinks, and behaves. Many dogs eat less when it’s warm, rest more during the day, and may become fussier around mealtimes. These changes are normal, but they also mean it’s worth thinking about how you feed your dog. Simple adjustments can make a big difference. For complete meals that suit all seasons, visit Favour’s dog food collection.

Why Dogs Eat Less in Warm Weather

In summer, dogs tend to slow down. They use less energy and often feel less hungry. Some will take longer to eat or leave food behind. This doesn’t mean something is wrong, but it does show the need to keep meals simple, fresh, and comfortable.

When heat affects your dog’s appetite, the goal isn’t to force them to eat more. It’s to keep them well-fed without making food feel like a chore.

Tip 1: Feed During Cooler Times

Early mornings and evenings are the best times to feed when it’s hot. These are the cooler parts of the day when your dog is more settled. Avoid feeding during the warmest hours, especially if your dog is panting or lying in the shade.

You can also adjust your feeding routine slightly to match the season. Just keep the times consistent each day so your dog knows what to expect.

Tip 2: Keep Food Fresh

Heat affects food quickly, especially if left outside or in direct sun. Serve meals in a shaded area and remove anything left in the bowl after 15–20 minutes. This helps avoid spoilage and keeps your dog interested in their food.

Clean the bowl after every meal and store all food properly. Dry food should stay in a cool, sealed container. If you’re feeding moist or wet food, store unused portions in the fridge once opened.

Tip 3: Help Hydration Through Food

Water is essential, but food can help support hydration too. Dogs that eat dry food may benefit from extra water added to their bowl. A small splash of cool water can make food more appealing and easier to chew, especially during warmer spells.

If your dog already enjoys moist meals, the higher water content can be a useful boost. The key is not to change the diet completely, but to add gentle support to suit the season.

Tip 4: Maintain a Balanced Diet

Dogs still need the same nutrients in summer as they do the rest of the year. Whether you feed dry, moist, or mixed meals, make sure they provide the right balance of protein, fat, fibre, and key vitamins.

Some dogs become fussy when it’s hot. If your dog shows less interest in meals, don’t replace full meals with snacks. If needed, you can offer a small dog treat occasionally to encourage appetite, but meals should remain the focus.

Tip 5: Watch Portions, Not Just Appetite

Because dogs move less in hot weather, they burn fewer calories. Stick to the recommended portion size based on your dog’s weight and adjust slightly if needed. If they’re leaving food behind regularly, reduce the amount in the bowl before thinking about other changes.

At the same time, don’t cut food too quickly. Summer eating habits often shift for a few days before returning to normal.

Tip 6: Keep Mealtimes Calm

Make sure your dog has a quiet, shaded place to eat. Heat can make dogs more irritable or unsettled, which affects how they approach food. A calm feeding space helps keep meals stress-free.

If your dog seems bored or restless indoors, gentle stimulation with a dog toy can help balance the day. This works especially well if they’re less active due to the heat.

Tip 7: Support Digestion with Steady Feeding

Stick to a consistent feeding schedule and avoid sudden changes. Whether your dog eats one big meal or two smaller ones, regular feeding supports digestion and comfort. Even during summer, it’s best not to switch diets too quickly.

If you’re adding moisture to food or trying a new flavour, introduce changes gradually over a few days. This helps prevent upset stomachs and keeps meals enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your dog during summer doesn’t require a full diet change. It just needs a few small adjustments. Feed during cooler parts of the day, keep meals fresh, and support hydration through clean water and smart feeding habits.

Stick with complete meals that suit your dog’s age, weight, and preferences. Whether they prefer dry, moist, or mixed food, the focus should be on balance and consistency. You’ll find plenty of suitable options in the Favour dog food range, with choices for different tastes and feeding styles.

By keeping things simple, cool, and steady, you’ll help your dog stay happy, healthy, and well-fed all summer long.