Are there specific breeds that need more food in the winter?

Yes, certain dog breeds tend to require more food during the winter months due to their characteristics and typical lifestyles. Here are some breeds that often need increased calorie intake in cold weather:

Working and Sled Dogs

Arctic Breeds

Breeds like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Samoyeds typically need more food in winter, especially if they’re active outdoors14 16. These dogs have been bred for cold climates and often maintain high activity levels in winter, burning more calories to stay warm and energetic.

Other Working Breeds

Large working breeds such as Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands may also require more food in winter, particularly if they spend significant time outdoors14 12.

Outdoor and Active Dogs

Dogs that spend a lot of time outside or maintain high activity levels in winter often need more calories. This includes:

Hunting dogs engaged in long outdoor sessions11
Farm dogs or livestock guardian breeds3
Any breed that participates in winter sports or activities

Thin-Coated Breeds

Surprisingly, some thin-coated breeds may need more food in winter to help maintain body heat:

Greyhounds
Whippets
Chihuahuas12

These breeds have less natural insulation and may burn more calories trying to stay warm in cold weather.

Other Considerations

It’s important to note that individual factors play a significant role in determining a dog’s winter calorie needs:

Size: Smaller dogs generally have higher metabolic rates and may need proportionally more food12
Age: Senior dogs and puppies might require dietary adjustments in winter7
Health status: Dogs with certain health conditions may need more calories to maintain weight in cold weather12

Remember, not all dogs will need more food in winter, especially if they’re primarily indoor pets1. Always consult with a veterinarian to determine the best winter feeding plan for your specific dog, taking into account their breed, lifestyle, and individual health needs.