My dog seems to be hungrier since it has gotten colder outside. Do dogs need more food during the colder seasons than when it's warmer outside? She is an indoor, apartment dog, located in the mid-west. She gets moderate exercise.
2006-11-01 10:39:40 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I think that they THINK they need more food - instinct, you know. They want to prepare for a scarcity of food ahead, and, also, their bodies burn more calories when cold.
2006-11-01 10:41:08 · answer #1 · answered by dingobluefoot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she's an indoor dog, I'd say no. I don't feed my pugs any more in the winter than I do any other time. However, my cattle dog stays outside while I'm at work (she's inside the rest of the time). She's got a heated dog house and a HUGE fenced yard... but she likes to run around out there even when it's really cold. I feed her a little more starting in the late fall so she can build up a little extra insulation for the winter. But no... for an inside dog... I wouldn't feed them any extra in the winter.
2006-11-01 10:47:43 · answer #2 · answered by kittikatti69 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi dogs need the food to the amount of exercise & or the conditions of the weather...if your dog does lve outdoor then yes you should give him/her extra food over the winter & make sure there is enough shelter for the dog with plenty of good dry warm bedding...Regards Jake
2006-11-01 10:42:46 · answer #3 · answered by Jake 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do expend more energy to keep their body temperature up, so as a result would need more food. However, in your case it sounds like the dog is not outside enough for it to make a significant difference.
2006-11-01 13:26:00 · answer #4 · answered by Ms. K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been raising German Shepards for years and I don't ever recall giving them more food in the winter. New dog owner? cool dogs rock huh!! Well since ur dog is indide then no for sure!
hope I was some help!
2006-11-01 10:45:28 · answer #5 · answered by kalikute 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs do tend to eat more in the winter as if they were outdoors all the time and were preparing for the coming cold you know storing fat and that sort of thing. Just don't start overfeeding you don't want to make her fat!
2006-11-01 10:43:27 · answer #6 · answered by jeffsgirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if they live outside.They need about 30% more food if they live outside in a cold climate because they burn calories to stay warm.But indoor dogs don't need more,it will just make them fat.
2006-11-01 12:37:46 · answer #7 · answered by Dances With Woofs! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So indoor dog eh? If it's an indoor dog give it slightly more food since it's instincs will still take place. If it is an outdoor dog then give it more food.
2006-11-01 10:50:12 · answer #8 · answered by zombiepirate_13 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, dogs need the extra weight during the winter to stay warm, like wild dogs, they need warmth!
2006-11-01 10:42:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They actually do need more fuel(food) in the winter to help keep them warm. In the summer, they usually dont eat as much because of the heat. I don't eat nearly as much in the summer as the winter, and it is the same with dogs.
2006-11-01 11:23:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Producing body heat burns callories, it's as simple as that. It's up to the dog owner to figure out how many calories their dog is going to need to do whatever it is doing.
2006-11-01 10:54:44 · answer #11 · answered by tom l 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋