What to Feed Your Pet in Winter: Choosing the Right Food Type

 


What to Feed Your Pet in Winter: Choosing the Right Food Type for Dogs & Cats

When winter sets in, many pet parents notice subtle changes—less activity, increased hunger, drier skin, or digestive shifts. These changes often lead to an important question:

Is my pet’s current food still the right choice for winter?

There’s no single “best” diet for every dog or cat, but understanding food categories—and how they function in colder months—makes it easier to feed with confidence.

Why Food Type Matters More in Winter

Winter affects pets in several ways:

  • Reduced activity changes calorie needs

  • Dry indoor air increases hydration demands

  • Cold weather can impact digestion and appetite

  • Cats often drink even less water in winter

The form of food you choose plays a major role in how well your pet handles these seasonal challenges.

Dry Food: A Reliable Daily Foundation

High-quality dry food remains a popular and effective primary diet for many dogs and cats—especially when it’s well-formulated and properly portioned.

Why dry food works well:

  • Consistent, complete nutrition

  • Easy to store and feed

  • Supports dental health through chewing

  • Cost-effective for long-term feeding

In winter, dry food often works best when:

  • Calories are adjusted for activity level

  • Moisture is added through toppers or hydration boosters

Dry food doesn’t have to stand alone—it pairs extremely well with other food formats.

Freeze-Dried Food: Nutrient-Dense & Flexible

Freeze-dried food bridges the gap between dry and raw diets. It offers concentrated nutrition while remaining shelf-stable and easy to feed.

Benefits in winter:

  • High protein content supports muscle and energy

  • Can be fed dry or rehydrated for added moisture

  • Excellent for picky eaters

  • Easy to rotate into meals

Rehydrating freeze-dried food is especially helpful during winter, when pets may not drink enough water on their own.

Frozen Food: Maximum Moisture & Digestibility

Frozen raw or gently prepared frozen foods provide the highest moisture content of any primary diet—making them particularly valuable during cold, dry months.

Why frozen food shines in winter:

  • Naturally high moisture supports hydration

  • Often easier to digest

  • Strong palatability for pets with lower appetite

  • Supports skin, coat, and overall wellness

Frozen diets can be fed as:

  • A full meal

  • A partial replacement

  • A topper mixed with dry food

Even small amounts can make a noticeable difference.

Wet Food: Essential for Cats (Helpful for Dogs Too)

For cats, wet food isn’t just a preference—it’s a critical hydration tool.

Why wet food matters for cats:

  • Cats naturally have low thirst drives

  • Moisture supports urinary and kidney health

  • Soft texture is easier for seniors

  • Encourages consistent eating

While dogs don’t require wet food, many benefit from it—especially seniors, small breeds, or dogs with dental concerns.

Gravies & Toppers: Small Additions, Big Impact

One of the easiest ways to support winter hydration is through gravies, broths, and food toppers.

Why toppers matter:

  • Increase moisture intake without changing the full diet

  • Improve palatability for picky eaters

  • Help dry-food-fed pets stay hydrated

  • Great for cats who resist drinking water

Gravies and toppers can be added daily or used seasonally when hydration needs are higher.

Mixing & Matching Is Often the Best Approach

Many pets do best on a combination feeding plan, such as:

  • Dry food + freeze-dried topper

  • Dry food + frozen food rotation

  • Wet food daily for cats with dry food available

  • Broth or gravy added during winter months

There’s no need to commit to one category forever. Seasonal feeding adjustments are normal—and often beneficial.

Feed the Pet in Front of You

Age, activity level, health history, and lifestyle all matter more than trends. Winter is a great time to reassess what’s working and make thoughtful adjustments.

If you’re unsure which food type—or combination—makes the most sense for your pet, our team is always happy to help.

Smart Feeding Starts With Education

Understanding food categories empowers you to make better decisions—not just in winter, but year-round.

Available in-store or for same-day local delivery.
Stop in and talk with our knowledgeable team—we’ll help you choose the right approach for your dog or cat.

 

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