Does My Dog Need Less Food in the Summer?

At ProDog, we know every dog has their own rhythm, and when the seasons change, so can their appetite.

I’m Anna Bain, accredited canine nutritionist and lead writer here at ProDog Raw. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Is it normal for my dog to go off their food when it’s hot?”—you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look at why it happens and how you can help them feel their best through the warmer months.

Yes, in many cases, it’s completely normal. Just like us, dogs may feel more sluggish and less hungry in the heat. Their metabolism naturally slows down to conserve energy and avoid overheating, especially during the peak summer months.

But that doesn’t mean you should dismiss it entirely. Appetite changes always warrant attention, especially if your dog is usually food obsessed.

In hot weather, a dog’s priority becomes regulating core temperature, not digesting dinner. The body needs to shed heat to stay safe, and eating itself creates internal heat through digestion.[1]

In fact, research shows that in warm environments, metabolism and digestion slow down to reduce heat production, directing resources toward cooling instead .

That said, while heat can suppress appetite, it shouldn’t cause total refusal or dramatic weight loss. You’ll want to observe patterns, rule out underlying issues, and adjust their feeding routine to support their changing needs.

Interestingly, the opposite happens in colder weather. In fact, a study from Cornell University found that:

“A group of Beagles studied in Alaska ate twice as much in cold weather, but still lost weight in the harsh Arctic winter” [2]

Something to keep in mind when summer fades and winter rolls in. Seasonal shifts affect appetite in both directions.

There are a few more very practical reasons your dog may not be diving into their bowl like usual:

• Overall energy expenditure drops: When your dog slows down in the heat, their energy needs often drop too. Less movement = less fuel required
• Heat stress or discomfort: As mentioned above, eating generates heat—something the body wants to avoid when it’s already trying to cool down. So, in hot weather, some dogs instinctively skip meals to stay comfortable
• Dehydration: If your dog isn’t drinking enough, they may avoid food too. Hydration plays a key role in digestion.
• Feeding time clashes with peak heat: While we often rely on routine and assume our dogs do too, it’s worth remembering that preferences can shift with the seasons. Just like us, dogs may find food less appealing when it’s hot. Serving meals during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening, can make food more enticing and easier to digest.

Here’s where raw feeding shines. Because it’s biologically appropriate and rich in moisture, raw dog food is far easier for dogs to digest, especially during hot spells.

That said, you may still notice they’re not eating with their usual gusto.

So… should you reduce their portions?

In most cases, slightly reducing meals (by around 10%) during periods of reduced activity is absolutely fine.

You’re not ‘underfeeding’, you’re matching intake to energy output, which is smart nutrition.

But here’s the key:

Always keep an eye on your dog’s body condition, energy levels, and poo quality. These are your indicators of how your dog is coping with the heat, and whether any changes you’re making are working for them. If those markers look good, chances are you’re on the right track.

No need to overthink it, follow your instincts; if your dog looks and feels good, you’re probably hitting the mark.

One of the many benefits of a raw food diet is how well it supports dogs through the seasons. It’s easier to digest and naturally hydrating, so can help keep appetites steady in the heat.

Want more tips on helping your dog stay cool and comfortable? Check out our guide, How to Keep Your Dog Cool.

And if you’re just starting out with fresh, natural food, our Raw Dog Food for Beginners guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Summer is a great time to check in on your dog’s body condition. Why? Because changes in appetite or activity may lead to subtle shifts in weight.

Here’s what I recommend: Watch Dr Nick Thompson’s guide on YouTube—it’s one of the clearest explanations out there.

For more guidance on helping your dog maintain a healthy weight, check out our blogs: Weight Loss Tips for Dogs, and if your dog needs to gain a few pounds, The All You Need to Know Guide to Healthy Weight Gain for Dogs is a great place to start.

Make summer mealtimes more appealing by testing some of these tweaks:

• Feed during cooler hours – Early morning or late evening is ideal.
• Keep meals fresh – Raw food or any fresh food can spoil in heat. Always store safely and remove uneaten food after 20–30 minutes.
• Serve slightly chilled – A cooler bowl can be more enticing.
• Add hydration boosters – Bone broth or hydrating fruit/veg like cucumber / watermelon can be great additions.
• Feed in a cool place/ room – not in a hot conservatory or kitchen
• Offer smaller meals more frequently – Split portions if your dog’s appetite is lower.

And if your dog is fussy with food, whatever the weather, Caroline Spencer, Canine Behaviourist at ProDog, has you covered. Her blog, How to Help a Fussy Dog Eat, is packed with practical tips and a fresh perspective that could make all the difference.

Some ingredients have naturally cooling properties, which may help dogs feel more comfortable eating during hot weather. Here are a few dog-safe cooling foods you could try incorporating in moderation:

• Cucumber – Hydrating and refreshing
• Watermelon (no seeds or rind) – A sweet water-rich treat that also offers electrolyte support
• Celery – Crunchy and hydrating
• Blueberries – Cool and antioxidant-rich
• Apple slices (no core) – Crisp and refreshing

These can be mixed into raw meals or offered as a treat. Always ensure they’re appropriate for your individual dog. Want to check what foods are safe and what’s not?

Head over to our A-Z Guide: What Can my Dog Eat for a full breakdown.

Bonus tip: Frozen bone broth treats—a personal favourite of mine. My dog’s not keen on fruits or veggies unless they’re mixed with meat, so this one’s a win. Just fill ice moulds with dog-friendly bone broth, drop in some finely chopped fruits or veg, and freeze. It’s a cooling, nutrient-rich summer treat that most dogs love.

Here’s something I often remind people about when discussing feeding schedules: dogs aren’t designed to eat on a strict clock like we are. In the wild, dogs s ancestors were opportunistic feeders, which means they can go without food for a day or two (or longer) without issue. And while I’m not suggesting you skip meals for the sake of it, it’s a helpful reminder that dogs are biologically equipped to handle variation.

Some dogs absolutely thrive on one meal a day. Others need two or even three smaller portions to stay balanced. Some like a predictable routine, while others benefit from a bit of variety—especially if they’ve picked up habits like pestering for food on cue.

And let’s talk about fasting. There’s a growing body of evidence (and real-world experience) showing how controlled, short fasting periods, can promote longevity [3] support digestion, reduce inflammation, improve performance [4] and even help with mood and cognitive function.

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading Dr Nick’s blog, Hunger, Fasting and Once a Day Feeding.

A few more ways that may support your dog through summer mealtimes:

• Don’t overdo the treats – Especially in hot weather when appetites are smaller.
• Avoid feeding immediately after exercise – Let your dog cool down first. This is always great advice, but even more important in hot weather.
• Consider a temporary tweak in protein – Some dogs prefer lighter proteins (like turkey or white fish) in hotter months.
• Keep an eye on water intake – Yes, I’ve mentioned it already, but hydration is that important it deserves repeating. Water supports every system in your dog’s body, from digestion to temperature regulation. If plain water isn’t cutting it, try adding a splash of goat’s milk or bone broth for a boost of natural flavour and nutrients.

If your dog struggles with energy dips, dehydration, itching, or flare-ups during the warmer months, the right supplements can offer targeted support. Here’s what to consider:

Electrolyte Support

Panting helps dogs cool down, but it also causes them to lose vital minerals. Add a splash of dog-friendly bone broth to their meals or water bowl—it’s a simple way to support hydration and replenish electrolytes naturally.

Natural Parasite Defence

Spring and summer bring an onslaught of fleas, ticks, and other unwanted pests. Ditch the chemical spot-ons and support your dog’s system with a natural alternative like ProDog’s Repel, natural parasite prevention supplement—designed to help deter parasites without the toxic load.

Vitality Boost

While it’s completely normal for dogs to rest more in hot weather (and important to allow that), if your dog seems unusually sluggish even during cooler parts of the day, they may need a nutritional lift.

• Revive is formulated to work in synergy with the body’s natural systems, delivering advanced nutrients and antioxidants for energy support and recovery for dogs.
• Boost, our all-in-one dog multivitamin supplement, is packed with antioxidants and probiotics to provide all-round nutritional coverage, whatever the weather.

Allergy Support

Summer heat means higher exposure to environmental allergens. Many skin flare-ups and sensitivities stem from poor gut health, so tackling the root cause can make a real difference.

Protect, our itchy dog supplement, helps strengthen gut health and naturally reduce histamine responses, ideal during seasonal shifts.

Dogs are intuitive. When it’s hot, they naturally slow down, and so does their appetite. That’s not bad, it’s just biology doing its job.

But tuning in is key. If you notice subtle shifts, adapt. If something feels off, get support.

Above all? Don’t panic. A dog who skips one or two meals in the heat isn’t broken.

Stay observant. Feed smart. Support naturally.

Ready to fine-tune your dog’s diet for the season? Our expert nutrition team is on hand to help you tailor their meals with confidence.

New to raw feeding? Start with our Raw Dog Food for Beginners guide or if you’re curious about supplements our Beginners Guide to Dog Supplements is a great place to learn more.