Service
Basket
Menu
Up to 30% off Read more
Up to 30% off

Get the best deals for your pet now!

The best dog food for hot weather

Written by Mara |

As temperatures rise, it's not just your appetite that changes – your dog’s does too. Many dogs eat less, or even not at all, during hot days. This is usually normal, but it’s still important that your dog gets enough nutrients and stays hydrated. In this blog, we explain why your dog may eat less in the heat, what the best food options are during summer, and how to prevent overheating.

Dog lying in the sand

Why is my dog not eating during a heatwave?

Just like people, dogs often have a reduced appetite in hot weather. The body needs less energy to stay warm, and digestion slows down due to the heat. You also probably go for fewer walks or play less with your dog, and when it’s over 20 °C, it’s best not to cycle with your dog. Less activity means your dog needs fewer calories.

In short: eating less in hot weather is usually completely normal. As long as your dog is alert, drinks enough, and doesn’t lose weight rapidly, there’s no need to worry.

Cooling snacks for your dog

What should you feed your dog in summer?

There are a few things you can do to make food more appealing to your dog during hot days.

Split meals into smaller portions

Feed your dog smaller amounts more often throughout the day instead of one or two large meals. This is easier to digest and helps prevent that full feeling in warm weather.

Choose more wet food

Wet food contains more moisture and is often more appetising in the heat. It also helps your dog stay better hydrated.

Check out our full range of wet food for dogs.

Offer cooling snacks

Treat your dog with a refreshing snack like a dog ice cream. Try for example:

Be sure to offer these in small portions, so your dog doesn’t consume too much cold at once.

What dog food helps keep your dog cool?

There’s no such thing as “cooling” dog food, but easily digestible food is more comfortable in the heat. Think of options with:

  • Lower fat content
  • Easily digestible proteins like chicken or fish
  • Added moisture or wet food

You don’t necessarily need to change your dog’s food, but a temporary switch to a lighter variety can be beneficial.

Great options include Vetality Gastrointestinal Dog Wet or Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat. Prefer sticking to regular food? Then Royal Canin Digestive Care Wet – Dog Food is also a good choice.

Suitable dog food during warm days

Don’t forget the water

On hot days, it’s also important to pay extra attention to water quality.

  • Refresh drinking water several times a day
  • Provide water in various places around the house and garden

Note: don’t let your dog drink too much outdoor water, especially not still or salty water, as it can cause stomach and intestinal issues.

Watch out for overheating and heatstroke

Besides a lack of appetite, overheating and heatstroke are serious risks in warm weather. Watch out for signs like:

  • Panting
  • Lethargy
  • Drooling or vomiting
  • Red tongue or gums

Read more about these risks in our blog: Dealing with warmth and heatstroke

Also explore our cooling product range for dogs.

Helping your dog through hot weather

It’s perfectly normal if your dog has a lower appetite on warm days.

Our tips:

  • Choose easily digestible or wet food
  • Divide meals into smaller portions throughout the day
  • Cooling snacks like Smoofl Ice are a great addition
  • Change the water regularly
  • Watch out for overheating and unsafe water sources

Still worried about your dog’s eating behaviour in the heat? Or not eating at all? Always contact your veterinarian.

Have questions about summer nutrition? Contact us at [email protected]

Also read our other blogs

dog hanging out of window

8 Useful tips to help your dog during hot weather

Summer is wonderful, but hot days can pose risks for your dog. Many owners wonder: when is it too hot to walk my dog? Or: how can I tell if my dog is too hot at home? In this article, we share practical tips to help you keep your dog cool and explain how to prevent heatstroke in dogs.

What is the best dog food?

The answer to the above question is subjective and depends on your own preference and that of your dog. We’ve made an overview of the most popular diets in every category, using our extensive range of dog foods.

dog getting washed

Dealing with warmth and heatstroke

Heatstroke or hyperthermia can occur in less than 30 minutes. If your pet rests in hot humid weather with little shade and is not given an opportunity to cool down, your pet might struggle to remove the heat from its body. In this article, you can read all about the risks of hot weather for your pet.
More tips