Cats & dogs eating less in summer is natural
Caroline Spencer, our behaviour expert, explains the reason behind a dog not eating in hot weather below.
Is your cat not eating during the hot weather? Find out how you can help here.
Heat affects all of us, our mood, behaviour, how we eat, and how we like to exercise. It’s no different for our pets. Below are a few reasons your pet might choose to eat less in summer.
Moving around less
When temperatures rise, your pet may become less active. They will probably prefer to laze in the shade. By moving around less your pet is using less energy. They therefore need less energy in the form of food and calories during the hot summer days.
Hormonal changes
Increased daylight and higher temperatures during summer cause hormonal changes in your pet. This results in a slower metabolism, they digest their food slower during the summer months. This influences their food intake, particularly between June and August. This is explained in more detail here.
Eating food elsewhere
Your cat may be getting their food elsewhere! If you have an outdoor cat, there is an abundance of small vermin and fledgling birds during the summer. This increase in easy prey means fresh food is more readily available to them.
Top tips to feed your pet in summer
- Feed early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler
- Ensure where you feed your pet is cool and shaded
- Follow your pet´s appetite level and decrease/increase as required
- Feed the food at room temperature between 18°C and 22°C
- Don’t watch them while they eat, this will stop them feeling anxious
- Create a calm environment
- Feed on a flat surface, like our chomping board
- Engage your cat’s prey drive before a meal, play a game with them, discover our 10 games for cats.
When to feed in summer
Your pet may prefer to eat in the early mornings and late evenings when it is cooler. Dogs, in particular, will eat more come evening when it is cooler and prefer to snack on treats during the day.
If feeding treats throughout the day, please be aware this can lead to fussy behaviour. They might hold out for a tasty treat. If your pet begins this kind of behaviour, treats should not be given any more until meals are eaten.
Fruit is a great treat for your dog in summer
Most importantly, enjoy the raw journey you are on with your pet. Help and advice is always available in our community to ensure mealtime success for all your cats and dogs.
