Winter changes things for dogs — longer nights, shorter walks in some cases, colder temperatures, and a tendency toward more indoor time. It also changes what they get from their treats, and what's most useful to give them.
Here's what to think about when choosing natural dog treats in winter.
Energy and Warmth
Dogs burn more calories maintaining body temperature in cold weather — particularly short-coated breeds, elderly dogs, and very small dogs. This doesn't mean you should significantly increase their food intake, but it does mean that higher-protein, higher-fat natural treats are particularly appropriate in winter.
Air-dried meat treats — chicken, beef, lamb, venison — are excellent choices. High in protein, genuinely warming, and exactly the kind of thing a dog's body can use efficiently in cold weather.
Indoor Mental Stimulation
When walks are shorter or less frequent due to weather, dogs need more mental stimulation indoors to compensate for the lack of physical exercise and environmental novelty. Long-lasting chews are one of the most effective tools for this.
A bully stick, a dried tendon, a large lamb ear — these give a dog something to work on mentally and physically for an extended period. The chewing action itself is calming and tiring in the way that vigorous exercise is. From our natural dog treats range, the long-lasting chew options are particularly worth stocking up on for winter.
Joint Support in Cold Weather
Cold weather can aggravate joint issues in older dogs — you may notice your senior dog moving more stiffly in the morning during winter. Treats with naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids — particularly fish-based treats like sprats, salmon, and whitebait — provide anti-inflammatory support that's useful year-round but particularly relevant in colder months.
Seasonal Festive Treats
Winter is also, of course, Christmas — and our Christmas dog treats range includes seasonal natural options that make the most of winter flavours: turkey, cranberry, venison, and other wintery proteins and ingredients that feel appropriately festive without compromising on quality.
Stocking Up for the Festive Period
Delivery times can be slower around Christmas. If you want to make sure you have a good supply of natural treats through the festive period, ordering in November is sensible. Our natural dog treat boxes offer excellent value for bulk orders and are ideal for stocking up.
👉 Browse our full natural dog treats range here
👉 See our Christmas dog treats for winter and festive options
