As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, your pet’s body isn’t just adapting to shorter days and chillier walks — it’s working harder to stay warm, maintain energy, and keep its immune system strong.
At Canada Raw, we believe that what your pet eats plays a big role in how they handle the season. In this article we’ll explore how a raw-fed diet supports winter wellness, what to watch out for, and simple adjustments you can make for your dog or cat to help them thrive through the snow and cold.
What Winter Demands on Your Pet
When the weather cools and daylight fades, pets face a few extra challenges:
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Increased energy demand: Staying warm takes more calories and efficient nutrition.
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Stiffer joints & muscles: Cold weather can aggravate joint discomfort, especially in older pets.
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Dry skin & coat issues: Indoor heating and cold outdoor air combine to dry skin, dull fur, and irritate.
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Weaker immunity: Just like us, pets’ immune systems can become stressed when their routines shift (walks, play time, sleep patterns) and environment changes.
Recognizing these needs is the first step. The next is feeding accordingly.
Why Raw Feeding Works So Well in Winter
Here’s how a raw diet from Canada Raw supports those seasonal demands:
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High-quality animal protein and fat: Essential for muscle maintenance and generating warmth. Raw meals supply these in digestible form.
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Natural moisture content: Raw food retains more moisture than many kibbles, helping hydration especially if your pet is less enthusiastic about water in winter.
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Less processing → more nutrients: The fewer heat-processed ingredients means more available vitamins, minerals and fatty acids — helping skin, coat, joints and immune system.
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Variety of organ meats and whole-prey components: These bring micronutrients (like zinc, B-vitamins, iron) important for skin, fur and overall resilience.
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Better digestion = better nutrient absorption: Cold weather periodically changes a pet’s routine (less play outdoors, more lounging indoors). A diet that supports efficient digestion helps ensure they still get the nutrition they need despite changes.
Practical Adjustments for Winter Feeding
Feeding raw isn’t static — the season may require tweaks to input and management. Here are actionable tips:
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Slightly increase portion size or feeding frequency if your dog is very active (tracking, snow play) or a cat that seems hungrier. Winter burns calories.
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Monitor body condition: Use the “feel & see” method — you should be able to feel ribs under a light fat cover, and the waist should be visible. If you see extra padding, scale back.
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Choose winter-smart mixes: Opt for meals or bundles that include added bone-content (for mineral support) and fatty cuts (for warmth and coat health).
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Hydration boost: Consider topping meals with a splash of warm, low-sodium bone broth (yes, we stock those!). The warmth helps internal comfort and encourages fluid intake.
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Joint & coat support: For older pets or those with joint history, consider adding raw meaty bones and treat options rich in omega-3s (e.g., fish-based). These support joint lubrication and skin/coat against seasonal dryness.
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Reward inside-play and enrichment: Since outdoor time may shrink, compensate with puzzle feeders, indoor games and raw treat rewards that stimulate activity and metabolism.
Common Winter Pitfalls (and How Raw Feeding Helps)
Let’s tackle a few common issues and how this approach helps:
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“My pet’s staying inside too much and gaining weight”: Raw feeding offers higher satiety (keeps them fuller on fewer calories) and better metabolism support. Also monitor portion adjustments.
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“Dry, flaky skin and brittle coat”: Raw food’s moisture plus nutrient density give skin & coat a boost. Supplementing with a fish-oil rich treat helps.
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“My older dog is limping more in the snow/slush”: Cold and wet conditions can stiffen joints. Raw diet plus adding meaty bone treats and safe mobility-enhancers helps.
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“My cat is drinking less and seems sluggish”: Cats are notoriously bad at drinking enough. Raw meals already contain water. Adding warm broth or gently warmed raw meals can encourage fluid intake.
Canada Raw Winter-Ready Feeding Plan
Here’s a sample feeding plan for the winter months, adaptable for a dog or cat:
| Pet Type | Weekly Meals | Extra Boosts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dog (30 kg, average activity) | 3 raw meals (meat+bone+organ) | 1 time/ week: bone treat; 1 time/ week: warm bone broth top-up | Monitor weight; increase +5–10% if more active outside |
| Adult Indoor Cat (5 kg, moderate activity) | 7 raw meals (smaller size) | Daily: small fish-based treat rich in omega-3; Add warm water or broth 2–3×/week | Hydration and coat health key |
| Senior Dog (10+ years) | 3 raw meals of senior-formulated mix | 2×/week meaty bone; Daily omega-3 supplement treat | Focus on joints, digestion, immune support |
(Note: Consult with your vet for personalized feeding plans, especially if your pet has special health needs.)
Winter Safety Tips Beyond Nutrition
Good diet is foundational — but consider the following to keep your pets safe and comfortable:
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Shorten outdoor sessions during extreme cold.
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Wipe paws after walks (salt/slush damage, chemical melts).
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Provide warm, dry bedding and avoid drafts.
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Watch for signs of hypothermia (shivering, slowed movements) or dehydration (less urine output, sunken eyes).
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Keep treats/outdoor toys clean — snow hides hazards.
Winter doesn’t have to mean compromising on your pet’s health. With the right raw diet, a few seasonal tweaks, and mindful care, your dog or cat can not only get through the cold — they can flourish in it. At Canada Raw, we’re here to provide the premium raw nutrition your pet needs to stay vibrant, warm, and well all season long.