What Should Dogs Eat During Winter in Sioux Falls?

Winter in Sioux Falls brings cold temps, icy sidewalks, and a lot more time indoors. A common question we get this time of year is some version of: “Do I need to change what my dog eats in the winter?”

The short answer is usually no big changes – but there are a few smart adjustments that can help your dog feel their best through a Midwest winter.

Start With This: Most Dogs Don’t Need a Major Diet Change

In our experience, dogs don’t need a completely different food just because the seasons change. If your dog is doing well on their current food – good energy, solid stools, healthy coat – we typically don’t recommend a dramatic switch.

What does matter in winter is:

• Activity level changes
• Calorie needs
• Skin and coat support
• Treat intake (it sneaks up on all of us)

That’s where small, thoughtful adjustments can come in.

How Winter Activity Levels Affect Feeding

Less Movement Is Common (and Totally Normal)

A lot of Sioux Falls dogs are less active in winter. Shorter walks, fewer backyard zoomies, and more couch time all add up.

If your dog is:

• Spending less time outside
• Skipping long walks because of ice or cold
• Playing less at the dog park

…their calorie needs may be a little lower than in the summer months.

What Usually Helps

Rather than feeding more “because it’s cold,” we often help customers:

• Stick with the same brand
• Adjust portions slightly if weight is creeping up
• Choose a lower-calorie protein option within their current food brand

This keeps things steady without upsetting sensitive stomachs.

Rotational Feeding: One of Our Favorite Year-Round Approaches

We talk about rotational feeding a lot in the store — because in our experience, it works really well for many dogs when it’s done within the same brand.

What Rotational Feeding Means

When we recommend rotational feeding, we’re usually talking about:

• Sticking with the same brand
• Rotating proteins over time (beef, chicken, pork, lamb, fish, etc.)
• Letting the protein change – not the entire formula

By staying within the same brand, most of the recipe stays consistent. The primary thing that changes is the protein source, which is why this approach tends to be much easier on a dog’s stomach.

Most of the food brands we carry are designed specifically to support this kind of rotation.

Why We Like It – Especially in Winter

Rotational feeding within the same brand can:

• Help prevent long-term pickiness
• Expose dogs to a wider range of proteins over time
• Reduce the chances of sensitivities developing down the road
• Provide a broader range of nutrients over time

Because the brand stays the same, many dogs don’t need a transition period when moving from one protein to another. In most cases, the typical stomach upset people worry about is minimized – or doesn’t happen at all.

If someone does want to switch brands entirely, that’s a different situation. In those cases, we usually recommend a slower transition, and we’re always happy to help walk through what that should look like for their dog.

Winter-Friendly Protein Choices We Often Recommend

Fish-Based Proteins Are a Great Winter Option

If your dog is less active in winter, fish-based foods are often a solid choice.

Why?

• Typically lower in calories than some red meats
• Naturally rich in fish oil
• Helpful for dry winter skin and dull coats

A lot of pet parents notice less scratching and better coat feel after switching to fish during the colder months.

Red Meat Isn’t “Bad” – It’s About Fit

Beef, lamb, and pork can still be great options, especially for:

• Very active dogs
• Dogs that still get long outdoor exercise
• Dogs that struggle to keep weight on

The key is matching the protein to your dog’s winter routine – not the weather alone.

Don’t Forget About Treats (They Matter More Than You Think)

Winter often means:

• More indoor training
• More enrichment toys
• More “just because” treats

That adds up quickly.

What We Often Suggest

• Switching to lower-calorie treats
• Breaking treats into smaller pieces
• Using single-ingredient options when possible

You don’t have to eliminate treats – just be intentional so they don’t quietly replace meals.

What We See Locally in Sioux Falls

A lot of Sioux Falls pet parents come in during January and February worried they’re doing something wrong – when really, their dog is just adjusting to winter.

We commonly see:

• Slight winter weight gain
• Dry skin from cold air and indoor heat
• Dogs getting bored before they get hungry

Most of the time, the fix isn’t a full food overhaul. It’s a small tweak: a different protein, fewer calories, better treats, or adding some variety safely.

That’s why these conversations usually happen right at the counter – every dog’s winter looks a little different here.

FAQs

Should I feed my dog more because it’s cold outside?

Usually no. Unless your dog is spending significant time outdoors and burning extra energy, most dogs don’t need more food in winter.

Is winter a good time to try a new protein?

Yes – especially if you rotate within the same brand. Winter is often when we help customers try fish or lighter proteins.

My dog is itching more in winter – could food help?

Sometimes. Dry air plays a big role, but fish-based foods and omega-rich options often help support skin and coat.

What if I want to switch brands completely?

That’s fine – we just recommend doing it slowly. Our team can help map out a transition that minimizes stomach upset.

A Quick Local Reminder Before You Head Out

If you’re unsure what adjustment makes sense for your dog, that’s exactly what we’re here for. You’re always welcome to stop by Roxi & Co and talk it through with our team.

We can:

• Set food aside for in-store pickup
• Get it to you with same-day local delivery around Sioux Falls
• Help you make a small, confident change – not a guess

Winter feeding doesn’t have to be complicated. Most of the time, it just takes a quick conversation and a little local know-how.