Feeding a Dog in Summer: Hydration and Heat
At a glance
- Dogs need approximately 50–60ml of water per kilogram of body weight daily — more in hot weather or after exercise
- Heatstroke can develop in dogs within minutes at temperatures above 25°C, particularly in brachycephalic breeds
- Fresh or wet food contains 70–80% moisture versus around 10% in dry kibble
- Feeding in the cooler parts of the day (early morning and evening) reduces heat stress around mealtimes
- A reduced appetite in warm weather is normal, but refusing water is a red flag that needs prompt attention
Why does summer affect how I should feed and hydrate my dog?
Summer changes your dog's hydration needs significantly and can affect how much they want to eat. Dogs regulate body temperature almost entirely through panting, which expels moisture rapidly. On a hot day, a medium-sized dog can lose several hundred millilitres of water through panting alone before they've even moved.
The baseline water requirement for dogs is around 50–60ml per kilogram of body weight per day. In warm weather or after exercise, that figure rises. A 20kg dog drinking less than a litre of water on a hot summer day is already running low.
Appetite suppression in summer is also common. When the body is working hard to stay cool, the digestive process — which itself generates heat — becomes a lower priority. Most dogs eat a little less in July and August, and that is not a concern unless it persists or is accompanied by lethargy or vomiting.
Feeding choices matter more in summer than many owners realise. how you feed your dog across different life stages and seasons shapes everything from digestion to energy levels, and summer is one of the periods where small adjustments make a real difference.
How much water does my dog actually need in hot weather?
The 50–60ml per kilogram guideline is a starting point, not a ceiling. In hot weather, that requirement can increase by 50% or more depending on activity level, breed, coat thickness, and ambient temperature. A 10kg dog may need over a litre of water on a warm day if they've been on a walk.
Practical ways to increase your dog's water intake:
- Place multiple water bowls around the house and garden — dogs drink more when water is close
- Use a wide, shallow bowl (some dogs avoid deep bowls because their ears dip in)
- Refresh water at least twice a day — dogs often refuse stale or warm water
- Add a small amount of low-sodium bone broth to water if your dog is a reluctant drinker
- Offer wet or fresh food, which contributes meaningful moisture to total daily intake
Food moisture content is underappreciated as a hydration source. Kibble contains around 10% moisture. Fresh or wet food typically contains 70–80%. For dogs who don't drink enthusiastically, switching to or mixing in fresh food during summer provides a useful buffer against dehydration. Marleybones Pantry Fresh meals, for example, are made with whole ingredients and retain high natural moisture content without any artificial preservatives.
When and how should I feed my dog differently in summer?
Timing your dog's meals around the heat of the day is one of the simplest adjustments you can make. Digestion generates metabolic heat. Feeding a large meal at midday on a hot day adds to your dog's thermal load at exactly the wrong time.
Feed in the early morning and again in the evening once temperatures have dropped. If your dog eats once a day, shift that meal to early morning. Avoid feeding immediately before or after exercise in warm weather — the risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) increases when dogs exercise on a full stomach, particularly in deep-chested breeds.
Portion size can reasonably be reduced slightly if your dog's appetite is lower in summer. Do not try to compensate by increasing meal frequency to force intake — if your dog is otherwise alert, drinking normally, and passing healthy stools, a modest reduction in food consumption during hot weather is not a problem.
If your dog stops drinking water, becomes lethargic, is panting heavily at rest, or shows signs of confusion, contact your vet immediately. These can be signs of heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Every dog is different — build your personalised Marleybones feeding and health plan tailored to your dog's age, size, and health requirements.
Does food type make a difference to how well dogs cope with heat?
Yes. The moisture content and ingredient quality in your dog's food directly affects how well their body manages heat stress.
Highly processed dry food contains very little water and often relies on synthetic additives to meet nutritional requirements. Fresh food made from whole ingredients is closer in composition to what dogs evolved to eat, and it delivers hydration alongside nutrition in a single meal.
Protein quality matters in summer too. Lower-quality protein sources produce more metabolic waste (specifically, nitrogenous waste from incomplete protein digestion), which the kidneys must filter using water. High-quality, digestible protein — the kind found in named meat sources like salmon or chicken — reduces this burden. Marleybones Sassy Salmon uses whole salmon as the primary ingredient, providing easily digestible protein alongside natural omega-3s that support skin and coat health through summer shedding season.
Lighter meals with good moisture content and high-quality protein are the practical answer to summer feeding. That doesn't require a complete diet overhaul — even mixing a fresh meal with your dog's existing food a few times a week adds meaningful hydration and nutritional value. Understanding the basics of what goes into a balanced meal makes it easier to make informed decisions in every season.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dog is dehydrated?
The quickest test is the skin tent test: gently pinch the skin on the back of your dog's neck and release it. In a well-hydrated dog it springs back immediately. If it returns slowly or stays tented, your dog is likely dehydrated. Dry gums, sunken eyes, and lethargy are also clear signs. Contact your vet if dehydration is suspected — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Can I give my dog ice cubes or frozen treats in summer?
Yes, in moderation. Ice cubes in a water bowl are fine and many dogs enjoy them. Frozen treats made from dog-safe ingredients (plain yoghurt, watermelon, cucumber) are popular in summer. Avoid very large quantities of ice at once, particularly in dogs prone to bloat. Frozen treats should supplement, not replace, normal meals and water intake.
Is it safe to leave food out for my dog to graze in summer?
No. Fresh or wet food left out at room temperature in summer can spoil within two hours. Bacteria multiply rapidly above 20°C. Serve measured portions at mealtimes and remove any uneaten food promptly. Kibble is more stable but can still become stale and unpalatable in heat, reducing the chance your dog will eat it.
Do certain breeds need more water in summer?
Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs) and double-coated breeds (Huskies, Golden Retrievers) are at higher risk in heat and need more careful hydration management. Older dogs and puppies are also more vulnerable to dehydration. These dogs benefit most from wet or fresh food in summer and should never be exercised during the hottest part of the day.
Should I change my dog's food completely for summer?
A complete switch is rarely necessary. The most effective changes are practical ones: feed at cooler times of day, increase moisture through fresh or wet food, ensure constant access to clean water, and reduce portions slightly if appetite drops. If your dog has a specific health condition affecting heat tolerance, speak to your vet before making significant dietary changes.
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