The dark days of winter can do odd things to our daily routines. Suddenly, the sun’s setting in the mid-afternoon and cozy evenings on the couch are more appealing than going out. It’s no different for our dogs. 

Winter can either mean our pups move less and sleep more, or that they burn through even more energy than usual to stay active and warm. That’s why I treat winter as a dietary reset for my dog Bruno. It’s an opportune time to check in on what, how much, and how often he’s eating - and if anything needs to change. 

This year, I decided that Bruno’s dog food just isn’t cutting it any more. I was sick of trying to guess what type of food was best for him, and how much he should be eating. So I signed him up for Ollie, a customized, human-grade meal plan for dogs that gets delivered right to your front door. I was ready for the dog food experts to guide Bruno and I towards improved health and longevity through winter. 

How the nutritional needs of dogs shift in cold weather

Dogs’ bodies work differently in winter. When the temperature drops, many dogs burn more calories just maintaining body heat. If your dog still wants long walks or loves their wild snow-day zoomies, their metabolism may need to lean harder on protein and fat for energy. 

But if your dog, like Bruno, is a hibernation enthusiast who loves nothing more than laying on the couch all day every day, those extra calories can lead to winter weight creep. The trick is staying attuned: same dog, different season, slightly different needs.

Why Ollie is the obvious choice for a winter refresh

Ollie’s approach to nutrition fits into this seasonal shift like a glove. Their high-quality fresh meals use real, recognisable human-grade ingredients, with no fillers or artificial preservatives whatsoever. Everything is cooked gently in human-grade kitchens and shipped in temperature-controlled packaging so it always arrives fresh, just like your own food.

Each recipe is developed with board-certified veterinary nutritionists and formulated to meet AAFCO standards. It’s more than simply just good for your dog: it’s a complete and balanced meal plan appropriate for their life stage and dietary needs.

How Ollie supports sustainable winter wellness

Winter’s the season when the nutrients found in good ingredients really matter. Ollie builds each meal around named proteins like chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb which support lean muscle and sustained energy. Vegetables including carrots, spinach, and squash bring fiber for digestion, while sweet potatoes and rice provide slow-burning carbohydrates to keep your dog satisfied without energy spikes or crashes. Blueberries, cranberries, and other fruits contribute antioxidants, while the healthy fats in salmon oil support skin and coat health, preventing the dryness and itchiness the winter months are known for. 

It’s this high level of quality that attracted me to the brand for Bruno. His skin and coat often suffers when the weather is freezing, and I was hoping Ollie’s expert-chosen ingredients would prevent discomfort for him while also making sure he didn’t pack on too many winter pounds. 

That’s why, for me and Bruno, the best part of Ollie is the personalization. Ollie calculates portions based on your dog’s weight, activity level, and spay or neuter status, making winter adjustments simple. The Ollie team can help you to make changes to portion sizes at any time, plus their weight screening service (available on-demand in the Ollie app) easily allows you to check in on your pup's weight at any time and make any necessary edits. That goes for adding extra calories for the energizer bunny pups, or reducing intake a little for the professional nappers.

Ollie’s expert advice service was another major plus that attracted me to the brand. When you’re an Ollie member, you get access to expert nutrition and health advice via the Ollie app. They offer guidance and help on everything from digestion to dietary transitions to weight management to dental checks to skin and coat health, with Ollie’s free health screenings. 

After I received Bruno’s personalized, vet nutrition-crafted meal plan, his first boxes of Ollie appeared in the mail a few days later. He loved it from his first portion, clearing his bowl and asking for more. And within just a few days I noticed he was less sluggish and prone to napping all day, instead asking to play and waiting by the door for walks (even during a snowstorm!).

The bottom line on canine winter health

A winter diet refresh doesn’t have to be complicated. With shorter days, colder weather, and changes in activity, your dog simply needs food that works with the season, not against it. The key is observing your dog’s body condition and adjusting portions gradually, which Ollie makes easy with their on-demand weight screenings. You can always turn to the Ollie health team for advice.

Ollie’s thoughtful, safe, balanced, and tailored fresh meals make that shift feel like an upgrade rather than a chore. The result? An energized dog who’s healthy and comfortable all winter long.