Healthy Habits for the New Year: Small Changes That Support Your Dog’s Wellness
The start of a new year is a natural time to reset routines — and that can apply to our dogs, too. After a winter of extra treats, less daylight, and fewer long walks, a few small adjustments can help dogs feel their best going into the new year.
The good news? Supporting your dog’s health doesn’t require a total overhaul. Simple, thoughtful changes can make a big difference.
What to Know
Just like people, dogs benefit from balance. Some of the most common concerns we hear this time of year are weight management, dry skin, and low energy. These often connect back to a few key areas:
- Calories and portion size
- Hydration
- Fatty acids (especially omega-3s)
- Overall food quality
Making small tweaks in these areas can help support healthy weight, skin, and digestion.
Simple Tips You Can Try
- Consider Lower-Calorie Food Options
If your dog could benefit from fewer calories, switching to a lower-calorie formula or adjusting portions can help — without sacrificing nutrition or satisfaction. Sometimes the suggested serving amount can be too generous for dogs that are less active. And with winter weather we may be giving extra chew treats which can through the calorie count for the day way off. - Add Fresh Food, Reduce Kibble Slightly
One easy approach we often recommend is adding fresh or gently cooked food to meals while slightly decreasing kibble. Fresh foods tend to be more moisture-rich and nutrient-dense, which can help dogs feel full and satisfied with fewer calories overall. - Don’t Forget Hydration
Hydration plays a role in digestion, skin health, and overall wellness — even in winter. Adding moisture through fresh foods, broths, or toppers can be especially helpful for dogs who don’t drink much water on their own. - Support Skin with Omega-3s
Dry, flaky skin is common this time of year. Omega-3 fatty acids can help support skin and coat health from the inside out, making them a great addition during colder months.
Options That Can Help
We carry a variety of options that make these changes easy, including:
- Lower-calorie food choices
- Fresh and gently cooked foods to mix into meals
- Bone broths and moisture-rich toppers
- Omega-3 supplements to support skin and coat health
These can be mixed and matched depending on your dog’s needs, age, and activity level.
January is one of our favorite times to talk through wellness goals with customers. We love helping people find simple, realistic ways to support their dogs — whether that’s a small food adjustment, adding hydration, or finding the right supplement for dry winter skin.
Stop In & Chat With Us
Every dog is different, and we’re always happy to help you find options that make sense for your pup. If you have questions or want help choosing the right combination, stop in and we’ll walk through it together.
Here’s to a healthy, happy start to the year — for you and your dog.