Hot weather changes a few things about how your dog eats and drinks — appetite can dip, hydration needs go up, and active dogs burn through energy differently than they do in cooler months. Here's how to adjust using what's already in Open Farm's lineup.
Why Hydration Needs Extra Attention in Summer
Dogs lose water through panting far more than people realize, especially during exercise or extended time outside. A dog who's perfectly hydrated on food and water alone in January can fall behind in July without any change in routine. Building a little extra moisture into mealtime is a simple way to help.
Bone Broth as a Simple Hydration Boost
Open Farm's bone broth line — Beef, Chicken, and Homestead Turkey — is one of the easiest additions for warm-weather hydration. Pour a small amount over dry kibble, or offer it on its own in small amounts as a refreshing addition between meals.
Rehydrating Freeze-Dried Raw
If you're already feeding Open Farm's freeze-dried dinner patties or meal mixers, rehydrating with a little extra water in summer — rather than serving dry — is an easy way to add moisture directly into a meal your dog is already eating.
Adjusting for Heat-Related Appetite Dips
Some dogs simply eat less when it's hot. If you notice reduced appetite during a heat wave, it's not automatically a concern, but a few things can help: feeding during cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening), adding a splash of bone broth to make the bowl more appealing, or briefly rehydrating kibble to soften it. Persistent appetite loss, especially paired with lethargy or vomiting, is worth a vet call rather than something to just wait out — heat can also be a sign of heat stress in more serious cases.
Adjusting for Active Summer Dogs
If your dog is more active in summer — swimming, hiking, extra walks — they may need slightly more calories to match the increased activity. This is a good time to reassess portions rather than assuming your winter feeding amount still applies; see our feeding guide for how to think through adjusting portions as activity changes.
Watching Water Bowls, Not Just Food
None of this replaces fresh drinking water — food-based hydration is a supplement to water intake, not a substitute for it. In hot weather, check and refill water bowls more frequently than you might in cooler months, and bring water on any outing longer than a quick walk.
Shop Summer Essentials at The Hungry Puppy
You can find bone broth, freeze-dried raw, and the rest of the Open Farm lineup at The Hungry Puppy. Freeze-dried orders of $75 or more ship free nationwide, so stocking up before the season gets busy is easy.
We've been helping Farmingdale-area dog owners get through hot Jersey summers since 1987 — call us at 732-938-4470 if you want recommendations for your dog's summer routine.