The 5 Super Ingredients Every Dog Needs This Winter

When winter arrives, most of us reach for thicker coats, warm drinks and cosy evenings indoors. But what about our dogs?

We often forget that cold weather doesn’t just change their walks — it can also affect their digestion, skin, coat and overall wellbeing. So how do you keep your dog feeling comfortable and supported over the colder months?

Let’s break it down simply. Here are five winter “super ingredients” that help your dog stay happy and healthy from the inside out.

Why Winter Nutrition Matters for Your Dog’s Health

Have you ever noticed your dog’s routine going a bit off in winter? Maybe their poos look different, their coat gets a little dull, or they seem less energetic. There’s a reason for this.

Winter often means:

  • Less exercise
  • Richer treats (hello Christmas leftovers)
  • Dry indoor heating
  • More changes in routine

All of these can put extra pressure on your dog’s gut and immune system.

Why does that matter?
Because a huge part of your dog’s immune system lives in the gut. So when the gut is supported, your dog feels better overall — from energy levels to stool consistency.

1. How Probiotics Help Your Dog Through Winter

What actually are probiotics?
Think of them as friendly bacteria that help keep your dog’s gut balanced.

When winter routines become a bit unpredictable — different food, more treats, less activity — probiotics can help things stay steady.

Probiotics help support:

  • Normal, healthy digestion
  • A balanced gut microbiome
  • Stool consistency during diet or routine changes

One well-known probiotic, Enterococcus faecium, is included in our Probiotic Support soft chews. It’s there to help maintain a healthy mix of gut bacteria when your dog needs it most.

2. Why Prebiotics Matter (Hint: They Feed the Good Bacteria)

If probiotics are the friendly bacteria…
prebiotics are their favourite food.

A key prebiotic is fructooligosaccharides (FOS) — a type of fibre that travels through the stomach and feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Prebiotics help:

  • Support a healthy digestive environment
  • Improve nutrient absorption
  • Maintain regular, healthy stools

That’s why FOS is included in The Dog Doctors Probiotic Support — it helps the probiotics do their job more effectively. They work together like a team.

3. Omega-3s: The Secret to a Healthy Winter Coat

Ever wondered why your dog’s skin gets a bit dry and flaky when the heating goes on?
Just like us, their skin can struggle with temperature changes.

This is where omega-3 fatty acids shine.
Ingredients like full fat linseed (flaxseed) and rapeseed oil are rich in omega-3s and other nourishing fats that support:

  • Skin barrier health
  • A soft, healthy coat
  • Normal inflammatory responses
  • Antioxidant support

Linseed is also packed with lignans — powerful antioxidants that support natural immune function. Perfect for winter germs at the park.

These ingredients appear in Probiotic Support to help keep your dog’s coat healthy from the inside out.

4. B Vitamins for Energy and Everyday Vitality

Do dogs slow down in winter like we do?
Often, yes — colder walks, shorter days, and more time indoors can all affect their natural energy levels.

B vitamins play an important role in converting food into energy, supporting overall vitality.

A key source of B vitamins for dogs is brewers yeast, which contains:

  • B-complex vitamins like niacin and riboflavin
  • Antioxidants to support natural immunity
  • Nutrients that help break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates

5. Gentle Carbohydrates for Sensitive Winter Tummies

Let’s be honest… winter often means more treats. And while we all love giving our dogs a Christmas biscuit or two, those extras can sometimes upset their digestion.

This is where tummy-friendly carbohydrates come in.

Potato flakes and tapioca are gentle, highly digestible options that help provide energy without overwhelming the gut. They are also ideal for dogs with certain sensitivities.

Both ingredients are included in Probiotic Support to help maintain simple, soothing nutrition during winter.

So How Do You Add These Ingredients to Your Dog’s Diet?

Good news — you don’t need to overhaul anything.

Here are easy, practical ways to support your dog this winter:

  • Check their main food includes omega-3 sources like linseed or fish oils
  • Avoid too many rich leftovers
  • Keep treats moderate and consistent
  • Add a daily supplement that supports gut and immune health

The Dog Doctors Probiotic Support soft chews combine probiotics, prebiotics, B vitamins, omega-rich ingredients and gentle carbohydrates — all designed to support your dog’s natural digestion and immunity through winter.

A small daily boost can make a big difference in how your dog feels.

When Should You Speak to Your Vet?

Winter nutrition helps support general wellbeing, but always contact your vet if your dog has:

  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Ongoing tummy upset
  • Sudden changes in appetite, weight or energy
  • An existing health condition

They can guide you on what's best for your dog’s individual needs.

A Comfier, Healthier Winter for Your Dog

Winter is a great season for cosy nights, blanket snuggles and crisp morning walks. And with just a few smart nutritional tweaks, you can help your dog feel brighter, more comfortable and better supported from within.

Focusing on probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3s, B vitamins and gentle carbohydrates gives your dog the kind of inside-out support that really matters in cold weather.

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