Winter Slowdown? Here’s How to Keep Your Dog Stimulated (Without Overfeeding Them)

When the weather cools down, even the most zoomie-prone dogs seem to morph into professional couch potatoes. Less daylight, chilly mornings, and rain-soaked parks can mean fewer walks and shorter play sessions. But here’s the thing: while their bodies might be moving less, their brains are still craving action (and their appetites haven’t exactly slowed down either).

The result? Bored dogs. And bored dogs get creative… usually at the expense of your favourite shoes, couch cushions, or that one spot on the wall they suddenly must chew.

So how do you keep your pup engaged and satisfied through winter, without piling on extra calories? We’ve got you.

Choose Low-Calorie, High-Value Treats

Treats don’t need to go out the window just because your dog’s burning fewer calories. They still deserve rewards, you just need to choose wisely.

Here’s what to look for:

✔️ Single-ingredient proteins – think lamb liver, chicken hearts, or turkey.

✔️ Lean options like kangaroo or fish – packed with protein, low in fat.

✔️ Small but mighty pieces – break treats into tiny training bites to stretch them further.

✔️ Dehydrated or freeze-dried – no fillers, no fluff, just flavour and function.

These keep your pup motivated without sabotaging their waistline.

Work Their Brain When You Can’t Work Their Body

Mental enrichment is just as tiring (and just as rewarding) as physical exercise. It’s the secret weapon for bored, clingy, or chaotic winter dogs.

Here are some easy at-home ideas:

Snuffle mats & puzzle toys – hide treats to tap into their natural foraging instincts.

Frozen treat cubes – mix Laila & Me treats with broth or goat milk for a lick-worthy challenge.

Cardboard box treasure hunts – crumple up paper, hide treats inside, and let them shred to their heart’s content.

Training refreshers – use bite-sized treats for basic obedience or fun new tricks.

These activities don’t just pass the time, they also strengthen your bond and help reduce winter blues for both of you.

Avoid Winter Weight Gain

Here’s the math: less activity = fewer calories burned. But many dogs don’t adjust their appetite. This is where lean treats and brain games are your winter MVPs. They keep your pup satisfied, engaged, and far too busy to notice they’re not eating their usual handful of couch-potato snacks.

The Bottom Line

Winter doesn’t have to mean boredom or extra kilos. With the right treats and a little creativity, you can keep your dog’s mind and body healthy, no matter how wild the weather gets outside.