Short answer: if your dog eats a little less while UAE temperatures are still high, that is usually normal. Digestion produces body heat and hot days mean less exercise, so many healthy dogs simply need and want less food. Move meals to the coolest hours, keep water topped up, and hold off on switching foods. Call your vet if the drop comes with vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or heavy panting.

Early October in the UAE is still hot for most of the day, even if evenings are starting to feel easier. That makes it a good moment to understand what a heat-related appetite dip looks like, and what it does not.

Why appetite drops when it is hot

Breaking down a meal generates internal heat. When the air outside is already warm, a dog's body has good reason to go easy on large meals, especially around midday. On top of that, most owners sensibly shorten walks in the heat, so the dog burns fewer calories and needs less fuel.

The result is a dog that leaves part of the bowl, eats more slowly, or skips the occasional meal while still behaving normally. That is physiology, not fussiness, and it is not automatically a sign that the food has stopped suiting your dog.

The common mistake: switching food mid-heat

A dog eats less, the owner assumes the food is the problem, and a new food goes into the bowl. Now the dog is dealing with a diet change on top of heat, and loose stools often follow. The new food gets blamed, another switch happens, and the cycle continues.

If your dog is otherwise well, keep the diet stable through the hot weeks. If you do want to change foods, do it gradually over 7 to 10 days, and go slower when it is hot. Our guide to transitioning your dog to a new food walks through the steps.

Adjust timing before you adjust quantity

When you feed often matters more than how much. Many dogs eat more willingly when meals are moved away from the hottest part of the day.

• Serve the main meal early in the morning, before the heat builds.
• Offer the second meal after sunset, once the house and the dog have cooled down.
• If you feed three times a day, keep the midday portion small.
• Pick up uneaten food after 20 to 30 minutes rather than leaving it out in warm rooms.

If you are unsure how many meals suit your dog, see how often to feed your dog in the UAE.

Water matters more than hitting a food target

On a hot day, hydration is the priority. Keep more than one water bowl around the home, refresh them often because warm, stale water is less appealing, and take water on every walk. Some owners add a splash of cool water to dry kibble just before serving. It adds moisture and can make a smaller portion more tempting. Serve it straight away and do not leave moistened food sitting out.

Check the bag, not just the bowl

Sometimes a dog that refuses food is not reacting to the weather at all. Dry food that has been stored somewhere hot or humid can lose its aroma or go stale. Keep the bag sealed, store it indoors away from sunny windows, and never keep it in a car, garage or on a balcony. Our article on storing dog food in the UAE's hot climate covers this in detail.

Bag size matters too. In warm months, a bag you finish in a few weeks stays fresher than a bulk bag you open for two months. That is one reason V-Planet is sold in different sizes, from the 2.04 kg Mini Bites bag for small dogs to 6.8 kg bags for bigger appetites.

Should you cut the portion?

If your dog is consistently eating less and is less active, it is reasonable to trim the portion slightly rather than fight to get the full amount in. Use body condition as your guide: you should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, and see a waist from above. If your dog is holding a healthy shape and energy is normal, a slightly smaller seasonal portion is fine.

What you should not do is add lots of toppers, treats or table food to tempt a dog in the heat. That can unbalance a complete diet and upset the stomach.

When it is not just the heat

Look at the whole dog, not only the bowl. A modest appetite dip in a bright, alert, well-hydrated dog is usually nothing to worry about. These signs are different and need a vet, the same day if you suspect heat stress:

• Refusing food for more than a day, or refusing water
• Vomiting or diarrhoea, especially if repeated
• Lethargy, weakness, wobbliness or collapse
• Heavy panting that does not settle after resting in a cool room
• Bright red, pale or bluish gums
• Noticeable weight loss over a few weeks

Heatstroke is an emergency. If your dog has been out in the heat and shows these signs, move them somewhere cool and contact a vet immediately.

Does the type of food change any of this?

Not the core rules. Any complete and balanced diet, plant-based or not, should keep a healthy dog steady on a sensible portion when appetite dips. What helps is a food your dog finds palatable and digests comfortably, served fresh at cool times of day. If you are new to plant-based feeding and want to see whether your dog likes it before the weather cools, a 70 g sample pack is a low-commitment way to test it.

Frequently asked questions

My dog is eating less since the summer. Should I worry?

A modest appetite drop in a healthy, alert, well-hydrated dog is usually normal in hot weather. If the dip lasts more than a day or comes with vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or weight loss, talk to your vet.

Should I switch to a lighter food during hot months?

Usually not. Changing food during hot weather often causes digestive upset. Adjust meal timing and portion size with your current food first, and ask your vet before making a change.

Can I leave dry food out all day when it is hot?

It is better not to. Food left out in warm rooms goes stale and attracts insects. Serve measured meals at cool times of day and remove what is not eaten after 20 to 30 minutes.

Is it okay to add water to kibble in hot weather?

Yes, a little cool water just before serving can add moisture and make food more appealing. Serve it straight away and throw away anything left over.

How do I know if my dog has heatstroke?

Warning signs include heavy panting that does not settle, weakness, vomiting, very red or pale gums, and collapse. Move your dog somewhere cool and contact a vet immediately.