How Weather Affects Feed Intake and Nutrient Needs

Your animals aren’t just reacting to what’s in their feed bowl. They’re also reacting to what’s happening in the sky. From sweltering summer heat to frosty winter mornings, the climate plays a big role in animal feed intake and overall nutrition.

That’s right. Weather and feed intake are closely connected, and if you’re not paying attention to seasonal shifts, you could be missing some major cues from your flock, herd, or hive.

Let’s break it down with facts, vibes, and actual feeding strategies by season.

Temperature Swings and Feed Shifts

You change your diet with the seasons. Cold brew in July, soup in January. Animals do the same in their own way. The impact of climate on feed consumption is very real. Temperature affects appetite, digestion, and how efficiently animals use nutrients.

In short, what works in spring might not work in fall if you don’t adapt.

Feed Intake in Cold Weather

According to South Dakota State University Extension: “Lowering temperatures impact the amount of energy required by animals…energy requirements (TDN) increase 1% for every degree below the animal’s lower critical temperature”. This means feed intake in cold weather usually goes up. Sometimes by 10 to 30 percent depending on the species and the severity of the cold.

What to do:

• Increase total calories to meet their energy demands
  
• Boost fat content since it’s calorie-dense and helps maintain body temperature
  
• Make sure water doesn’t freeze because hydration supports digestion
  

Also, cold weather slows grass regrowth. So if your animals usually forage, consider supplementing with higher-quality hay or organic grain mixes.

Feed Intake in Hot Weather

Here’s the flip side. In hot temperatures, animals often eat less. That’s because digestion generates heat, and their bodies are trying to stay cool.

Nutrient needs and weather come into conflict here. Your animals are eating less but still need essential nutrients. This is your cue to level up your strategy.

What to do:

• Use high-quality, nutrient-dense feed that packs more value into every bite
  
• Offer feed early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler
  
• Provide plenty of clean, cool water to support digestion and temperature regulation
  

Also, keep an eye on electrolytes. Especially for poultry, heat stress can disrupt mineral balance quickly.

Adjusting Nutrients for Weather Like a Pro

Not all changes are about quantity. Sometimes it’s about tweaking the formula. Adjusting nutrients for weather means thinking beyond just calories.

Cold Season Boosts:

• More fat and carbohydrates
  
• Vitamin A and E for immune support
  
• Omega-3s for skin and coat health
  

Warm Season Boosts:

• More antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E
  
• Extra minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium
  
• Easier-to-digest proteins
  

Don’t just feed more. Feed smarter. That’s how you optimize animal feed intake factors such as environment, activity, and stress levels.

Other Factors to Watch

Weather doesn’t act alone. It interacts with everything else. Combine it with these and you get the full picture:

• Humidity: Can affect feed freshness and reduce appetite
  
• Wind chill: Makes temperatures feel colder and increases calorie demand
  
• Rain and mud: Can limit grazing or foraging time
  
• Sunlight: Less daylight lowers vitamin D, which may affect mood or egg production
  

Feeding With the Forecast in Mind

At Feather & Tail, we create feed that meets your animals where they are. Whether it’s a warm summer night or a frosty winter morning, our blends are balanced, seasonal-ready, and always crafted with sustainability and style in mind.

Smart feeding isn’t just about ingredients. It’s about timing, awareness, and understanding the forecast. Literally.