Seasonal feeding

Best Proteins for Fall for Dogs and Cats: Supporting the Shift into Cooler Weather

By Brandy Vachal2 min read

Australian shepherd at a kitchen counter with Smallbatch lamb frozen raw patties, butternut squash, kale and carrots

Fall is another transition season.

As temperatures drop and routines settle, your pet’s needs can shift again. Appetite may increase, energy can change, and some pets start to seek warmth and comfort.

One of the easiest ways to support that shift is through protein selection.

Why protein choice matters in fall

According to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), proteins have thermal properties that influence how they support the body.

Some proteins are considered warming, some cooling, and some neutral.

Fall is typically a time to introduce more warming proteins, while still maintaining balance with neutral options.

Warming proteins for fall

Warming proteins are often used as temperatures drop and pets begin to need more internal support.

Lamb

Lamb is considered a warming protein and is naturally rich and calorie-dense.

It’s often a good fit for:

  • Active dogs
  • Pets who need more calories
  • Pets transitioning into cooler weather

You’ll find lamb in:

Turkey

Turkey is another warming protein that works well as a lighter option compared to lamb.

It’s often used for:

  • Pets with sensitive digestion
  • Dogs transitioning into fresh food
  • Rotational feeding

You’ll find turkey in:

Neutral proteins to maintain balance

Neutral proteins help keep feeding routines consistent while introducing seasonal changes.

Pork

Corgi on a tree-lined path next to a bag of Smallbatch Pork SuperBoosters

Pork continues to be a strong year-round option.

It’s especially useful for:

  • Rotational feeding
  • Poultry-free diets
  • Sensitive pets

You’ll find pork across:

Beef

Beef is another neutral protein that adds variety and strong palatability.

It’s a good fit for:

  • Dogs who need a highly palatable option
  • Rotating away from poultry
  • Adding richness without switching to a fully warming protein

You’ll find beef in:

Transitioning from summer to fall proteins

Fall isn’t about an abrupt switch. It’s about gradually shifting.

A simple approach:

  • Start incorporating warming proteins like turkey or lamb
  • Keep neutral proteins like pork or beef in rotation
  • Slowly reduce reliance on cooling proteins used in summer

This helps support digestion and keeps the transition smooth.

Supporting appetite and energy

Many pets naturally become more food-motivated as the weather cools.

Using a mix of warming and neutral proteins can help support:

  • Sustained energy
  • Palatability
  • A more satisfying feeding routine

Real food, seasonal support

At smallbatch, we believe better ingredients make better food.

Fall is about transition, grounding, and preparing for cooler months ahead.

By rotating proteins and incorporating warming options alongside neutral staples, you can support your pet in a way that feels natural and balanced.

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