Best Dog Food for Working Dogs: Top Picks for Optimal Performance
Working dogs, whether they are herding sheep or serving as police K9s, have unique nutritional needs that differ from the average pet dog. Because of their high energy levels and demanding physical activity, working dogs require a diet that is rich in protein, fat, and carbohydrates. A well-balanced diet can help working dogs maintain their energy levels, stamina, and overall health.
When it comes to choosing the best dog food for working dogs, there are a few critical factors to consider. Firstly, the food should contain high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Secondly, it should be free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Lastly, the food should be formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of working dogs.
We spent countless hours researching and testing ten different dog food brands to identify the ones that are the best fit for working dogs. Our goal was to find dog food that provides optimal nutrition for working dogs, while also being affordable and easily accessible. In the following sections, we will discuss our top picks for the best dog food for working dogs.
Best Dog Food for Working Dogs
As dog owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best nutrition possible. This is especially true for working dogs who require a balanced diet to maintain their energy levels and overall health. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best dog food options for working dogs based on their nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and customer reviews. Whether your dog is a police K9, a search and rescue dog, or a hunting companion, we’ve got you covered with our top picks.
Diamond Premium Complete And Balanced Dry Dog Food
If you are looking for a premium dog food for your working or show dog, Diamond Premium Complete And Balanced Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Carefully determined levels of protein and fat to support an ideal body condition for active, athletic dogs and your working or show dog.
- A premium food with 26% protein balanced with 18% fat, with fiber to support digestive health; supports muscle tissue, stamina, and energy.
- Antioxidants for the immune system; omega fatty acids at guaranteed levels for healthy skin and shiny coat.
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste.
- Not suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.
- The kibble size may be too big for smaller dogs.
We have been using Diamond Premium Complete And Balanced Dry Dog Food for our working dog for a few months now, and we are impressed with the results. Our dog has maintained an ideal body condition, and his coat is shiny and healthy. The carefully determined levels of protein and fat have helped him maintain his energy levels throughout the day.
One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste of this food. However, we have not experienced this issue with our dog.
Overall, we highly recommend Diamond Premium Complete And Balanced Dry Dog Food for working and show dogs. It is a premium food that provides the necessary nutrients to keep your dog healthy and energetic.
Best Breed Dr. Gary’s Working Dog Diet Made in USA
We highly recommend the Best Breed Dr. Gary’s Working Dog Diet for working dogs that require extra calories to maintain optimum body condition. This natural high calorie dry dog food is an excellent choice for dogs that are underweight or require an extremely high quantity of food to maintain weight.
Pros
- The energy-dense kibble is developed by Dr. Gary in cooperation with Schutzhund club members who wanted an energy-dense food that is high in fat and not so high in protein. The formula is excellent for those hard working and active dogs that require extra calories to maintain optimum body condition.
- With 580 calories per cup, the caloric density of each kibble makes Working Dog Diet a superb food for dogs that are either underweight or require an extremely high quantity of food to maintain weight. Many people successfully mix this food with their dog’s maintenance food during periods of high energy burn.
- Provides critical nutrition needed to pregnant and nursing females for body maintenance and milk production. The formula is excellent for females who require extra calories and nutrients during this time.
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste of the natural flavor.
- The food is a bit pricey compared to other dog foods in the market.
- The kibble size is larger than other dog foods, which may not be suitable for dogs with smaller mouths.
Best Breed Dr. Gary’s Working Dog Diet is made in Ohio using a unique, slow-cooking process to ensure easy digestion and optimum nutrient absorption. The formula uses EU-approved ingredients, which means if an ingredient is not good enough for you and your family, it is not good enough for Best Breed food! The food contains no corn, wheat or by-product meals.
The natural joint care ingredient, New Zealand Green-Lipped Sea Mussel, supports proper joint and connective tissue health. This ingredient is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. The food is enhanced with vitamins -amp; minerals, which are cooked to perfection to ensure maximum nutrient absorption.
In conclusion, Best Breed Dr. Gary’s Working Dog Diet is an excellent choice for working dogs that require extra calories to maintain optimum body condition. The food is made with natural ingredients, cooked to perfection, and provides critical nutrition needed to pregnant and nursing females. However, some dogs may not like the taste, and the food is a bit pricey compared to other dog foods in the market.
Purina ONE True Instinct With A Blend Of Real Turkey and Venison Dry Dog Food – 36 lb. Bag
We highly recommend purchasing the Purina ONE True Instinct dog food for working dogs. It is a high-quality, natural dog food that provides all the necessary nutrients for your furry friend.
Pros
- Real turkey is the number 1 ingredient, which helps deliver 30 percent protein that supports strong muscles, including a healthy heart.
- Natural dog food with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and with no poultry by-product meal or artificial flavors or preservatives.
- High protein dog food with 100 percent nutrition for adult dogs, 0 percent fillers. Every ingredient has a purpose.
Cons
- Some dogs may be sensitive to the formula, causing digestive issues.
- The kibble size may be too small for larger breeds.
- The price may be a bit higher than some other brands.
We have personally used this dog food for our working dogs and have seen a significant improvement in their overall health and energy levels. The real turkey and venison provide a delicious flavor that our dogs love, and the high protein content ensures that they have the energy they need for long days of work.
The natural ingredients and lack of fillers make this dog food a healthier option for our furry friends. We have noticed a significant improvement in their coats and overall appearance since switching to this food.
While some dogs may be sensitive to the formula, we have not experienced any issues with our dogs. However, we do recommend monitoring your dog’s reaction to the food and consulting with your veterinarian if any issues arise.
Overall, we highly recommend the Purina ONE True Instinct dog food for working dogs. It is a high-quality, natural dog food that provides all the necessary nutrients for a healthy and happy pup.
Bully Max High Performance Premium Dry Dog Food for All Ages
If you are looking for a high-quality dog food that provides optimal nutrition for your working dog, then Bully Max High Performance Premium Dry Dog Food is a great choice.
Pros
- Provides optimal muscle and weight gain for healthy growth and rapid muscle development
- Infused with chicken fat for essential fats and dried plain beet pulp for fiber, offering a balanced diet for overall health and vitality
- Suitable for all dog breeds and ages, adhering to AFFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition
Cons
- Expensive compared to other dog food brands
- The bag is small, so you may need to purchase more frequently
- Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food
We recently tried this dog food for our working dog, and we were impressed with the results. The high protein and balanced diet helped our dog gain weight and develop muscle quickly, and the enhanced caloric density allowed us to feed less while still providing optimal nutrition.
The chicken blend dry dog food is made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, and the manufacturing standards are exceptional, with a strict triple-check system for unmatched safety and quality, boasting zero recalls.
Overall, we highly recommend Bully Max High Performance Premium Dry Dog Food for all working dogs, as it provides comprehensive nutrition for all dog breeds and ages, ensuring a healthy, vibrant lifestyle for every dog, from playful puppies to active adult breeds.
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free and Limited Ingredient with Superfoods (Lamb, 1.0 lb) Lamb 1 Pound (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s made with natural ingredients, ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is definitely worth considering. We’ve been using this food for our working dogs for a while now, and we’ve been very happy with the results.
Pros
- The air-dried method of production naturally preserves the food without any artificial fillers, which helps to retain all the nutrients and maximize the flavor.
- The recipes are made up of 96% fresh meat, organs, and bones, as well as powerhouse superfoods like green mussels, organic kelp, and green tripe. There are no peas, legumes, or potatoes included.
- The food is 100% ethically and sustainably sourced from New Zealand’s free-range farms and pristine blue waters, with no added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.
Cons
- The food is quite expensive compared to other dog foods on the market.
- Some dogs may not like the taste of the food, as it has a unique flavor and texture.
- The food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions, as it contains lamb and other ingredients that may cause allergic reactions.
Overall, we highly recommend ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for working dogs. It’s a nutritious and high-quality food that’s made with natural ingredients and produced in an environmentally responsible way. If you’re looking for a dog food that will help keep your working dog healthy and happy, this is definitely one to consider.
Hill’s Science Diet Pet Nutrition Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Chicken -amp; Barley Recipe, 35 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Barley 35 Pound (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a dog food that will help your furry friend maintain a healthy lifestyle, Hill’s Science Diet Adult dry dog food is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Uses natural ingredients to fuel the specific energy needs of your full-grown dog.
- Provides a precise balance of omega-6 -amp; vitamin E to maintain a beautiful skin and a healthy coat.
- Supports lean muscle growth and maintenance in your adult dog with a premium source of high-quality protein.
Cons
- Contains chicken, which may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.
- Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.
- The price is a bit high compared to other dog foods.
We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Adult dry dog food for a few months now, and we’ve seen a noticeable difference in our dog’s health. He used to have issues with his digestion, but since we switched to this food, he’s been doing much better. The food is packed with natural fibers that promote healthy digestion, which has made a significant difference for our furry friend.
We also appreciate that the food is made with natural ingredients, so we know that we’re feeding our dog a high-quality product. The food is formulated to provide the right balance of nutrients to help your grown-up dog live a happy, healthy life, and we’ve definitely seen the benefits of that.
One of the things that we love about this food is that it contains a premium source of high-quality protein, which supports lean muscle growth and maintenance in your adult dog. Our dog is quite active, so we need to make sure that he’s getting the right nutrients to keep up with his energy needs, and this food definitely delivers in that regard.
While we’ve been very happy with this food overall, we do need to note that it contains chicken, which may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of the food, so it may take some experimentation to see if your furry friend enjoys it.
Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult dry dog food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that will help their furry friend maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Beef, Pea, -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 40 Pound Bag (Packaging May Vary)
If you want to provide your working dog with a nutritious meal that supports their overall health, Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The number one ingredient is real beef, which supports healthy organs and lean muscle mass.
- The Whole Health Blend, which includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, antioxidants, and whole grains, helps maintain balanced energy levels and supports a healthy mind and body.
- Nutrish dog food contains no fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.
- The kibble may be too large for some smaller dogs.
- The cost is higher than some other dog food brands.
We recently tried this dog food on our working dog and were impressed with the results. Our dog’s coat was shiny, and they had plenty of energy for their daily activities. We also appreciated that this dog food contains no artificial ingredients, making it a healthier option for our furry friend. The kibble size was a bit large for our medium-sized dog, but they still enjoyed the taste and had no trouble chewing the kibble.
Overall, we highly recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea -amp; Brown Rice Recipe for working dogs who need a nutritious and balanced diet to support their active lifestyle.
Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe, 24 lb. Bag
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious dog food that’s easy on your wallet, Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is a great choice. This dry dog food is formulated to help support your dog’s needs and is made with real salmon as the number one ingredient.
Pros
- Real salmon is the number one ingredient, providing a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength.
- Made with nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin instead of added corn or wheat, this natural dog food contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for maintenance of adult dogs.
- Fiber from sweet potatoes and pumpkin helps support healthy digestion, while omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon help support skin and coat health.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the food looks and smells different than expected.
- While most dogs seem to enjoy the taste of this dog food, a few picky eaters may not be as enthusiastic.
- As with any new dog food, it’s important to transition your dog slowly to avoid digestive upset.
We’ve been feeding this dog food to our working dogs for several months now and have been pleased with the results. Our dogs seem to enjoy the taste and have maintained their healthy weight and energy levels. We appreciate that this dog food is made with high-quality ingredients and is free from added corn or wheat. Overall, we would recommend Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe to other dog owners looking for a nutritious and affordable dog food option.
Best Breed Working Dog Diet
If you’re looking for a high-calorie dog food for your hard-working dog, Best Breed Working Dog Diet could be the right choice for you.
Pros
- Provides an energy-dense kibble for hard-working dogs that require extra calories to maintain optimum body condition
- Excellent for weight gain
- Natural joint care with New Zealand Green-Lipped Sea Mussel
Cons
- A little pricey compared to similar products on the market
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- May not be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
We recently tried this food for our hard-working dog and were impressed with the results. The energy-dense kibble helped our dog maintain his weight and provided him with the extra calories he needed to perform his tasks. We also noticed an improvement in his joint and connective tissue health due to the natural joint care ingredients.
However, we did find that the food was a bit pricey compared to other high-calorie dog foods on the market. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste, and it may not be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Overall, we recommend Best Breed Working Dog Diet for hard-working dogs that require extra calories and natural joint care.
Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef – Grain Free, Made in USA, Non-GMO -amp; Vet Recommended – High Protein Limited Ingredient Full-Feed – for All Breeds -amp; Ages – 2.5oz Trial Bag Beef 2.5 Ounce (Pack of 1)
If you are looking for a high-quality dog food that is made with natural ingredients, then Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef is a great choice. This dog food is made with real beef as the number one ingredient, and it is free from fillers, preservatives, and other harmful ingredients.
Pros
- Made in the USA with all-natural ingredients
- Single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe
- Vet recommended and AAFCO compliant
Cons
- Expensive compared to other dog foods
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- Crumbles easily
We have been using Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef for our working dogs for a few months now, and we have been very pleased with the results. The dog food is made with all-natural ingredients, and it is free from fillers and preservatives, which makes it a healthy choice for our dogs.
The single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe is perfect for our dogs, as they have sensitive stomachs and are prone to allergies. The beef flavor is also a hit with our dogs, and they always finish their meals.
We also appreciate that this dog food is vet recommended and AAFCO compliant, which gives us peace of mind that our dogs are getting the nutrition they need.
However, this dog food is more expensive compared to other dog foods on the market, which may not be ideal for those on a budget. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, and it crumbles easily, which can be messy.
Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality dog food that is made with natural ingredients and is vet recommended, then Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef is a great choice.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying dog food for working dogs, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you’re getting the best product for your furry friend. Here are some factors to consider:
Nutritional Needs
Working dogs have specific nutritional needs that differ from those of non-working dogs. They require more protein, fat, and calories to maintain their energy levels and keep up with their physical demands. Look for dog food that is specifically formulated for working dogs, as it will have the right balance of nutrients to keep your pup healthy and energetic.
Ingredients
It’s important to pay attention to the ingredients in your dog’s food. Look for high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish, as well as healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Avoid dog food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives, as these can be harmful to your dog’s health.
Type of Food
There are several types of dog food available, including dry kibble, wet food, and raw food. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the type that best suits your dog’s needs. Dry kibble is convenient and easy to store, while wet food can be more palatable for picky eaters. Raw food can be more expensive and time-consuming to prepare, but it’s a great option for dogs with allergies or digestive issues.
Brand Reputation
When choosing a dog food brand, it’s important to do your research. Look for brands that have a good reputation for quality and safety, and avoid those that have had recalls or other issues in the past. You can also talk to other dog owners or your veterinarian for recommendations.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that you’re choosing the best dog food for your working dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dietary requirements for high-energy working dogs?
High-energy working dogs require a diet that is high in protein and fat to provide them with the energy they need to perform their tasks. They also need a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals to support their overall health and wellbeing.
Which dry dog foods are recommended for highly active dogs?
Dry dog foods that are high in protein and fat are recommended for highly active dogs. Look for brands that use high-quality meat as the main ingredient and avoid those with fillers such as corn or wheat.
What are the benefits of high-protein diets for working dog breeds?
High-protein diets provide working dog breeds with the energy they need to perform their tasks. They also help to build and maintain strong muscles, support a healthy immune system, and promote overall health and wellbeing.
How should the diet of an agility dog differ from other dogs?
Agility dogs require a diet that is high in protein and fat to provide them with the energy they need to perform their tasks. However, they also need a diet that is easy to digest to prevent gastrointestinal issues during training and competition.
What are affordable options for high-protein dog food?
There are many affordable options for high-protein dog food, including store-brand options and budget-friendly brands. Look for brands that use high-quality ingredients and avoid those with fillers such as corn or wheat.
What types of meat are most beneficial for dogs with demanding physical tasks?
Meats such as chicken, beef, and lamb are all beneficial for dogs with demanding physical tasks. These meats are high in protein and provide the energy and nutrients that working dogs need to perform their tasks.