When it comes to finding the best food for your hunting dog, you want something that will provide them with the energy they need to stay focused while out in the field. You’ll also want to make sure that their diet is high in protein to help them build muscle, and that it includes plenty of essential vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best dog foods for hunting dogs on the market today. We’ll highlight the key features of each food, and let you know what makes them a great choice for your pup.
Key Nutritional Needs of Hunting Dogs
Hunting dogs require a diet that is high in protein to help them build muscle, and that includes plenty of essential vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy. In addition to a high-quality diet, hunting dogs also need plenty of exercises to stay in shape.
Some other key nutritional needs of hunting dogs include:
- A balanced diet that includes both carbohydrates and fats for energy
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated
- The right amount of calcium and phosphorous to keep their bones strong
- Omega fatty acids
- Protein
Understanding the activity levels and dietary requirements of your hunting dog is essential for keeping them healthy and fit. Dogs that are regularly active outdoors will have different dietary needs than those who spend most of their time inside. Likewise, puppies will have different needs than adult dogs.
To make sure your pup stays healthy and focused while out in the field, it’s important to understand the basics of their nutritional needs.
Should you give your hunting dog dry or wet food?
There is no clear answer when it comes to whether you should feed your hunting dog dry or wet food. On the one hand, wet food tends to contain more nutrients and protein, which is essential for supporting your dog’s active lifestyle. On the other hand, dry food can be easier for dogs to digest and less likely to cause stomach upset.
The choice of whether to feed your hunting dog dry or wet food will depend on your dog’s individual needs and preferences.
There is no definitive answer when it comes to what type of dog food is best for hunting dogs. Some dogs may do better with wet food due to issues like allergies or digestive problems, while other dogs may prefer the taste and texture of dry food.
You should work with a trusted veterinarian to decide what’s best for your canine companion based on his or her unique circumstance.
With that in mind, here are our top 10 picks for the best dog food for hunting dogs:
Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This high protein, grain-free dry food is made with deboned turkey and chicken as the main ingredients. It also includes fruits and vegetables for added nutrients.
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused High Protein Dry Dog Food
This dry food is infused with raw, freeze-dried chunks of real meat to provide your hunting dog with the protein they need to stay focused while out in the field.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Dog Food
This dry food contains farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient, along with whole grains and vegetables for added essential nutrients.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Dog Food
This high protein, grain-free dry food is made with real deboned chicken as the first ingredient. It also includes fruits and vegetables for added nutrients, as well as omega fatty acids.
Victor Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food
This is a blend of beef, pork meal, and chicken meal so it is pretty rich in protein. It also includes essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and vitality.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food
This grain-free dry food is made with real bison as the first ingredient, along with other sources of protein like venison and beef. It also includes fruits and vegetables for added nutrients, as well as omega fatty acids.
Purina Pro Plan Sport Dry Dog Food
This dry food is made with real lamb as the first ingredient, along with rice and other grains for added essential nutrients. It also includes a blend of antioxidants to support a healthy immune system.
Orijen Regional Red Dry Dog Food
This grain-free dry food is made with a variety of fresh, regional meats as the main ingredients, including lamb, pork, and beef. It also includes fruits and vegetables for added nutrients.
Acana Wild Prairie Dry Dog Food
This grain-free dry food is made with a blend of fresh, regional meats as the main ingredients, including lamb, pork, and duck. It also includes fruits and vegetables for added nutrients.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food
This limited-ingredient dry food is made with real duck as the first ingredient, along with sweet potatoes and peas for added essential nutrients. It also includes omega fatty acids.
Should I feed my dog before or after hunting?
Before heading out on a hunting expedition, you may be wondering if you should feed your dog or not. The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors, including your dog’s age, breed, and size.
In general, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog right before going on a hunt. Doing so can make them feel sluggish and tired, which may not be ideal when you’re trying to track down prey. Instead, try feeding them a light snack several hours before you head out, and then wait until you get back to give them their regular meal.
That being said, there are some exceptions to this rule. If your dog is very active and seems to have plenty of energy while hunting, you may not need to worry about feeding them beforehand.
Just be sure to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re not getting too tired. And always consult with your vet if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s diet and hunting habits.
How much should you feed a hunting dog?
Hunting dogs require plenty of energy to sustain them during long hunts. The best way to make sure your dog has enough energy is to feed them a high-quality diet that is rich in protein.
How much you should feed your dog will depend on their age, breed, and size, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.
In general, you should try to feed your dog enough to keep them healthy and energetic, but not so much that they become overweight or sluggish.
Common Health Problems In Hunting Dogs
Hunting dogs are prone to a variety of health problems, the most common of which are muscle injuries, dehydration, and parasites.
Muscle injuries
Injuries can be caused by overuse or by getting injured while out on a hunt. They can often be treated with rest and ice packs, but surgery may be required in severe cases.
Dehydration
This is another common problem for hunting dogs, especially during hot weather. Symptoms include panting, excessive drinking, and vomiting. Dehydration can be treated by giving your dog water and electrolytes, or by taking them to the vet if it’s severe.
Parasites
They can be treated with medication from the vet, but it’s important to make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations so they don’t get sick from the parasites in the first place.
Can you give homemade food to your hunting dog?
Some hunters choose to give their dogs homemade food in addition to their regular kibble. There are a variety of recipes online that claim to be the best diet for hunting dogs, but it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
There are a few benefits to feeding your dog homemade food. For one, you can control the ingredients and make sure they’re getting the nutrients they need for healthy skin and coat, strong bones, and good muscle development. You can also adjust the recipe depending on your dog’s age and activity level.
Another benefit is that homemade food is often cheaper than commercial kibble. However, it’s important to note that not all homemade diets are nutritionally complete, so it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re providing your dog with all the essential nutrients they need.
Ingredients To Avoid:
- Meat By-products
- Grain Fillers
- Preservatives
Should you give raw food to your hunting dog?
There is a lot of debate surrounding the best diet for hunting dogs. Some people believe that feeding them raw food is the best way to keep them healthy and energetic, while others say that kibble is best.
There are pros and cons to both diets. With raw food, you can be sure that your dog is getting all the essential nutrients they need.
However, it can be difficult to make sure that the diet is nutritionally complete, and there is a risk of your dog getting sick from parasites or bacteria in raw meat.
Kibble is more expensive than raw food, but it’s easier to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need. It also comes in a variety of flavors and brands, so your dog is likely to enjoy it.
However, some dogs can be allergic to grains or other ingredients used in kibble, and it can be high in preservatives.
Conclusion
When choosing dog food for your hunting dog, it’s essential to read the label and understand the ingredients. Look for high-quality sources of protein, and consider your dog’s individual needs and preferences. Your veterinarian can also offer guidance in selecting the best food for your hunting companion.
