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Hunting dogs have significantly different dietary needs compared to domestic pets due to their high energy expenditure, endurance, and physical demands in the field. Their diet must support muscle development, sustained stamina, quick recovery, and overall health.
The Nutritional Needs of Hunting Dogs
High Protein Content (30-40%)
- Hunting dogs require lean, high-quality animal protein (e.g., beef, chicken, fish, or venison) to maintain muscle mass and aid recovery after strenuous activity.
- Protein also supports immune function, tissue repair, and overall strength.
Increased Fat Content (20-30%)
- Fat is the primary energy source for endurance and sustained performance.
- Healthy fats (such as chicken fat, fish oil, or flaxseed oil) provide long-lasting fuel, keep the coat and skin healthy, and support brain function.
Digestible Carbohydrates for Energy
- While hunting dogs rely more on fat for energy, they still need complex, slow-burning carbohydrates (e.g., sweet potatoes, brown rice, or oats) to replenish glycogen stores and maintain stamina.
- Simple carbohydrates (like white rice or pumpkin) may be useful for quick bursts of energy.
Joint and Bone Health Support
- Hunting dogs put extra strain on their joints, so their diet should include glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil) help reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
- Hunting dogs lose fluids quickly through exertion, so their diet should include adequate sodium and potassium to maintain electrolyte balance.
- Fresh, clean water should always be available, and some owners add broth or wet food to meals for additional hydration.
Antioxidants and Immune Support
- Hunting dogs are exposed to the elements and pathogens, so their diet should include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium to boost immunity and reduce oxidative stress.
- Fruits and vegetables like blueberries, carrots, and spinach provide natural antioxidants.
Hunting dogs require a more calorie-dense, protein-rich, and fat-heavy diet compared to domestic pets, as they need fuel for endurance, muscle repair, and joint health. Domestic pets, on the other hand, thrive on a more balanced, maintenance-focused diet with moderate protein and fat levels to prevent obesity. Adjusting food intake based on activity levels is crucial to keeping hunting dogs healthy and performing at their best.
To help, please see our list of the best foods for hunting dogs as recommended by our advisory board made up a team of veterinarians and pet nutritionists.
Best Dog Food for Hunting Dogs
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Best Dry Dog Food for Hunting Dogs
Blackwood Large Breed Adult White Fish Meal with Ancient Grains
Blackwood Large Breed Adult White Fish with Ancient Grains Recipe is an excellent choice for hunting dogs because it provides high-quality, lean protein from white fish to support muscle strength and recovery after intense activity.
The inclusion of ancient grains like brown rice and oatmeal offers sustained energy, while omega fatty acids promote joint health and a healthy coat. Additionally, its slow-cooked formula enhances digestibility, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption for endurance and performance in the field.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 26.7% protein, 13.3% fat and 52% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
Read our review of the full Blackwood Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains essential fats such as omega 6 and 3
- Slow cooked for optimal nutrition and taste
- No corn, wheat or soy
Main Ingredients Whitefish meal, oats, barley, sorghum, millet Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 26.7% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Dogs Only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dogs liked it, and I like the ingredients. They gobbled it up quickly. I would recommend it for large breeds; the kibble is a good size. It smells good, too, I had to make sure to lock it away so my dogs don't get to it."
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Best Wet Food for Hunting Dogs
Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine
Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine is an excellent wet option for hunting dogs. It offers a high-quality protein source and a nutrient profile that supports active dogs with high energy needs, helping to maintain muscle mass and stamina.
This nutritious, grain-free food features real peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes that provide the easily digestible energy your active dog needs to thrive.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 44.4% protein, 19.4% fat and 28.1% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 44%.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Quality protein as the first ingredient
- Good source of amino acids to build and repair muscles and bone
- Valuable source of hydration beneficial for increased activity
Main Ingredients Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Dogs Only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog looks healthier after two bags of this food. Leaner, shiny coat, more muscular and defined. The quality of this food is even easy to see as soon as you open the bag. "
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Best Fresh Food for Hunting Dogs
The Farmer's Dog Chicken Recipe
The Farmer’s Dog Chicken recipe is a great choice for hunting dogs because it offers high protein content and customizable meal plans to accommodate a dog’s active lifestyle.
The fresh, human-grade ingredients can be beneficial for overall health and digestion.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 46% protein, 25% fat and 21% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 55%.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Food customized for individual dog's needs
- Human-grade safety
- Minimally processed recipe
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 46% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Hunting Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at thefarmersdog.com"If you love your dog feed him food from The Farmers Dog. Your dog will love it and you will love knowing it is healthy and safe."
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Best Food for Hunting Puppies
Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Puppy Food
Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Puppy Food contains deboned chicken, a high-protein ingredient that supports the development of muscles, and it is paired with whole grains to maintain healthy energy levels in puppies.
This dry puppy food provides growing puppies with a complete and balanced diet, supports healthy digestion, and is formulated with essential vitamins and minerals.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 31.5% protein, 18% fat and 42.6% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 57%.
Read our review of the full Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Good level of carbs and fat for active puppies
- Real meat that is high-quality and USDA-certified
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oat meal Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 31.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Hunting Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our 4 month old pup loves this stuff. Highly recommend it "
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Best Affordable Food for Hunting Dogs
Eagle Pack Original Chicken Meal and Pork Meal
Hunting dogs require a significant amount of protein to restore their energy after long periods of activity. Eagle Pack Original Chicken Meal and Pork Meal contains a crude protein level of 26%. This is great for promoting muscle growth and repair in dogs.
Fortified with complete vitamins and minerals for antioxidant support essential for immune function and oxidative stress reduction.
A budget-friendly, high-quality food choice for pet parents.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 28.9% protein, 15.6% fat and 47.6% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 54%.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Antixoidant support
- A quality product at an affordable price
- Free of artificial ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, dehulled barley, oatmeal Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 28.9% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Hunting Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Good quality all-natural dog food for a reasonable price. My dog loves the food and it makes me feel good to know we are feeding her something healthy and nutritious."
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Best Food for Hunting Dogs with Allergies
Horizon Pulsar Whole Grain Pork Meal
Horizon Pulsar Whole Grain Pork Meal contains a single animal protein. A novel protein that is ideal for dogs with allergies.
This recipe is combined with wholesome grains and low glycemic foods that are digested slowly, which helps sustain energy levels for hunting dogs.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 26.7% protein, 15.6% fat and 49.8% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 58%.
Read our review of the full Horizon Pulsar Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Non-GMO
- Single animal protein
- By-product free
Main Ingredients Pork meal, pork, whole grain barley, whole grain oats, whole grain rye Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 26.7% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Hunting Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our dog has specific food allergies and this food has been amazing for him Thank you!! "
More Top Picks
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