Pro Tip: Balance Nutrition and Activity for a Healthy Working Dog

Dr. Luna Hart

1. Choose the Right Diet: Commercial vs. Raw

There are three primary feeding options for working dogs:

  • Commercial Dry/Wet Food: Convenient, nutrient-balanced, and easy to store. These foods are formulated to meet the specific energy and nutrient needs of active dogs. However, they may lack moisture, so it’s crucial to ensure fresh water is always available.
  • BARF (Bones and Raw Food): A raw diet consisting of uncooked meat, bones, and organ meats. Advocates argue that raw diets mimic a dog’s natural diet, offering high bioavailability and hydration. However, raw diets carry risks, including bacterial contamination (e.g., Salmonella or E. coli), which can harm both dogs and humans. The Ladies Working Dog Group emphasizes that raw feeding should be done with caution, ensuring proper hygiene and sourcing of ingredients.
  • Veterinary-Recommended Diets: For dogs with specific medical needs or high-performance demands, consult a veterinary nutritionist. These diets are often energy-dense and tailored to the dog’s activity level.

Pro Tip: Avoid overfeeding, as excess weight can strain joints and reduce mobility. Use the Body Condition Score (BCS) to monitor your dog’s weight—aim for a BCS of 4 or 5 for moderate activity and 3 or 4 for high-intensity work.

2. Tailor Nutrition to Activity Level

The type of work your dog performs dictates their dietary needs:

  • Endurance Dogs (e.g., sled dogs, search and rescue): These dogs require high-fat, moderate-carb diets to sustain long periods of activity. Fat provides sustained energy, while carbohydrates support short bursts of power.
  • Sprinters (e.g., agility, police work): These dogs need high-carb, moderate-fat diets to replenish glycogen stores quickly. They benefit from digestible carbohydrates like rice or sweet potatoes to fuel explosive movements.
  • Moderate Activity (e.g., therapy dogs, farm work): A balanced mix of fats and carbs works well. Focus on lean proteins and whole grains for sustained energy.

Key Insight: The Royal Canin study highlights that high-intensity dogs should derive 40%+ of calories from digestible carbohydrates, while moderate-intensity dogs need 15–30%.

3. Hydration: The Unsung Hero

Water is critical for working dogs. They lose fluids through panting and exertion, especially in hot environments.

  • Fresh, clean water should always be available.
  • Small, frequent water breaks are better than large sips.
  • Raw-fed dogs naturally get 70–80% of their moisture from food, reducing the risk of dehydration.

Warning: Dogs do not lose electrolytes through sweat like humans, so electrolyte drinks are unnecessary. However, in extreme conditions, a vet may recommend supplements.

4. Avoid Overfeeding and Unbalanced Treats

  • Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories to avoid weight gain and nutritional imbalances. Use your dog’s own kibble as training rewards.
  • Overfeeding can lead to joint issues like osteoarthritis, which hampers mobility. Stick to the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) guidelines and adjust based on activity level.

5. Safety and Expert Guidance

  • Raw diets are controversial. While they may offer benefits like improved digestion and energy, the risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances are significant. Always consult a veterinary nutritionist before switching to a raw diet.
  • Regular check-ups with your vet are essential to monitor your dog’s health, adjust their diet, and address any issues early.

Final Thoughts

Feeding a working dog is about more than just filling their bowl—it’s about understanding their unique needs, balancing energy and hydration, and prioritizing their long-term health. Whether you choose commercial food, a raw diet, or a custom veterinary plan, the goal is the same: to keep your dog strong, healthy, and ready for the work they do. Always stay informed, stay proactive, and partner with your vet to ensure your working dog thrives.

Remember, the best diet is one that’s tailored to your dog’s lifestyle, health, and performance goals. With the right approach, your working dog can be a powerhouse of energy and resilience.

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