Best dog foods for Active Dogs – Dogs, just like every living thing prone to growth and biological changes, have varying nutritional needs depending on life stage, breed, health status and activities engaged in.
All these factors and accompanying nutritional needs are largely dependent on the dog’s breed. In addition, dog breeds like corgis, huskies, and German shepherds are naturally active dogs with high energy levels, they, however, do not have the same nutritional needs like normal dogs of other breeds.
What exactly are active dogs? Active dogs are simply athletic dogs with lots of inexhaustible energy and higher rate of metabolism than most dogs. These breed of dogs like physical activities, have inborn guarding and herding abilities, enjoy running around outdoors, are naturally intelligent, and have enough stamina. For active dogs, it is necessary that they exercise and feel not limited to a certain smaller space as this can lead to obesity and other weight/bone associated health complications.
Almost 200 dog breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club as active dogs and some active dog breeds include: the Siberian Husky, the spotty Dalmatian, the German Shepherd, the Labrador Retriever, the poodle dog, the English Springer Spaniel, the Australian Shepherd, the Belgian Mallinois, the golden Retriever, the Vizsla, the Russel Terrier, etc.
It is important to remember that active dogs need foods with high protein and fat levels, and not merely more bigger and increased food portions. In feeding active dogs, quality should always be considered over quantity. Active dogs need enough energy for basic life functions, maintenance of body weight, and for growth and nourishment.
For dry dog foods, the expected protein percentage should be between 18-28%, while for wet food brands are between 5-7%. In addition, both food categories should contain vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids, with special focus on nutrients like vitamin B, calcium and phosphorus, magnesium, glucosamine, and chondriotin.
Even though dogs have evolved to become adaptive omnivores, the main constituent ingredient(s) in their diet should be locally sourced animal meat(s), preferably novel proteins, along with vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, probiotic and prebiotics, herbs, and other nutritionally-rewarding ingredients. However, simply looking through the list of ingredients on every food brand you see at the pet store is not enough. Every dog owner needs a carefully-planned diet schedule and a list of reliable dog food brands that remunerate the required nutrients level.
The Best Dog Foods For Active Dogs
That is why this list of 15 best food for active dogs is here to help. This list takes salient factors like breed, nutritional needs, price, size, and stage into consideration.
Puppy Active Dogs
In their earliest years, active dog breed puppies after being weaned need dog food recipes that will offer the same nutritional benefits as breast milk. Such dog food choice should contain higher levels of protein and fats, and further help with the growth of strong teeth and bones, shiny and healthy fur, and improved wellbeing.
Also, they need foods with dense nutrients concentration and softer texture. To achieve this, the dry foods can be softened a bit with water or raw goat milk before they are fed. Here are some excellent food choices for active puppies:
1. Iams Proactive Health Puppy Dry Dog Food
This premium puppy food is one out of three wholesome dry dog food recipes that all meet AAFCO dietary standards. IAMS proactive health puppy dry food has real farm-raised chicken as its major ingredient, along with 22 other essential nutrients that replicate the nutritional start-benefits of breast milk which your puppy needs for growth, development, and support.
With an impressive list of ingredients that include: ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, dried beet pulp, chicken fat, fish oil, dried egg product, you can be reassured that your puppy will turn out smarter, stronger and healthier.
In addition, it is a complete meal and offers balanced nutrition. To spice things up and further curb the issue of dehydration, it can be served as a complimentary meal alongside the wet food variant to get the most out of this recipe. This formula is also ideal for pregnant and lactating female dogs.
It is veterinarian recommended and is formulated without fillers, and a host of synthetic additives like preservatives, colours, and flavours. It is budget-friendly and comes in 3.3, 7, 15, and 30 pounds bags. On value given, it is an average buy and so is recommended.
2. Annamaet Original Ultra 32% Chicken Meal And Brown Rice Formula
Annamaet Original ultra 32% Chicken meal and brown rice recipe as the name implies contains 32% protein and 20% fat, while the ‘ultra’ captures its dense protein concentration. This high-protein formula is one out of a line of original whole grain formulas from Annamaet and contains ingredients like: chicken meal and fat, brown rice, herring meal, whole dry eggs, dried beet pulp, brewers dried yeast, menhaden oil, dried chicory root, flax seed meal, dried apples, dried blueberries, dried cranberries, millet, etc.
It also contains DHA and microalgae, both omega fatty acid variants that help with the growth and maintenance of healthy skin and coat, contains proprietary probiotics that promote gut health and improve gastrointestinal functions, contains proteinated minerals that grow and supports a vibrant immune system, contains Carnitine which supports brain development and the breakdown of fat to release energy, and dried beet pulp which improves stool quality.
In addition, it meets the nutritional standards of AAFCO approved foods for all life stages and does not contain hormones, antibiotics, corn, wheat, soy, peas, genetically modified organisms, artificial preservatives and colours.
This holistic kibble brand is meant puppies, pregnant females, and lactating mothers. It is very expensive and comes available in 12, 15, 15, and 40 pounds bags. This is an absolute choice and is totally worth every penny.
ALSO SEE: 15 Best Dog Foods For Puppies for Healthy Living
3. Kinetic Performance- Puppy 28k Formula Dry Dog Food
The Kinetic performance puppy 28k recipe comes as one out of 4 dry dog food formulas: kinetic ultra 32k, kinetic puppy 28k, Kinetic active 26K, and Kinetic power 30k. It is specially formulated with protein and amino acids (chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, and dried eggs), healthy carbs and whole grains, omega fatty acids, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, vitamins and trace minerals, and highly-digestible dietary fibers.
Its rich blend of ingredients supports your puppy’s growth and life functions including the growth of strong muscles, bones, and flexible joints, nourishment of a luscious fur and healthy skin, and an optimal digestive and immune systems. Also, it is made with all-natural ingredients and zero allergens.
With 28% of crude protein and 15% of crude fat content, this wholesome kibble brand supplies all the extra energy active dog needs for optimum performance. In addition, this recipe is perfect for active dogs of all breeds, pregnant dogs, and nursing mothers. For puppies, they can get started with Kinetic Performance dry dog food from 4 weeks.
It is advised that the kibble be rehydrated before feeding. This will make it easy for them to chew and digest. The dense concentration of this recipe helps with portion control and so makes it an awesome option. With regards to cost it is averagely affordable.
4. Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast
Nature’s Logic palatable and nutrient-packed dry food recipe contains a wholesome blend of chicken and dried fruits and vegetables concentrates. It also contains 100% natural vitamins and minerals, digestive enzymes and probiotics. In addition, it is formulated without genetically modified organisms, potato, soy, lentils, wheat, rice, corn, artificial preservatives, fillers and colours.
Its 36% crude protein, 15% crude fat, and 5% crude fiber composition makes it perfect for active puppies of all breeds and sizes. On measurement, this quality coated-kibble brand comes with a well-detailed recommended feeding guidelines and nutrients breakdown. This is very helpful for dog parents that are just starting out or are trying to change their dog’s diet. Like all life stages dog foods, it is also a perfect fit for pregnant and lactating mothers.
It comes available in 4.4, 13, and 25 pounds bag and is very budget-friendly.
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Puppy Food
Blue buffalo is famous for their high-quality and nutritious dog food recipes based on the philosophy that dogs have a natural love for meat, and this one does not exactly fall below expectation. With a wholesome animal-based protein source (deboned chicken), it provides more than enough energy needed to jumpstart your dog’s daily activities and refuel their energy meter.
In addition, it contains healthy carbohydrates, dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins, and essential fatty acids which jointly form the Blue Buffalo LifeSource bits.
These nutrients work together to promote digestive and immune health, help with the growth of strong teeth, muscles, bones and tissues, support the growth and maintenance of a healthy skin and coat, promote good oral health and stooling balance, and help with the development cognitive and visual senses.
Also, these lifeSource bits help to maintain a balanced level of oxidation in the cells. It is affordable and comes in three weight sizes, the 4.5, 11, and 24 pounds bags. Also, it is formulated without the addition of chicken/poultry by-product meals, soy, corn, wheat, artificial fillers and preservatives, and is totally grain-free. This dog food brand is highly recommended by veterinarians and is a perfect choice for active dogs.
6. Victor-Select Nutra Pro Active Dog And Puppy Formula
Victor Select Nutra Pro Active Dog and puppy formula makes this list because of its very high protein and lower carb levels, a dense concentration of protein sourced from farm-bred chicken, pork, beef and fish. With a staggering 92% protein from meat sources, 7% for protein from grain sources, and 1% for protein from plant-based sources; it has the highest protein level (a staggering 38% in total) and the lowest carb level yet in the Victor Select recipe for dogs of all stages. It provides all the energy with your active furry companion needs for bodily functions and basic tasks.
In addition, it contains vitamins, mineral complexes, omega fatty acids, probiotics and prebiotics in the form of ingredients like: whole grain millet, grain sorghum, yeast culture, brewers dried yeast, Rosemary extract, green tea extract, selenium yeast, Yucca Schidigera extract, etc.
These highly digestible nutrients in turn help with the growth and nourishment of a lush and healthy skin and coat, support joints flexibility and the growth of strong teeth, promote optimal oral digestive and immune health, aid digestion and absorption of nutrients, and improve general wellbeing.
This kibble recipe is specially formulated for athlete dogs in training, pregnant females, nursing mothers, and puppies with sensitive stomachs. It meets several nutritional standards and lacks allergenic food sources. Furthermore, it is affordable and comes available in 5, 15 and 40 pounds bags.
Adult Active/Working Dogs
In as much as adult active dogs require foods with high protein and fat levels to meet their physical requirement, they also need other essential nutrients to maintain optimal health and perform bodily functions. In addition, they need foods that are specially formulated with high-quality ingredients and totally without allergens, high-risk food sources and low-quality by-products.
Going by AAFCO standards, every ‘premium quality’ adult dog food should have at least 18% (22.5% for pregnant/nursing females) animal-sourced protein. Also, some great recipes often replace grains with plant-based proteins like beans, peas and legumes.
However, it is necessary to establish the fact that grains are not entirely bad. They are often avoided because most dogs are allergic to them. For adult active dogs, only complete and balanced food with high protein and fats levels should be considered. Here is a list of some impressive choices for adult active dogs:
7. Taste Of The Wild-High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Taste of the wild high prairie recipe is the best grain-free recipe on this list, with 30% and 18% protein and fat content. In addition, it gets it high protein concentration from animal-sourced meat sources-roasted bison, venison and chicken meal. It also contains natural vitamins and minerals, dietary fibers and probiotics from locally-sourced organic ingredients.
With an impressive protein profile and concentrated carbs (from sweet potato and legumes) it supplies all the energy your dog needs to sustain and thrive.
Placing your adult active dog on this meal boosts performance, promotes coat and skin health, aids digestion and absorption, and promotes the growth and maintenance of strong muscles. This grain-free formula is also perfect for dog with food allergies and sensitive stomachs.
It comes available in 5, 14 and 28 pounds bags and is low-cost.
8. Victor Performance Formula Dry Dog Food
This band of dog food is characterized by its inspired performance and high-quality attributes. The Victor Performance Formula comes with a dense concentration of protein meat sources that include: pork meal, chicken meal, and beef meal. Furthermore, it has an additional 3% plant-based and 16% grain-based protein sources. In turn, this dry food recipe comes with more than enough energy for sustenance and optimal performance.
Also, it contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals, essential omega fatty acids especially chondroitin and glucosamine both of which promote healthy joints and improved joint flexibility. Even though it is made from grains, these grains are entirely gluten free.
It is super digestible and perfect for all adult active dogs, especially those with high physical engagements and joint and bone issues. It is the perfect for optimal joint health and comes available in 5 and 40 pounds bags. On cost, it is a very affordable choice.
9. Purina Pro-Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Formula
The Purina Pro-Plan Sport is a super food for super dogs. It has real chicken as its base protein and contains enough protein and amino acids to provide your dog with strength and stamina all day long.
This food choice is meant for adult active dogs of all breeds and stages as it comes with a wide array of minerals and vitamins, probiotics, digestive enzymes, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants, especially glucosamine, DHA and EPA both of which improve joint strength and flexibility for work or training, and speed up metabolic processes.
However, this high-protein dry dog food contains some ingredients that dog owners and nutritionists may deem controversial because of their low-quality tag and allergenic attributes, like brewers rice and corn gluten meal. It is an average buy with not much outstanding nutritional benefits, and is very economical. To get maximum nutrition, this brand of dog food can be paired with other dog foods to make up for its lapses. It comes available in 5, 18, 37.5, and 50 pounds bags.
10. Crave With Protein From Salmon And Ocean Fish Adult Grain-Free
Crave is formulated with the idea of a dog’s instinctive love for meat. With an impressive 34% protein content, it gets the bulk of its protein from salmon, chicken meal, and menhaden fish meal.in addition, it contains dietary fibers, natural vitamins and minerals, omega fatty acids, and probiotics (that ensure healthy microbiomic activities). Also, it includes healthy carbohydrates like peas and chickpeas, and dietary fibers that aid digestion and healthy bowel movement.
However, this fairly above average dog food brand contains a mild filler (pea protein) and consists mostly of vegetables. This makes it a limited choice as it might be bad for dogs with sensitive stomachs. On the other hand, it renders balanced nutrition and energy your active dog needs for sustenance and growth. Also, it is prefect for active dogs of all breeds and is very economical.
It comes in smaller packs, in bags of 2, 4, and 10 pounds bags.
11. Natural Balance Synergy Formula
This composite dry dog food formula offers nutritional benefits like easy digestion, faster absorption, and healthy skin and coat. It is specially formulated for active and performance dogs with natural and sustainable food sources that include: chicken/chicken meal, lamb meal, dried eggs, salmon meal, pearled barley, brown rice, dried beet pulp, brewers dried yeast, oat groats, flaxseed, carrots, salmon oil, dried cranberries, dried spinach, etc.
The Natural Balance Synergy formula meets the industry’s standard with 9 safety tests passes and is recommended by microbiologists and veterinary doctors. It offers balanced nutrition and offers nutritional benefits like strong immunity, healthy digestion and oxidation, increased muscle mass, and improved stool quality.
It is produced without synthetic enzymes, antibiotics, corn, poultry by-products, artificial colours, flavours, fillers and preservatives. With 31% protein and 18% fat levels, this dry dog comes with surplus energy to meet the physical requirements of working and active dogs.
Natural Balance is ranked above average and comes available in 4.5, 13, and 26 pounds bags. It is budget friendly considering its many nutritional benefits. However, it might not be a great choice for picky eaters because of its strange smell.
12. Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Cold Water Salmon And Vegetable Recipe
Specially formulated with the single protein philosophy, the Solid Gold Leaping Waters dry dog food comes with cold water salmon as its sole animal-based protein source. It also contains grain-free healthy carbohydrates like peas and chick peas, and a host of 20 other trademarked super-foods. These nutrients are easy to digest and absorb, especially for dogs with food allergies and sensitive stomachs.
In addition, it comes with patented probiotics that regulate the activities of gut-friendly bacteria, and a range of nutrients that ensure balanced nutrition and overall good health. Totally formulated without chicken protein, poultry by-products, soy, corn and wheat, this holistic dry dog food is ideal for active dogs with sensitive stomachs.
This premium dry dog food gets most of its protein from animal-based sources and so contains enough energy to aid your dog’s physical activities and subsequent recovery. It comes available in 4 and 22 pounds bags and is expensive. However, this first-grade dry dog food is totally worth every extra penny spent. This is an excellent choice with a 4.5/5.0 overall rating based on consumer reviews.
13. Eukanuba Premium Performance 30/20
Eukanuba is a balanced and complete dry dog food brand for performance dogs with the highest fats and protein levels in the Eukanuba dog food products line. In addition to essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and dietary fibers, it also contains specific nutrients needed for strong bones and joints like glucosamine, calcium, and chondroitin.
This premium performance dry dog food promotes good oral health and healthy teeth by getting rid of tartar residue, all thanks to the EUKANUBA 3D DENTADEFENSE technology.
Asides meeting the energy requirements of your dog, it also fortifies their immunity, helps with digestive functions, and supports repair and maintenance functions. Placing your dog long term on Eukanuba premium performance 30/20 will ensure proper growth, stable rate of metabolism and oxidation, healthy skin and coat, growth of strong muscles to support their physical lifestyle, and improved performance.
It is affordable and comes available in 29(13.76kg) and 44(19.69kg) pounds bags. This definitely is a topnotch choice for active dogs.
Senior Active Dogs
Older active dogs require foods with lower quantities of fat and calories. This is because their rate of metabolism drops pace as they get older and so raises their chances of being overweight or obese. Also, they need more foods with more protein levels, natural vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. The dense concentration of protein would help with the slowly disappearing muscle mass, regulate energy levels, and help with repair functions in the body.
The roles of other essential nutrients are undeniable as they help with immune functions, ease of digestion, and help to avert diseases associated with old age. With the issue of excess fat and fears of obesity, dog food brands containing L-carnitine have proved helpful. L-carnitine is a variant of amino acids produced in the body which helps to transform fat into energy.
Choosing foods with this substance will help manage weight issues with your older active dog. And whichever food brand you settle for, be sure that it caters to the specific dietary needs of your dog. Here is a list of dog food brands that are perfect for older active dogs:
14. Iams Pro-Active Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food
The IAMS mature adult dry dog food understands the needs of your aging dog and promptly offers the right nutrients. It has real farm-raised chicken as its base protein, along with chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain sorghum, dried beet pulp, and a host other wholesome ingredients. With a high protein level (24%) and reduced fat level (10.5%), it meets the daily requirements of your canine companion and the nutritional amount it needs to thrive.
In addition, its nutrition profile is structured to revolve around dietary needs based on aging. And as such, it contains antioxidants, prebiotics, and handpicked dietary fibers for the improvement and maintenance of a healthy digestive and immune system, L-carnitine to regulate the rate of metabolism slowed by aging, and natural minerals to maintain strong bones and healthy joints.
This high-quality dry dog food for senior dogs is a complete balanced meal and can be served alone or with other foods. Furthermore, it is made without artificial additives like flavours, fillers, and preservatives. It is available in 7, 15 and 29.1 pounds bags. It is an affordable dry dog food choice.
15. Canidae Grain Free Pure Ssenior Real Chicken, Sweet Potato And Garbanzo Bean Recipe
The Canidae grain free dry dog food chicken, sweet potato and Garbanzo bean recipe is specially formulated for older dogs with the finest and simplest ingredients. At its base it has chicken, chicken and turkey meal as its main protein sources, along with 9 main ingredients that include sweet potatoes, garbanzo bean, potatoes, chickpeas, suncured alfalfa, etc.
As is expected, it has a protein level of 28% and a fat level of 10% and each kibble comes coated with healthPLUS solutions. HealthPLUS solutions is a rich blend of antioxidants, viable probiotics and omega fatty acids. These nutrients help with easy digestion and absorption, strengthen your hound’s immune system, and improve skin and coat quality.
Its limited ingredient feature makes it perfect for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs and food allergies. Also, its palatability and wholesomeness makes it a favourite for picky eaters. This premium dog food is made only with healthy meat sources and nutrient-packed vegetable without fillers, flavours corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. It is an ideal choice for senior active dogs of all breeds and is available in 4, 12, and 24 pounds bags. This product is expensive but offers its worth in value.
ALSO SEE: Dog Food – An In-depth Guide (2020 Updated)
Conclusion
While choosing food, it is important to avoid foods with inferior ingredients and harmful ingredients like poultry by-products (unless otherwise processed), corn, soy, unhealthy carbohydrate sources, artificial fillers, colours and preservatives. And if your dog has a sensitive stomach, it is recommended you go for grain-free and hypoallergenic dog food brands.
Also, dog foods with meat-based protein sources are always preferred over others with plant-based protein sources. While choosing formulas with meat-based protein sources, the one with novel meat sources and meat meals should be prioritized. This is because the denser and more premium a protein source is, the better.
However, it is not enough to have high protein and fat levels alone. The chosen product should be nutritionally balanced by containing all the nutrients your hound needs for growth, immune protection, and all-round sustenance. Simply stick with dog food brands that contain complete and balanced nutrients, are made with natural and high-quality ingredients, support your dog’s biological functions, have your hound tail-wagging and asking for more, and are easy to digest and absorb.
In general, it can be agreed that active dog breeds have high energy needs and so need food rich in protein and fats that are easily converted to energy. Feeding them foods with high carbohydrate levels is not recommended as carbs are used off faster than protein and fats, and can cause overweight problems. Also, it should be noted that a dog’s size, whether big or small, should not determine their energy demands. This is because there are toy and small dog breeds that are active dogs and also require high energy levels.
In addition, it is always advised to slowly change your dog’s diet when trying to transition to a new diet. It is wise to allow your dog adjust to the slow transitioning and small calculated portions as opposed to completely changing their diet. This is because switching immediately might have adverse effects on your pet.
