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Last Updated on November 5, 2023
If your dog is an active dog breed, then chances are it will require a particular type of dog food. This is because its dietary requirements are vastly different from that of a sedentary dog like a Shih Tzu. The type of dog food that you will need is called the active dog food.
Best Dog Food For High-Energy Dogs
Active dog food is a type of dog food that is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs that are highly active. This can include working dogs, such as those used in search and rescue or as service animals, as well as dogs that participate in sports or agility training. The high levels of activity these dogs engage in require a different nutritional balance than that of a more sedentary dog.
One of the key differences between active dog food and regular dog food is the higher levels of protein and fat it contains. Protein is essential for muscle development and repair and is especially important for active dogs that are constantly using and rebuilding their muscles. Fat also plays a vital role in providing energy for high-intensity activities, as well as supporting overall health and well-being.
In addition to higher levels of protein and fat, active dog food may also contain added vitamins and minerals to support overall health. This can include antioxidants to support the immune system and prevent cellular damage, as well as minerals such as calcium and phosphorus to support strong bones and teeth.
Should You Get An Active Dog Food
There are several reasons why you might consider buying active dog food for your pet. One of the main reasons is to help maintain a healthy weight. Active dogs burn more calories than sedentary dogs, and therefore require more energy to fuel their activities. Active dog food can help ensure that your dog is getting the right amount of calories to maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity.
Another reason to consider active dog food is to support muscle and bone development. As mentioned earlier, the high levels of protein in active dog food can help support muscle development and repair, which is especially important for active dogs that are constantly using and rebuilding their muscles. Additionally, the added vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, can help support strong bones and teeth.
Finally, active dog food can provide energy for high-intensity activities. The high levels of fat in active dog food can provide a sustained energy source for active dogs, helping them to perform at their best during training and competition.
It’s important to note that not all dogs require the active dog food. For example, a senior dog or a dog with certain health conditions may not be able to tolerate the high levels of protein and fat found in active dog food. One particular dog breed that might need the active dog food is actually the Great Dane!
Understanding the Needs of Active Dogs
Before we delve into our recommendations, it’s crucial to comprehend the unique nutritional needs of active dogs. These dogs require a diet that provides sufficient energy, promotes muscle maintenance, and supports overall health. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Protein for Muscle Maintenance: Active dogs expend a lot of energy during their daily activities, which includes running, playing, and even working in various roles such as search and rescue or herding. To support their muscle maintenance and repair, they require a diet rich in high-quality protein sources. Look for dog food that lists lean meats like chicken, turkey, or fish as primary ingredients. These proteins provide essential amino acids that help build and maintain strong muscles.
- Healthy Fats for Energy: Maintaining an active lifestyle demands a consistent source of energy. Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are essential for active dogs. These fats provide a steady supply of energy to sustain them throughout the day. They also aid in maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. When choosing dog food, seek those that contain sources of healthy fats such as salmon oil or flaxseed.
- Carbohydrates for Endurance: Carbohydrates serve as a quick source of energy for active dogs. While fats provide long-lasting energy, carbohydrates deliver an immediate energy boost, which is crucial for activities like running and agility training. Look for dog food that incorporates complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, brown rice, or whole grains. These carbohydrates release energy steadily and help maintain endurance during physical activities.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Active dogs can benefit from extra vitamins and minerals to support their overall health. These nutrients play a vital role in maintaining strong bones, supporting the immune system, and ensuring that your dog’s body functions optimally. Ensure that the dog food you choose includes a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals to promote overall well-being.
By addressing these specific needs, you can provide your active dog with the right nutrition to keep them healthy, energetic, and in the best possible shape. It’s essential to select dog food that prioritizes these nutritional elements, as they are the building blocks for a vibrant and active life for your beloved pet.
With that, let us look at the best active dog food for Great Dane. Note that we are using Great Danes as an example because it is quite active!
Active Dog Food For Great Dane
If your Great Danes are very active, they probably need to have the correct active dog food. The bag needs to have the proper type of nutrients so as to keep up to their activity level. There are various types of healthy active dog food out there which fits the criteria, and Taste of the Wild Dry dog food (Bison & Venison) certainly is one of them. This item is in fact very popular on Amazon.
This pack of kibbles is excellent for your dog if they are particularly active. This is actually one of the best active dog food for Great Dane. This pack of healthy food for dogs is grain-free. There are many healthy active dog food for dogs available in the market, but this pack has the best minerals that are not too rich for the average household dog.
It is actually cost-efficient, because even though the kibbles are generally smaller, they are known to be very filling to dogs, and hence dogs eat lesser kibbles but end up feeling more satisfied. It also works to prevent excessive shedding from dogs.
It has a good combination of Omega fatty acids, as both are essential nutrients for your dog’s health. The protein content for this pack of food for active dogs with seizures actually have a pretty high protein content at 32%. The high level of protein will be needed for the active dogs as it helps to repair the muscles after a particularly long bout of activity.
This bag of food for actives dogs with seizures is good as the minimum quantity for Selenium helps to reduce the chances of your dog having a seizure.
| Ingredients |
|---|
| Calorie Content 3,719 kcal/kg (370 kcal/cup) Bison, venison, lamb meal, chicken meal, egg product, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, roasted bison, roasted venison, natural flavor, tomato pomace, ocean fish meal, choline chloride, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation solubles, dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid. |
Feeding information
| Dog's Weight | No. of cups |
|---|---|
| 3 to 5 pounds | ⅓ to ½ cup |
| 5 to 10 pounds | ½ to ¾ cup |
| 10 to 20 pounds | ¾ to 1½ cup |
| 20 to 30 pounds | 1½ to 2 cups |
| 30 to 40 pounds | 2 to 2⅓ cups |
| 40 to 60 pounds | 2⅓ to 3 cups |
| 60 to 80 pounds | 3 to 3¾ cups |
| 80 pounds to 120 pounds | 4 to 5 cups |
Nutritional Analysis
| Nutrient | Composition |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 18.0% minimum |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% maximum |
| Crude Protein | 32.0% minimum |
| Moisture | 10.0% maximum |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.3% minimum |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.8% minimum |
| Selenium | 0.3 mg/kg minimum |
| Vitamin E | 150 IU/kg minimum |
| Zinc | 150 mg/kg minimum |
Taste of the Wild Dry dog food (Bison & Venison) is not the only product that the company has. We will do a review on more of their products, to see if they qualify as healthy food for dogs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, active dogs require a diet that caters to their specific needs for energy, muscle maintenance, and overall health. The best dog food for active dogs should be rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
By providing your active dog with the right nutrition, you’re ensuring that they have the energy and vitality they need to enjoy an active and healthy life. Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your specific dog’s needs. Keep your furry friend active, happy, and well-nourished.
