If you take out your dog to the woods for hunting, you understand that it is essential for the dog to be in the right shape. It not only focuses on the physical activity level but also the internal health.
Both factors contribute to the general health of your furry friend for better activity, efficiency in hunting, and dog health in the long run. Diet plays a significant role in the health of your dog and finding the best hunting dog food can be quite a task.
But, once you understand the specific requirements for your super active dog, then the process gets easier and fruitful. Hunting dog foods are not classified according to their suitability with the different breeds but rather the specific composition for different needs.
This criterion is helpful in finding foods that provide the necessary nutrients to promote the general health of your hunting dog.
The Best Food for Hunting Dogs
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness
Blue Buffalo Wilderness
Features
- PACKED WITH REAL BEEF: A recipe inspired by the Rocky Mountains, this high protein dog food features a blend of red meat to satisfy your dog’s wild side while helping build and maintain lean muscle mass
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: Blue Wilderness grain free dog food, made with healthy carbohydrates including sweet potatoes and peas, helps fuel your adult dog’s active lifestyle; It also contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health
- ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance
- A NATURAL DOG FOOD: Blue dry dog food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals; Blue contains No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
- Contains one (1) 22-lb bag of Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Red Meat
Blue Buffalo is a highly nutritious blend of natural ingredients to provide your dog with the essential nutrients while ensuring it gets the required energy for daily activity.
The dry food is a high-protein grain-free option for your hunting dog. It is enriched with vitamins and minerals that are essential in the normal functioning of the body systems.
More to this, this food contains antioxidants which together with the other nutritive elements promote immune system health, provide requirements at different life stages of your dog and ensure a healthy oxidative balance. The nutrients are processed at a lower temperature to preserve the wholesomeness.
The food components include protein and carbohydrates which help to meet the energy requirements for your hunting dog. Also, these nutrients help to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your dog; thanks to the high nutritive value.
The omega 3 and six fatty acids which are part of this food help to improve the condition of the skin and promote a shiny coat. DHA helps to support cognitive development and the glucosamine chondroitin enhances joint mobility for improved physical activity.
With this diet, your dog achieves overall health, inside out. The food-making process does not involve the use of preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors. Also, the products used are in their natural state ensuring no by-products are used for processing. As mentioned, the food is grain-free, does not contain soy or any wheat ensuring it works for dogs with food allergies.
Pros
- Suitable for dogs with food allergies
- Helps to solve digestive issues
- High source of energy for active dogs
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- Vitamin bits come as separate pellets
Blue Buffalo is recommended for dogs that require extra energy for high levels of activity. This one has proven to work well with adult dogs that engage in outdoor activities; thanks to the high protein and carbohydrate composition.
2. Taste of the Wild
Features
- Discontinued size by manufacturer
- A taste of the wild with ROASTED BISON; REAL MEAT is the #1 ingredient; optimal amino acid profile, protein rich for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- High protein ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; fruits and vegetables as SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS; fatty acid blend for SKIN & COAT
- Ingredients From Trusted, Sustainable Sources Around The World; Made With No Grain, Corn, Wheat, Filler; No Artificial Flavors, Colors, Preservatives Added
- Nutrient rich and HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE with guaranteed species-specific, PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS that survive and thrive in the GI tract
Your hunting dog requires plenty of protein to promote lean muscle formation. This protein-packed food by Taste of the Wild is designed for the super active dog with a guarantee of essential nutrients provision.
This dog food for hunting dogs has roasted bison as the main ingredient. It is enriched with superfoods that cater to the different nutritional needs of your active dog. The rich protein ensures lean and strong muscle formation. The food is also enriched with vitamins and minerals that enhance bone strength, as well as other benefits in the body.
The food also has fruits and vegetables as part of the formula. These are superfoods that provide much-needed antioxidants for improved health. The fatty acids formulation helps to improve the condition of the skin while ensuring a shiny, moisturized coat. The whole blend of these beneficial foods gives your dog the extra nutrients to remain active while ensuring the body is in its right state of health.
Since many dogs have been known to suffer from grain allergy, this dog food does not include any grain as part of the formula. That means it is free from corn, wheat, and soy. Also, it does not have any artificial flavors to enhance the taste. This food comes with the natural taste of the meat, fruits, and vegetable for palatability. More to this, the food does not contain colors or preservatives.
Pros
- Suitable for allergic dogs
- Highly nutritious for older dogs
- Tasty
- Improves the dog’s coat
Cons
- Kibble size is too big for small dogs
Taste of the Wild is ideal for its high nutritive value that works great for older active dogs.
3. CANIDAE All Life Stages
CANIDAE All Life
$70.99
Features
- Canidae’s healthy dry dog food provides optimal nutrition for puppies, adult, senior, large breed and less-active dogs
- One bag to feed them all, perfect for multi-dog homes
- Vet formulated, nutritionally dense food that nourishes in every bite
- All goodness, no fillers: never any wheat, corn, or soy in our foods. Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids to boost beautiful skin & coat
- CANIDAE All Life Stages Multi Protein Formula with Chicken, Turkey and Lamb Meals is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).
Canidae works great for multiple active dogs with the balanced formulation it comes with. It is carefully made to ensure dogs get all the nutrients they need in all the life stages.
This food is a suitable choice for someone with many dogs of different sizes and breeds. The food is made to meet the nutrition needs of all dog breeds without being selective on the age and size of the dog. This food has a nutritionally dense formula which means you feed less per day saving you the hassle of having to keep restocking.
The suitability of this dog food for multiple dogs makes it quite easy to manage feeding times. You do not have to worry about switching your dog food after every stage. This diet is formulated using high-quality ingredients to provide essential nutrients for your furry friend. The food uses real chicken to ensure the dog gets beneficial nutrients with just a handful of this.
More to the nutritive value, this food has probiotics that are added to every kibble after processing. These help to support proper digestion while improving the nutritional level of the food. Also, the antioxidants help to promote a healthy immune system for better functionality of the entire body system. The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids work to enhance the condition of the skin giving the dog a healthy shiny coat.
Pros
- Works well for sensitive dogs
- Grain-free, wheat-free, and soy-free
- Highly nutritious
- Improves skin and coat
Cons
- Tiny kibble size
- Might not work as introductory food for puppies
Canidae is an ideal choice for multiple dogs feeding. The formulation provides adequate nutrients required by dogs at different stages. Also, this food offers much-needed energy for super active dogs.
4. Whole Earth Farms
Whole Earth Farms
Features
- (1) 25.0 pound bag - Whole Earth Farms grain free dry dog food pork, beef & lamb recipe
- Dry food for dogs contains high-quality proteins like real pork, beef and lamb
- Grain free and poultry free dog food, great for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Beef, lamb and pork dog food contain added vitamins, minerals and nutrients
- Dry dog food contains no grains, corn, wheat, soy, poultry, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
A hunting dog requires an adequate supply of energy-giving foods. This dog food from Whole Earth is super filling and keeps the dog energized for long hours of activity while ensuring a balance of other essential nutrients needed in the body.
The food’s first ingredient is high protein from natural pork. It is highly nutritious and helps to promote lean muscle mass formation for a healthy dog. Hunting dogs require a constant supply of energy to last the activity, and this food delivers to the promise. It has dried potatoes, peas, and sweet potatoes to cater to the energy needs of your active dog.
Additionally, this food is enriched with plenty of vitamins such as E, A, and B12 to supplement the diet. It is packed with mineral components as well as fatty acids for the overall health of your dog. This food works great on dogs that suffer from itchy skin and flaky coat; thanks to the fat components. Also, dogs that tend to develop allergies from eating food with grains and wheat can enjoy this.
The food’s formulation enhances proper digestion, so the dog has proper bowel movements. Also, the meat used is not from poultry sources and therefore works well with poultry sensitive dogs. The good thing is that it is a wholesome diet that provides all the essential nutrients that an active dog requires. Additionally, it works well for all life stages of your furry friend.
Pros
- Promotes shiny coat
- Perfect for poultry/ grain allergic dogs
- Helps in digestion for dogs with a sensitive stomach
- Highly nutritious for active dogs
Cons
- Strong smell
- Large-size kibbles
Merrick works great for your super active adult dog that needs the extra energy to last the hunting session. It is packed with helpful nutrients for better digestion and a healthy shiny coat.
5. Diamond Naturals
Diamond Naturals
Features
- Real lamb protein is an excellent source of high-quality protein.
- Guaranteed levels of vitamin E and selenium.
- Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat.
- Enhanced with superfoods and probiotics.
- No corn, no wheat, no soy.
Your hunting dog requires a high provision of protein as well as healthy carbohydrates for energy. Diamond Naturals for hunting dogs is an excellent choice for an active adult dog.
The food has a high composition of animal protein with a high amino acid profile for lean and strong muscles. It is specially made for adult dogs that require a nutritional boost to ensure they remain active and healthy. More to this, the food contains a blend of vitamins and minerals to provide the much-needed antioxidants.
The antioxidants are essential for normal body system functions as well as helping to fight infections. The food also consists of fatty acids that help to clear and tone the skin out while ensuring a healthy shiny coat. These, together with the fiber in the food ensure proper digestion while providing the dog with vital nutrients. Your dog gets a full boost of health with a portion of this daily.
Since many dogs tend to suffer from various food allergies, this particular blend considers this by avoiding some of the common elements. These include wheat, corn, artificial flavors, and preservatives. With this food, you have the guarantee that your dog is getting beneficial unaltered nutrients. Additionally, the food is hygienically prepared following food safety protocols for the health of your dog.
Pros
- Helps to solve constipation and other digestive issues
- Promotes a healthy coat
- Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Grain-free for allergic dogs
- Provides enough energy for activity
Cons
- Too much can cause runny movements for young dogs
This protein-packed dry dog food is an excellent choice for sensitive dogs as well as those that have a grain allergy. It is recommended for its balanced compositions and the nutritive benefits it has for an active dog.
6. Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance
$41.98
Features
- One (1) 18 lb. Bag - Purina Pro Plan High Calorie, High Protein Dry Dog Food, SPORT 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula
- Features real chicken as the #1 ingredient
- Contains 30% protein and 20% fat to help fuel metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle
- Amino acids help nourish muscles, including during the crucial time immediately following exercise
- SPORT Performance 30/20 Formula has a new look and product name coming soon. May receive either bag during the transition
Purina Pro Plan contains real chicken as the number one ingredient. This high protein diet will keep your dog energized during all your hunting trips.
Key Specifications
- Weight – 18.6 pounds
- Dimension – 3.5” X 15.5” X 24” inches
- Shipping – Only in the United States
- Warranty – Yes
- Why we recommend – It’s a well-balanced diet that provides your dog with nutrition that helps him sustain high energy levels for hunting purposes.
This tasty dog food contains 20% fat and 30% protein that helps fuel metabolic needs. It also helps develop and maintain lean muscles. The ingredients also include amino acids that help nourish muscles which is an essential need for dogs immediately following exercise.
Your dog needs to maintain an overall healthy body including mobility and joint health. The ingredients in this dog food include glucosamine and EPA that help support mobility and joint health.
Dog breeds that enjoy hunting side-by-side with their owners often require an excellent diet that offers all of the nutritional needs to maintain healthy body weight and overall good health. Providing your dog with a well-balanced diet that encourages overall well-being is essential to your dog performing at his best.
Pros
- High performance 30/ 20 formula
- Includes real chicken as the number one ingredient
- Contains 20% fat for metabolic needs
- Contains 30% protein to maintain lean muscle
- Features amino acids to nourish muscles after exercise
- Contains EPA
- Contains glucosamine
- Supports joint health
- Promotes mobility
Cons
- Only ships in the United States
Purina Pro Plan will help your dog perform their hunting skills to the best of their abilities. Ingredients in this dog food support overall well-being as well as good mobility and lean muscles. Your dog will enjoy the flavor of this specially formulated high-performance dry dog food.
7. Victor Hero
Victor Hero Canine
Features
- Grain Free for dogs with allergies or sensitivity to grain
- Ideal for highly active adult dogs that are susceptible to joint issues later. Glucosamine and Chondroitin promote long-term joint health.
- Nutrient-dense recipe made with premium-quality beef, pork and fish meals
- Fortified with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, protein and amino acids
- Formulated with our scientifically advanced, proven VICTOR Core ingredients to promote healthy immune and digestive systems.
Victor Grain-Free is a complete and balanced diet for dogs that meet nutritional levels established by Aafco for adult maintenance.
Key Specifications
- Weight – 30.7 pounds
- Dimensions – 6” X 15.5” X 24” inches
- Shipping – The United States and select countries
- Warranty – Yes
- Why we recommend – It provides an overall complete, and balanced diet that meets the nutritional needs for athletic dogs.
Pet parents that are looking for a dog food that meets the requirements and nutritional levels established by Aafco for adult canine maintenance will find this dog food qualifies for the nutritional levels needed for overall good health.
This balanced and complete grain-free dry dog food has a total of 33% protein that is sourced from a combination of beef, pork, chicken, and fish from the United States.
The unique core ingredients in this dry dog food are specially formulated to provide essential ingredients for a strong and healthy dog. Hunting dogs require a specific amount of well-balanced nutrition which is what this dog food offers.
This scientifically advanced dog food promotes a strong immune system and healthy joints.
Pros
- Grain-free formula
- Balance and complete nutrition
- Meets the nutritional levels established by Aafco
- Contains 33% total protein
- Protein is sourced from pork, chicken, beef, and fish
- Contains high-quality ingredients
- Easy to digest
- Supports healthy joints
- Boosts the immune system
- Available in 30 pounds and 50-pound bags
Cons
- Some dogs might not like the flavor
Dogs that are side-by-side next to their owners during hunting trips need to be at their optimum health levels at all times. Providing your dog with a healthy complete and balanced diet on a regular basis helps them maintain their overall energy levels. Your dog will enjoy eating the tasty, crunchy kibbles and will receive overall improved health benefits.
8. Amazon Brand – Solimo
Features
- If you like PEDIGREE or PURINA DOG CHOW, we invite you to try Solimo Basic Dry Dog Food.
- Complete and balanced nutrition with essential nutrients from carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals
- No artificial flavors
- Made with American raised beef; Corn is the #1 ingredient (made with grains)
- Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world
Solimo is specially formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for dogs of all ages. The number one ingredient is American whitefish which provides the essential protein needed for lean, strong muscles.
Key Specifications
- Weight – 30.3 pounds
- Dimensions – 25” X 17” X 5” inches
- Type – Ultra Premium dry dog food
- Warranty – Yes
- Why we recommend – It provides a complete and balanced diet for dogs of all ages.
Pet owners that are in the process of training their dog to be their hunting companion usually need to start training them from puppyhood. This dry dog food is specially formulated to provide dogs of all life stages with the essential nutrients, minerals, protein, and vitamins needed for overall good health.
A hunting dog needs to have lean, strong muscles, a strong immune system, and high energy levels. This high protein diet contains American whitefish as the number one ingredient and has no added grain. The combined ingredients in this dog food are the finest found around the world and manufactured in the United States.
As you train your dog to become your hunting companion you need to provide him with the best nutrition possible. This dog food will provide everything your dog needs from puppyhood to adulthood.
Pros
- No added grain
- American whitefish as the number one ingredient
- Provides nutrition for all life stages
- High in protein
- Supports strong muscles
- Promotes a healthy immune system
- Provides an overall complete and balanced diet
Cons
- Some dogs might not like the flavor
Your canine hunting companion deserves the best nutrition to help them maintain optimum health levels throughout their lifetime. Your dog will be navigating through a variety of scenarios during hunting time. Your responsibilities as a pet parent are to assure that your dog is healthy and strong at all times.
9. Nulo Grain-Free
Features
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
Nulo grain-free is made with 100% natural ingredients. It provides your dog with a balanced diet that helps him maintain a healthy weight and high energy levels.
Key Specifications
- Weight – 11.2 pounds
- Dimensions – 5” X 2” X 4” inches
- Type – 100% natural dry dog food
- Warranty – Yes
- Why we recommend – It helps to maintain overall good health as well as maintaining a healthy weight which helps your dog achieve their optimum energy and health levels for the long term.
Your canine hunting companion needs to maintain robust energy levels and a healthy weight. This can be maintained by providing your dog with a complete and balanced diet. This dry dog food contains 100% all-natural ingredients and is grain-free.
Nulo does not include allergy-triggering ingredients such as artificial flavors, artificial colors, wheat gluten, corn, fake additives, or grains. This dog food does not even include chicken proteins or egg proteins to assure the kibble easy for your dog to digest.
Your dog will live an active lifestyle due to the incredible ingredients in this dog food such as the low carb high protein kibble that contains probiotics to help achieve optimum health levels.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential to your dog’s health and are part of the 100% natural ingredients in this dry dog food. These specific ingredients will help your dog have healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Pros
- 100% all-natural ingredients
- Grain-free
- Balanced and complete diet
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Supports robust energy levels
- No eggs
- No chicken proteins
- No corn
- No soy
- No wheat gluten
- No artificial colors
- No artificial flavors
- No fake additives
- Promotes healthy skin
- Promotes a shiny coat
- Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Cons
- Some dogs might not like the flavor
Nulo grain-free 100% natural ingredient dog food provides your dog with optimum health benefits needed for hunting.
10. PEDIGREE
PEDIGREE
Features
- Contains one (1) 33 lb. bag of PEDIGREE Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food, Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor
- This dry food recipe helps maintain a healthy lifestyle with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, in the delicious, meaty steak flavor dogs love
- Provides whole grains and helps support healthy digestion
- Delivers complete and balanced nutrition enriched with omega-6 fatty acids to help nourish your dog’s skin and coat
- Made in the USA with the World’s Finest Ingredients
PEDIGREE is specially formulated for high-performance dogs. Hunting dogs that vigorously work or train three to four times per week will highly benefit from this nutritious, balanced diet.
Key Specifications
- Weight – 33.4 pounds
- Dimensions – 24.5” X 19” X 5.5” inches
- Shipping – Only in the United States
- Warranty – Yes
- Why we recommend – It provides balance and complete nutrition for high-performance dogs that work vigorously three to four times per week.
Your canine hunting buddy needs to be at their best health and energy levels on a continuous basis. This specially formulated high-performance dog food contains 29% carbohydrates, 41% fat, and 30% protein. This calculation provides your dog with overall health benefits to maintain high-performance levels.
Dogs that are hunting, working or training up to three to four times per week require a specific amount of combined nutrition. This dog food does not include artificial sweeteners, flavorings, or colors. It also does not include any filler ingredients as well which helps assure your dog is receiving the best nutrition.
As a pet parent that has a dog as a hunting companion, it is your responsibility to provide them with the best nutrition possible. If you take your dog on hunting trips or train him up to three to four times a week, this dog food will keep your dog going at high-performance levels.
Pros
- Specially formulated for high-performance dogs
- 30% protein
- 29% carbohydrates
- 41%
- No fillers
- No artificial flavoring
- No sweeteners
- No artificial colors
- Easy to digest
- Balanced and complete diet
- Provides nutrition for high-performance dogs
Cons
- Only ships in the United States
- Some dogs might not like the flavor of the food
PEDIGREE provides your dog with the ultimate nutrition needed for high-performance dogs. Your hunting companion will benefit from eating this well-balanced complete diet on a regular basis. You will notice your dog will continue to perform at his highest levels during training and hunting trips.
11. Nutro Ultra
Features
- DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER, Recommended Replacement Item:NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 30 lb. Bag
Nutro Ultra is specially formulated for game hunting dogs to enjoy. The delicious flavor of duck, lentils, pear, and thyme will reward your dog for all their hard work during your hunting trip.
Key Specifications
- Weight – 24.4 pounds
- Dimensions – 24.9” X 14.2’ X 4.6” inches
- Type – Specially formulated dry dog food
- Warranty – Yes
- Why we recommend – It provides your dog with a rewarding complete and balanced diet to help them perform at their highest level.
This dog food rewards your hunting buddy for all their hard work. The flavors available in this specially formulated dog food is duck, beef, lamb, and chicken. Choose your dog’s favorite flavor to reward them for their hard work during your hunting trips.
The number one ingredient in the duck recipe is actually a real duck. The natural ingredients also include vegetables, herbs, and fruit. The specially formulated blends of healthy ingredients are good for dogs of all sizes.
The kibble is specially formulated for easy digestion and is well suited to be used with Nutro wet dog foods as well. All of the recipes available in this particular dog food is made with natural ingredients that taste great to most dogs. Your dog will have healthy bones, lean strong muscles, healthy teeth, shiny coat, radiant skin, improved digestion, and maintain overall good health.
Pros
- Contains high-quality ingredients
- Grain-free
- Offers a variety of flavors
- Supports digestive Health
- Easy to combine with wet food
- All-natural ingredients
- Supports healthy teeth and bones
- Maintain strong lean muscles
- Improves and maintains good digestion
- Promotes radiant skin
Cons
- Some dogs might not like the flavor
The Nutro Ultra is available in 4 and 24-pound bags. The 4-pound bags are perfect for pet parents that are trying to determine their dog’s favorite flavor. Once you determine your dog’s preferred choice, it’s best to stick to that one and purchase it in a large bag to avoid digestive issues and save money.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right food for your hunting dog needs thorough scrutiny of the ingredients in each meal. For example, a high-carb diet for your dog might be essential for the high energy provision but leave out on other essential nutrients. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the balance of nutrients and the benefits each has to your dog.
But, based on the nutritional requirements of a hunting dog, protein plays a huge role in keeping the dog in the right shape. As much as the energy foods matter, it is essential to get a nourishing formula that has other incorporated nutrients. It also ensures your dog is healthy from the inside out. That means the body systems are properly functioning and at the same time the dog has a healthy coat.
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Razvan
Razvan is a dog trainer and veterinary technician with over 10 years of experience working with dog daycares, animal shelters, vet clinics and private dog training. Razvan is one of the lead publishers on Dog Struggles covering the latest product reviews and dog health advice.
