If you have an active dog, it’s important to feed them the right food.
A good diet is crucial for keeping your dog healthy and fit. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what makes a good diet for active dogs, and recommend some of the best foods on the market. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right food for your dog.
Table of Contents
What is an active dog?
Active dogs require more calories than sedentary dogs. This is because they burn more energy during the day. The average active dog needs about 30-50% more calories than a sedentary dog. For example, a 50 lb active dog needs about 1,500-2,000 calories per day.
There are a few different factors that contribute to how many calories your dog needs. These include:
-Size
-Age
-Breed
-Activity level
What are the nutritional needs of active dogs?
Active dogs have higher energy requirements than sedentary dogs. This means they need more calories and more nutrients, such as protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Protein is important for muscle growth and repair. It’s also necessary for a healthy immune system. Active dogs need about 18-30% protein in their diet. Protein contains essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle.
Fat is an important source of energy for dogs. It also helps to keep their skin and coat healthy. Active dogs need about 5-15% fat in their diet. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are particularly important for dogs. These fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
Carbohydrates are another source of energy for dogs. They also help to preserve muscle glycogen stores, which can be used during exercise. Active dogs need about 30-70% carbohydrates in their diet.
Calcium:
Active dogs need more calcium than sedentary dogs. Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth. It’s also important for muscle contraction and nerve function. Active dogs need about 1-1.5% calcium in their diet.
Phosphorus:
Active dogs also need more phosphorus than sedentary dogs. Phosphorus is necessary for strong bones and teeth. It’s also involved in energy metabolism and cell growth. Active dogs need about 0.8-1.2% phosphorus in their diet.
Sodium:
Active dogs may require more sodium than sedentary dogs. Sodium is necessary for proper muscle function and fluid balance. It’s also involved in nerve function. Active dogs may need about 0.5-1% sodium in their diet.
Potassium:
Active dogs may require more potassium than sedentary dogs. Potassium is necessary for proper muscle function and fluid balance. It’s also involved in cell growth and metabolism. Active dogs may need about 0.6-1% potassium in their diet.
How to choose the best food for your active dog?
When choosing a food for your active dog, it’s important to consider their individual needs.
Balanced nutrients:
You’ll want to choose a food that provides the right balance of nutrients, including protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Age:
Puppies and seniors have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Make sure to choose a food that’s appropriate for your dog’s age. Puppies need more calories and nutrients than adult dogs. Senior dogs may need fewer calories.
Breed:
Some breeds of dogs are more active than others. For example, herding dogs and retrievers tend to be very active, while toy breeds are usually less active. Consider your dog’s breed when choosing a food.
Activity level:
Not all active dogs have the same energy requirements. Some dogs may need more calories than others, depending on their activity level.
The best way to determine how many calories your dog needs is to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you choose a food that’s right for your dog’s individual needs.
Best Dog Food for Active, High-energy Dogs:
- Purina — Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Formula
- Solid Gold — Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Cold Water Salmon & Vegetable Recipe Grain-Free
- Eukanuba — Premium Performance 30/20 Adult Dry Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild — High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- AvoDerm — Natural Triple Protein Meal Formula All Life Stages
The Best Dog Food for Active Senior Dogs
- Iams — ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food
- Merrick — Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Senior Dry Dog Food
- CANIDAE—Grain-Free PURE Senior Real Chicken, Sweet Potato & Garbanzo Bean Recipe
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
