5 Important Facts About Hunting Dog Nutrition

February 20, 2018

Hunting dog nutrition is crucial. Researchers have found that the amount and types of fats, proteins, carbs, fiber and other nutrients hunting dogs eat impacts their performance, on and off the field.

Hunting dogs are bred and trained to be the Olympic athletes of the canine world. Sure, McDonald's loves to sponsor the Olympic games so it looks like athletes eat it all the time, but you know as well as I do, that’s not true. Athletes who eat McDonald's all the time will never make it to the Olympics.

Hunting dog nutrition is no different than human athlete nutrition. A gun dog diet lacking essential nutrients is like eating McDonald's all the time; it will negatively impact your dog's health and performance.

1. Hunting Dog Nutrition Differs from Traditional Dog Diets

Hardworking hunting dogs need a lot of energy, but that's not the only thing that differentiates them from an ordinary house dog. While they're out working hard, gun dogs put a great deal of stress and strain on joints, ligaments, tissues, bones, paws—basically, their entire bodies, inside and out. As a result, hunting dogs need a much different diet than dogs who spend most of the day curled up on the living room couch.

2. Fat is the Best Source of Energy for Hunting Dogs

Good gun dog food is always high in fat. Why? Because your dog turns fat into energy more efficiently than other energy sources, such as carbs. For hard working bird dogs, look for a food that contains somewhere around 20% fat.

Research produced by the Iams Company found that dogs who ate a high-fat diet burned oxygen more efficiently and had more energy, even without extra conditioning.

Additionally, dogs must eat twice as much food to get the same energy from foods that are low in fat. That can present its own set of challenges during hunting season, especially for dogs who don’t have the same vigor for food when they’re competing, traveling, or away from the comforts of home.

3. Hunting Dog Nutrition isn’t Complete Without a Supplement to Protect Joints

What do hunting dogs need more than anything? Joint protection! After all, their bodies take a lot of wear and tear when they’re out working and training. Research shows that Glucosamine HCI, MSM and Chondroitin Sulfate make a powerful team when used in conjunction to reduce the symptoms and progression of arthritis. Don’t wait for your dog to limp or show signs of stiffness; proactively protect joints, bones and tissues for the best results. In other words, it’s never too early to start giving a high-quality joint supplement for dogs.

Free Range was created after avid hunter Joe Scott looked just about everywhere for a joint supplement for his hunting dogs, but he couldn’t find one. He’d watched one too many of his bird dogs show signs of arthritis, and so he decided to create a line of nutritional supplements catered specifically to hunting dogs. Meet Free Range, the perfect combination of Glucosamine, MSM and Chondroitin for hunting dogs.

Try Free Range

4. Your Dog Needs Fewer Carbs Than Anything Else

Carbs give humans a lot of energy but they don’t work as well for your dog. It takes at least twice as much food for dogs to get the same energy from carbs as fats. “Research conducted years ago documented that many dogs using high-carbohydrate foods for energy developed excess lactic acid in their muscles, and some even had stiffened gaits as a result,” writes Martin Coffman DVM, Sporting Dog Veterinarian.

5. Don’t Forget About Omega-3's for Hunting Dogs

Hunting dog nutrition involves a high-fat diet, but not all fats are created equal. Fat provides energy, while fatty acids protect cell walls, nourish the skin, and fuel your dog’s immune system. Krill oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. It’s actually easier for your dog to digest than fish oil, offers a cleaner source of omega 3’s, and it’s more sustainable.

Vitality is the only krill oil supplement made especially for hunting dogs. It is sourced from pure Alaskan waters and comes with a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee.