Working dog food is typically designed to support the increased nutritional demands of physically active dogs. Here is how it generally differs from standard dog food:

Feature	Calorie content
Standard dog food	Lower, suited to less active pets
Working dog food	Higher to support physical activity
Feature	Protein levels
Standard dog food	Moderate protein levels
Working dog food	Increased to meet the needs of physically active dogs
Feature	Fat content
Standard dog food	Standard level of fat content
Working dog food	Adjusted to support daily energy use
Feature	Special formulas
Standard dog food	General formula, often without special changes
Working dog food	Often grain-free, hypoallergenic, or single-protein to offer alternative options for dogs with specific needs
Feature	Purpose
Standard dog food	Daily maintenance
Working dog food	Developed for dogs with physically demanding roles

Feature	Standard dog food	Working dog food
Calorie content	Lower, suited to less active pets	Higher to support physical activity
Protein levels	Moderate protein levels	Increased to meet the needs of physically active dogs
Fat content	Standard level of fat content	Adjusted to support daily energy use
Special formulas	General formula, often without special changes	Often grain-free, hypoallergenic, or single-protein to offer alternative options for dogs with specific needs
Purpose	Daily maintenance	Developed for dogs with physically demanding roles

Tip: Interested in extra support for stamina or recovery? Explore our supplements for working dogs.

What is special about dog food for working dogs?

Working dog food is typically designed to support the increased nutritional demands of physically active dogs. Here is how it generally differs from standard dog food:

Feature	Calorie content
Standard dog food	Lower, suited to less active pets
Working dog food	Higher to support physical activity
Feature	Protein levels
Standard dog food	Moderate protein levels
Working dog food	Increased to meet the needs of physically active dogs
Feature	Fat content
Standard dog food	Standard level of fat content
Working dog food	Adjusted to support daily energy use
Feature	Special formulas
Standard dog food	General formula, often without special changes
Working dog food	Often grain-free, hypoallergenic, or single-protein to offer alternative options for dogs with specific needs
Feature	Purpose
Standard dog food	Daily maintenance
Working dog food	Developed for dogs with physically demanding roles

Feature	Standard dog food	Working dog food
Calorie content	Lower, suited to less active pets	Higher to support physical activity
Protein levels	Moderate protein levels	Increased to meet the needs of physically active dogs
Fat content	Standard level of fat content	Adjusted to support daily energy use
Special formulas	General formula, often without special changes	Often grain-free, hypoallergenic, or single-protein to offer alternative options for dogs with specific needs
Purpose	Daily maintenance	Developed for dogs with physically demanding roles

Tip: Interested in extra support for stamina or recovery? Explore our supplements for working dogs.

Am I feeding my working dog properly?

With working dogs’ many nutritional requirements, you may wonder whether you need gluten-free, single-protein, or grain-free working dog food. Here are some key factors to consider:

What to consider	Dog’s condition
Why it matters	If your dog seems tired or less responsive, it may indicate their food isn't supporting their activity level. Consult your vet for a tailored advice.
What to consider	Dog’s weight
Why it matters	Sudden weight changes may signal the need to adapt feeding routines.
What to consider	Dog’s faeces
Why it matters	A large volume of faeces can reflect how food is processed. Some owners find that grain-free working dog food, or more digestible foods, offer an alternative.
What to consider	Timing
Why it matters	Avoid feeding within an hour of exercise to help avoid discomfort or digestive issues.

What to consider	Why it matters
Dog’s condition	If your dog seems tired or less responsive, it may indicate their food isn't supporting their activity level. Consult your vet for a tailored advice.
Dog’s weight	Sudden weight changes may signal the need to adapt feeding routines.
Dog’s faeces	A large volume of faeces can reflect how food is processed. Some owners find that grain-free working dog food, or more digestible foods, offer an alternative.
Timing	Avoid feeding within an hour of exercise to help avoid discomfort or digestive issues.

For dogs with sensitivities, consider hypoallergenic or single-protein options. When it comes to rewarding your dog, pick from a selection of dog treats.

Tip: Consult your vet for guidance on feeding and dietary adjustments tailored to your dog’s needs.

Am I feeding my working dog properly?

With working dogs’ many nutritional requirements, you may wonder whether you need gluten-free, single-protein, or grain-free working dog food. Here are some key factors to consider:

What to consider	Dog’s condition
Why it matters	If your dog seems tired or less responsive, it may indicate their food isn't supporting their activity level. Consult your vet for a tailored advice.
What to consider	Dog’s weight
Why it matters	Sudden weight changes may signal the need to adapt feeding routines.
What to consider	Dog’s faeces
Why it matters	A large volume of faeces can reflect how food is processed. Some owners find that grain-free working dog food, or more digestible foods, offer an alternative.
What to consider	Timing
Why it matters	Avoid feeding within an hour of exercise to help avoid discomfort or digestive issues.

What to consider	Why it matters
Dog’s condition	If your dog seems tired or less responsive, it may indicate their food isn't supporting their activity level. Consult your vet for a tailored advice.
Dog’s weight	Sudden weight changes may signal the need to adapt feeding routines.
Dog’s faeces	A large volume of faeces can reflect how food is processed. Some owners find that grain-free working dog food, or more digestible foods, offer an alternative.
Timing	Avoid feeding within an hour of exercise to help avoid discomfort or digestive issues.

For dogs with sensitivities, consider hypoallergenic or single-protein options. When it comes to rewarding your dog, pick from a selection of dog treats.

Tip: Consult your vet for guidance on feeding and dietary adjustments tailored to your dog’s needs.

Why does a working dog need special food?

Due to their increased activity levels, working dogs often require more calorie-dense food with an adapted balance of protein and fat. Specially developed diets can help meet their higher energy needs.

Why does a working dog need special food?

Is all high-energy dog food suitable for working dogs?

Not necessarily. While calories matter, the ratio of protein, fat, and other nutrients is just as important. For the best fit, choose products labelled for working dogs, and consult your vet if unsure.

Is all high-energy dog food suitable for working dogs?

What are the key nutritional components of working dog food?

Working dog food typically contains a balanced mix of high-quality protein, fat, and digestible carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals to support energy release and muscle maintenance.

What are the key nutritional components of working dog food?

Are there different types of working dog food for different types of work?

While working dogs generally need more calories and slow-releasing energy, their nutritional needs don’t usually vary by job. What may change is portion size and feeding frequency.

Are there different types of working dog food for different types of work?

While working dogs generally need more calories and slow-releasing energy, their nutritional needs don’t usually vary by job. What may change is portion size and feeding frequency.