Last Updated on October 4, 2024 by Fumipets
High-Energy Foods for Active Dogs: What to Look For
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Man’s best friends—whether tiny or huge—are active animals.
Whether they’re bounding through trails, sprinting in the park, or taking a dip in the lake, energetic dogs make you question who’s in charge during walks. If you’ve got a canine companion from a super-active breed like the Border Collie or Belgian Malinois, you already know it has boundless energy.
Active dogs don’t just need more exercise—they need the right fuel, too. You can’t feed your highly active Fido just about any dog food you come across on the market. As its energy output is high, you must feed it nutrient-dense, high-energy foods that cater to its needs.
But what exactly should you look for when choosing high-energy foods for your Rover? This troubles pawrents. Don’t worry, though. We’re here to help you figure it out.
Here, we’ll explore what you must look for in high-energy dog foods to make sure your four-legged friend stays happy, healthy, and full of vitality.
#1 Protein, Protein, and More Protein
If your Fido spends most of its time jogging, swimming, rollerblading, or playing fetch, you must feed it food with high protein content.
Protein supports tissue repair, muscle growth, and immune function in dogs, says the Buitelaar Group explains.
When scouring for foods for your active Rover, look for foods that list a high-quality source of protein as the first ingredient. That could be beef, chicken, fish, turkey, and lamb. These proteins contain essential amino acids that support muscle repair after physical activity.
According to AAFCO, the diets of puppies must contain a minimum of 22.5% protein as dry matter. As for adult dogs, you should feed them food with at least 18% protein as dry matter.
However, never opt for foods whose protein content exceeds 30%. Feeding too much protein can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea and put stress on the kidneys.
#2 High-Quality Sources of Fat for Sustained Energy
Fat often gets a bad rep since it’s linked with obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues. But it’s actually an important nutrient for canines, especially those who are very active.
According to a recent feature of WebMD, fat per gram contains more calories than carbs or proteins. That is what makes it an excellent source of fuel for active dogs.
Food with fats will help your fur baby maintain its stamina, especially during prolonged periods of activity. Mind you, we aren’t talking about just any fat, but healthy fats.
Always go for food with high-quality sources of fat, like fish oil, chicken fat, and flaxseed. These contain healthy fats, particularly Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are key for more than just energy.
Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid reduce inflammation, whereas Omega-6 fatty acids like linoleic acid promote coat as well as skin health.
Fish oil supports joint health. It reduces the production of potent lipids that lead to joint inflammation. Flaxseed, on the other hand, may help ease symptoms of arthritis.
Hence, your active Fido won’t suffer from stiffness or joint issues down the line.
#3 Carbs for Quick Energy Boost
Prioritize protein and fat, but don’t overlook carbohydrates.
Your Fido—whether it’s Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, or Dalmatian—will need long-lasting energy for high-intensity activities like running and jumping. Feeding it a diet rich in carbs will give it a quick burst of energy.
Steer clear of foods that contain simple sugars and fillers like corn syrup or white rice, however. These ingredients may give your furry friend a short energy boost, but they won’t sustain it for long.
Complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, barley, or oatmeal are great options. Choose foods that are packed with them. These ingredients will provide slow-releasing energy to your Rover, keeping it going throughout the day without a sudden crash.
#4 Add Supplements to Fill Nutritional Gaps
No two dogs have the same nutritional needs. There can be nutritional gaps even when you feed your Fido high-quality food. Dog supplements can help fill those gaps effectively. They can also provide targeted support, especially for joint health, digestion, or recovery.
Joint degeneration, for instance, is common in dogs. Repeated use of joints over time often leads to degeneration.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular supplements that support the joint health of canines. Adding them to your Fido’s diet, Open Farm explains, can help maintain cartilage and connective tissues besides maintaining healthy joint function. They will help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness, allowing your furry friend to stay active without discomfort.
Probiotics can aid digestion. Including it in your canine companion’s diet will ensure it absorbs all the nutrients it needs from its food.
In a nutshell, feeding an active dog goes beyond just filling their bowl with any dog food.
Whether your four-legged friend is an athlete or just an enthusiastic companion, providing it with the right nutrition will help them thrive in all their active pursuits. Hence, make sure you opt for food packed with high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Such a food will keep its energy levels up and the body strong.
Prioritize essential vitamins like Vitamin C and minerals like zinc, as well. The former will help protect cells from oxidative damage that occurs from physical exertion. Conversely, the latter is vital for muscle function and recovery.
Do not forget to give it plenty of fresh water and visit a vet for regular checkups. Rest assured, your Fido will stay healthy and happy for years to come!
