What’s the best diet for a working dog?

Working farm dogs are elite endurance athletes. On a typical day, they may cover 10-20 km, often in challenging terrain and weather. Winter places even more demand on them, making high-quality nutrition not just beneficial, but essential.

Meeting the High Energy Demands of Winter

During colder months, working dogs require significantly more calories to maintain body temperature and energy output. Research in New Zealand has shown that many current feeding practices fall short of meeting dogs’ energy requirements during peak work periods.

Premium working dog foods are designed to meet these elevated needs. With higher levels of fat and protein – the key fuels for endurance and muscle repair, these diets help maintain ideal condition, stamina, and resilience through winter’s toughest days.

What Working Dogs Need in Their Diet

A performance-based diet should include:

• Fat: The primary energy source in endurance dogs. It increases stamina, supports vitamin absorption, and helps maintain a healthy coat.
• Protein: Essential for muscle repair and recovery. Higher protein diets have been linked to fewer injuries and improved overall health.
• Carbohydrates: Important for replenishing glycogen stores after work. A balance with fats supports both sprinting and long-distance endurance.
• Water: Often overlooked but critical, especially in cold weather, for thermoregulation and metabolic health.

Nutrition and Injury Prevention

Up to 73% of working dog injuries are due to trauma, but poor nutrition also contributes to susceptibility. Studies show that dogs on higher-protein diets have lower injury rates, better red blood cell counts, and improved endurance. Proper nutrition can even reduce long-term issues like degenerative joint disease.

The Bottom Line

Working dogs are vital to the efficiency of any farming operation. Feeding a premium diet – especially in winter, is one of the simplest ways to support their health, prevent injuries, and extend their working life.

Contact us today about our Pallet Pre-Buy options for added savings and convenience. Keeping your team members fuelled with the right food is an investment that pays off every day.