Hunting dogs need special foods different from the type given to domesticated dogs. This is because these dogs are used for outdoor activities that require a lot of energy; therefore, you need to properly feed them.
For this reason, dog lovers have come up with different dog foods you can give your hunting dog to make him more energetic, strong, and outstanding in performance. Today we are taking a look at the Best Dog Food for Hunting Dogs.
Table of Contents
- 1 10 Best Dog Food for Hunting Dogs – Comparison
- 2 Top 10 Best Dog Food for Hunting Dogs
- 2.1 1. Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein
- 2.2 2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
- 2.3 3. Taste of the Wild High Protein Real Meat Recipe
- 2.4 4. Purina Pro Plan SPORT Formula Dry Dog Food
- 2.5 5. ORIJEN High-Protein, Grain-Free, Premium Quality Meat
- 2.6 6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
- 2.7 7.Annamaet Ultra 32 Formula Dry Dog Food
- 2.8 8. Victor Dog Food Grain-Free Active Dog
- 2.9 9. Victor Purpose – Performance, Dry Dog Food
- 2.10 10. Victor Purpose – Performance, Dry Dog Food
- 3 Things to Consider Before Purchasing Dog Food For Hunting Dogs
- 4 Final Thought:
10 Best Dog Food for Hunting Dogs – Comparison
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Top 10 Best Dog Food for Hunting Dogs
There are a whole lot of them on the market. To save you the stress of having to find the best amidst the “oceans” of dog food, we have researched for you the best 10, which are:
1. Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein
Speaking about one of the best dog foods for your hunting dog, this is unarguably one of them. It contains a whole lot of premium-quality proteins that are easily digestible. In it is a blend of complex carbohydrates to provide lasting energy.
Taste of the Wild dog food is made with a combination of real meats like buffalo, wild boar, lamb, quail, venison, roasted bison, duck, smoked salmon, and turkey. The mixture of all these highly proteinous ingredients gives this formula a very delicious taste. Your dog will not have a problem loving this food, just a first taste, and he will be hooked.
The carbohydrates in it are from sweet potatoes and legumes; it is 100 percent free of grains. For balanced nutrition, omega 6 and 3 are also included in the formula. This food supports the overall wellness of your dog.
Pros:
- Contains premium-quality proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals
- Free of grains, artificial colours, flavours, preservatives and additives.
- Nutrient-dense and highly digestible
- Gives strong muscles and a shiny coat
- Recommended for all breed sizes
Cons:
- Contains high protein which some dogs might be unable to process
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
Your hunting dog needs food like the Blue Buffalo to develop strong and energetic muscles for more hunting adventures. This very nutritious and delicious dog food is packed with real chicken, which provides your dog with high-quality protein.
It also has a natural blend of healthy carbohydrates, which includes sweet potatoes and peas. The carbs provide your dog with sufficient energy to carry out his daily activities.
What’s a dog food without balanced nutrition? Asides high-quality carbohydrates and proteins; it also contains minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to keep your dog’s immune system healthy and make his coat radiant. You will not have to worry about grain allergies; this food is free of soy, maize, and wheat.
We are glad to inform you that this is a 100 percent natural food your dog will thrive on.
Pros:
- Made with real chicken
- Contain carbs, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Free of artificial flavors, additives, preservatives, and other sensitive ingredients.
- Gives healthy and shining coat
- Support a healthy immune system and strong lean muscle
- Suitable for all breed sizes
Cons:
- Not ideal for dogs sensitive to chicken.
3. Taste of the Wild High Protein Real Meat Recipe
This is another wonderful dog food perfect for your dog’s digestive tract. Its main ingredient is natural meat, which consists of roasted bison and venison. Asides these high-quality proteinous meats, it also contains vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables.
This fantastic formula helps your dog to gain healthy weight and build lean muscle mass. In no time, your dog would transform into a healthy-looking big guy with a shining coat.
Due to the fact that some or most dogs are sensitive to grains, this dog food has been made grain-free. Instead of grains, sweet potatoes and legumes are blended together to provide highly nutritious carbs that will give your dog the energy it needs on a daily basis.
No additives, no artificial flavors, no preservatives, all you would be feeding your dog with are kibbles that are a hundred percent natural.
Pros:
- Contains easily-digestible premium proteins
- Balanced with carbs, vitamins, and minerals
- Promotes gut health and overall wellness
- Perfect for all breed sizes
Cons:
- Not all dogs can process a high level of protein.
Also Read: 7 Best Dog Foods for IBD – Top Picks & Buying Guide
4. Purina Pro Plan SPORT Formula Dry Dog Food
The Purina Pro Plan Formula is a highly nutritious dog food that would make your dog perform excellently on the field. It is specially formulated for active dogs that are being used for sporting events. It is a fantastic blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, thereby giving balanced nutrition.
This dog food contains 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat. It has chicken as its number 1 ingredient. The presence of real chicken in the food provides your dog with all the nutrients he needs for his day to day activities. With the addition of EPA and glucosamine, your dog is equipped with enough power to run and jump quickly and outstandingly.
Also, being rich in antioxidants makes this food one of the best, as the presence of this substance will promote your dog’s immune system.
Note that you have to monitor your dog’s intake based on his age, condition, and how much he expels energy daily. You do not want your dog overweight, do you?
Pros:
- Contains a unique blend of chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, and animal fat
- Provides your dog with long-lasting energy for sporting events
- Improves the overall wellness and performance of your dog
Cons:
- Not ideal for dogs sensitive to gluten.
5. ORIJEN High-Protein, Grain-Free, Premium Quality Meat
Dog foods with natural ingredients are rated the best. The Orijen dry dog food is unarguably one of the best. It contains fresh and real animal ingredients, which include herring, chicken, flounder, turkey, and cage-free eggs. Obviously, this a nutrient-dense formula that would go a long way to improve the wellness of your dog.
Its ingredients include 85 percent meat and 15 percent vegetables with botanicals. The animals are wholly used; their cartilages, bones, and organs all go into making this formula sumptuous and highly nutritious.
Asides the animal ingredients and vegetables, there are other varieties of nourishing ingredients like animal fat and fresh fruits contained in this dog food. Within a short period of time, you would be surprised at the kind of transformation your dog would experience.
Research has it that dogs need meat according to their natural and biological needs; this formula definitely has all your dog needs to grow beautifully and thrive excellently.
Pros:
- Contains 5 fresh whole animal ingredients, with no grain
- Balanced with fruits, veggies, and animal fats.
- Perfect for all life stages
- Premium protein helps to build your dog’s muscles
- Eradicates dry skin, malnourishment, and dehydration
Cons:
- Not ideal for dogs sensitive to chicken
- It’s a whole lot of work to wet food in the right proportion.
6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
This is also one of the best dog foods for hunting dogs. It is pretty obvious wild hunting dogs need a whole lot of protein to thrive, and this formula has it in abundance. One of the unique features of this formula is that it contains DHA and ARA, some essential fatty acids which are said to be present in breast milk; I bet this is why it is highly recommended for dogs at their early stages.
Its first ingredient is real chicken. With the combination of real meat, docosahexaenoic acid(DHA), arachidonic acid (ARA), antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, your little guy is set to develop strong bones, strong teeth, and lean muscle mass. Not only that, his coat and skin would turn out all shining and radiant.
This food is free of grains, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives. It is the type you feed your dog with while your mind is at rest. In no time, you would see your little buddy transforming into a really big and strong “athlete.” Before dishing out this crunchy dog food to your dog, ensure you read the instructions on how to correctly feed your dog. Not feeding your dog correctly as instructed on the food bag might result in complications.
Pros:
- Has real chicken as its first ingredient
- Nutrient-dense, yummy and crunchy
- Suitable kibble size for puppies to easily nimble on
- Balanced nutrition with DHA, ARA, fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Cons:
- Might not go down well with dogs with a sensitive stomach
7.Annamaet Ultra 32 Formula Dry Dog Food
The Annamaet Ultra is formulated for small breed dogs and puppies. It is an ultra nutritious formula that keeps your little guy on his feet and super active all day. This is a dog food that is jam-packed with real chicken, brown rice, and fish.
This amazing formula is very rich in premium protein. Aside from this, it also contains algae, which is a rich and natural source of omega 3 fatty acids. The presence of this fatty acid in the formula will help to rejuvenate your dog’s coat, making him look healthy and irresistible.
This formula also contains a substance found in breast milk called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This substance will help to develop the brain and cognitive function of your dog. With a wonderful formula like this, you will be pleased with how smart your dog will become.
The high level of natural protein in it will help your dog build lean muscle mass. Feed him with a generous amount of this food on a daily basis and watch your dog’s amazing transformation in just a few weeks.
Pros:
- Natural, high-quality ingredients
- Suitable for all life stages.
- Perfect for dog growth, maintenance, gestation, and lactation.
- Improves the physical and mental health of your dog
Cons:
- Not suitable for medium and large breeds.
Also Read: The Best Dog Food for Urinary Health – Urinary Care
8. Victor Dog Food Grain-Free Active Dog
Victor Dog food is also very good for hunting dogs. It is enriched with everything needed for your dog to be super active and energetic on the field.
This food contains a yummy blend of real beef, sweet potatoes, chicken fat, pork, and fish meal. Added to these food ingredients are vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, and some other supplements that would complement whatever it is, your dog might be lacking in nutrients. Assuredly, this is a nutrient-dense dog food you can introduce to your puppies to make them grow faster, healthier, and stronger.
It is formulated for all life stages but especially for dogs who are allergic to certain proteins or grains. To get the expected results, there are guidelines on the pack stating how you can go about feeding your dog, depending on his age and health status.
Will all the essential premium-quality ingredients put together to make this formula, your dog’s energy would be sustained all day for outstanding performances.
Pros:
- Ideal for dogs allergic to grains.
- It contains all the essential ingredients for vitality and growth
- Perfect for all breed sizes.
- Treats bowel issues
Cons:
- Kibbles is a bit too large for puppies
9. Victor Purpose – Performance, Dry Dog Food
This is a super delicious dog food formulated for adult dogs and large breeds. Not only that, if your big guy seems to be having joint issues every now and then, you might consider feeding him with this therapeutic formula.
This formula should only be given if your dog uses a whole lot of energy, or else you will have for yourself a painstakingly hyperactive dog daily. It gives superpowers and energy which need to be expelled daily.
It contains beef meal, grain sorghum, grain millet, chicken fat, chicken meal, blood meal, and pork meal. In addition to these highly nutritious food ingredients are essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthy living.
To improve joint health, it is fortified with Glucosamine and Chondroitin. A daily intake of this formula will strengthen your dog’s bones, fire him up with enough energy, and improve his appearance. Even though this formula contains grains in it, it is gluten-free.
Pros:
- Formulated with premium-quality food ingredients
- Maintains healthy and strong joints
- Improves overall wellness of your dog
Cons:
- Not ideal for dogs allergic to grains and chicken
10. Victor Purpose – Performance, Dry Dog Food
Make your dog a hero on the sporting field by feeding him with this wonderful formula. This is really what he needs to keep up with his energetic day to day activities. If your dog is one that has been suffering from joint issues, feeding him with this therapeutic formula will help put an end to those issues.
You shouldn’t wait until your dog develops a joint issue before you go around looking for a solution. You can fortify him against such an issue in the future by feeding him with this amazing dog food. It features Chondroitin and Glucosamine, which promotes joint health.
With the premium-quality beef, pork, fish meals, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids combined together, your dog will enjoy a nutrient-dense yummy meal.
No more dull coat, no more troubled digestive system, no more weak bones, and immune system; feed your dog to life and vitality.
Pros:
- Natural ingredients and preservatives
- Nutritious, yummy and topnotch
- Grain and gluten-free Great for weight-loss
- Improves joint issues
Cons:
- Kibbles are too large for small breeds.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing Dog Food For Hunting Dogs
When buying dog food for hunting dogs, there are certain factors you need to crosscheck to know if you are on the right path to choosing the best or not. These factors are:
Food preference
Before you place an order online or go to your local store to get dog food, be sure of the kind of food your dog has a preference for. You can tell this by how quickly he gulped down the food when placed before him.
Knowing this will help you know what you are looking for instead of just picking any dog food at random selection. If what your dog likes is present in the food, feeding well will be very easy.
Dog ingredients If there is one thing considered very important to take note of while purchasing your dog food, it would be the ingredients. The ingredients are what to decide if your dog would remain healthy or not.
Dog’s food is formulated by combining different food materials. There are the main ingredient and additional ingredients. Most people just focus on the main ingredient, forgetting to also go through the other components.
The main ingredient might be what your dog loves, but have you checked to be sure the additional ingredients do not include what might tamper with your dog’s appetite or health? Are the ingredients good enough to sustain your dog?
Ensure you go through the ingredients listed on the food bag to know the things included in the formula.
High-quality, natural food ingredients
Yeah, It is important to ensure that the dog food has ingredients that whet your dog’s appetite. It is, however, more important to take note of the quality of these ingredients. Feeding your dog with foods that have low-quality ingredients will only put your dog in harm’s way.
Check if the ingredients are a hundred percent natural or if they have been adulterated. Good dog food should have all its ingredients raw, natural, and real. Run from dog foods that have artificial flavors, coloring, additives, and preservatives. Such formulas pose a great threat to your dog’s health.
Dog allergies
This is also one of the things you need to consider before making your order. Yes, dog food might look the best for your dog because of how rich and delicious it is, but this does not make it is the best for your dog.
Research has it that all dogs have foods they react to. In fact, it further says that a dog might be sensitive to more than one food. It is, therefore, important to know the list of foods your dog reacts to.
Some are allergic to grains, some to chicken, some to potatoes, etc. When your dog starts to develop itches, running stomach, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, know that you have been feeding him with something he is allergic to.
Do not be surprised if your dog starts reacting to certain kinds of foods he used to eat without problems in the past. This might be an indication that he needs a change of formula.
Knowing your dog’s allergies will help save your dog’s life and guide you to choose the right food suitable for him.
High Level of protein
Hunting dogs need a very high level of protein. Because of the kind of activities, they are used for, they need to develop strong, lean muscle mass, which can only be possible through daily intake of sufficient protein. This does not mean carbs are not required too, but protein is much more critical in building muscle.
Check for formulas that have different types of animals combined in it. Such dog foods are protein-dense. Not just any kind of animal but real, raw, and natural animals where your dog would get high-quality proteins.
Life stage and breed
Is your dog still small or Is he a big hound already? Is he a small breed or large breed. The answers to these questions will also determine which dog food you should go for. Some formulas are specially formulated for puppies, so they have smaller kibbles and easily-digestible ingredients. Some, however, are made for adult dogs – bigger kibbles, complex nutrients.
Feeding your puppy with a formula specially made for adult dogs can affect his digestive system and overall health.
Price
Hunting dogs eat more because of the kind of activities they are being used for. This means constant buying of formula. If its price is beyond your budget, you might not be able to keep up with the constant buying. Keep to your budget; do not overdo yourself.
Final Thought:
For hunting dogs, it is best to feed them with foods that have chondroitin and glucosamine. This will help prevent future joint issues that mostly occur in hunting dogs.
When introducing your dog to a new formula, observe well and give him enough time. Some dogs actually take time to get used to newly introduced recipes.