The 9 Best Dog Foods For Hunting Dogs

Buying the Best Dog Food for Hunting Dogs: A Buyer's Guide

All of the dog meals listed above are fine, but how do you know which ones are best for your dog? You must base your selection on your dog’s lifestyle, weight, health conditions, and age. If your dog has no medical issues, any of these diets will suffice. However, if you’re thinking of switching to a different diet for your hunting dog, there are a few things to consider.

Protein

To begin with, your hunting dog requires a high-protein diet. Protein helps hunters create strong, lean muscles that allow them to run, capture, and recover prey.

Make sure that an animal-derived protein is the first item on the list since it indicates that it has the highest amount of the substance in the product, which is what your hunting dog need.

Also, seek for dog meals with the name of the meat at the beginning of the name, since this implies that the product contains at least 95% of the component. Protein options include venison, chicken, fish, and lamb.

Fat and carbohydrates

Carbohydrate content in dog food should be approximately 20%. Carbohydrates and fats both offer energy to your dog. Fats provide longer-lasting energy and are high in calories.

A high fat content will provide your hunting dog with the energy and stamina they require, as well as build a healthy coat and aid in wound healing. They can, however, raise the risk of obesity.

Avoid using fillers.

Many people have a bad perception about by-products in dog food; nevertheless, the most majority are entirely safe and beneficial for your dog.

Although they are not acceptable for human consumption, dogs will benefit from them because they are derived straight from an animal. By-products include the lungs, brain, liver, bone, intestines, and other organs that are not harmful to dogs.

Fillers, on the other hand, should be avoided in large quantities. They are substituted for natural, high-quality components and might cause health problems, allergic responses, and troublesome weight gain.

Most dog diets have a few fillers in them, which is OK if they’re at the bottom of the ingredients list. Some fillers, such as grains, are regarded “good,” whereas MSG and syrups should always be avoided.

Energy

The quantity of calories you should feed your dog will be determined by their weight and energy level. Your dog will burn more calories and require more energy to function properly during hunting season. Even the weather has an effect on their energy levels—if they go hunting in the cold, their bodies will work harder to keep them warm.

When your dog isn’t hunting, he or she won’t need as many calories because they aren’t expelling as much energy. Feeding your dog the same amount of calories as you did during hunting season may result in an unhealthy weight increase.

A hunting dog expends more energy than a regular dog and so requires high-performance food, which differs from regular dog chow in terms of protein and fat content.

Conclusion

The Ollie Fresh Dog Food is at the top of our list due to its high meat protein content and minimal, human-grade ingredient list. The Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the greatest bargain on our list. It is less expensive, yet it does not sacrifice quality.

Finally, the ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food features freeze-dried coated kibble, which locks in nutrition and freshness for your hunting dog to enjoy.

Remember to only eat these foods during hunting seasons because the high protein and fat content will cause weight gain if eaten in the same manner during the off-season.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes our evaluations and guide assist you in finding the best dog foods for hunting dogs.

Reviews

Best Value: High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food by Taste of the Wild

• The first three components are Water buffalo, lamb dinner, and chicken meal are all options.
• Caloric content is 3,719 kcal/kg (422 kcal/cup).
• 32% crude protein
• 18% Crude Fat
• Weight 28-lb

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food contains three outstanding primary ingredients: water buffalo, lamb meal, and chicken meal, resulting in a high protein content of 32% at a cheap and inexpensive price, making this our finest hunting dog food for the money.

It has a fat content of 18% and contains complex carbs to give your hunting dog the energy they need while keeping them feeling full until their next meal.

It contains prebiotics, which help your dog’s digestive system, resulting in less gas and better excrement. The omega-3 improves their coat, leaving it soft and shiny. This dog food isn’t for every dog, since some just refuse to eat it.

Pros

• Ingredients of superior grade
• Prebiotics enhance intestinal health while reducing flatulence.
• It restores the coat’s luster and suppleness.

Cons

• It might not be appropriate for finicky eaters.

 

 

Best for Puppies: Puppy Dry Dog Food with Adirondack Chicken Meal and Brown Rice

• The first three components are Brown rice, chicken meal, and chicken fat
• Calories: 3812 kcal/kg, 522 kcal/cup
• 30% crude protein
• 20% Crude Fat
• Weight 25-lb

Puppies require the best, and Adirondack’s dog formula provides it at an affordable price. This puppy chow is well-balanced and provides 30% protein and 20% fat to help your puppy grow into a strong and healthy dog with lean muscles that is ready for hunting.

This delicious meal is slow-cooked to retain as many nutrients as possible and is devoid of fillers and artificial flavors. All of the ingredients are imported from the United States and are of excellent quality.

It’s safe for puppies with sensitive stomachs and will quickly replenish the weight they’ve lost. Kibbles are tiny, which is ideal for puppies but difficult for larger dogs.

Pros

• Affordable
• Well-balanced
• No fillers or artificial flavors.

Cons

• Kibbles are insufficient for larger dogs.

 

Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food ORIJEN

• The first three components are Goat, wild boar, and beef
• Caloric Value: 3860 kcal/kg, 463 kcal/cup
• 38% crude protein
• 18% Crude Fat
• Weight 25-lb

Although expensive, ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is well-loved by both dogs and owners and has every reason to be at the top of our list as our premium choice.

With beef, wild boar, goat, lamb, and lamb liver as the first few components, you can tell this is a high-performance dog chow with a 38% protein level. It contains important vitamins and minerals, with animal components accounting for the remaining 85%.

The freeze-dried coating seals in the fresh, flavorful ingredients. Dogs who eat this kibble frequently have healthier skin and less shedding. They frequently begin to smell better as well, from their breath to their odor. The only drawbacks are the price and the fact that the bag cannot be resealed.

Pros

• It is made up of 85% animal protein.
• Protein content of 38%
• Coated freeze-dried kibble
• Improves skin and reduces shedding

Cons

• Expensive
• The bag cannot be resealed.

 

Dry Dog Food VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula

• The first three components are Beef Meal, Sorghum Grain, and Chicken Fat
• 3815 kcal/kg; 406 kcal/cup
• 30% crude protein
• Crude Fat 20%
• Weight 40-lb

Another excellent dog food for hunting dogs is the VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food. This dog food has 88% animal protein, with beef meal, pork meal, and chicken meal among its components, providing your dog with lots of healthy proteins.

It’s also heavy in fat, with a crude content of 20%, providing your hunting dog with the energy they need to perform at their best. It is appropriate for active pups, adults, and nursing ladies. It’s also abundant in vitamins and minerals to keep your dog healthy, and it’s easy to digest.

This product’s components are all obtained from the United States, and none of them include gluten, maize, wheat, or grain. However, the kibble is tiny and may be difficult for big dogs to consume.

Pros

• Contains 88% beef protein
• Gluten, wheat, and cereals are not present.
• It is appropriate for both pups and adults.
• Very easily digested
• All of the components are from the United States.

Cons

• Kibble is a tiny animal.

 

Grain-Free Wellness CORE Original Deboned Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food

• The first three components are Turkey deboned, turkey meal, and chicken meal
• Caloric Value: 3,698 kcal/kg (417 kcal/cup)
• 34% crude protein
• 16% Crude Fat
• Weight 26-lb

The Wellness Core Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, and Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food is pricy, but it’s well worth it and one of the best feeds you can purchase for your hunting dog.

Because it is manufactured from human materials, it is high in nutritional value. Most dogs adore this meal and become agitated if you discontinue it.

Overall, it benefits your dog’s coat and provides them with great muscular tone. We strongly advise you to spend the money on high-quality meals if you have the means.

Pros

• Made with natural components
• Extremely nourishing
• Excellent for the general health of your hunting dog

Cons

• Expensive

 

Dry Dog Food Purina Pro Plan 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula

• The first three components are Rice, chicken, and corn gluten meal
• 4 390 kcal/kg; 484 kcal/cup
• 30% crude protein
• 20% Crude Fat
• Weight 50-lb

Purina Pro Plan 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food pushes the price even higher. We like this meal since it is designed specifically for high-performance dogs, making it an excellent choice for hunting dogs.

It’s a high-calorie meal that will keep your dog active and content. The contents emphasize protein, which is why this meal will keep an active dog energetic. Furthermore, it contains active probiotics that benefit your dog’s health.

Unfortunately, the price of the food has recently risen, prompting many individuals to move their dogs to something more cheap.

Pros

• A great choice for high-energy dogs.
• Protein content is really high.
• Calories rich in nutrients

Cons

• Expensive

 

Grain-Free Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food

• The first three components are Chicken deboned, chicken meal, and peas
• Caloric Value: 3,599 kcal/kg, 409 kcal/cup
• 34% crude protein
• 15% Crude Fat
• Weight 24-lb

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is unique in that it comes in small kibble sizes. While this may irritate some dogs, it is ideal for hunting dogs that devour their meal extremely rapidly.

We like how it contains healthful carbohydrates from foods like peas and sweet potatoes in the ingredients. It’s also produced with genuine chicken, which can help your dog gain lean muscle.

If you don’t like little kibbles, skip this choice, but if you’re okay with the kibble size, your hunting dog will adore the taste of this meal.

Pros

• A fantastic choice for dogs who eat rapidly.
• An excellent combination of genuine chicken and nutritious carbohydrates.
• It has no filler components.

Cons

• Some dog owners and canines may object to the tiny kibble size.

 

Canine Duck & Salmon Meal by Nature’s Logic

• The first three components are Millet, duck meal, and turkey meal
• 416.99 kilocalories per cup
• 38% crude protein
• 15% Crude Fat
• Weight 25-lb

Nature’s Logic Canine Duck & Salmon Meal is a dog food for pups and adults who like hunting, working, and athletic activities. It comprises components such as duck meal, turkey meal, and salmon meal and has one of the highest crude protein values on this list (38%).

This recipe is all natural, right down to the packaging, which was created using renewable energy. There are a handful of kibble alternatives to pick from, allowing you to vary your dog’s meal and never let them grow bored. However, the price has lately risen significantly, which has dissatisfied a few loyal clients.

Pros

• Puppies and energetic adult dogs are welcome.
• Protein in abundance
• Natural cooking method
• Produced with renewable energy
• Various flavors to choose from

Cons

• Expensive

 

Dry Dog Food Holistic Select Adult Health Lamb Meal Recipe

• The first three components are Peas, oats, and lamb meal
• 3 718 kcal/kg; 454 kcal/cup
• 23% crude protein
• 15% Crude Fat
• Weight 30-lb

Picky eaters will love the Holistic Select Adult Health Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food. A sensitive dog may prefer this single-protein dog food since the variety of tastes might be overwhelming.

The first three components are lamb meal, oats, and peas, while the remaining ingredients include probiotics, antioxidants, omega-3, glucosamine, and taurine, all of which support your dog’s heart and body.

The protein concentration is lower than other dog diets on our list, at 23%, and the fat content is 15%, but this may be enjoyed during the off-seasons when they don’t need as much energy as they need on the hunting fields, but it’s plenty to keep them energetic for hiking and other outdoor activities.

The disadvantage is that there have been a few quality-control difficulties with this dog food.

Pros

• A dinner ideal for the off-season
• Picky eaters may benefit from a single-protein meal.
• It has minerals that promote heart health.

Cons

• It has less protein than the other dog meals on this list.
• Problems with quality control