Fueling the Hunt: The Best Dog Food for Hunting Dogs

Hunting dogs are loyal working companions out in the field. Because of the energy gun dogs exert when working, their diet is vitally important.

What is the best hunting dog food?

The best diet for an active hunting dog is a diet high in protein, fat, and nutrients.

The protein and fat are used by the body as fuel while working and as energy to keep dogs warm while they are out in the elements. The nutrients help support the overall health and wellness of dogs. Research has indicated that at least 30% protein and 20% fat is a good ratio for hunting dog food, fueling your canine athlete’s maximum performance.

A raw diet like Vital Essentials has the perfect blend of fat, protein, and vital nutrients to support the metabolic needs of hunting dogs. Vital Essentials diets for dogs are available in frozen and freeze-dried varieties and several protein sources, including Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Rabbit, Duck, and Salmon. This allows you to custom-pick the food with the right blend of fat and protein to support your hunting dog out in the field. All Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Mini Nibs can be served as a whole meal the night before the hunt or a convenient high-protein treat while out in the field.

Before making any significant dietary changes, consult your veterinarian or canine nutritionist to determine the most appropriate diet for your dog’s age, weight, body condition, and activity level.

Should hunting dog food be wet or dry?

Hydration is extremely important for the health of your hunting dog, not just in the field but in the hours and days leading up to it, too. Wet food helps to ensure your hunting dog is staying hydrated. For example, adding water to our Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties results in a pate-like meal with plenty of moisture. However, that doesn’t mean you must feed your hunting dog wet food. If they prefer the crunch of dry food, ensure they always have access to clean drinking water so they can stay well-hydrated.

When is it best to feed a hunting dog?

Before hunting.

When it comes to feeding your hunting dog before heading out to the field, a good rule of thumb is to feed your dog a calorie-packed meal at least twelve hours before hunting. That translates to a hearty, early dinner the night before the hunt. The reason it’s best to wait so long is that it takes about twelve hours for your dog to fully digest the food you give them and to have all those good calories available to burn when they get to work. The morning of the hunt, you’re probably eating a big breakfast to prepare for the day. It’s logical to think your dog shouldn’t hunt on an empty stomach — but actually, experts recommend that your hunting dog skip breakfast on the day of the hunt.

Your pup won’t have enough time to digest their breakfast and have that energy available to use in the field, so breakfast doesn’t help and can even make your hunting dog feel unwell. When hunting dogs work out in the field, their adrenaline kicks in. If your dog has a full belly of food, the excitement can often cause unpleasant side effects for your pup, like vomiting or diarrhea. You know your dog best, however, and if no breakfast is unreasonable for your situation, then at least make sure it’s a light breakfast and that you feed your dog at least an hour before leaving to hunt.

Don’t forget snacks and treats.

During the hunt, high-value snacks and treats make fantastic rewards for your gun dog’s hard work — but don’t overindulge until the day is done! Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dog Treats are the perfect high-protein snack available in various protein sources to entice your hound. Our Chicken Hearts, Duck Nibs, Beef Nibs, Minnows, and Rabbit Bites are so popular among dog families that they come in a larger bag.

Dinner after a hunt

After a long day in the field locating, running, and retrieving game, your loyal hunting dog deserves a reward and a good meal. Like the night before, feed your hunting dog a big meal rich in protein and fat to repair its muscles and recover from the day’s workout. Of course, you’ll also want to give your hardworking pup a special snack to praise them for a job well done — and there’s no better reward for a hunting dog than some hearty VE RAW BAR single-ingredient snacks like Duck Heads, Pig Ears, and Bully Sticks.

Like all athletes, hunting dogs require the right diet for peak performance. Hunting dog food should be high in protein and fat and packed with all the essential nutrients that canine bodies need, with at least 30% protein in every bite. A complete and balanced raw meat diet from Vital Essentials fuels your hunting dog with ‘only the good stuff’ — the raw meat, bone, and vital organs providing all the biologically appropriate nutrition that your carnivore needs to hunt like his ancestors.

Do you love watching hunting shows or learning about new products from guys in the field? We’re happy to say that earlier this year, Vital Essentials was featured on Gun Dog TV. Watch it on The Outdoor Channel and you may catch an episode featuring our CEO, Lanny Viegut, having a blast with the Gun Dog TV cast and crew!

For more information on Vital Essentials and our full product line, follow us on TikTok and Instagram. And if you have any questions, be sure to check out our FAQ page for answers. Together, we can ensure your pet gets the proper nutrition they deserve.