Active dogs are the epitome of boundless energy and enthusiasm. Whether they are working dogs, athletes, or just love to play, their high energy levels require a diet that can keep up with their lifestyle.
In this guide, titled “Best Dog Foods for Active Dogs“, we will explore the top dog food options that are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional demands of highly active canines.
From high-protein formulas to energy-boosting ingredients, this guide is designed to help you make an informed decision that will fuel your dog’s adventures and keep them in peak condition.
Let’s unleash the power of nutrition and find the perfect fuel for your energetic four-legged friend.
10 Best Dog Foods For Active Dogs
Review of Best Dog Foods For Active Dogs
1. Victor Super Premium Dog Food – Grain Free Active Dog …
- Brand: Victor
- Manufacturer: Mid America Pet Food LLC
- Color: Brown
- Dimensions: Height: 24.0 Inches Width: 15.5 Inches Length: 6.0 Inches Weight: 30.0 Pounds `
Features
- GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD: This premium high protein dog food is specifically formulated as a gluten free, grain free dry dog food suitable for active dogs of all life stages with allergies or sensitivity to grain
- 33% PROTEIN DRY FOOD: Packed with premium-quality beef, pork and fish meals
- ALL BREEDS, ALL LIFE STAGES: Suitable for all life stages of small dogs, medium dogs and large breed dogs, this premium dog food is an ideal food for pregnant dogs, lactating females and puppies
- PROPRIETARY VPRO BLEND: Every VICTOR dog kibble formula begins with our exclusive mix of supplements, vitamins and minerals that have been designed to help maximize the genetic potential of every dog, regardless of breed, age, or activity level.
- MADE IN THE USA: We proudly produce every bag of VICTOR kibble in our own Texas-based facility and do not waver in our commitment to high-quality nutrition; A majority of ingredients come from ranches, farms and other trusted suppliers who are within a day’s drive of our East Texas plant.
2. VICTOR Super Premium Dog Food – Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog …
- Brand: Victor
- Manufacturer: Mid America Pet Food LLC
- Color: Brown
- Dimensions: Height: 30.0 Inches Width: 17.0 Inches Length: 6.0 Inches Weight: 40.0 Pounds `
Features
- ACTIVE DOG FOOD: VICTOR’s Hi-Pro Plus formula is a gluten free, high protein dog food with a nutrient-dense, multi meat formula; this dry dog food’s super premium nutrition provides sustained energy for sporting dogs and dogs with high physical demands
- 30% PROTEIN DRY FOOD: Packed with premium-quality beef, chicken, pork and fish meals
- FROM PUPPY TO ADULT: Suitable for all life stages, this premium dog food is ideal for pregnant dogs, lactating females and puppies; VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus for Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, except for growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult)
- PROPRIETARY VPRO BLEND: This super premium dog food has been formulated with our exclusive mix of supplements, vitamins and minerals which help maximize the genetic potential of every dog, regardless of breed, age, or activity level
- MADE IN THE USA: We proudly produce every bag of VICTOR kibble in our own Texas-based facility and do not waver in our commitment to high-quality nutrition. A majority of ingredients come from ranches, farms and other trusted suppliers who are within a day’s drive of our East Texas plant
3. Canidae All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food, Less Active …
- Brand: CANIDAE
- Manufacturer: CANIDAE
- Color: 30 Pounds (Pack of 1)
- Dimensions: Height: 3.88 Inches Width: 16.82 Inches Length: 25.5 Inches Weight: 30.0 Pounds `
Features
- Contains 1- 27 Lb. Bag of Canidae All Life Stages Less Active Chicken, Turkey and Lamb Meals Formula Dry Dog Food
- Nutritionally dense kibble that nourishes in every bite, crafted with chicken, turkey, lamb and fish along with wholesome grains and made without corn, wheat or soy
- Complete and balanced goodness for less active dogs of all ages and sizes with less fat and protein. One bag to feed them all, perfect for multi-dog homes
- Formulated with antioxidants and probiotics to support a healthy digestive and immune system, along with a nutritious blend of vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, skin and coat
- Canidae is creating a world of goodness for pets and the planet. Premium proteins and regeneratively farmed ingredients nourish pets and planet in every bowl, setting a new standard for pet food. Everything we do results in a bowl full of goodness
4. Victor Super Premium Dog Food – Multi-Pro Dry Dog Food …
- Brand: Victor
- Manufacturer: Mid America Pet Food LLC
- Color: Brown
- Dimensions: Height: 24.0 Inches Width: 15.5 Inches Length: 6.0 Inches Weight: 30.0 Pounds `
Features
- MULTI-PRO DOG FOOD: This super premium dry kibble is an ideal dog food for normally active dogs, regular maintenance and off-season nutrition for all breeds
- SUPER PREMIUM DRY FOOD: This gluten free dog food is a nutrient-dense, multi protein formula with high quality beef, chicken and pork meals to promote sustained energy
- FROM PUPPY TO ADULT: Suitable for all life stages of small dogs, medium dogs and large breed dogs, this super premium dog food promotes healthy immune and digestive systems
- PROPRIETARY VPRO BLEND: This super premium dog food has been formulated with our exclusive mix of supplements, vitamins and minerals which help maximize the genetic potential of every dog, regardless of breed, age, or activity level
- MADE IN THE USA: We proudly produce every bag of VICTOR kibble in our own Texas-based facility and do not waver in our commitment to high-quality nutrition. A majority of ingredients come from ranches, farms and other trusted suppliers who are within a day’s drive of our East Texas plant
5. Iams Proactive Health Adult Active Dry Dog Food with Chicken …
- Brand: Iams
- Manufacturer: Mars Petcare
- Color: brown
- Dimensions: Weight: 36.0 Pounds `
Features
- #1 INGREDIENT IS REAL CHICKEN: Protein sourced from chicken, as well as turkey and egg, helps support and maintain strong, firm, lean muscles.
- STRONG BONES & JOINTS: Essential minerals help maintain strong bones and joints needed for their lifestyle.
- SUSTAINED ENERGY: 30% protein, 18% fat, and a blend of wholesome grains for sustained energy and optimal body condition.
- HEALTHY METABOLISM: L-Carnitine helps maintain healthy fat metabolism to support your active dog.
- CONTAINS: One (1) 36 lb. bag of IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Active Dry Dog Food
6. Purina Pro Plan Active, High Protein Dog Food, SPORT 27/17 …
- Brand: Purina Pro Plan
- Manufacturer: Nestle Purina Pet
- Color: Other
- Dimensions: Height: 32.5 Inches Width: 17.0 Inches Length: 5.0 Inches Weight: 37.5 Pounds `
Features
- One (1) 37.5 lb. Bag – Purina Pro Plan Active, High Protein Dog Food, SPORT 27/17 Chicken & Rice Formula
- 27 percent protein and 17 percent fat fuel metabolic needs and help maintain lean muscle
- High protein formula, with real chicken as the first ingredient
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics to support digestive and immune health
- Used to be known as SPORT Active 26/16 Formula
7. Purina Pro Plan High Calorie, High Protein Dry Dog Food, …
- Brand: Purina Pro Plan
- Manufacturer: Nestle Purina Pet
- Color: Brown
- Dimensions: Height: 32.5 Inches Width: 17.0 Inches Length: 5.0 Inches Weight: 1.0 Pounds `
- Publication Date: 2011-12-21T00:00:01Z
Features
- One (1) 37.5 lb. Bag – Purina Pro Plan High Calorie, High Protein Dry Dog Food, 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula
- Concentrated nutrition optimizes oxygen metabolism (VO2 MAX) for increased endurance
- High protein formula, with real chicken as the first ingredient
- Used to be known as SPORT Performance 30/20 Formula
- Amino acids nourish muscles, including the crucial time after exercise
8. Purina Pro Plan High Protein, Small Bites Dog Food, SPORT …
- Brand: Purina Pro Plan
- Manufacturer: Nestle Purina Pet
- Color: Other
- Dimensions: Height: 11.0 Inches Width: 8.25 Inches Length: 4.5 Inches Weight: 6.0 Pounds `
- Publication Date: 2011-12-21T00:00:01Z
Features
- One (1) 6 lb. Bag – Purina Pro Plan High Protein, Small Bites Dog Food, SPORT 27/17 Lamb & Rice Formula
- Nutrient-dense, bite-sized kibble for dogs who prefer eating smaller pieces
- High protein formula, with real lamb as the first ingredient
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics to support digestive and immune health
- Used to be known as FOCUS Small Bites Lamb and Rice Formula
9. Victor Super Premium Dog Food – Purpose – Grain Free …
- Brand: Victor
- Manufacturer: Mid America Pet Food LLC
- Color: Brown
- Dimensions: Height: 13.0 Inches Width: 9.0 Inches Length: 3.5 Inches Weight: 5.0 Pounds `
Features
- GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD: This super premium high protein dog food is specifically formulated as a gluten free, grain free dry dog food suitable for active dogs with allergies or sensitivity to grain
- 33% PROTEIN DRY DOG FOOD: Packed with premium-quality beef, fish and pork meals, this high protein dry dog food formula is ideal for dogs susceptible to joint issues
- HIP & JOINT HEALTH: This VICTOR Purpose dog food provides glucosamine and chondroitin to help support long-term hip and joint health in highly active adult dogs
- PROPRIETARY VPRO BLEND: Every VICTOR dog kibble formula begins with our exclusive mix of supplements, vitamins and minerals that have been designed to help maximize the genetic potential of every dog, regardless of breed, age, or activity level
- MADE IN THE USA: We proudly produce every bag of VICTOR kibble in our own Texas-based facility and do not waver in our commitment to high-quality nutrition; a majority of ingredients come from ranches, farms and other trusted suppliers who are within a day’s drive of our East Texas plant
10. Victor Super Premium Dog Food – Grain Free Lamb Meal …
- Brand: Victor
- Manufacturer: Mid America Pet Food LLC
- Color: Brown
- Dimensions: Height: 13.0 Inches Width: 9.0 Inches Length: 3.5 Inches Weight: 5.0 Pounds `
Features
- LAMB MEAL & SWEET POTATO: VICTOR Grain Free Lamb Meal & Sweet Potato super premium dog food is an ideal high protein kibble for dogs with allergies to other meat proteins
- HIGH PROTEIN & GRAIN FREE: Our SELECT dry dog foods offer specific proteins in a variety of formulated blends with limited ingredients; this grain free high protein dog food is packed with premium-quality lamb meal
- FROM PUPPY TO ADULT: Suitable for small dogs, medium dogs and large breed dogs at all life stages, this high protein dog food is excellent for dogs with normal activity levels
- PROPRIETARY VPRO BLEND: This super premium dog food has been formulated with our exclusive mix of supplements, vitamins and minerals which help maximize the genetic potential of every dog, regardless of breed, age, or activity level
- MADE IN THE USA: We proudly produce every bag of VICTOR kibble in our own Texas-based facility and do not waver in our commitment to high-quality nutrition. A majority of ingredients come from ranches, farms and other trusted suppliers who are within a day’s drive of our East Texas plant
Buying Guide: Best Dog Foods for Active Dogs
Active dogs have unique nutritional needs to support their high energy levels and physical demands.
Whether your dog is a working breed, involved in dog sports, or just naturally energetic, choosing the right food is essential.
This buying guide will help you select the best dog food for your active canine companion.
Understand Your Active Dog’s Nutritional Needs
Active dogs typically require a higher caloric intake compared to less active dogs. They also need a balanced diet that is rich in proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to support their energy levels and muscle maintenance.
Key Ingredients to Look For
High-Quality Protein
Protein is essential for muscle development and repair. Look for dog foods that list a high-quality source of protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish, as the first ingredient.
Higher Fat Content
Fats are an essential source of energy for active dogs. Look for dog food with a higher fat content, ideally from quality sources such as fish oil or flaxseed.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy. Look for ingredients like sweet potatoes, brown rice, or oats.
Vitamins and Minerals
Ensure that the dog food contains essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health. Antioxidants are also beneficial for active dogs as they help combat oxidative stress from exercise.
Joint Support
Active dogs can put a lot of strain on their joints. Look for dog food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.
Consider Caloric Density
Active dogs need more calories, but it’s important to provide these calories through nutrient-dense food rather than just larger quantities. Check the caloric content and ensure it aligns with your dog’s activity level.
Avoid Artificial Additives
Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can be harmful to your dog’s health. Look for dog food that is free from these additives.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews can provide insights into how other active dogs have reacted to a particular dog food. Look for reviews from owners of dogs with similar activity levels to your own.
Consult Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian can provide valuable insights into your active dog’s specific dietary needs. Consult them for recommendations, especially if your dog has any health issues.
Pay Attention to Life Stage
Active puppies, adults, and senior dogs have different nutritional needs. Make sure to choose a dog food that is appropriate for your dog’s life stage.
Consider Food Allergies or Sensitivities
If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, make sure to choose a dog food that doesn’t contain the offending ingredients.
Conclusion
Selecting the right dog food for your active dog involves considering various factors including ingredients, caloric content, and your dog’s specific needs.
By focusing on high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, you can ensure that your active dog gets the nutrition it needs to thrive.
Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice and recommendations.
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