Best Dog Food for Working Dogs [Reviewed in 2021]

Last Updated on 01/23/2021 by Veronica Jones

Always on the field, working dogs have busy lifestyles similar to their human counterparts. Therefore, paying attention to the amount of food they need and the nutrients that come with is important as a pet owner.

If you want to know what is the best dog food for working dogs, read our reviews below. To help keep your working dog in top condition, we recommend feeding them with the right kind of diet.

Best Working Dogs Food Reviews

Here are our top picks for the best dog food for working dogs:

1. Taste of the Wild Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison

For working dogs, the Taste of the Wild Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison is a great starter, especially if they are sensitive to wheat, soy, and corn since this mix is grain-free. It has a high amount of protein, which is at 32%, so it will suffice dogs that need a lot of daily exercises and physical activity.

The main ingredient and the first meat source for this dog food is pasture-raised bison and venison. This makes it a great alternative for dogs that have chicken allergies. It is available in 3 different bag sizes for your needs. Moreover, it has the K9 Strain Probiotics that support your dog’s digestive system while the prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root also helps with their GI tract.

We like that it has an assortment of fruits and veggies for your dog’s immune system, such as blueberries, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and raspberries. Moreover, the omega fatty acids in this dog food will help keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy.

Pros

• Grain-free
• Made in the United States
• Has omega fatty acids
• Pasture-raised bison and venison
• Ideal for dogs with chicken allergies

Cons

• Pricier than typical dog food
• Minor delivery and packaging issues

 

2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein with Chicken

If your working dog is okay with poultry then the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein with Chicken is for them. This one is made with real chicken as the first ingredient and the primary source of protein to get them moving and strengthen their muscles.

Moreover, it has omega 3 & 6 fatty acids that will aid your dog’s coat and skin health, especially for frequently shedding breeds. Because it is grain-free, it will help with dogs that have sensitive tummies.  Instead of grains, it uses sweet potatoes and peas for its carbohydrate source. Each bag contains 24 lbs. but you can also order 11-lb. and 4.5-lb. bags for smaller dog families.

Like most Blue Buffalo brand dog foods, it has crunchy Life Source bits that contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Because it doesn’t contain by-products, artificial flavors, or preservatives, you are assured that you aren’t giving low-quality food for your working dog.

Pros

• Has omega fatty acids for coat and skin health
• High in protein
• Grain-free
• Chicken is the first ingredient
• No artificial flavors or preservatives

Cons

• The smell might put off some owners
• Might not be ideal for dogs with missing teeth

 

3. Purina Pro Plan Sport Energy & Vitality Support

For highly-active dogs, we recommend the Purina Pro Plan Sport Energy & Vitality Support. Made with chicken as the first ingredient, this one comes in a 37.5-lb. bag and it is applicable for all life stages. This makes it great for homes or establishments with multiple working dogs.

As a dog food working canines, the protein content is 26% so it will boost your dog’s muscles and energy while the 16% fat will keep them conditioned throughout the day. Likewise, it has immunity-boosting antioxidants from veggies and fruits while the formula is easy to digest for dogs with sensitive tummies. If you want low-cost dog food, this is a great choice to keep your working dogs healthy.

In addition to that, it has EPA and glucosamine that will support your dog’s joint health, especially if the breed is prone to hip dysplasia. Moreover, there are omega fatty acids that will be helpful for your dog’s coat health. Amino acids are also present in the formula, which will help active and exercising dogs to have sufficient recovery time for their muscles.

Pros

• Has glucosamine for joint health
• High in protein
• For all life stages
• Has antioxidants
• Has amino acids for muscles

Cons

• Not entirely grain-free
• May have crumbs depending on shipment

 

4. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Dry Dog Food

Great for working dogs, the Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Dry Dog Food is for adults and large breeds. Among its ingredients include glucosamine, which will help prevent hip dysplasia and other similar joint problems. It has 26% protein and only 12% fat, which is a good balance for dogs that are often out in the field. It even has 4.5% fiber so it will be gentle for your dog’s digestive system.

Real chicken is the first ingredient so you’re going to be sure that your dog will have quality-sourced protein. It also has two bag sizes (31.1-lb. and 40-lb.) depending on how many dogs you have at home.

Made with vitamin A and E, as well as selenium and zinc, it will boost your dog’s immune system, which important for working dogs. In the same way, vitamins A and E will help promote eye health. Because of the crunchy kibble, your dog will have healthier teeth and gums while chewing. For a shin coat and skin, it also has omega fatty acids.

Pros

• High in fiber
• Glucosamine for joints
• Has immunity-boosting nutrients
• Crunchy kibble for teeth health
• Low on fat to avoid obesity

Cons

• May have crumbs during shipment
• Not entirely grain-free

 

5. IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food

Made with chicken and turkey as the main ingredients, the IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food is made for working dogs since it has 30% protein, which is considerably high and appropriate for those that are often on the field for long days.

We also like that it has L-carnitine, which is ideal for dogs that are trying to maintain a healthy weight. It has omega fatty acids that will help support your dog’s skin and coat while it contains veggies such as carrots for vitamin A and beet pulp for natural prebiotics and fiber. This one contains 18% fat so it is good for dogs that are trying to gain weight as well.

This fiber will aid in their healthy digestion while coming from a quality vegetable source. The chicken and turkey are sustainably and responsibly raised in farms to give you guilt-free feeding for your dog. Moreover, we like that it has fish oil, which will help with your dog’s overall coat and skin condition.

Pros

• Has prebiotics and fiber
• High in protein
• Omega fatty acids for coat health
• Vitamin A from carrots
• Chicken and turkey as the first ingredients

Cons

• Not entirely grain-free
• Not egg-free

 

6. CRAVE Grain-Free Lamb & Venison Adult Dry Dog Food

If your working dog is on a chicken-free diet, you might want to try the CRAVE Grain-Free Lamb & Venison Adult Dry Dog Food. With this mix, real lamb as the first ingredient, and since it is wheat-free and soy-free, it is appropriate for dogs with tummy allergies.

Each bag has 22 lbs. but you can also opt for smaller bags (4-lb. and 12-lb. sizes). This dog food has 34% protein, which is high enough for tough working dogs. We like that it was made without chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. This ensures that your dog only gets highly-nutritious dog food as its source of energy.

And since it is grain-free, it gets its carbohydrate content from peas and similar veggies. What’s more, it has a bunch of other veggies such as alfalfa and chickpeas. It even has biotin and vitamin E for improving your dog’s coat and skin health.

Pros

• Lamb and venison are the main ingredients
• Grain-free
• High in protein
• Has veggies for antioxidants and fiber
• No preservatives

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than common dog food brands
• Some picky eaters might not like it

 

7. CANIDAE All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food

For those with multiple working dogs inside the house (or facility), we recommend the CANIDAE All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food. This one is for nearly every dog breed out there due to the general formulation and multi-protein mix. It has a mix of chicken, fish, turkey, and lamb meals so it has many sources of protein.

We like that it has omega fatty acids to keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Dogs with sensitive tummies need not worry because this one has probiotics. In the same way, this mix has antioxidants that will keep their immune system strong. For dogs that are prone to hip dysplasia, you are in luck because of the glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

Because the ingredients come from Texas, USA, it means high-quality resources for your canine friend. Likewise, it has a grain-free formula which is going to be helpful for dogs that are allergic to corn, wheat, and soy.

Pros

• Grain-free
• For all life stages
• Has probiotics
• With glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
• Made in the USA

Cons

• May have uneven kibble
• Might not please some picky eaters

 

8. Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food

If you have the German Shepherd as a working dog then you’d like the Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food. This mix is tailored to the breed thanks to the specially-shaped kibble. Because it has EPA and DHA from fish oil, it will help your dog’s cognitive development, as well as their skin and coat health.

In addition to that, dogs with joint problems will be aided by the included glucosamine and chondroitin. This dog food is recommended for purebred German Shepherds that are 15 months old and above. As for the nutrient analysis, it has 22% protein and 17% fat, which is okay for most working dogs such as the German Shepherd.

Moreover, it has 5.5% fiber, which will help dogs to easily digest their food. It is available in two bag sizes (17-lb. and 30-lb.) depending on your needs and can be mixed with wet food.

Pros

• Has glucosamine for joint health
• Specially-shaped kibble for German Shepherds
• High in protein for working dogs
• High in fiber
• EPA and DHA for skin and coat

Cons

• Not entirely grain-free
• Minor packaging issues

 

Things We Considered Before Buying

Working dogs need lots of nutrients to keep them strong and healthy. Here are things to look for (or to consider) in choosing the best dog food for working dogs:

1.  Your dog’s age. Puppies and seniors need a different amount of protein than adult dogs. We know that it’s mostly just adult dogs that are working dogs but if you have younger or older dogs at hand, do know that their protein needs might be different.
2. Their breed size. Small breeds and large breeds also differ when it comes to protein, fat, and calorie intake to avoid getting obese.
3. Any allergies they might have. Consider going grain-free if your dog is sensitive to corn, wheat, or soy. If your vet advised against chicken due to allergies, you can go for bison, venison, turkey, lamb, fish/salmon, or beef as alternative protein sources.
4. Any potential breed health problems. Know which nutrient your dog needs depending on their specific health problems tailored to their breed. For instance, dogs with a likelihood of hip dysplasia should have food that has glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
5. The amount of exercise they get. Not all working dogs have the same routine so pay attention to how much they go outside and become active.

 

Conclusion

If you want to choose the best dog food for working dogs, you have to consider many factors. Nonetheless, any dog food that is free from unnecessary fillers while having quality protein ingredients coming from real meat, will be sufficient for your working dog. It pays a lot to reward your working dog with the right nutrition that they deserve after a long day!