Published on: 03/31/2020, updated on: 10/12/2021

The Best Dog Food for Hunting Dogs

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Hunting dogs are very active dogs. Hunters use different dog breeds for hunting, and these dogs have different needs, abilities, and builds. However, there is one thing they have in common; they are extremely athletic. Hunting dogs, regardless of their sizes and shapes, have a specific nutritional requirement to keep them going.

Your hunting dog needs the best dog food for hunting dogs to provide it with the vital minerals, vitamins, and proteins it needs. In this guide, we have reviewed some of the best high-performance kibble that are formulated for hunting dogs. Read on to learn about your best options.

Our top pick is the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free. Their dry dog food comes with optimum protein and fat levels for hunting dogs. It also helps to solve one of the major health issues of hunting dogs, which is joint issues, thanks to its blend of glucosamine and other essential nutrients.

The Best Dog Food for Hunting Dogs Are:

1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog food for hunting dogs, thanks to its great protein and carb sources. This product line for Blue is inspired by the diet of wolves. This formula is great for building endurance in your dog, a trait that is common among great hunting dogs.

This food is made with high-quality ingredients such as deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, and tapioca starch. It is a completely grain-free formula, but it contains high-quality carbs to provide your pup with the energy it needs. Due to the active nature of hunting dogs, they need all the bone, joint, and mobility support they can get, and this food comes with glucosamine and calcium for that.

The high-quality protein in this diet acts as a solid building block for healthy muscles. This food is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also contains DHA, which supports cognitive eye development and function. This food contains a blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants for a healthy oxidative balance and immune system.

It is ideal for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The protein content of this food is 34 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 15 percent. The maximum crude fiber content is 6 percent with a caloric content of 409 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Breed Size: All breed sizes
  • Special Diet: Grain-free, high protein, no corn, no wheat, no soy

Pros

  • Calorie-dense
  • Protein-rich
  • Supports a healthy immune system
  • Contains glucosamine

Cons

  • It is not ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Blue Buffalo Wilderness for Dogs | Chewy

2. Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance Formula Dry Dog Food 1

If you are looking for the best high-performance dog food for your hunting dog, then you should consider the Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Formula Dry Dog Food.

This food is formulated for very active dogs, such as hunting and athletic dogs. It is available in four different sizes, so you can start with a small package and progress to the larger bag sizes if your pup likes it. However, this is one dog food that dogs find very hard to resist.

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The top five ingredients of this dog food are chicken, corn gluten meal, brewer’s rice, animal fat, and poultry by-product meal. It contains a natural source of glucosamine and EPA to provide your pup with all the joint and bone support it needs. It also contains fish oil, fish meal, and animal fat, which are rich in omega fatty acids for optimal brain function and healthy skin and coat.

This food contains DHA for cognitive retinal function and development. This is a 30/20 formula, which means this food contains 30 percent minimum crude protein and 20 percent minimum crude fat. It also contains adequate levels of amino acids to support strong muscles. The maximum crude fiber content of this food is 3 percent while the caloric content is 475 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: All life stages
  • Breed Size: All breed sizes
  • Special Diet: High performance, high protein

Pros

  • Promotes endurance and strength
  • High protein and fat content
  • Supports healthy joints and mobility
  • Great for athletic and hunting dogs

Cons

  • The calorie content might be too much for some dogs

3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain Free Dry Dog Food 3

If you are looking for a grain-free diet with high-quality, novel protein sources, you might want to give the Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food a try. This is one of the best food for active and performance dogs, thanks to its super-rich protein sources.

The top five ingredients of this food are buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, and peas. Sweet potato is a great substitute for grains, and it is highly digestible.

Other great protein sources in this diet include roasted bison, beef, roasted venison, and ocean fish meal. This food contains plenty of healthy fruits and veggies such as raspberries, blueberries, tomatoes, and yucca schidigera extract.

The fruits and veggies in this diet provide your pup with natural antioxidants for a healthy digestive system. It also features a blend of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to leave the coat and skin of your pup shiny and healthy.

This food is free of grain, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. The ingredients are also highly digestible and it is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. The protein content of this meal is 32 percent while the fat content is 18 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 4 percent with a caloric content of 370 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Breed Size: All breed sizes
  • Special Diet: Grain-free, gluten-free

Pros

  • Plenty of veggies and fruits
  • Rich in protein
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Supports a healthy coat and skin

Cons

  • It does not contain glucosamine and chondroitin

4. Victor Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food

Victor Hi Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food

The Victor Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog food for hunting dogs. This dog food is very rich in protein, with 88 percent protein from meat sources, 2 percent protein from plants and veggies, and 10 percent protein from grain sources.

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The top five ingredients of this food are beef meal, grain sorghum, chicken fat, pork meal, and chicken meal. This food also contains a menhaden fish meal, which is a great source of DHA acid, for optimal eye function and development. It contains plenty of antioxidant-rich veggies and fruits, and this substance helps to promote digestive health.

It delivers all the micronutrients your hunting dog needs to remain healthy and strong. The omega fatty acids in this food support a healthy immune system, shiny coat, and healthy skin. It also features a blend of prebiotics and probiotics to support a healthy digestive system.

The protein content of this food is 30 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 20 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 3.8 percent with a caloric content of 406 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: All life stages
  • Breed Size: All breed sizes
  • Special Diet: Gluten-free, high-protein, no corn, no soy, no wheat, pea-free

Pros

  • Super rich in protein
  • Ideal for dogs with high physical needs
  • Rich in omega fatty acids and amino acids
  • Supports a healthy digestive and immune system

Cons

  • No glucosamine and chondroitin

5. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

American Journey Salmon Sweet Potato Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food

This grain-free dry dog food from American Journey is formulated to provide your hunting dog with essential nutrition to keep it energized and active. It is an inexpensive option, despite its unique formula and high-quality ingredients. The top five ingredients of this dog food are deboned salmon, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, and sweet potatoes.

It is enriched with antioxidant-rich veggies and fruits, including blueberries, carrots, and dried kelp. This food is fortified with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids from quality sources such as flaxseed, menhaden fish meal, chicken fat, and salmon oil. It also contains chondroitin and glucosamine for healthy bones, joints, and mobility.

This formula is 100 percent grain-free and gluten-free. It is also free of other common allergens such as soy, corn, and wheat, making it ideal for dogs with allergies and sensitivities. This food contains DHA for brain and eye development. It also supports a healthy digestive and immune system.

The protein content of this food is 32 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 14 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 5 percent with a caloric content of 390 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Breed Size: All breed sizes
  • Special Diet: Gluten-free, grain-free, no corn, no soy, no wheat

Pros

  • Ideal for sensitive dogs
  • Healthful and delicious
  • Protein-rich
  • Promotes immune and digestive health

Cons

  • It is not guaranteed that it is free of GMO ingredients
American Journey Dog Food | Chewy

6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food 1

The Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe from Blue Buffalo is one of the best dog food for hunting dogs, thanks to its blend of natural ingredients to provide your pup with all the nutrients and energy it needs. The top five ingredients of this diet are deboned beef, fish meal, peas, pea starch, and tapioca starch.

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It contains sufficient amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids from flaxseed and canola oil. Other great protein sources in this diet are deboned venison, deboned lamb, and dried egg products. It also contains glucosamine with optimal levels of phosphorus and calcium to give your hunting dog the bone, joint, and health support that it needs.

This food features a blend of antioxidants and other nutritive elements to support a healthy oxidative balance and immune system health. This formula does not include grains, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

It contains L-carnitine and loads of fresh veggies and fruits. The protein content of this food is 30 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 15 percent. It has a maximum crude fiber content of 6 percent with a caloric content of 393 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Breed Size: All breed sizes
  • Special Diet: Grain-free, high-protein

Pros

  • Supports a healthy digestive system
  • Great smell
  • Ideal for dogs with allergies
  • Supports healthy bones and joints

Cons

  • Vitamin bits come as separate pellets

Buyer’s Guide: The Basic Nutritional Needs Of Hunting Dogs

Protein

Given the general active lifestyle of hunting dogs, they need protein to assist with lean muscle mass. They need amino acids to build strong muscles to help them get around easily.

For this, you need to look for dog food with high protein content. While looking for a protein-rich formula, you should also make sure that the protein is from high-quality sources. The best protein sources you should look out for are animal-based protein, fish, and lean meat sources.

Fat

Hunting dogs get most of their energy from fat, whether they are slowing to a moderate level of activities or participating in vigorous, active hunting activities. They need fat to maintain their energy.

According to research, it is even better for hunting dogs to get their energy from fat than from carbs. Fat provides hunting and sporting dogs with longer-lasting energy, allowing them to run further.

Highly Digestible Carbs

The diet of your hunting dog should contain highly digestible carb sources. It is also recommended that they are supplied within an hour of exercise.

Fiber

The intestines of your hunting dog need to be able to absorb nutrients very well to keep them healthy. As such, you need to opt for dog food with ideal levels of healthy fiber.

Fiber also helps to keep the metabolism of your dog on track, providing your pup with plenty of energy.

Conclusion

One of the best ways to keep your hunting dog healthy, strong, and energized is to feed it with the best dog food for hunting dogs. The best food will provide your pup with sufficient protein to remain at the top of its game.

Our top pick for the best dog food for hunting dogs is the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food because it comes with sufficient amounts of protein and fat to keep your dog strong and energized. It also comes with glucosamine for healthy joints and bones, which is one of the major issues of hunting dogs.

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