How Much Should I Be Feeding My Working Dog?

Working dogs are true heroes—a loyal companion and a dedicated worker all rolled into one furry package! From border collies herding livestock to labradors serving in search-and-rescue missions, these incredible animals put their hearts and paws into every task. But to keep them performing at their best, they need the right nutrition in the right amounts.

If you’ve been wondering, “How much should I be feeding my working dog?”—don’t worry, you’re not alone! This guide breaks it all down for you, from calculating caloric needs and choosing the right food to ensuring hydration and recognising feeding red flags.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to keep your hardworking dog healthy, energised, and happy.

Before we leap into meal plans, it’s important to understand what sets working dogs apart. Unlike the average household pet, working dogs lead highly active and physically demanding lives. They require considerably more energy to stay energised, recover from their tasks, and maintain their overall wellbeing.

That means their diets need to pack a punch:

• More Calories: Increased activity leads to higher caloric needs compared to non-working dogs.

• Tailored Nutrients: Diets higher in protein and fat are often essential to meet their physical demands.

• Consistent Energy Supply: Whether it’s competing in agility courses or helping on the farm, working dogs need long-lasting energy to perform all day long.

Pro Tip: Think of feeding a working dog like fuelling a high-performance athlete. A generic meal plan just won’t cut it! 🐾

Every dog is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to calorie intake. Factors like size, breed, age, and activity level will all play a role. Here’s a simple starting point to estimate your working dog’s daily energy needs:

First, calculate their Resting Energy Requirement (RER) —the energy they need to maintain basic body functions at rest. Use this formula:

RER (kcal/day) = 70 x (Body Weight in kg) ^ 0.75

For example, a 20kg working dog would have an RER of around 662 kcal/day .

Now, multiply the RER by a factor that reflects your dog's workload:

• Light Work (e.g., occasional herding): Multiply by 2-3

• Moderate Work (e.g., daily farm work): Multiply by 3-5

• Intense Work (e.g., search-and-rescue missions or sledding): Multiply by 5-10

For our 20kg example dog doing moderate work, the total need could range from 1,986 to 3,310 kcal/day.

Important: These are just guidelines. Always monitor your dog’s behaviour and adjust portions as needed—some dogs burn energy differently!

Now that you know how many calories your dog needs, the next step is ensuring those calories come from a well-balanced diet. Here’s what each meal should include:

Protein is the building block of muscles and recovery! Working dogs typically need 25-30% of their calories from protein . Opt for premium sources like:

• Chicken

• Beef

• Salmon

• Turkey

Fats provide long-lasting energy that fuels physically demanding tasks. Aim for 15-20% fat content in their diet. Healthy sources include:

• Fish oil

• Chicken fat

• Linseed oil

Carbs aren’t just for energy; they’re also excellent for recovery time. Sweet potatoes, rice, and oats are common, dog-safe sources.

Don’t forget the micronutrients! Calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins like A, D, and E are critical for their overall health and strong bones.

Active dogs lose a lot of water through panting and physical exertion. Always provide fresh, clean water alongside their meals. You may even want to add some low-sodium broth to encourage hydration during active days.

Pro Tip: Consult your vet or a canine nutritionist to ensure your chosen dog food checks all these boxes! 🐕🍴

Working dogs don’t always benefit from one or two large meals a day. Instead, spreading their food into smaller, timed portions helps maintain their energy throughout the day.

1. Pre-Work Meal (30-60 mins before activity): Small, easy-to-digest meal for quick energy.

2. Post-Work Meal (30-60 mins after activity): A larger meal to refuel and aid recovery.

3. Additional Meals: Depending on their workload, you might add a midday snack or a small evening meal.

Tip: Avoid heavy meals too close to intense activity to reduce the risk of bloating or stomach upset.

It’s important to monitor your dog’s body condition and performance to see how well their diet is suiting them. Keep an eye out for these signs:

Signs of Overfeeding

• Weight gain

• Sluggishness during or after work

• Loose stools or frequent digestive issues

Signs of Underfeeding

• Rib or spine showing prominently

• Lack of energy or inability to work for long periods

• Poor coat condition (dull, dry fur)

If you suspect an issue, adjust their meals slightly and see how they respond!

Feeding your working dog isn’t just about keeping them full—it’s about fuelling their incredible feats and keeping them healthy for the long haul. By understanding their unique dietary needs and fine-tuning their meal plan, you can ensure they’re always ready to tackle the next job with wagging tails and boundless energy.

Still unsure about your dog’s specific needs? Don’t leave it to chance—book a consultation with your vet or a canine nutritionist to nail the perfect plan for your pup.

Your four-legged teammate works hard. Make sure they have the nutrition to play hard, too! 🐾💪