Gundogs, sheepdogs, canicross partners and dogs who simply never stop all burn more energy than the average pet. Raw feeding works well for them, as long as you feed enough and time meals sensibly around work.
Feeding a busy dog? Our raw feeding calculator shows grams a day and how much food you will need each month.
How much does an active dog need?
Most adult dogs eat 2 to 3 percent of their ideal bodyweight a day. Working and very active dogs usually sit at the top of that range, so 3 percent is a good place to start:
- 15kg dog: about 450g a day
- 20kg dog: about 600g a day
- 25kg dog: about 750g a day
- 30kg dog: about 900g a day
Some dogs doing long, hard days need more than 3 percent, especially in cold weather or during a busy season. Others need less on rest days. Let their body tell you.
Check body condition every week or two
- Ribs: easy to feel under a thin covering. Working dogs are often a little leaner than pets, but you should not see hips or spine.
- Muscle: firm and well covered over the back and hind legs.
- Energy: keen to work and recovering well afterwards.
- Stools: firm. Very loose stools can mean too much food at once.
If your dog is losing condition, increase the daily amount by around 10 percent and check again in a week or two.
When to feed around exercise
It is widely advised not to let dogs exercise hard on a full stomach, particularly large, deep chested breeds. Many owners feed the main meal after work, once the dog has cooled down and settled, with a smaller meal earlier in the day. Ask your vet how long to leave between eating and exercise for your dog.
On long working days, splitting the daily amount into smaller meals can be easier on the stomach than one big one.
Which foods suit active dogs?
Any complete 80/10/10 food is a good base. Rotating a few proteins keeps meals interesting for hungry dogs:
- Red meat: beef and lamb completes from Supreme Raw, Stobart and K9 Raw.
- Tripe blends: such as Stobart Beef and Tripe and K9 Raw Beef and Tripe, which many dogs love.
- Oily fish blends: such as Supreme Raw Beef and Salmon, for variety.
Feeding a big appetite for less
Active dogs get through a lot of food, so buying in bulk makes a real difference. The Stobart 27.2kg Combo Box and Supreme Raw 27.2kg Bulk Box both work out at about £2.43 per kg at the time of writing. See all our bigger boxes and bundles.
Ready to start?
Work out your dog's daily amount with our feeding calculator. Coming from kibble? Follow our 10 day switching plan, ideally during a quieter week. Delivery is free on orders over £70 (£3.95 below that), and you can choose Subscribe and Save to get 5 percent off every order and never run out.
This guide is general advice for healthy adult dogs. If your dog works very hard, is recovering from injury, or has a health condition, please check with your vet about the right amount and type of food.