As a pet parent, you know that providing your furry friend with the right nutrition is essential for their overall health and well-being.
And if you have an active dog, you need to ensure that they are getting enough calories to keep up with their energy levels.
Why High-Calorie Dog Food Matters
Before we get into the best high-calorie dog food brands, let’s first discuss why high-calorie dog food is essential, especially for active dogs.
Dogs that engage in high-intensity activities like agility training, hunting, or running require more calories to fuel their muscles and maintain their energy levels.
High-calorie dog food provides your dog with the necessary nutrients to help them stay healthy and active.
What to Look for in High-Calorie Dog Food
When choosing a high-calorie dog food brand, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you are getting a high-quality product.
- High-Quality Protein: Look for a high-calorie dog food that has a high-quality protein source like chicken, beef, or fish as the first ingredient. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, and it provides your dog with the energy they need to stay active.
- Healthy Fats: Dogs need healthy fats to support their immune system, maintain healthy skin and coat, and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Look for a high-calorie dog food brand that includes healthy fats like chicken fat, fish oil, or flaxseed oil.
- Whole Grains: Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and barley provide your dog with the complex carbohydrates they need for sustained energy. Avoid high-calorie dog food brands that use fillers like corn, wheat, or soy.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Look for a high-calorie dog food brand that contains a balance of essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, D, and E. These nutrients are vital for supporting your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Top High-Calorie Dog Food Brands
Now that you know what to look for in a high-calorie dog food brand let’s take a look at the top brands.
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food (Best High Calories for Adults Dogs)
- First ingredient is deboned chicken
- Grain-free formula
- Contains high-quality protein and healthy fats
- Includes essential vitamins and minerals
2. Orijen Adult Dog Food (Best Premium High Calorie Dog Food)
- Features a variety of high-quality proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish
- Grain-free formula
- Contains healthy fats from fish and fish oil
- Includes essential vitamins and minerals
3. Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Formula (Best High Calorie Dog Food for Active Dogs)
- Features real chicken as the first ingredient
- Includes high-quality protein and healthy fats
- Contains complex carbohydrates from whole grains like barley and oatmeal
- Includes essential vitamins and minerals
4. Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best High Calorie Puppy Food)
- Features deboned chicken as the first ingredient
- Grain-free formula
- Contains high-quality protein and healthy fats from sources like chicken fat and salmon oil
- Includes essential vitamins and minerals
5. Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food (Best High Calorie Healthy Food)
- Features high-quality proteins like chicken, lamb, and salmon as the first ingredients
- Contains a mix of healthy fats like chicken fat and sunflower oil
- Includes whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal for sustained energy
- Includes essential vitamins and minerals
FAQs
How many calories should I feed my active dog?
The number of calories your dog needs will depend on their size, age, and activity level. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate calorie intake for your furry friend.
Can high-calorie dog food cause my dog to gain weight?
Any food can cause weight gain if you feed your dog too much of it. It’s important to monitor your dog’s calorie intake and adjust their portion sizes accordingly.
Can I mix high-calorie dog food with my dog’s regular food?
Yes, you can mix high-calorie dog food with your dog’s regular food. Just be sure to adjust the portion sizes accordingly to avoid overfeeding.
Is high-calorie dog food appropriate for senior dogs?
Senior dogs have different nutritional needs than younger dogs, so it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine if high-calorie dog food is appropriate for your senior furry friend.
Conclusion
Choosing the best high-calorie dog food brand for your active furry friend can be challenging, but it’s essential to ensure that they are getting the necessary nutrients to maintain their energy levels and overall health.
When selecting a high-calorie dog food brand, look for high-quality protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate calorie intake for your furry friend and monitor their portion sizes to avoid overfeeding. With the right high-calorie dog food brand, you can fuel your dog’s active lifestyle and keep them healthy and happy for years to come.
