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- Best Dog Food for Canine Athletes 2024
Written by Jasmine Sawatzky
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 06/02/2023, edited: 03/07/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
- High-quality protein sources: Active dogs should be eating food with 20-30% quality protein. Protein is essential for muscle development and repair. Make sure to choose a dog food with a quality protein source as the first ingredient. Look for real meat like chicken, beef, or fish, as they provide the necessary amino acids for optimal muscle function.
- Healthy fats and carbohydrates: Canine athletes require energy-dense diets. Look for foods that contain healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, which support joint health and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables provide sustained energy. Avoid foods with excessive fillers or artificial additives, since they may not provide adequate nutrition.
- Added supplements: Canine athletes can benefit from additional nutritional support. Look for dog foods that include beneficial supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, antioxidants for muscle recovery, or omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health.
- Probiotics: Probiotics can help support a healthy digestive system. Feeding your dog food that supports their gut health with probiotics and minimally processed ingredients can help them feel better in more ways than one. Gut health relates to not only physical well-being, but also mental well-being. By feeding your dog gut-healthy food, they may even be able to keep their cool a little better under pressure.
Vet recommended
“Raised Right offers a human-grade dog food consisting of only whole foods and no fillers or synthetic additives such as vitamin and mineral powders. Their ingredients can also be traced back to the source, and each batch is tested for safety," says Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, member of Wag!’s licensed veterinary team who personally recommends the brand to her clients.
Working with veterinarians and pet food formulation experts to produce limited-ingredient food that still has all the vital nutrients for your doggo to stay fit and strong, Raised Right recipes have a high enough protein content to support canine athletes.
- Original Turkey
- Original Beef
- Original Pork
- Original Chicken
- Turkey & Pumpkin Paté
- Beef & Pumpkin Paté
- Pork & Pumpkin Paté
- Chicken & Pumpkin Paté
- Beef Puppy Growth Recipe
- Turkey Puppy Growth Recipe
- Chicken Puppy Growth Recipe
Raised Right Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Human-grade pet food made with sustainable, whole-food ingredients
- All recipes are made with a single source of animal protein
- Batches are individually lab-tested for safety prior to shipping
- Traceable ingredients
Considerations & Concerns
- Recipes aren’t portioned according to individual calorie needs
- More expensive compared to other dog food on the market
- Requires freezer storage space
Best raw option
- Grasslands recipe
- Wild Atlantic recipe
- Meadowland recipe
- Appalachian Ranch recipe
Acana Highest Protein Dry Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- High in premium quality protein
- Coated in freeze-dried meat for added flavor
- Avoids excessive fillers, artificial preservatives, or colors
- Is grain-free
Considerations & Concerns
- More expensive compared to other dog food on the market
- Has slightly larger kibble size that not all dogs can eat
- May not be available at your local pet store
Best fresh food
- Beef Recipe
- Chicken Recipe
- Turkey Recipe
- Pork Recipe
The Farmer's Dog Fresh Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Uses fresh, human-grade ingredients in their meals
- Customizes meals based on your dog's individual needs and preferences
- Delivers the meals directly to your doorstep
- Are transparent about the origin of their ingredients and their processing practices
Considerations & Concerns
- Can cost more than other commercial dog food brands
- Has limited variety compared to traditional dog food brands
- Requires freezer storage until it’s ready to serve
Vet recommended
- High Prairie Canine Recipe with Bison & Venison
- Pacific Stream Canine Recipe with Salmon
- Pine Forest Canine Recipe with Venison & Legumes
- Sierra Mountain Canine Recipe with Lamb
- Southwest Canyon Canine Recipe with Boar
- Wetlands Canine Recipe with Fowl
- High Prairie Puppy Recipe with Bison & Venison
- Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe with Salmon
- Appalachian Valley Small Breed Canine Recipe with Venison & Garbanzo Beans
- High Prairie Recipe with Bison
- Pacific Stream Recipe with Salmon
- Sierra Mountain Recipe with Lamb
- Southwest Canyon Recipe with Beef
- Wetlands Recipe with Fowl
- Ancient Mountain Canine Recipe with Lamb
- Ancient Stream Canine Recipe with Salmon
- Ancient Wetlands Canine Recipe with Fowl
- Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe with Bison & Venison
- Angus Beef Limited Ingredient
- Trout Limited Ingredient
- Turkey Limited Ingredient
Taste of the Wild Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- High-quality ingredients
- High in protein
- Natural and holistic
- Wide variety of unique flavors
- More affordable than other high-end dry dog foods
Considerations & Concerns
- Limited availability in stores
- High in calories
- History of lawsuits and recalls
Best wet food
- 95% Chicken with Broccoli
- 95% Turkey with Spinach
- 95% Beef with Carrots
Wellness CORE 95% Wet Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- Grain-free
- Made with limited ingredients
- Free from artificial additives
- Provides hydration
Considerations & Concerns
- Limited recipe options compared to other brands
- Can be more expensive than dry kibble (for a list of more affordable brands, check out our budget dog food guide.)
- Has a shorter shelf life compared to dry kibble, and once opened, it needs to be refrigerated
- Beef, Brown Rice, & Vegetables Recipe
- Chicken, Brown Rice, & Vegetables Recipe
- Lamb, Brown Rice, & Vegetables Recipe
- Salmon, Brown Rice, & Vegetables Recipe
American Journey Protein & Grains Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Made with real animal protein as the primary ingredient
- Crafted with natural ingredients and free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
- Priced more competitively compared to some premium dog food brands, making it a budget-friendly option for dog owners
Considerations & Concerns
- Contains grains and other potential allergens
- Variety of flavors and formulations may be somewhat limited compared to other brands
- May not be as widely available in certain areas or retailers compared to other popular dog food brands