Top 10 Best Performance Dog Foods for Working and Athletic Dogs

Athletic dogs have very unique individual nutritional needs. Not only does an athletic or working dog's diet vary based on his age, weight, and breed, but you'll also need to find the best performance dog food that will give your working dog or athletic dog the energy and nutritional balance to keep him active and healthy.

Top 10 Best Performance Dog Food for Working and Athletic DogsThere have been quite a few studies on how to feed athletic dogs. In a nutshell, a nutritionally appropriate diet for an athletic dog or a working dog should maximize performance while helping to minimize injury chance. While some athletic dogs may have the same job, every dog is worked differently by their handler. Every dog also brings all his own unique physical features to the table.

I recommend perusing the above article to understand what makes the best athletic dog food and how to feed a working dog based on high performance. And while it is impossible for us to recommend the best performance dog food for your pet's individual needs, we've rounded up ten best performance dog foods for active dogs and working dogs that you can discuss with your veterinarian:

Performance Dog Food Brand Price Value Rating
Victor Dog Food Select Hi-Pro Plus Formula for Active Dogs $$ $1.65/lb 5 star performance dog food
Grandma Lucy’s PUREformance Freeze Dried Dog Food $$$$$ $9.6/lb 5 star performance dog food
EUKANUBA Premium Sport  Active Adult Dry Dog Food $$ $1.78/lb 5 star performance dog food
Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food $$$ $3/lb 5 star performance dog food
SportDogFood Elite Grain Free Dog Food $$ $1.6/lb 4 half star performance dog food

* Click on the best performance dog food for more information, prices, and details. Scroll below to read dog food reviews and our notes.

How to feed an active/working/athletic dog and use performance dog foods

It's well-established that athletic and working dogs require a special diet. Further research confirmed that improving your dog's diet based on his athletic performance and needs may improve his health, cognition, as well as physical capabilities (PDF) even more.

But every dog is different, and this rule is even more true for working dogs and canine athletes. Thus it's important to discuss your dog's nutritional needs with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist that specializes in creating diets for athletic dogs. They'll evaluate your dog and ask you many questions.

How to feed an athletic/working dog and using performance dog foodsThe expert you work with will make a recommendation on the best performance dog food based on your dog's:

  • age
  • weight
  • breed
  • body condition
  • health history
  • exercise expectations

Your dog's specific physical activity and routine are going to be the leading factor in selecting the right dog food diet for active dogs. The intensity and duration of the work that your active dog performs on a regular basis will determine the ideal diet composition.

If you're wondering whether or not your Fido needs to be eating the best performance dog food, you can use a general rule of thumb to figure it out. If you expect your pooch to run for more than 30 minutes on a continuous basis, then he can be considered a canine athlete or a working dog and needs a special diet.

What Are the Best Performance Dog Food Brands?
Top 10 best performance dog foods for active dogs

1Select Hi-Pro Plus Formula for Active Dogs
by Victor Dog Food

Rating5 stars
Value: $1.65/lb
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THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. CHECK OUT OTHER PRODUCTS IN THIS LIST.

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 30.0% min
CRUDE FAT 20.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.8% max
MOISTURE 9.0% max
CALORIES 450 kcal/cup

Dogs subsist predominantly on meat, that’s why Hi-Pro Plus Formula from Victor Dog Food fits the bill. It is made in the USA from locally-sourced GMO-free ingredients which include only the finest pure beef, pork, and chicken. Aside from its protein-rich content, this recipe is enriched with vitamins and minerals and contains no wheat, soy, corn, or gluten. It is a great source of omega 3 and 6, which are important in making your dog’s skin and coat healthy and shiny.

Ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Pork Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid), Whole Grain Millet, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Flax Seed (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acid), Feeding Oat Meal, Yeast Culture, Natural Chicken Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Dried Kelp, Salt, Montmorillonite, Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Dried Carrot, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Taurine, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Selenium Yeast, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Riboflavin Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Lecithin, Fructooligosaccharide, Folic Acid, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract.

For starters, you can try the 5-pound pack, and there are the 40- and 50-pound economy packs for larger dogs, too. Pet owners who own multiple dogs in different age brackets and of various breeds find it more convenient and beneficial to give their pets Victor Dog Food Select Hi-Pro Plus Formula for Active Dogs and Puppies. Their dogs are obviously thrilled with Hi-Pro Plus Formula’s natural tasty flavor. Visits to the vet have dramatically decreased too, and that’s a great bonus.

Dogs’ stools were observed to be much smaller after only a short time of transitioning to this best performance dog food. Owners attribute this to the wholesome and pure quality of Hi-Pro Plus. Dogs get full benefits and nutrients from the food and maintain a healthy weight since this food has no fillers. Additionally, dogs need not be fed huge portions, so this is actually a more economical option than other brands are. There has been no product recall on this pet food, and that again scores high on reliability and safety.

PROS:

  • Made in the USA from locally sourced, GMO-free ingredients
  • Contains no wheat, soy, corn, or gluten
  • Contains guaranteed levels of omega 3 & 6, vitamin E
CONS:

  • Some reviewers complain that this food gave their dogs digestive upset
  • Beware of where you buy this best performance dog food, as reviewers noted that prices vary quite a bit between online retailers

 

2PUREformance Freeze Dried Food
by Grandma Lucy's

Rating5 starsGrandma Lucy's PUREformance Dog Food, Grain Free and Freeze-Dried - Rabbit, 10 Pound Bag
Value: $9.6/lb
DealsCheck current deals on Amazon

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN (MIN) 36.0%
CRUDE FAT (MIN) 15.0%
CRUDE FIBER (MAX) 7.1%
MOISTURE (MAX) 6.8%
CALORIES 523 kcal/cup

Made from a family-owned and managed freeze-drying plant in Southern California, Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance Freeze-Dried Dog Food guarantees a wholesome recipe packed with the taste and natural goodness of USDA-certified rabbit, choice vegetables and fruits, and added vitamins and minerals to keep your dog full of life. Rabbit is a good source of protein-rich white meat that’s exceptionally low in cholesterol and very beneficial for the pet’s heart. This best performance dog food contains all-natural and grain-free freeze-dried ingredients like rabbit meat, carrots, pumpkin, bananas, blueberries, chickpeas, apples, celery, and papaya that were all combined to make a delicious and nutritious meal for your canine.

Ingredients: USDA Rabbit, Chickpeas, Flax, Carrots, Celery, Apples, Bananas, Blueberries, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Papaya, Spinach, Garlic, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Niacin, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Potassium, Manganese, Chloride, Copper, Magnesium, Pyridozine, Cyanocobalamin.

Most dog owners rotate this recipe with the other variations – USDA Chicken, USDA Pollock, and USDA Lamb – and the availability of other options keeps the dog’s enthusiasm over their food up while maintaining the same levels of nutrition. Results have been very impressive – no allergies, indigestion, or other side effects were observed, only healthy skin and coat and increased level of activity to show. Some dogs that previously had irritations and eye disorders were switched to Grandma Lucy's PUREformance Freeze Fried Dog Food, and voila, their issues waned and disappeared.

Grandma Lucy's PUREformance Dog Food, Grain Free and Freeze-Dried - Rabbit, 10 Pound Bag

This is easy-to-prepare stuff, too, and busy pet owners couldn’t help but mention that. Simply pour water or broth into it, and you’re ready to go. You may also mix it in advance, and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days, and it’s just as good as the freshly mixed meal. PUREformance is formulated for dogs of all life stages, so this best performance dog food is going to be perfect for homes with multiple dogs.

PROS:

  • Made in the USA
  • Made from USDA-certified rabbit, choice vegetables and fruits, and added vitamins and minerals
  • All-natural
  • Grain-free
  • Suitable for dogs in all life stages
CONS:

  • Some buyers say that the fiber content of this best performance dog food is too high, and it made their dog's stool very soft
  • Some reviewers stated that there was less meat in this food than they anticipated

 

3Premium Sport Active Adult Dry Food
by EUKANUBA

Rating5 stars
Value: $1.78/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 28.0% min
CRUDE FAT 18.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALORIES 387.94 kcal/cup

In its commitment to promoting healthy living among pets, Eukanuba has formulated a well-balanced recipe sans fillers for athletic and working dogs. It boasts a unique specialized fiber process that enhances better nutrient absorption and digestion. It contains premium quality animal meat-based proteins for hard lean muscles, calcium for strong bones, hips, and joints, essential oils for optimum performance, and a regulated amount of carbs for sustained energy. With its innovative 3D DentaDefense System, teeth stains and tartar buildup are reduced significantly in no time at all.

Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal (Natural Source of Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine), Corn Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, a Source of Vitamin E), Chicken Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Fish Meal, Dried Egg Product, Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, a Source of Vitamin E), Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Fructooligosaccharides, Choline Chloride, Monosodium Phosphate, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate), Calcium Carbonate, Dl-Methionine, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (Source of Vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Vitamin E Supplement, L-Carnitine, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.

This best performance dog food works best for adult dogs of all breed sizes. For this particular package, you get one 14-pound size bag at a very affordable price. A bigger size is available, too. This style of EUKANUBA Premium Sport Active Adult Dry Dog Food is 28/18, which is specially designed for athletic dogs – with 28% protein content and fat levels of 18%. For working dogs, there’s also the 30/20 style which is available in different sizes and prices.

According to pet owners, their dogs eat this stuff with gusto, live a healthy life, and are awesomely agile in the activities they engage in. With all the positive things this formula does to dogs, it continues to be reasonably priced, which is splendid.  So buyers say that they see no reason at all to shift or go looking for other brands.

PROS:

  • Contains premium quality animal meat-based proteins, calcium, essential oils, and a regulated amount of carbs
  • Unique specialized fiber process that enhances better nutrient absorption and digestion
  • The company's unique  3D DentaDefense System reduces teeth stains and tartar buildup
CONS:

  • As with all of the best performance dog foods, you will find reviews that state that some dogs will not eat this food

 

4High Performance Super Premium Food
by Bully Max

Rating5 starsBully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food (15 lbs.)
Value: $3/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein MIN 30.0%
Crude Fat MIN 20.0%
Crude Fiber MAX 3.8%
Moisture MAX 10.0%
Calories 535 kcal/cup

Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food has continuously wowed the marketplace with its 5-star rating from a notable pet food advisor, not to mention the consistently high marks that it gets from regular buyers. So, what makes this awesome dog food well-loved by both pets and humans? First off, Bully Max’s High Performance Dog Food is calorie-packed and made from pure animal meat and only natural ingredients. It contains no soy, corn, or wheat. Second, it is highly balanced at 30% meat-based protein and 20% fats.

Ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, ground grain sorghum, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried plain beet pulp, pearled barley, brewers dried yeast, menhaden fish meal, whole ground flaxseed, egg product, potassium chloride, salt, menhaden fish oil, l-lysine, dl-methionine, Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product dehydrated, ascorbic acid, propionic acid, niacin supplement, organic dried kelp, vitamin E supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, manganous oxide, biotin, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A acetate, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, citric acid, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, zinc sulfate, iron sulfate, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper sulfate, manganese proteinate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, copper proteinate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite, natural flavor.

This optimum formulation of Bully Max's performance dog food for active dogs provides pets with the required energy to sustain the highest level of activity. Third, Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food contains menhaden fish oil which is rich in EPA and DHA to help maintain healthy skin and coat and overall pet well-being.

Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food (15 lbs.)

Long-time users are happy to confirm that this best performance dog food has definitely proven its worth more than other brands have. It has provided their dogs with much healthier skin, shinier coats, increased energy levels, toned muscles, strong bones, and healthy immune and digestive systems. What’s more, allergies have become virtually non-existent.

PROS:

  • Made from pure animal meat and only natural ingredients
  • Contains no soy, corn, or wheat
  • 30% protein and 20% fat
CONS:

  • As with all of the best performance dog foods, you will find reviews that state that some dogs will not eat this food
  • Reviewers noted that the price of this food has drastically increased in the last year, but they continue to buy it because they say it's the best performance dog food

 

5Elite Grain Free Food
by Sport Dog Food

Rating4 half stars
Value: $1.6/lb
DealsCheck current deals on Amazon

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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 30.0% min
CRUDE FAT 14.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% min
MOISTURE 10.0% min
CALORIES 422 kcal/cup

SportDogFood’s Elite Grain-Free Dog Food is essentially designed for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies, and dogs suffering from diabetes, hypoglycemia, or chronic ear infections. This is so because it is prepared with a single source of animal protein with the beef meal as the first ingredient. It contains no chicken, egg, peas, potato, or grains which are the most likely causes of food allergies or intolerances. Its freeze-dried natural ingredients provide vitamins and minerals, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids derived from salmon and herring oil, enzymes, and active probiotics required by an active dog to function optimally.

Ingredients: Beef Meal, Yams, Freeze Dried Sweet Potato, Freeze Dried Beef Liver, Freeze Dried Pumpkin, Freeze Dried Red Clover Sprouts, Freeze Dried Blueberries, Bok Choy, Zucchini, Squash, Kale, Freeze Dried Papaya, Inulin, Cranberries, Parsley, Probiotics (Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Bifidobacterium thermophilum Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Bacillus Subtillus Fermentation Product Dehydrated), Kelp, Artichoke, Salmon Oil, Herring Oil, Vitamins (Dl-Methionine, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Minerals (Calcium Pantothenate, Selenium, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acids Chelate, Manganese Amino Acids Chelate, Cobalt Amino Acids Chelate).

SportDogFood's best performance dog food for active dogs is made in the USA and its ingredients are all sourced from local family-owned farms and ranches across the country, which makes it all the more appealing to dog owners. They rate the quality and affordability of SportDogFood Elite Grain Free Dog Food way higher than other brands they’ve tried, and they say that they couldn’t be any happier for switching to this wonderful stuff because it’s so obvious how their dogs love it and are healthier for it.

Not only individual dog owners buy this for their dogs, but also professional dog caregivers, shelter administrators, breeders, and kennel owners. They all attest to the goodness of SportDogFood’s Elite Grain-Free dog food. When transitioning to this product, it is important to do so properly and slowly to avoid stomach upsets and other health issues.

PROS:

  • Designed for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, diabetes, hypoglycemia, or chronic ear infections
  • Contains no chicken, egg, peas, potato, or grains
  • Made and sourced in the USA
CONS:

  • As with all of the best performance dog foods, you will find reviews that state that some dogs will not eat this food
  • Some reviewers complain that this food gave their dogs digestive problems

 

6SPORT Performance 30/20 Formula Dry Food
by Purina Pro Plan

Rating4 half stars
Purina Pro Plan High Calorie, High Protein Dry Dog Food, 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula - 37.5 lb. BagValue: $1.12/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 30.0% min
CRUDE FAT 20.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.0% max
MOISTURE 12.0% max
CALORIES 475 kcal/cup

What better way to fuel your dog's metabolic needs than to nourish them with Purina's Pro Plan Sport Performance. It provides dogs with 30%-protein by 20%-fat nutrition to achieve optimum performance. More than that, this nutrient-rich recipe also helps develop stronger immune and digestive systems for a healthy and active lifestyle. Its first ingredient is pure chicken meat blended with natural sources of vitamins and minerals and amino acids to keep your dog in top form and on the go at all times.

Ingredients: Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Brewers Rice, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols (Form of Vitamin E), Poultry By-Product Meal (Natural Source of Glucosamine), Whole Grain Corn, Corn Germ Meal, Fish Meal (Natural Source of Glucosamine), Animal Digest, Fish Oil, Dried Egg Product, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Garlic Oil, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Sodium Selenite.

Athletic dogs are generally prone to accidents and injuries, especially to the hips and joints, and you can only hope that it won’t happen to your pet. It would be to the active dog’s advantage to have a regular source of EPA and glucosamine for joint health and healing. Fortunately, Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20 Formula Dry Dog Food contains this, and this is helpful to maintain agility and endurance in highly-active dogs.

Purina Pro Plan High Calorie, High Protein Dry Dog Food, 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula - 37.5 lb. Bag

Dog owners find it reassuring to know that a performance dog food for active dogs takes care of their pets by way of providing them not only the nutrients they need to be highly competitive but also to be able to repair and rebuild their bodies naturally. With all of Pro Plan Sport Performance food’s healthy and beneficial features, it’s no wonder that this best performance dog food has attracted more and more owners of athletic, working, and show dogs from across the land. Buyers think it’s a bit pricy, but they conclude that the astounding results more than compensate for its price – truly great value for money.

PROS:

  • 30% protein and 20$ fat
  • Real chicken is the first ingredient
  • Added amino acids
  • Contains EPA and glucosamine to help support joint health and mobility
CONS:

  • Some dog owners who purchased this best performance dog food were put out by the strong odor
  • Some reviewers complain that this food gave their dogs some digestive problems

 

7Premium Performance Active Adult Dry Food
by EUKANUBA

Rating4 half stars
Value: $1.31/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 30.0% min
CRUDE FAT 20.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALORIES 384.93 kcal/cup

Here’s another winner from EUKANUBA’s line of dry dog food recipes specifically designed for working and sporting dogs. It provides balanced nutrition for sustained energy and optimum performance that every dog owner will love to have for their pets. Highly-active dogs have high metabolism rates such that they also require the highest levels of protein and fat to fuel their energy and keep their strength up. This formula offers a high of 30% protein and 20% fat, plus high levels of calcium, to boost lean muscles and strong bones.

Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal (Natural Source of Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine), Corn Meal, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, a Source of Vitamin E), Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Flavor, Fish Meal, Dried Egg Product, Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, a Source of Vitamin E), Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Salt, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (Source of Vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Dl-Methionine, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Carnitine, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.

The key ingredients of EUKANUBA Premium Performance Active Adult Dry Dog Food are real chicken and chicken meals, which are good sources of protein for strong and lean muscles and chondroitin and glucosamine to support healthy joints.

Another unique feature of EUKANUBA's performance dog food for active dogs is its 3D DentaDefense System which is a clinically-proven way of reducing and preventing tartar buildup and serious dental problems. Dog owners who have been long-time buyers of this product expressed satisfaction that Eukanuba has not lowered its quality and has kept to its standards through the years.

While this has been a staple for sporting dogs, more and more pet owners are saying that it has been working extremely well for their senior dogs, as well as for their pregnant and lactating bitches. It has rejuvenated these waning dogs– upped energy levels, reduced obese dogs’ body weight down to normal, improved skin and coat – and benefited them as much as their younger and more active counterparts have. They think it’s a good thing that they can feed this to their other dogs, too, because that simplifies managing their canine pack of different life stages.

PROS:

  • 30% protein and 20% fat
  • The company's unique  3D DentaDefense System reduces teeth stains and tartar buildup
  • Contains calcium, chondroitin, and glucosamine
CONS:

  • As with all of the best performance dog foods, you will find reviews that state that some dogs will not eat this food

 

8Ultra Formula Dry Food
by Annamaet

Rating4 starsAnnamaet Original Ultra Formula Dry Dog Food, 32% Protein (Chicken & Brown Rice), 5-lb Bag
Value: $4.4/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 32.0% min
CRUDE FAT 20.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALORIES 480 kcal/cup

If you have exceptionally active pups or performance dogs or even a picky eater of a dog, this Ultra Formula dog food from Annamaet should meet their nutritional requirements and sustain their vibrant lifestyle. Your choosy friend will certainly love every bite of this hormone-free and antibiotic-free chicken, fish, and brown rice recipe.

Ultra performance dog food for active dogs is moderately calorie-rich (480kcal/cup) and formulated to provide a well-balanced source of protein (not less than 32%), fat (not less than 20%), high levels of essential fatty acids, calcium, and vitamins and minerals. Its ingredients make this a tasty and healthy meal for dogs in different life stages – from pregnant or nursing bitches to fast-growing and highly-active puppies.

Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Whole Dry Eggs, Herring Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Millet, Brewers Dried Yeast, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Flax Seed Meal, Lecithin, Fat Product (Algae, Source of Fatty Acids), Carrot, Celery, Parsley, Lettuce, Watercress, Spinach, Salt, Dl Methionine, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, Cranberries, Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Oligofructose, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate, L-Carnitine, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Betaine Anhydrous, Iron Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate.

Annamaet Ultra Formula Dry Dog Food also contains wheat-free algae which is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Other ingredients provide stable sources of omega-6, L-carnitine, and DHA. For many pet owners, this kibble has been a household item for years and it has worked wonders on their dogs. Unlike other brands, they say a little serving goes a long way with this awesome recipe which is good for dogs so that they don’t gain unnecessary weight, and it saves on food money, too.

Some dog owners use this stuff as training treats or rewards – straight out of the bag – so it must taste really good. This product continues to gain approval from buyers because of its wholesomeness. The manufacturer’s transparency and responsiveness also come very highly appreciated by pet owners, and in a marketplace flooded with pet food products, that really makes a lot of difference.

PROS:

  • Made with hormone-free and antibiotic-free chicken, fish, and brown rice
  • 480kcal/cup
  • Suitable for dogs in all life stages, including pregnant dogs or nursing bitches
CONS:

  • As with all of the best performance dog foods, you will find reviews that state that some dogs will not eat this food
  • Some owners say that while they feel this is the best performance dog food, it is too expensive for their budget

 

9Premium All Natural Momentum Highly Athletic Food
by Dr. Tim's

Rating4 stars
Dr. Tim's Ultra Athlete Momentum Formula Low Carb High Protein Premium Dog Food, 40 lb. BagValue: $1.80/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 35.0% min
CRUDE FAT 25.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALORIES 588 kcal/cup

Dr. Tim’s Premium Momentum dog food features an all-natural canine meal that’s highly packed with well over 90% animal meat-based proteins, fats, and select carbs. Its number one ingredient is farm-raised chicken combined with swine plasma, salmon, herring meal, and eggs, which provide all the right amino acids active dogs require, and all these are proudly sourced from across the USA.

Also, Momentum dog food for active dogs is proud to have one of the lowest carb recipes in its class, enriched with essential supplements that include prebiotics, probiotics, fiber sources like rice and oatmeal, chelated minerals, antioxidants, L-carnitine, and selenium. Dogs are by nature carnivorous, so they’ll love this meaty diet that contains no fillers like soy or corn.

Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Natural Tocopherols, A Source Of Vitamin E), Ocean Herring Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp (Sugar Removed), Dried Egg Product, Ground Whole Flaxseed Meal, Dried Chicken Liver Meal, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Natural Tocopherols, A Source Of Vitamin E), Dried Porcine Plasma, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Lecithin (Sunflower Derived), DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Kelp Meal, Dried Chicory Root (Source Of Inulin), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Psyllium Seed Husk, Choline Chloride, Taurine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Beta Carotene, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Inositol, Niacin Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Source Of Vitamin B1), Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source Of Vitamin B6), Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Source Of Vitamin B2), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Potassium Iodide (Source Of Iodine), Manganous Oxide, Selenium, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, L-Carnitine, Folic Acid.

This high-calorie dog food has been the daily fare of dogs competing in the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race, further proof of its great value for sporty dogs. It is essential in helping dogs attain their full potential and increasing their endurance under the most punishing competitions and the harshest of environments. For those racers, Dr. Tim's Premium Natural Pet Foods Momentum Highly Athletic Dog Food provided their edge over opponents. It was their fuel for the long, grueling race hours and their medicine for recovering fast.

Momentum has made a mark for those Iditarod racers, but this dog food actually plays a bigger role in helping dogs in more normal active situations. Dogs undergo stress every day due to the different demands placed on them, and this is especially true for athletes and working dogs. Stress does a lot of quirky things to upset the stomach, and this best performance dog food contains the right elements to keep the gut healthy and resistant to infections.

PROS:

  • 94% of the proteins are from animal sources
  • High levels of omega-3 fatty acids
  • DHA and EPA from ocean fish oil help with inflammation, immune and brain function, heart health, and shedding
  • Contains prebiotics
CONS:

  • This best performance dog food is too expensive for pet owners on a tight budget
  • Some buyers say their dog had diarrhea after switching to this food, but that could be from switching their diet without a gradual transition

 

10Performance Dry Dog Food Original Blend
by Black Gold

Rating4 stars
Black Gold Explorer Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs, Original Performance 26/18 Formula, 15 lb BagValue: $1.07/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 26.0% min
CRUDE FAT 18.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.5% max
MOISTURE 12.0% max
CALORIES 415 kcal/cup

Cognizant of the company’s commitment to providing every canine the best dog food recipe they richly deserve, Black Gold has created a different performance dog food formula that caters to all dog breeds and ages, regardless of their levels of activity. This doesn't always mean a good thing though.

Performance Blend 26/18 offers meat-based protein which is ideal for sporty dogs engaged in high to exceedingly high levels of activity, such as extended hours of increased performance in extremely stressful conditions, much like conditions in Iditarod races. The same blend works for the not-so-active ones, except that the portions must be trimmed down a bit to be more appropriate to them.

Ingredients: Beef Meal, Corn Meal, Ground Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavors, Salt, Malted Barley, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Propionate (Preservative), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate Monohydrate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin (Source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate(Source of Vitamin B1), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement).

This best performance dog food for active dogs is enriched with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids necessary for keeping the dog’s skin and coat healthy. It contains chondroitin and glucosamine which are vital for keeping the hips and joints healthy. The right amount of carbohydrates ensures energy to sustain dogs through strenuous activities. No wonder dog owners keep mentioning how spritely their dogs run and jump, and how they never seem to run out of energy when eating Black Gold Performance Dry Dog Food.

Owners of multiple dogs are excited to have finally found the go-to food for all their active dogs. It clearly beats concocting a different formula for each dog or breed or age. Their dogs are doing wonderfully well and enjoying every single bite of this nutritious and obviously palatable recipe for years now. It has also kept frequent vet visits quite a thing of the past, which they naturally don’t want to be any other way.

PROS:

  • Suitable for all dog breeds and ages
  • 26% protein and 18% fat
  • Enriched with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
  • Contains chondroitin and glucosamine
CONS:

  • As with all of the best performance dog foods, you will find reviews that state that some dogs will not eat this food
  • Some pet owners who purchased this food said that it upset their dog's stomach

 


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In the last 8 years, Dr. Shores has worked as a clinical veterinarian for dogs, cats, small mammals and non-human primates as well as a writer on the subject of pet health. Her passion is breaking down the intricacies of proper dog health care and dog nutrition.