Feeding for the field

Protein: how much does a working dog really need?

Protein sits at the heart of any working-dog diet, but its role is often misunderstood. According to Gilbertson & Page, the key is not only how much protein is in the diet, but how digestible it is.

“Working dogs have an increased protein turnover,” the company explains, “so their requirement for highly digestible, protein-rich ingredients like chicken or fish is higher.” Most adult dogs do well on standard levels, but gundogs in training or regularly out in the field may need a richer supply to maintain muscle, aid recovery and sustain stamina.

Eden agrees, noting that many adult dogs are fed diets containing 25–30% protein, while working dogs may require 30–40%, depending on workload and individual needs. “Animal-based proteins such as meat and fish are typically regarded as highly digestible and provide a full range of amino acids,” the brand says. This is why their Working & Sporting Dog range uses named animal proteins as primary ingredients.

But how do owners recognise when their dog is getting too much – or too little?

Gilbertson & Page say that signs of low protein intake may include poor coat quality, low energy, slower recovery or changes in muscle tone. Too much, however, typically results in lawn burn (caused by nitrogen in urine) rather than health concerns. Eden adds that softer stools and stronger-smelling urine can also indicate that the diet might be too rich for that individual dog.

Ultimately, both brands emphasise that individuality matters more than numbers. Age, breed, workload and health all influence how much protein a dog can comfortably utilise.

Fat: the working dog’s natural fuel

If protein builds and repairs the body, fat fuels it. In fact, when dogs are working hard, Gilbertson & Page say they “preferentially metabolise fat” for energy. This makes fat an essential part of any gundog diet.

Both manufacturers agree that a balance of fats is important. Gilbertson & Page recommend “a blend of animal and plant fats” to supply both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, while Eden highlights its use of natural fats from meats, fish oils and small amounts of plant oils.

So what’s an ideal fat-to-protein ratio?

Gilbertson & Page explain it simply: divide fat percentage by protein percentage. A typical kibble sits anywhere between 30–70%, but in working-dog formulas the sweet spot tends to be narrower at 45–65%, providing both immediate energy and longer-lasting fuel.

Eden, meanwhile, references a commonly cited guideline: a 1:1 fat-to-protein ratio (on a dry-matter basis), often used by handlers of very active dogs.

Carbohydrates: are they essential?

Carbohydrates remain one of the most hotly debated areas in dog nutrition, especially among owners of working dogs. Gilbertson & Page take a traditional stance: whole grain cereals and potatoes are “typical ingredients found in working-dog diets” and offer slow-release energy, prebiotics and antioxidants. They also “create the crumbly biscuit texture” of kibble – a structural function many owners overlook.

The company stresses the benefits of whole grains, which provide useful fibre and support digestive health. Processed sugars and refined flours, however, don’t bring the same nutritional value.

Eden offers a contrasting but complementary view. While acknowledging carbohydrates are not biologically essential for dogs, they note that many handlers find moderate levels beneficial: “Some handlers of active gundogs choose diets containing 10–20% carbohydrates to help support energy levels.” Eden’s carb content comes mainly from vegetables, sweet potato and botanicals rather than grains.

Skinners, meanwhile, argues that grains are packed with important nutrients and can be a great asset in any balanced and complete diet, providing a source of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and antioxidants. They can also be sourced in the UK, thereby minimsing environmental impact.

The above perspectives highlight an important message: carbohydrates can be valuable for steady energy – but quality is key, and the right balance depends on the dog.

How often should a gundog eat?

The question of feeding frequency comes up regularly among owners. Gilbertson & Page recommend once or twice a day for most adult dogs, with flexibility around field days: “Keeping meals light but nutritious at the start of a day in the field is ideal.”

Eden notes that while twice a day is most common, some handlers divide food into three smaller meals during intense training periods. The most important rule? Whatever the schedule, keep it consistent and adjust according to workload.

Mixing raw and kibble and the truth about leftovers

Both Gilbertson & Page and Eden suggest that raw and kibble can be fed together, provided the overall diet remains balanced and meets nutritional requirements. When it comes to leftovers, the message is similar: safe, unseasoned foods like lean meat, plain vegetables or cooked fish can be used sparingly. Eden suggests keeping leftovers below 10% of the daily ration, while Gilbertson & Page caution against disrupting the balance of a carefully formulated diet. Most owners, they say, are better off using human foods as occasional training treats rather than mixing them into main meals.

And what about the old “egg a day” myth? Our experts describe eggs as a great protein source, whether raw or cooked, though cooked is slightly more digestible. However, they stress that if a dog is already on a complete, balanced diet, they shouldn’t need eggs.

Adjusting the diet through the season

Seasonal changes in workload are a major consideration for gundog owners. Both brands recommend increasing calories – usually via higher-fat diets or slightly larger portions – during the working season, then decreasing intake once work tapers off.

The advice is to transition gradually over several days to avoid digestive upset, monitor body condition every couple of weeks and adjust accordingly. It’s a reminder that nutrition isn’t static: as a dog’s workload changes, so should we adjust what is in
the bowl.

Not kibble, not raw – the alternatives in between

A growing number of dog owners are looking for something that combines the convenience of kibble with the nutritional appeal of high-meat or raw-like diets. Two manufacturers – Wolfworthy and Platinum – place themselves squarely in this middle ground, offering products that aim to deliver the benefits of fresh or raw diets without the downsides.

Wolfworthy: “The dry alternative to raw”

Wolfworthy positions itself as a solution for owners drawn to raw feeding but put off by the possible mess, cost or storage requirements. In response to this demand, it has developed a dry food that it says offers the same health benefits while remaining easy to store and feed. The company’s food is a grain-free recipe that is cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients and eliminate pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli. No freezer is required and they claim it costs around £1.14 per day to feed a 14kg dog. The brand emphasises that owners can enjoy “all the benefits without the hassle” – a compelling message for handlers juggling several dogs or frequently travelling for training or shoot days.

Platinum: The FSG approach

While Wolfworthy offers a dry option styled after raw, Platinum takes a different approach with its Fleischsaftgarung (FSG) method – a slow, gentle cooking technique based on “meat juice cooking,” developed from high-end culinary traditions.

Unlike extruded kibble made at high temperatures from meat meals, FSG relies on the natural juices in fresh meat to cook the food. This process creates a soft, chewy, naturally moist texture without the need for vegetable glycerine or added water. The FSG method has the benefit of creating a high fresh-meat content, it claims, and offers nutrient levels comparable to raw, but with shelf-stable convenience.

Platinum describes its food as sitting “between kibble and raw,” offering the digestibility and fresh-meat qualities of the latter with the ease and portability of the former.

Cold-pressed: a gentler way to make dry food

Cold-pressed diets offer another alternative for owners who want something gentler and less processed than traditional extrusion but still need the convenience of a dry kibble. Unlike standard dry foods, which are cooked at high temperatures, cold-pressed food is made using very low heat – typically between 42°C and 47°C.

According to Cobby Dog, this method preserves more of the original enzymes, fibres, aromas and flavours found in the raw ingredients, while producing a pellet that breaks down easily in the stomach. That makes it easier to digest than conventional kibble and helps retain a nutritional profile closer to fresh or raw food, without the associated handling or storage challenges.

The process involves mixing high-quality ingredients before they are pressed for only a few seconds at low temperature. Because the food is not extruded or baked, Cobby Dog says it retains more naturally occurring nutrients, providing “the nutritional benefits of raw feeding with the convenience of a dry food.”

Making the right choice

For many owners, the decision of what to feed their dog will end up being partly guided by economics – especially when there are multiple dogs to feed. But in weighing up the options and offsetting them against the inevitable price differences, it’s worth remembering the following principles shared by most of the manufacturers:

• Digestibility and quality matter more than any single ingredient.
• Protein and fat must match workload – especially during the season.
• Carbohydrates can be useful, but their value depends on type and quantity.
• Feeding routines should be consistent but adaptable to field days.
• Additions and leftovers should be used sparingly to avoid unbalancing a complete diet.
• A dog’s individual needs – not trends – should guide the choice.

Nutrition will never be one-size-fits-all, especially in a community as diverse and dedicated as gundog owners. But with an increasing range of traditional kibble, high-meat diets and “bridging” alternatives, owners now have more tools than ever to fuel performance, maintain condition and support their dogs through every working season.