Taking care of active dogs is a commitment but also incredibly rewarding. According to the American Kennel Club, high-energy dog breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors, Poodles, and Beagles ranked among the top favorites in 2023. (1)

These dogs are more than pets – they’re athletes who require the right food, like Purina Pro Plan Sport, to thrive. If you share life with an active dog, you know they tend to burn more calories than most dogs.

Beyond nutrition, energetic dogs need regular exercise, challenges, and problem-solving opportunities. Dogs, especially those with a lot of energy, are happiest when they have a “job,” or something to do. Pet parents must provide them with opportunities to channel their energy. It starts with what’s in the bowl and continues throughout their lives.

Here’s what you need to know to care for your active dog from puppyhood through their senior years.

What Are High-Performance Active Dogs?

High-performance dogs are all about endurance and activity. They excel in everything from agility and herding to hunting and canine sports. Keeping these dogs happy means keeping them challenged, both physically and mentally.

Breeds like Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Border Collies, Dalmatians, Siberian Huskies, and Whippets are just a few examples of high-performance dogs. Mixed-breeds can be just as active, often participating in canine sports like flyball and agility.

Some active dog breeds, like German Shepherds, are known for their work in police and military roles, while Siberian Huskies are famous for pulling sleds over long distances. Whatever their “job,” these dogs need the right care to stay on top of their game.

Why the Right Dog Food Matters For Active Dogs

Dogs that are into activities like working, hunting, or sports have way more energy than your typical pet. For these high-performance pups, feeding them a diet that keeps their endurance up and helps their muscles recover is super important.

Energy Requirements

Working dogs burn more calories and require a diet rich in fats and proteins to keep up with their energy needs. The Purina Pro Plan Sport dog food line is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of working and sporting dogs.

For example, the SPORT 30/20 Salmon and Rice formula contains real salmon as the first ingredient. Amino acids help nourish muscles, including the crucial time after a dog exercises. The 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat balance helps maintain lean muscle and fuel metabolic needs.  

Muscle Support and Recovery

Proper nutrition is crucial for muscle support, especially after exercise. A well-balanced diet can help your dog be ready for their next challenge. High-performance dog foods are formulated to aid in muscle recovery, allowing your active dog to stay strong and resilient.

Health and Stamina

A nutritious diet does more than just fuel energy; it also plays a key role in maintaining a healthy immune system, skin, and coat. Feeding your energetic dog the right food for their life stage ensures they look, feel, and perform their best.

How to Properly Care for Active Dogs

Ensure Proper Veterinary Care

If your dog is super active, consulting a sports medicine veterinarian, like those at Colorado State University, may be worthwhile. They specialize in the needs of active dogs and can help prevent injuries before they happen.

Talk to your veterinarian about supplements like glucosamine to support joint health in dogs and EPA for joint mobility, especially as they age. Purina Pro Plan Sport includes both in their formulas.

Warm Up Before Exercise

A little prevention goes a long way. Always warm up your dog before any intense activity—letting them prance around before a jog can make a big difference. For example, a very active Siberian Husky or Border Collie should start with a gentle walk and light stretching.

Keeping your dog lean helps prevent injuries and skeletal issues, as overweight dogs are more susceptible to harm. Incorporate cross-training into their routine to engage different muscle groups and keep them happy and healthy.

Provide a Balanced Diet for High-Performance Dogs

High-performance dog foods like Purina Pro Plan Sport offer the perfect blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to meet these needs. Each formula combines high protein, amino acids, fat for fuel, and DHA for brain and vision support.

Some of the many premium dog foods offered by Purina Pro Plan Sport include:

• Sport Performance to support the needs of working, competition, and sporting dogs.
• Sport Active to support the needs of active dogs. There is also a 26/16 formula with 26% protein and 16% fat.
• Sport Performance Adult 7+ Senior with brain-supporting nutrients, glucosamine, and EPA, and antioxidants.
• Development for active puppies, such as Purina Pro Plan Sport Puppy Food with chicken and rice.

Build Activities Into Their Daily Routine

Mix up your dog’s routine with different activities to prevent boredom and keep them fit. Agility courses, games of fetch, and mental stimulation like problem-solving games are all great options. Keep in mind that most active dog breeds thrive on 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise.

You can also consider long walks for dogs with active lifestyles. Try talking different routes to add variety.

Engaging your energetic dog with training sessions that challenge their mind. Activities like brain games, hide-and-seek, and advanced obedience training are perfect for keeping them sharp. Active dogs thrive on having a “job,” so pay attention to the games they enjoy most. Keep things fresh by introducing new activities, exploring different areas on walks, and varying their routine to keep them mentally engaged. Using exercise equipment, such as tunnels, weave poles, and jump bars, can be a lot of fun.

Make Sure to Hydrate

Like human athletes, active dogs sweat during physical activities. Hydration for dogs is incredibly important. Make sure your dog has fresh, cool water before, during, and after any activities. Water helps regulate body temperature and is essential for body functions.

The amount of water your energetic dog needs depends on their activity level. Take frequent breaks in training to ensure your dog is hydrating. Monitor your dog for signs of dehydration, including sunken eyes, weak pulse, increased heart rate, and skin tenting.

Have Fun and Pace Your Dog

Every dog is different, so finding a pace that works for yours is important. Keep an eye on their energy levels and make sure they get enough rest and recovery time. Not all exercise has to be strenuous—some dogs love activities like scent work, which can be just as engaging without the heavy physical strain.

Working and active dogs require extra time and attention, but they are so with it!

This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Purina and PetSmart. The author received compensation from Purina and PetSmart for their services in writing this article.

Resources

(1) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/most-popular-dog-breeds-2023/