Your active and working dogs have special nutritional needs. Even the best commercial dog foods on the market today do not contain all the ingredients necessary to provide your working dog with an optimal diet.

Active dogs need additional nutrition to support their busy and active lifestyle. A good diet for them should contain a high quality meal that is high in fats and proteins, at least 40% - 45% fats and close to 50% protein.

Read our article on Why Your Dog’s Diet Should Include Fats.

Your working dog could also benefit from taking additional supplements such as…

Antioxidants - A daily dose of antioxidants is very beneficial to your dog. This is because regular, intense activity increases the amount of free radicals in your dog. It also causes oxidative damage to her body.

In reality, antioxidants are essential to every dog’s diet, but this is especially important for the active dog. Antioxidants act to block the harmful effects of free radicals and reducing their levels. Antioxidants are also believed to  help strengthen blood vessel walls and improve circulation.

Your dog can get antioxidants by eating fruits and vegetables that have a lot of color such as grapefruits, grapes, broccoli, peas, carrots and dark green vegetables. If your dog is picky about eating fruits and vegetables, you can always provide antioxidants for her by providing her the necessary supplements.

Most supplements will also contain vitamins C and E, flavonoids,  and carotenoids such as lycopene, beta-carotene, and lutein. Some may even contain amino acids, which are the building blocks of cells. Remember that how much to give your dog will depend on her weight.

Vitamins and Minerals - Increased activity and exercise requires more vitamin C and vitamin B-complex. Vitamin C helps to support the immune system and battles stress. Vitamin B-complex promotes healthy skin, muscles, and blood.

Fruits and vegetables as well as meats such a kidneys and liver are high in vitamins and minerals. However, if you have a picky dog then you may have to give additional supplements to provide them with the needed vitamins and minerals. The easiest way is to give them chewable tablets.

Probiotics and Enzymes - Probiotics and digestive enzymes help you dog to digest her food. They also help to prevent stress related stomach problems such as diarrhea and nervous vomiting. It is best to provide these two supplements in a tablet form.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - These are considered essential fatty acids. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids are also know to prevent and cure skin problems and decrease the stiffness caused by arthritis. Cod liver oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, and other animal sources are all excellent sources of Omega-3.