The shooting season is now underway, and for many gundogs, the difference between summer and the working season can be significant.

After weeks or months of training and preparation, your dog may now be spending more time in the field, covering more ground and working more regularly.

That means their feeding routine is worth looking at too.

Not every working dog will need more food, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. But as their workload changes, it’s important to make sure their diet continues to suit their individual needs.

Has their workload increased?

Think about what your dog was doing a few months ago compared with now.

They may have been going for regular walks, training a few times a week or enjoying a quieter summer routine. Now, they could be spending several hours working in the field.

That change in activity can affect how much energy they need.

Your dog’s requirements will depend on factors such as their size, age, activity level and individual needs, so feeding shouldn’t automatically be increased simply because the season has started.

Instead, use their current workload and body condition as a guide.

Look at your dog’s condition

One of the simplest ways to tell whether your current feeding routine is working is to keep an eye on your dog’s weight and body condition.

Regular checks can help you spot changes early. If your dog is looking noticeably leaner as their workload increases, their feeding may need reviewing. Equally, if their activity has reduced but their food hasn’t, you may notice their weight increasing.

The important thing is to look at your individual dog, rather than comparing them with another working dog.

Their workload can change throughout the season too, so it’s worth continuing to monitor them rather than treating their feeding routine as fixed.

More work doesn’t automatically mean more food

It can be tempting to simply increase the amount in your dog’s bowl when they start working more.

But it’s not always that straightforward.

A dog’s energy requirements vary depending on the amount and type of work they’re doing, as well as their individual characteristics.

If your dog’s workload has increased, review their feeding guidance and monitor how they’re responding rather than making a large change straight away.

And if you’re concerned about weight loss, weight gain, appetite or your dog’s overall condition, speak to your vet for individual advice.

Choosing the right food for their workload

The food itself is another part of the equation.

Field Dog & Game has a range of complete foods formulated around different ages and activity levels, giving owners different options depending on their dog’s requirements.

Keepers Choice – 19% protein

A balanced maintenance food designed for all breeds of working dogs, suitable for dogs that may have lower activity levels as well as periods when they’re working or resting.

Regular – 23% protein

A higher-protein option within the Field Dog & Game range for working dogs with reasonable daily exercise.

Regular Plus – 26% protein

Designed for highly active working dogs and is also the wheat-gluten-free option in the range.

Puppy – 29% protein

Formulated for younger dogs, with their age and nutritional requirements taken into account.

The aim isn’t to automatically choose the food with the highest protein content. It’s about choosing an appropriate complete food for your dog’s age, activity level and individual requirements.

What about quieter weeks?

Not every week of the shooting season will be the same.

Your dog might have several busy days in the field followed by a quieter week, or their workload might gradually increase as the season progresses.

That’s why it’s useful to keep checking their condition and activity levels throughout the season.

Their feeding routine may need reviewing as their workload changes rather than simply staying the same from the first day of the season until the last.

Keep feeding under review throughout the season

The start of the shooting season isn’t the only time to think about your dog’s nutrition.

As the weeks go on, keep an eye on:

🐾 Their workload – How much are they actually working?

🐾 Their body condition – Are they maintaining a healthy weight?

🐾 Their appetite – Has anything noticeably changed?

🐾 Their feeding routine – Does it still reflect their current activity level?

These simple checks can help you spot when something may need adjusting.

If you’re unsure whether your dog’s current food or feeding amount is appropriate, your vet can provide advice based on your dog’s individual circumstances.

Find the right food for the season ahead

Every working dog is different, and their nutritional requirements can change as their workload does.

Field Dog & Game offers complete food options for different ages and activity levels, from Keepers Choice at 19% protein through to Regular Plus at 26%, alongside Puppy at 29% for younger dogs.

With the shooting season now underway, it’s a good time to check whether your dog’s current feeding routine still suits the work they’re doing.

Explore the Field Dog & Game range

Free delivery is available on orders dispatched to mainland UK addresses.