Your dog’s resting heart rate varies by breed and size, usually falling between 60 and 100 beats per minute. During a strenuous activity? It can go higher and faster.
For dogs that love to run, jump, and explore, what’s on their plate matters just as much as the miles they cover. Active dogs burn more energy, build lean muscle, and recover from exercise faster when their diet supports those demands.
Active dogs don’t just need more food. They need better food. And protein is the difference between a dog that’s merely fed and one that’s properly fuelled.
What counts as an active dog?
Not every dog needs a high-protein dog food plan. Some pups are perfectly happy with moderate activity and standard nutrition. Who qualifies as an “active” dog?
Working dogs
Some dogs have extra energy to spare like border collies, Australian shepherds, and kelpies. These breeds were born to move. Dogs that run, herd, or compete need a diet that keeps up.
Regular exercisers
Dogs who run, swim, or hike multiple times a week. If your morning jog isn’t complete without your canine companion, you’ve got an active dog.
High-energy breeds
Jack Russells, vizslas, huskies. Even without structured exercise, these dogs are constantly in motion. They’re the ones bouncing off walls if they miss a walk.
These dogs use their bodies hard. Their muscles work overtime and they need nutrition that matches their active lifestyle.
What protein does for active dogs
What keeps active dogs bouncing, running, and playing all day? The answer lies in a nutrient that works behind the scenes to fuel their strength and stamina.
Muscle maintenance and growth
Every time your dog runs, jumps, or plays, tiny tears form in their muscle fibres. This is perfectly normal! Those muscles can only repair and grow with the right nutrition.
Amino acids from dietary protein rebuild muscle tissue stronger than before. Without enough protein, your dog’s body starts breaking down existing muscle to get what it needs.
Energy for playtime and exercise
Carbs and fats get most of the credit for energy, but protein plays a supporting role too. When your dog’s been running for a while and glucose stores run low, protein can step in as a backup fuel source.
Healthy immune system
Exercise puts stress on the body. While it is beneficial, it still requires proper support. Training, running, competing? All of it taxes the immune system.
Protein helps build antibodies and immune cells. A healthy diet for active dogs needs enough protein to support both muscle work and immune function. Skimp on protein, and your dog becomes more vulnerable to illness right when they’re pushing their body hardest.
Helps maintain strength and stamina
A dog with good protein intake maintains muscle mass better as they age. They bounce back faster after hard exercise. They keep their endurance longer into their senior years too.
Choosing the right high-protein food
High-protein foods are everywhere, but which ones actually help your dog thrive? Picking the right option can unlock better energy, muscle support, and overall vitality.
Boneve Freeze-Dried and Dry Food
Boneve dog meals are built around high-quality protein sources. The freeze-dried range keeps meat proteins intact. No high-heat processing that damages amino acids. You get real chicken, beef, or fish in a form that’s easy to digest and packed with nutrition.
Dry food options combine meat proteins with balanced nutrition. You’re not just getting protein for the sake of hitting a number on a label. You’re getting nutritious protein that your dog’s body can actually put to work.
Lean meats and fish
Fresh protein sources work brilliantly for active dogs. Chicken breast, turkey, lean beef, salmon. These provide complete amino acid profiles without excess fat.
Fish, particularly salmon and mackerel, bring the bonus of omega-3 fatty acids. Great for joint health, which matters when your dog’s putting miles on those legs.
Eggs and other digestible proteins
Eggs are protein powerhouses. They contain all the amino acids dogs need in perfect ratios. A whole egg mixed into meals a few times a week gives a nice protein boost, provided your dog is not allergic to egg protein.
Other good options are cottage cheese, plain Greek yoghurt, even a bit of liver as a topper. These add variety and keep meals interesting, as long as your dog is not highly sensitive to lactose.
Protein-rich toppers and supplements
Sometimes you want to boost protein without changing the entire diet. Bone broth adds both protein and flavour. Boneve Freeze-dried makes food more appealing while adding extra protein.
Just watch the overall balance. You want to add protein, not throw off the complete nutrition your dog needs!
Guidelines for active dogs vs. less active dogs
Some dogs are always on the move while others take life at a slower pace. Matching their diet and care to their activity level is key to keeping them happy and healthy.
This chart is for reference only. Actual numbers may vary depending on your dog’s age, breed, and metabolism.
Fuel activity with the right nutrition
High-protein dog food isn’t a luxury for working dogs. It’s the foundation of a healthy diet for active dogs. It powers muscle growth, supports recovery, keeps energy levels steady, and helps your dog stay strong year after year.
Choose protein for active dogs from real meat sources. Look for options like Boneve that prioritise digestibility and nutrition. And pay attention to how your dog responds! Energy levels, coat condition, muscle tone, and recovery time after exercise.
Dogs are putting in the work, let’s make sure their food is too.
