Nutritional supplements are available for your bird dog to help it achieve peak performance both in the field and at home. (Photo courtesy of K9 Athlete)
K9 Athlete – Hydrate & Recover
Designed to aid in hydration and recovery, K9 Athlete’s Hydrate and Recover powder is packed with essential electrolytes that keep your dog balanced and replenished after hard work. This formula encourages fluid intake, so even a fussy dog will be enthusiastic about the water bowl. This is especially important during long, hot training or early season hunting where a dog may pant excessively. Dogs don’t sweat like humans, but they sweat through their mouths and lose electrolytes through their saliva. This K9 Athlete supplement also includes L-Glutamine for stable mental energy and it also contains L-Glutathione to support proper cellular respiration.
$35; k9athlete.com
Map PRO PURINA – FORTIFLORA
This probiotic from Purina is a must-have for any hunting dog owner. This supplement will help support gut health, reduce the risk of flatulence, and support your dog’s digestive health, both in everyday life and in high-stimulation environments, such as long hunting trips in unfamiliar places where stress has a big impact. on your dog’s digestive system. Purina’s Fortiflora probiotic also helps support a healthy immune system because the majority of immune health begins in the gut. This supplement is safe for puppies and adult dogs and is easy to feed, with plenty of antioxidants given in the process.
$31; purina.com
Annamaet – Glycocharge
During long hunting trips, recovery time is important. Annamaet Glycocharge is designed to bring your athletic dog back quickly. Glycogen is used by the body during intense exercise to provide endurance and is synthesized from carbohydrates. During relentless hunting, a hunting dog’s muscle needs cannot be met by oxidative metabolism and glycogen stores are used up. Glycocharge has been proven to return working dogs’ glycogen levels to 97% of pre-hunting levels 24 hours after use, which means less time on the bench and more time in the field.
$26 to $146; annamaet.com
Rogue Pet Science – Origins Canine 5in1
Nutrients are essential for puppy development. This food topping powder from Rogue Pet Science includes wild-caught menhaden fish for protein and omega 3 and 6 plus prebiotics and probiotics for better gut health. Fish oil helps keep your pup’s coat shiny, while other nutrients help reduce itchy skin and hot spots.
$35 to $50; roguepetscience.com
Alpha Dog Nutrition – Free Range
With a wide range of supplements designed for working dogs, Alpha Dog offers some of the best supplements in the industry for K9s. The Free Range supplement is intended for joint support and lubrication, which helps prevent arthritis in dogs. According to data from Alpha Dog, over 65% of dogs over the age of seven have some form of arthritis. The percentage of working dogs and their high impact days in the field are probably even higher than that. With that in mind, this supplement is loaded with Glucosamine HCI, MSM, and other natural ingredients that all support joint health for years to come and keep your dog at alpha status.
Kinetics – Hydro 30K
This supplement from Kinetic is designed to encourage and facilitate proper hydration for your athletic dog. It also tastes great and encourages dogs to swallow. The savory flavor comes primarily from plasma proteins, which are pleasing to almost all dogs. But not only does it taste good, but this protein provides more energy in the long run. Hydro 30K is also filled with electrolytes and a variety of energy sources. It contains simple carbohydrates, such as dextrose, for an immediate energy boost, but it also includes maltodextrin, which behaves much like a complex carbohydrate in the body, providing sustained energy over the longer term.
$40; kineticdogfood.com
NUPRO – Joint & Immunity
NUPRO’s Joint & Immunity Support supplement can benefit both aging dogs and hunting dogs of all ages, where frequent impact on joints is a real concern. This powder is supported by a special blend of glucosamine and chondroitin, which increases the production of proteoglycans. These molecules are vital for damaged cartilage cells and also for the general resistance of connective tissues. It also promotes the production of synovial fluid, which helps support joints and reduce the risk of arthritis. This supplement also contains MSM for additional tendon support, as well as Ester-C, Norwegian Kelp and more for a strong immune system and general well-being of your hunting dog.
$17 to $153; nuprosupplements.com
