Working Dog Food for Adult Gundogs (15kg Bags)
Last updated:
Choosing the right adult working dog food keeps your gundog in hard, lean condition without sending their energy through the roof. Our 15 kg bags are designed for HPRs, spaniels, retrievers and other working-type dogs that need steady fuel for training, picking up and active days in the field.
- Working-dog only recipes: VAT-free 15 kg bags formulated for active dogs, not pet couch potatoes.
- Grain-free and classic options: choose between grain-free sweet potato blends or traditional rice-based recipes.
- Clear feeding guides: easy to tweak up or down for season, workload and body condition.
How to Choose the Right Adult Working Dog Food
Most adult working dogs don’t need “rocket fuel” every day of the year. Look for a food that keeps ribs just covered, muscles firm and energy levels steady. In the shooting season or during heavy training you may feed towards the top of our guide; in the summer, you may need to cut back slightly to stop your dog creeping up in weight.
If your dog is doing a lot of hill work, picking up several days a week or is naturally very lean, a higher-meat or grain-free option can help maintain condition. For steadier workers or dogs that gain weight easily, a more traditional rice-based recipe is often the sensible choice.
Grain Free vs Classic – Which Suits Your Dog?
Our grain-free working dog foods use sweet potato instead of cereals and suit many dogs with sensitive digestion or itchy skin. They provide a modern, meat-first diet while still being practical to feed in 15 kg bags.
Our classic working dog foods use tried-and-tested combinations such as chicken & rice or lamb & rice. These are ideal for kennelled dogs, multi-dog households and owners who prefer a simpler, traditional recipe at a sensible price point.
Feeding for Condition, Not Hype
Every food on this page has a clear feeding guide, but the real test is how your dog looks and feels. You should be able to feel ribs without them looking sharp, see a defined waist from above and a gentle “tuck up” from the side. If your dog is getting too lean, increase the daily amount slightly; if they’re softening up, reduce it a little or choose a lighter recipe.
If you’re unsure which adult working dog food to pick, or how much to feed, you’re always welcome to get in touch. We’re working gundog owners ourselves and are happy to help you find a sensible feeding plan you can then discuss with your vet if needed.
Adult Working Dog Food – Quick FAQs
What’s the difference between working dog food and pet dog food?
Working dog foods are formulated and labelled for dogs with higher energy needs, typically with more calories and a different VAT status. They suit active gundogs doing regular training or work in the field, rather than pet dogs who spend most of the day on the sofa.
Should I always feed the higher end of the guide for a working dog?
Not necessarily. Start in the middle of the guide and adjust every couple of weeks based on body condition. In the season or during intense training, many dogs need towards the upper end; in quieter periods they may need less than the guide to avoid gaining weight.
Is grain-free always better for working dogs?
Grain-free isn’t automatically better. It can help some dogs with sensitive digestion or itchy skin, but plenty of hard-working gundogs do very well on classic rice-based recipes. Choose what keeps your dog’s weight, coat, stools and energy where you want them.
Can I swap between different recipes on this page?
Yes, but change gradually over 7–10 days. Mix the new food into the old, slowly increasing the proportion of the new recipe to minimise the risk of loose stools or tummy upset.
