Sport Dog Food Reviews 2025: Best Suited for Active Dogs?

If you’ve got a working dog, you know how hard it can be to keep up with the daily energy requirements.

Sport and working dogs often have grueling days that require a lot of protein, fat, and carbs to keep up, but how do you hit those targets without adding empty calories that disrupt healthy digestion?

Sport Dog was started in the search for a food that could handle the unique needs of sporting, working, and hunting dogs without adding cheap fillers and without breaking your wallet.

The company knows how hard it can be to afford good food for these dogs, especially if you have multiples, so they created their own recipes. Let’s take a look to see if this could be just what your sporting or working dog needs.

Read on for our comprehensive Sport Dog Food Reviews.

Brand Quick Look

• Parent Company: Sport Dog
• Made in: USA
• Available at:  Chewy
• Types of Food: Dry
• Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? No (meat meal)
• Recalled in Past? : No

 

Behind the Brand

Sport Dog is a small, locally owned food made by the owners of Horse on a Hill Farm in New York. The owners know a thing or two about feeding sporting and working animals from their years of experience caring for both horses and dogs.

Sport Dog is explicitly designed for the needs of highly active dogs in the world of professional sports or dogs used for working purposes, like police, farm, or hunting dogs. The food packs dense nutrition into each recipe with concentrated levels of protein and a good fat and carbohydrate ratio so that these dogs can feel full and energized.

Active dogs fed a higher concentration of fat and protein have been shown to experience fewer significant injuries in the course of their work and are less fatigued, which makes them better able to perform their tasks. Sport Dog isn’t for the average dog. It’s a well-balanced diet for dogs with these types of grueling nutritional needs.

Sport Dog Food Reviews

1. Elite Series Working Dog Turkey Formula

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

First 5 Ingredients: Turkey Meal, Dried Sweet Potato, Chicken Fat, Coconut Meal, Cassava Root

Another grain-free option for working dogs, with healthy turkey meal as a source of concentrated protein.

It uses sweet potato for balanced carbohydrates, and chicken fat with coconut oils to give dogs energy all day long. This recipe is suitable for all dog breeds in all life stages.

89% of the protein content in this Elite recipe is sourced from high quality animal ingredients. Turkey is a lean protein source that is highly digestible.

It has all the amino acids that working dogs need to keep a lean muscle mass. The turkey used in this recipe is raised and harvested in the Midwestern States such as Arkansas and Missouri.

It has oceanfish meal as an added source of animal protein. Aside from being easy to digest, oceanfish meal is naturally rich in omega fatty acids that promote healthy skin and lustrous coats among many other benefits.

The main source of essential fatty acids in this recipe is chicken fat. It is high in omega 6 fatty acids and is packed with the rich chicken taste that dogs enjoy.

Cold-pressed wild Norwegian salmon oil gives this working dog formula high levels of EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids that promote healthy cognitive function and helps sustain working dogs’ energy requirements.

This Working Dog Formula doesn’t have any GMO-based ingredients and uses no white potatoes, peas, or lentils. It’s ideal for dogs that have sensitive tummies because it removes common allergens such as corn, soy, and wheat.

Instead of low nutritional value fillers, this recipe has dried sweet potato followed by coconut meal as the main sources of carbohydrates. These low glycemic ingredients make this a low carb recipe that is perfectly balanced to keep working dogs sustained throughout their daily activities.

This has Super Sport TR-33 Inside. It is a superfood blend that has micro nutrients specifically formulated to naturally give dogs vitality; improve their mobility; promote digestive health and skin integrity; as well as strengthen dogs’ immune systems against free radicals.

It also has L-carnitine to support strong muscles and energy production at the cellular level. This recipe also has taurine which promotes healthy heart and eye function in dogs. It has glucosamine and chondroitin much needed by working dogs for their joint health.

This product is another recipe from the brand that is well received by pet parents and breeders of working dogs. Many breeds such as German Shepherds are quite prone to allergies.

This pea, legume, grain, and gluten, and chicken protein-free formula has helped numerous sensitive pups become healthier and happier. No more itchy skin and unhealthy, thinning coats.

This low carb recipe has also helped giant breed dogs who have not been getting the right nutrition they need from other dry dog foods have been able to gain healthy weights on this recipe. The high protein, low carb, low glycemic recipe has helped them build healthy muscles.

This nutrition-packed formula has improved sensitive dogs’ digestion and stool quality. The carefully chosen ingredients, as well as the addition of probiotics seem to benefit a lot of dogs who used to have digestive issues.

This is overall a highly recommended food for highly active or hard-working pups. It is also a good recipe for very sensitive dogs, and many have reaped the multiple health benefits of this Elite Series formula.

2. Elite Series Sporting Whitefish Formula

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

First 5 Ingredients: Whitefish Meal, Dried Sweet Potato, Chicken Fat, Coconut Meal, Cassava Root

This is a grain-free dry food suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. Instead of corn, wheat, or soy, it has low glycemic, easy to digest complex carbs as its sources of carbohydrates and fiber. This recipe is sure to delight canine fish fans.

With whitefish meal as the main source of protein, this formula for sporting dogs provides highly digestible protein that has all the amino acids dogs need to keep a lean and strong muscle mass. Ocean fish meal serves as an additional source of protein. Both are naturally rich in omega fatty acids that provide dogs with multiple health benefits.

This formula’s main source of healthy fats is chicken fat, supplemented with salmon oil. This formula for athletic pups is 27% protein and 15% fat, making it ideal for helping dogs build and repair muscles to prevent injury.

Chicken fat is rich in omega 6 fatty acids which promote healthy cell membrane structure and cell function. They also support normal reproduction, growth, immune function, and skin and coat health.

This grain-free recipe also has cold-pressed wild Norwegian salmon oil. This high quality source of omega 3 fatty acids provides EPA and DHA that support a healthy brain function and fuel vigorous exercise. These healthy fats also promote healthy skin and lustrous coats in dogs. They also improve dogs’ anti-inflammatory response, which helps aid muscle recovery.

This formula is great for sensitive stomachs. Instead of fillers with low nutritional value, it has complex carbs such as American orange sweet potatoes as the main source of carbohydrates.

It also has coconut meal and cassava root as supplementary carb sources. All of these whole foods are easy to digest, as well as rich in fiber and nutrients. Coconut is rich in antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system against free radicals. It also helps the body form a healthy response to foreign microbes.

This recipe for sporting dogs has Sport Dog’s exclusive Super Sport TR-33 Inside. It is a blend of micro nutrients formulated to help active dogs be naturally healthier.

Designed to give dogs vitality, improve mobility; promote digestive health and skin integrity, it also promotes stronger immune systems and reduces oxidative damage. It also has L-carnitine to promote strong muscles and energy production at the cellular level.

To help improve dogs’ digestion and nutrient absorption, probiotics are included in this recipe. Probiotics promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, helping improve digestive health which comes with multiple benefits, reduction in intestinal gas, improved breath, a reduction of allergies, and maintaining healthy bacteria within the reproductive tract.

This Whitefish Formula has helped many dogs with allergies, according to feedback from pet parents. Their skin issues have cleared up not long after being switched to this grain, gluten, pea, legume, and poultry-free recipe. Their coats are also much glossier than before.

This high protein recipe is also quite gentle on sensitive tummies, as it is made with easy to digest ingredients. Dogs are able to keep this food down without upsetting their stomachs.

If you are looking for a high protein fish recipe for your active pup, this is definitely a good choice. Not only does it have high quality ingredients, but numerous pet parents also find good value in this food for its price.

3. Active Series Field Dog Chicken & Sweet Potato

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Whole Ground Sorghum, Dried Sweet Potato, Turkey Meal, Whole Ground Millet

This is a grain-inclusive dry food suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. This is a high protein, moderate fat recipe that is great for active dogs as well as those with sensitive tummies.

It is formulated with the optimum levels of lean protein, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates. At 460 Kcals/cup of energy, this recipe is designed to help working dogs reach their maximum potential.

The main source of protein in this recipe is chicken meal. It provides high quality proteins that dogs need to maintain lean muscles. It is also packed with flavors that dogs love. Turkey meal is included as an additional source of protein.

It is a leaner protein source that is also highly digestible. This multi-protein recipe also has oceanfish meal which gives this recipe another layer of flavor, protein, plus omega 3 fatty acids. While quite high in meat content, it is not too high in fat at 14%. Its main source of healthy fats is chicken fat.

It is a good source of omega 6 fatty acids and provides a lot of flavors that help make this food palatable to dogs. Omega 6 fatty acids are needed by dogs for healthy cell membrane structure and cell function. They help support growth, immune function, and skin and coat health.

This recipe also has cold-pressed wild Norwegian salmon oil that supplies high levels of EPA and DHA that active dogs need to fuel their energies and help improve their cognitive function.

These omega 3 fatty acids also help promote healthy skin and shiny coats. It improves dogs’ inflammatory response which aids muscle recovery after hard work.

This formula for field dogs has wholesome grains as its main sources of carbohydrates and fiber. It has Texas-harvested whole ground sorghum to help control blood sugar. Gluten-free sorghum is often recommended for dogs that are prone to food intolerance.

It also has sweet potato which is a low glycemic complex carb. Both carb sources are high in fiber that improves dogs’ digestion and stool quality.

Ensuring that your dog has a healthy digestive system improves their overall health and well-being. It helps their bodies absorb more nutrients instead of turning them into waste. This formula for field dogs also has probiotics that promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

Like all Sport Dog recipes, this formula has Super Sport TR-33 Inside. It is a blend of micro nutrients specifically designed to promote healthier, more active dogs.

Designed to give dogs more vitality, the unique blend promotes digestive health and skin integrity; and promotes stronger immune systems. Its blend of carefully selected botanicals is high in antioxidants that help fight free radicals.

Aside from vitamins and minerals required by dogs for a complete and balanced diet, it has taurine that promotes good eye and heart health; glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to support joint health; and L-carnitine to support strong muscles and energy production at the cellular level.

This recipe is free from cheap fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy. It does not have artificial enhancers like flavors, colors, or preservatives. It also contains no unnamed animal ingredients or by-product meals. This is another hit among pups of all ages. It has passed the strict standards of some very picky dogs.

Like Sport Dog’s other recipes, this Field Dog formula has also been great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Their stool qualities improved after regular feedings of this recipe. However, one pet owner said that her dog’s digestion did so well with the first bag, but not so much with their second bag of this formula.

Overall, most pet parents are quite happy with their decision to switch their pups to this product. Some of them discovered this formula while on the hunt for a flax-free food. This is a highly palatable meal for your dog, that is packed with a lot of nutrients and health benefits.

What Types Of Dog Food Does Sport Dog Offer?

Sport Dog offers three different lines of food designed to address specific needs. There are no wet foods, only kibble, so you may have to supplement feed picky dogs.

Sport Dog doesn’t make many life stage or breed size specific foods either, so they’re usually best for the adult working and sporting dog unless you speak with your veterinarian first.

Their foods contain no artificial colors or flavors and never any cheap fillers such as corn or soy. The recipes tend to have a higher protein and fat content than some typical dog foods to account for your working dog’s energetic needs.

Proteins come from a single source, named meat meal (which have a higher protein concentration than whole meats) and the recipes don’t use controversial ingredients such as peas, even in grain free formulas.

Elite Series

The Elite Series is a grain free recipe for dogs with more sensitive systems or those with who experience weight troubles. Divided into recipes designed for different types of working dog, and the recipes are also pea and flax free. It’s designed for high energy and to help dogs with overall endurance.

• Herding Dog Buffalo Formula
• Sporting Dog Buffalo Formula
• Sporting Dog Whitefish Formula
• Working Dog Turkey Formula

Active Series

Highly Active Recipes are designed for dogs who spend the majority of their days on the move through working and sporting activities. It contains a recipe specific to puppies and addresses the higher caloric needs of true working dogs. It has a higher fat content than most dog foods at over 15% and a protein level of over 25%.

• Bird Dog Whitefish Formula
• Cub Buffalo Formula (poultry free)
• Dock Dog Buffalo Formula (poultry free)
• Field Dog Chicken Formula
• Tracking Dog Buffalo Formula (poultry free)

Performance K-9 Series

The Performance recipes are designed for K-9 working dogs with higher levels of protein and fat to help dogs maintain lean muscle mass and plenty of energy.

The formulas are pea, potato, and wheat free and contain concentrated amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin to help ease joint issues and provide long term protection. (K-9 police dogs tend to be German Shepherds, which are known for hip and elbow dysplasia).

• Police K-9 Chicken and Fish Formula
• Project Hero K-9 Multi-Protein Endurance Formula

 

Recall History

Sport Dog hasn’t issued any recalls that we can find. The company is small and manufactures foods in local facilities under strict quality controls. They have an excellent history of producing quality foods, and we’re impressed with their track record so far.

Customer Reviews

Sport Dog doesn’t have a wide distribution range, but it’s highly rated where you can find. Chewy shows it to have over four and a half stars for almost all of its recipes while highly trusted dog food reviewers also rate it very high.

What Do People Like And Dislike About Sport Dog Food?

People with working dogs and sporting dogs love that they don’t have to make compromises just to feed their dogs densely nutritious foods. Sport Dog formulas are free of common food allergens so ubiquitous in bargain dog foods, and customers notice their dogs developing better muscle tone, weight, and energy.

People also love that the formulas have higher fat and protein contents specifically for working dog needs. They don’t require as much when feeding, so they also help keep weight at acceptable levels for your working dog.

One complaint people have is that the food is more expensive than standard big-box store brands. This is offset by smaller portion sizes, but it can be a more significant commitment on your wallet if you have multiple dogs.

Others felt that their dogs didn’t enjoy the taste or experienced a bit of gas due to higher protein levels. If you’re using this food for the first time, transitioning slowly to the new food may help with these issues. Also, finding a small bit of wet food that you can add to the kibble could encourage your picky dog to eat. The company doesn’t make wet food yet, so you’ll have to find a comparable brand.

Positive

• “So far we are really loving this food. Percy is a working dog and needs a performance diet. He also has sensitivities and allergies to quite a few things. This food is free of those things along with other fillers and junk… I am already seeing increased energy levels and better stool consistency on this food, as well…” Perseusandco, chewy.com

Negative:

• “I believe it's a great food, however my dog dont like it. I have to bribe him to eat it by mixing treats in with it” Angel, chewy.com.

Our Verdict

Sport Dog is a brand that positions itself as a high-performance nutrition option for active and working dogs, particularly for those involved in sports, hunting, and other demanding physical activities.

The brand emphasizes grain-free recipes with high protein content derived from quality animal sources, aiming to support energy, muscle development, and overall health in highly active dogs. It also avoids common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, which can be beneficial for dogs with specific dietary sensitivities.

However, like any dog food brand, it's important to assess the individual ingredients and how they fit your pet’s needs. While Sport Dog offers specialized formulations, its higher protein and fat content might not be suitable for all dogs, especially those that are less active or prone to weight gain. Additionally, some dog owners might find the price point higher than more conventional brands, given its specialized nature.

Overall, it can be a strong option for working or athletic dogs but may be less ideal for pets with lower activity levels or those on a stricter budget. Always consult with a veterinarian to ensure the food is aligned with your dog’s specific dietary requirements.