Choosing the right food for your dog

The Bond Between Waterfowl Hunters and Their Dogs

For most readers of this post, we probably share a few things in common—we’re waterfowl hunters, and our duck dogs are held near and dear to our hearts. Whether it’s the thousands of steps saved by our four-legged companions, the birds they recover that would have otherwise been lost, or the occasional treat sneaked into a panting mouth, there’s a special bond between us and our dogs. Sometimes, I wonder if we waterfowl hunt more for the ducks or for the joy of working alongside our dogs.

As waterfowl guides, our dogs are even more vital to us. More than just companions, they are essential tools we rely on every day in the field. Our dogs work hard, making retrieves day in and day out—often well beyond what the average hunting dog experiences. Over a year, they can make thousands of retrieves, not just over a typical 60-day season but potentially over 200-plus days as we follow the migration across the country. Given how hard they work, their health and well-being are of utmost importance to us.

The Importance of Nutrition for Working Dogs

If you’re a dog owner, especially one with a high-performance working dog, you’ve probably spent a significant amount of time researching their diet. Ensuring that your dog receives the proper nutrition is crucial, not just to keep them going during the long season but also to safeguard their long-term health. This becomes even more critical for dogs with specific dietary needs or allergies.

After years of searching for the best food to fuel our hardworking dogs, we recently switched to Voyager dog food, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

Why Voyager Dog Food?

Voyager dog food was developed by Dr. Pete VanVranken, a veterinarian with a deep understanding of the specific needs of working dogs. One of the primary issues Dr. VanVranken sought to address was the presence of chelated copper in dog food—a problem that has been increasingly recognized in the industry.

Chelated copper, often added to dog foods to ensure adequate copper levels, can accumulate in a dog’s liver over time, potentially leading to serious health issues such as liver disease. This is especially concerning for breeds that are more prone to copper storage diseases, but it can be a risk for any dog, particularly those that are fed the same food consistently over many years.

Voyager dog food is formulated with a focus on balanced nutrition, without the unnecessary and potentially harmful additives found in some commercial dog foods. Here are some key benefits of Voyager dog food that make it an excellent choice for working dogs:

1. Copper Regulation: Unlike many dog foods that include chelated copper, Voyager dog food uses a carefully controlled amount of copper, ensuring that your dog gets what they need without the risk of accumulation.

2. High-Quality Protein: Voyager dog food contains high-quality animal proteins that are essential for muscle repair and energy, especially for dogs that are active for long periods.

3. Balanced Fat Content: The right balance of fats is crucial for providing sustained energy throughout a long day of retrieving in the field. Voyager dog food is formulated to give your dog the energy they need without leading to unhealthy weight gain.

4. Natural Ingredients: Voyager dog food is made with natural ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. This means fewer allergens and a diet that more closely mirrors what dogs would naturally eat.

5. Tailored Nutrition: Voyager offers a range of formulas designed to meet the specific needs of different dogs, whether they are in the peak of their hunting season or in the off-season maintaining a healthy weight.

Why This Matters for Your Dog

For those of us who hunt, our dogs aren’t just pets—they’re partners. Their health directly impacts their performance and, ultimately, the success of our hunts. By choosing a dog food that’s specifically formulated to support their unique needs, we’re not just feeding them; we’re investing in their well-being and their ability to continue doing what they love.

Switching to a high-quality food like Voyager can make a noticeable difference in your dog’s energy levels, coat condition, and overall health. It’s not just about what’s in the food, but also what’s left out—no unnecessary fillers or potentially harmful additives.

Conclusion

As waterfowl hunters, we rely on our dogs to be at their best every time we head into the field. Their health and well-being are paramount, and that starts with the food we put in their bowls. If you’re looking for a dog food that’s crafted with the specific needs of working dogs in mind, I highly recommend giving Voyager dog food a try. After all, our dogs give us everything they’ve got—don’t they deserve the best in return?