Working dogs come in many shapes and sizes and have many different jobs, from aiding the blind to tracking poachers & herding sheep. Regardless of what work they do, they all have one thing in common: a high pressure job that requires focus, stamina, and excellent health.
All dogs require a quality diet, but working dogs especially benefit from a raw diet. We have been lucky enough to see the benefits of a raw diet for working dogs first hand through our contract client CAP Security in Johannesburg to K9 Conservation’s multi-purpose detection canines in the Greater Kruger National Parks.
Overall, a raw diet works to sustain, improve and/or restore your dog’s immune system. The immune system is directly linked to the canine's gut biome which is the foundation of most living creatures' health, even us as humans. The ingredients in the Emmarentia Raw diet aid in maintaining and nourishing the essential natural gut flora which keep your canine's digestive system functioning as intended & most importantly, enables your dog to fight off disease, infections, parasites, or anything else that might cause them harm more easily.
Working dogs are exposed to so many environmental stressors, locations, people, and other dogs/wildlife that their immune system is often threatened as a result. Feeding a raw diet gives them a fighting chance against all of the above and keeps them healthy and happy further into their life.
The high levels of protein and healthy fats in a raw diet work to not only build muscle, but repair it as well. Canines are supposed to get the vast majority of their energy from fats, as opposed to carbohydrates. Raw materials are absorbed by the body slowly and steadily thus offering the cacanines a lasting energy and stamina throughout the day instead of a quick spike after a meal created by carbohydrates. Working dogs employ long hours that can be both physically and mentally taxing, offering them a high quality food is imperative in keeping them at the top of their game.
Since working canines are often out and about working for hours at a time, it’s worth noting that raw-fed dogs also require less water. Canines, like other predators, are designed to get the majority of their water from their food, our raw diet is 80% moisture which allows the dog to get a head start in keeping their body hydrated rather than trying to play catchup all day. This can be especially helpful in wildlife areas where water access is limited.
There’s more than just physical benefits to a raw diet, there’s mental and behavioural ones too.
The body is an interconnected system, and one of the strongest connections is between the brain and the gut. Diet has a direct influence on the body’s ability to create and regulate important chemicals, hormones, and neurotransmitters, all of which have a direct effect on your dog's mood and behaviour.
With a raw diet you can expect to see a dog who is able to better regulate their emotions and control their impulses, focus better during training, and have an improved ability to cope with stress and intense situations and sensations. A raw-fed dog also has lessened restlessness and is better able to rest and recharge when off duty.
All of these factors combined can help ensure that a working dog is able to perform at their best, whether they are herding sheep, protecting our wildlife, or helping with search and rescue efforts.
