These dogs, including hunting, racing, dogsledding or herding dogs, will need special diets and feeding schedules to support the exertions of their work and training. If he spends most of the week indoors and then goes out for a vigorous run or long play session on the weekends, a normal diet will probably suffice, with maybe a little extra on exercise days to make up for the calories he'll burn off. On the other hand, if your dog spends several days a week for the whole hunting season in the woods or in the water, or if your dog pulls a dogsled, dietary adjustments may be in order. Usually, you will want a nutritionally dense food with 27 percent protein and 1,850 digestible calories per pound. Hardworking dogs often will need to be fed twice a day to keep up body condition.
Some people feed their dogs candy to maintain energy and blood sugar.
This can be dangerous because of the canine problems associated with large amounts of chocolate. Talk to your vet if you think you will need to give your dog a special boost. Don't feed immediately before or after hard work. Make sure there is always plenty of water, but regulate it before and after exercise so your dog doesn't get sick. Keep the water cool, but not cold.