Research has found that energy needs for working dogs are 1.5 – 2.5 times greater than maintenance requirements for pet dogs.[1] This highlights the need for working dogs to be fed a diet that is formulated for their specific energy requirements.
Farm dog owners should not only take into account what their working dogs are fed, but also how much they are fed, since this varies according to season and workload.
Mean energy requirements for Heading Dogs and Huntaways have been found to be different between peak and off-peak periods, with dogs requiring more energy during peak periods.[2] Generally, NZ working farm dogs require 30% more energy from their diets during peak versus off-peak periods.[3]
A study of 26 farms in both the North Island and South Island found that, although there were significant differences between regions, farm dogs were active during peak periods for an average of 9 hours per day.[4]
Heaviest workloads for farm dogs usually during docking (or tailing), weaning and shearing. This was typically through November and December in the North Island, and between January to March in the South Island.[5]
Work in cold weather can increase energy needs by an additional 50% or more.[6] The colder dogs are, the more energy and muscle mass is used to keep warm and not for work.[7]
The amount of extra energy working dogs require is different for each individual dog and is dependent on the duration and intensity of exercise, environmental conditions and characteristics of the dog such as age, sex and bodyweight.[8]
For a general estimate of how much to feed your working dog, please see our Feeding Guide.
[1] Case, 2005a.
[2] Singh, 2013.
[3] Singh, 2013.
[4] Singh, 2013.
[5] Singh, 2013.
[6] Case, 2005b.
[7]Bleaken, 2020.
[8] Buffington et al, 2004.