A black and white dog eats from a red bowl on a terrazzo floor, with a meal kit and fresh ingredients beside it.

Best Dog Food for Active Dogs

Dogs with high energy need more than just calories—they need smart nutrition that fuels their movement, muscle health, and recovery. Whether you’re raising a working dog, an agility champ, or just a pup who never sits still, their meals should support that lifestyle. At Ollie, we create fresh, human-grade food that delivers the protein, nutrients, and clean energy active dogs need to thrive—all without fillers or artificial junk.

A fluffy dog stands on hind legs, mouth open as if barking or catching something, against a plain background.

Understanding the Needs of Active Dogs

Active dogs burn through energy fast, and that means they require food with higher protein, healthy fats, and the right balance of vitamins and minerals to keep up. Without the proper nutrition, they can lose muscle, become fatigued, or be more prone to injury and inflammation.


Common Needs of High-Energy Dogs:

  • Higher calorie demands to fuel movement and endurance

  • Greater protein intake to support lean muscle maintenance

  • Healthy fats for sustained energy, not sugar spikes

  • Antioxidants and joint-supporting nutrients to help with recovery

Whether your dog runs, hikes, works, or plays hard every day, their food should match their energy.

Ollie meals are crafted to deliver that support—made fresh with real meat, digestible carbs, and functional ingredients that help your dog stay strong, sharp, and ready for more.


How Ollie Supports Active Dog Performance

Dogs who burn more energy need food that can go the distance. Ollie makes it easier to fuel them with meals that are built for stamina, muscle health, and full-body wellness—without the processed fillers that weigh them down.

  • Protein-Packed Recipes for Muscle and Energy – Real meats like beef, turkey, and lamb support strength and recovery

  • Healthy Fats for Sustained Performance – We use nutrient-dense fats like fish oil and chicken fat to fuel longer play and work

  • Digestive Support from Whole Ingredients – Gently cooked meals made from real food are easier to digest and absorb

  • Antioxidants & Omega Fatty Acids – Reduce inflammation, support joints, and boost post-activity recovery

Whether your dog is always on the move or training for something big, Ollie helps them feel strong, alert, and energized—day after day.

High-Energy Dogs by the Numbers

Feeding an active dog isn’t about more volume—it’s about better quality nutrition that meets their metabolic needs. Here’s what the science says:
Illustration of a green and white dog running with an energetic pose on a beige background.

Active Dogs Burn 2–3x the Calories of a Sedentary Dog
Energy demands vary by breed and activity—but high-energy pups need food that fuels their lifestyle.
image

Muscle Mass Requires More Protein Intake
Without enough protein, active dogs can lose strength and tire faster.
Illustration of blueberries, a carrot, and a chicken drumstick on a light background.

Nutrition Affects Focus & Stamina
The right fats and nutrients support mental clarity and physical performance during training or exercise.
Illustration of an upward arrow labeled "Sugar" emerging from a bowl of sugar, symbolizing an increase in sugar levels or consumption.

Processed Kibble Can Lead to Energy Crashes
High-carb, filler-packed food may cause sugar spikes followed by fatigue, especially in athletic dogs.
Illustration of a green and white dog running with an energetic pose on a beige background.

Active Dogs Burn 2–3x the Calories of a Sedentary Dog
Energy demands vary by breed and activity—but high-energy pups need food that fuels their lifestyle.
image

Muscle Mass Requires More Protein Intake
Without enough protein, active dogs can lose strength and tire faster.
Illustration of blueberries, a carrot, and a chicken drumstick on a light background.

Nutrition Affects Focus & Stamina
The right fats and nutrients support mental clarity and physical performance during training or exercise.
Illustration of an upward arrow labeled "Sugar" emerging from a bowl of sugar, symbolizing an increase in sugar levels or consumption.

Processed Kibble Can Lead to Energy Crashes
High-carb, filler-packed food may cause sugar spikes followed by fatigue, especially in athletic dogs.

Happy dog in a grassy field looking up.

Ollie Makes Fueling
Active Dogs Simple

Feeding a high-energy dog isn’t just about giving more food—it’s about feeding food that works harder. Ollie delivers fresh, nutrient-rich meals, portioned just for your pup’s breed, size, age, and energy output—so they get exactly what they need, no more, no less.

Fresh carrots, snap peas, cranberries, and spinach on a wooden surface, arranged neatly.
Check icon

MADE WITH REAL INGREDIENTS, NOT FILLERS

Every recipe starts with real meat, vegetables, and natural fats—never meat meals or synthetic additives.

image
Check icon

TAILORED TO MATCH ACTIVITY LEVELS

Whether you’ve got a weekend warrior or a full-time working dog, we customize their meals to keep up.

image
Check icon

GENTLY COOKED FOR MAXIMUM ABSORPTION

Better nutrient retention, better digestion, and a food that’s actually doing its job.

Woman in green outfit holding a large box labeled "Ollie" while a golden retriever walks beside her through an open door.
Check icon

DELIVERED FRESH, NO PLANNING NEEDED

You’ve got training sessions and hikes to plan—we’ll handle the food, down to the last portion.

Ollie Has Helped Active Dogs Thrive Naturally

Dog parents across the country are seeing the difference in energy, stamina, and post-exercise recovery since switching to Ollie. Our recipes are trusted by working dog owners, agility trainers, hikers, and play-all-day pet parents who want to keep their dogs at their best—without compromise.

image

No more diarrhea

Cosmo, English Labrador
5 star rating for testimonial

Cosmo had terrible gut health and frequently had diarrhea. Since switching to Ollie, he now has normal poop, a shiny coat, fewer ear issues, and lost 18 lbs.

image

The hair on his ears grew back

Bane, German Shepherd
5 star rating for testimonial

Bane is the typical GSD with lots of allergies. His got so bad that his ears were losing hair! On top of that, he was underweight because getting him to eat was a dancing act. He was so picky and I had to hand-feed him to get him to eat. Now he is drooling and prancing around waiting for his food and is so happy to eat it and his coat/ears are so thick and full.

image

Her wounds from scratching finally healed

Suzie, Labrador
5 star rating for testimonial

Before, Suzie would get open wounds from scratching and biting her paws. Nothing worked - cones, meds, creams, sprays. After four vet trips, they suggested maybe her cancer (removed a couple of years prior) had returned. After four days of eating Ollie, a wound she had about three months started to heal and has had NO recurrences since!

Sasha

She's now the healthiest, happiest pup because of Ollie!

Sasha, German Shepherd
5 star rating for testimonial

My dog had so many digestive complaints before starting Ollie. It seemed no food we tried agreed with her stomach, and she constantly had diarrhea and wouldn’t eat anything. Even on a bland diet, she still didn’t have relief. We have had Ollie for 8 months, and Sasha has had regular bowel movements ever since! She used to go days without eating, and it amazes me how excited she gets to eat her Ollie.

Our Best Recipes for Active Dogs

Dogs with high energy need fuel, not fluff. Our best recipes for active dogs are built around high-quality animal protein, healthy fats, and whole vegetables that provide long-lasting energy, not empty calories. Whether your dog is running trails, chasing frisbees, or putting in serious work, our meals support their performance and help them recover faster—naturally.

chicken

SENSITIVE-BELLIES

Chicken Dish with Carrots

Our Chicken Dish with Carrots recipe is great for poultry-loving pups who appreciate classic flavors and gentle white-meat proteins. Chicken, carrots, and rice are a gentle, yet satisfying combination for dogs with sensitive stomachs, or picky palates.

ALLERGY-FRIENDLY

Turkey Dish with Blueberries

A great protein for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues, which can be the cause of picky eating. Added blueberries, carrots, and kale deliver a powerful punch of immune-boosting antioxidants and flavor.

Happy dog in a grassy field looking up.

Our Fresh Food Supports
Peak Performance

From stamina to recovery, everything your dog does starts with what’s in their bowl. Ollie’s fresh meals are packed with real nutrition, built to support muscle, energy, and mobility, and portioned to match your dog’s activity level. No bloating, no midday crashes—just clean energy, strong muscles, and meals that help your pup feel like a champ.

FAQs About Dog Food for Active Dogs

Have questions about fueling your high-energy pup? We’ve got answers.

What’s the best dog food for active dogs?

Do active dogs need more food?

What nutrients support athletic dogs?

Can Ollie support weight maintenance for high-energy dogs?

Is Ollie better than high-protein kibble?

What if my dog is a working breed or training for sport?

Can Ollie help with post-exercise recovery?