Pro Plan Sporting Dogs



	A top performing dog is the result of all the right factors coming together: genetics, training, exercise, a diligent and dedicated handler or owner, and nutrition a dog can thrive on. Purina Pro Plan is formulated with the needs of hardworking dogs in mind. Pro Plan support doesn’t end at the feeding bowl. Our dedication to hardworking dogs is most visible in our sponsorship of the Purina Sporting Dog Award Programs, which honors and rewards the top dogs in the pointing, retriever, coonhound and beagle segments. And we are very proud of our sponsorship of Conservation organizations like Pheasant’s Forever, Quail Unlimited, the Ruffed Grouse Society, and Quail Forever, organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation. In addition, we sponsor and attend sporting events across the country, work with sporting dog experts to develop products and deliver information that benefits the whole community. Our years of experience have given us a unique perspective on the nutritional needs and the special care a performance dog needs to reach its potential. We hope the information we offer here helps you and your dog reach even greater success.


	For a dog to reach its potential, anyone involved in field trials, hunt tests, racing, search & rescue, protection or hunting knows that there is always more to learn. We have assembled some of our best articles to give you the information necessary to increase your knowledge and your dog’s performance.

		Tracking a Dog’s Keen Sense of Smell

		Dealing with Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Labrador Retrievers

		Performance Dog Feeding

		Canine Athletes and Carbohydrate Management

		Feeding the Hardworking Dog / Carbohydrate Replenishment

		Hydration Strategies in Sporting Dogs

		Preseason Conditioning Plays Important Role in Performance


	Watch these videos to learn more about proper training and care of your sporting dog. All videos are in Windows Media format and will load into your Windows Media Player; download Windows Media Player here. (Videos are approx. 2 min each and 6 MB in size; and will require about a 5 minute download on a 56k modem.)

Preventative Health Care

Tailgate Check and First Aid Kit

Traveling With Your Dog

Feeding Hard Working Dogs

Hot Weather Care



		Founded in 1988, the stated mission of The Bird Dog Foundation, based in Grand Junction, is that of “preserving the past and protecting the future for sporting dog fanciers the world over.” Click here for more info



		Pro Plan Performance Formula delivers extra protein and calories to fuel the activities of hardworking dogs. Learn more>>



		If you care for 5 or more dogs or breed dogs, join Purina Pro Club. Benefits include access to Purina research, Puppy Starter Kits and more.



		Friends We Make Along the Way Purina’s Bob West, Director of the Sporting Dog Group, is passionate about sporting dogs and people who love them. In 40 years as a professional trainer, West has put more than 100 titles on dogs. Here he shares lessons learned while competing and gives advice about getting into the game. Read the Article> The Natural Labrador Retriever trainer Kristie Wheeler of WaterDog Kennels got her start as a professional trainer by first working as an obedience trainer. Today, she has trained 20 AKC Master Hunter Labradors, earned a spot on the Women’s Challenge Trophy, and become an inspiration for others through her Retriever Retreats for women Read the Article> Dogs of Versatility Nothing compares to the exultation of earning a Versatile Champion title from the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association. Dogs and handlers train for years in preparation for three phases of water and field tests in which they are judged against a demanding standard. Read the Article>