A 30/20 dog food like Field Master Hi Protein is built for working and sporting dogs. Here's what those numbers mean and which dogs benefit most.
Walk down the dog food aisle and you'll see numbers stamped on bags everywhere — 26/16, 30/20, 24/14. If you've never had it explained, those numbers are the minimum guaranteed protein and fat percentages in the food. A 30/20 formula like Sunshine Mills Field Master Hi Protein contains a minimum of 30% crude protein and 20% crude fat by weight.
Why higher protein and fat for performance dogs
A dog running fields all day, training for hours, or pulling weight burns far more calories than a dog whose biggest exertion is the walk to the food bowl. Protein supports muscle recovery and maintenance under that workload. Fat is the most calorie-dense fuel source available — over twice the energy per gram of protein or carbohydrates — which matters when a working dog's daily caloric need can be 2–3x that of a couch companion.
Who 30/20 is right for
Hunting dogs in season. Sporting breeds in active training. Sled dogs, agility competitors, herding dogs on working farms. Field trial competitors. Any dog whose daily activity is consistently and significantly above what a typical pet experiences.
Who 30/20 is NOT right for
Most pet dogs — even active ones. Feeding a 30/20 formula to a moderately active companion dog will usually mean unwanted weight gain. If your dog goes on long hikes on weekends but lounges on weekdays, a 26/16 or 24/14 formula is almost always a better fit.
If you're not sure where your dog falls, ask. We've got handlers and breeders shopping with us regularly and we're happy to talk through what makes sense for your specific dog.