Review: Montana Dog Food Co. Adventure Fuel

Everyone knows that proper nutrition is paramount when it comes to health and longevity. Nowadays, we don’t have to look far for healthy foods to keep us fueled at home and on the trails. However, it’s much more difficult to find the same fodder for our canine companions. Worse yet, what’s available is often so heavy you wouldn’t dare bring it along on a trek into the mountains. Thankfully, Montana Dog Food Co. has figured out how to make freeze-dried food for pups that is both nourishing and lightweight. Best of all, our dogs can’t seem to get enough of it! Here’s what the O/B crew thought of Adventure Fuel.

With an extremely lean, finicky dog, I’ve often felt like a desperate parent trying to get a stubborn child to eat green beans. I’ll smear fancy canned food onto his kibble, and still he turns up his nose. Ditto for Beggin’ Strips and other treats most dogs find irresistible. With Adventure Fuel mixed in, though, my persnickety pooch gobbles up his food and begs for more—and he tears into all three flavors with equal alacrity. —Mike

My dog is always happiest on a trail. She's so excited when the leash comes out that food's an afterthought. But, ever since she's had a taste of the beef-flavored Adventure Fuel, it's become a pre-trip essential. I've never seen her eat so fast. She even appears stronger on hikes now to boot. —Georgia

While my dog, Seamus, isn’t picky about what he eats, I’ve tried to make sure he gets food that matches his high energy, which is what first drew me to Montana Dog Food Co.’s Adventure Fuel. They’re freeze-dried, high-protein nuggets that provide loads of energy, and Seamus loves it as a snack after some time in the field, on top of other kibble, and especially as a meal. —Chris

Scout is pretty particular when it comes to her breakfast and dinner. If her kibble is served without some addition (e.g., broth, yogurt, or scrambled eggs) she pouts and begins her fast for the day. With Montana Dog Food’s topper, she scarfed her kibble down faster than I’ve ever seen. She loved all three flavors, and it’s comforting to know she’s not only enjoying her food, but also getting genuine nutrition from human-grade, freeze-dried ingredients, such as beef, blueberries, pumpkin seeds, and broccoli. She didn’t experience any stomach upset and has been quite punctual in letting me know when the clock strikes dinnertime. —Jamie

Available at montanadogfoodco.com; from $20.