Thursday 1 October is the opening day of pheasant season, and for spaniels, Labradors and pointers across Scotland that means the real work starts. If you're thinking about gundog food in Scotland right now, you're in good company — it's the question we hear most at the counter this time of year. Get the diet right before the first drive and it pays off all the way through to February.
The weather's doing its bit to test everyone, too. After a surprisingly mild start to the week, gales and heavy rain are sweeping in from the west, with fresher air and cooler nights to follow. So this week we're covering fuel, wet coats and paws — whether your dog is beating on a Perthshire estate or just insisting on its walk in the Ayrshire drizzle.
What Your Dog Needs This Week
Dry them properly. A soaked dog loses heat fast, especially when a warm day turns into a windy, wet evening. After a day's work or a wet walk, give them a proper towel-down — belly, legs, armpits and ears, not just the back — and let them settle somewhere dry and out of draughts. Travelling home wet in the back of a truck is when working dogs get chilled and stiff.
Check paws every night. Wet ground softens pads, and a day through bracken, stubble and bramble leaves nicks you won't spot unless you look. Spread the toes and check for cuts, thorns and grass seeds. This is also harvest mite season: tiny orange specks between the toes and around the ears that cause a lot of itching.
Ticks haven't gone anywhere. Bracken and long grass are still tick country through autumn. Our AMTRA-qualified SQPs can talk you through the right flea and tick protection for your dog's lifestyle — and it's a good moment to check your worming is up to date before the season gets busy.
Watch the autumn hazards. Acorns and conkers are dropping now. Both can upset stomachs, and a swallowed conker can cause a blockage, so discourage chewing on walks. And if your dog finds something unspeakable to roll in (they will), Animology Fox Poo Shampoo is the one our staff swear by.
Family dogs need their fun too. Darker evenings and showery weather can cut walks short, so a quick burst of fetch between showers goes a long way. The Chuckit! 2 Pack Medium Air Fetch Ball is light and easy to breathe through for hard-running dogs, and the Chuckit! Medium Max Glow Ball keeps the game going as the light fades.
Feeding Right for the Season
A gundog on a full shoot day burns far more energy than on a rest day, and cold, wet conditions add to it — the body spends extra calories just keeping warm. That's why it pays to build rations up gradually over two or three weeks as work increases, rather than doubling the bowl on opening day. Keep an eye on condition: you should be able to feel the ribs easily without seeing them.
Timing matters too. On shoot days, give a small breakfast and save the main meal for after work, once your dog has cooled down and had a drink. It's kinder on the stomach and reduces the risk of bloat in deep-chested breeds. And don't forget water — dogs working hard in the rain can still get dehydrated.
Our own-brand McCaskie Meaty Mix is the one we'd start with. It's a complete, all-natural dog food with real meaty chunks, added vitamins and minerals and a touch of oil for taste and coat condition — and the 15kg bag suits working kennels and family dogs alike. For dogs carrying a heavier workload through the season, Chudleys Working Dog Crunch offers extra fat to support stamina and recovery.
Got a dog with a sensitive tummy or itchy skin? Meaty Mix contains wheat, so for wheat-sensitive dogs we'd point you to Gilbertson & Page Dr. John Lamb & Rice Hypoallergenic: wheat-free, made with 26% lamb and suitable for working dogs with delicate digestion. Whatever you choose, switch over gradually across seven to ten days — ideally not the same week as your first shoot. You'll find the full range, including other natural dog food options, in our dog food collection.
Find Your Dog's Favourites at McCaskie
Whether you're after dog food in Ayr, gundog supplies near Kinross, pet supplies in Lanark or a proper country store in Stirling, we've got your dog covered. Every store stocks working and family dog food, grooming kit, toys and health products, and our AMTRA-qualified SQPs are on hand for advice on worming, parasite control and nutrition — just ask.
Can't get in? Browse our full dog supplies range online at mccaskie.store, or find your nearest store.
Pop into your nearest McCaskie Country Store in Ayr, Kinross, Lanark or Stirling — our team are dog lovers too and always happy to help. Or browse our full dog range at mccaskie.store. Here's to a good season, dry dogs and full game bags.