Top Long Island Hiking Trails for Dogs and the Best Raw Foods to Fuel Them

Long Island is a paradise for dog owners who love the great outdoors. With a mix of beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and forest trails, there’s no shortage of scenic places to explore with your furry companion.

But when it comes to hiking, ensuring your dog is well-fed and energized is crucial for a fun and safe adventure. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the best dog-friendly hiking trails across Long Island and recommend the best raw foods to fuel your dog before and after a day of exploration.

The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Active Dogs

Dogs that are regularly active need proper nutrition to keep their energy levels up, maintain healthy muscles, and recover quickly. Raw diets can be an excellent choice for dogs who love hiking, as they provide nutrient-dense meals that offer high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins—fueling your dog naturally for those long treks.

Before we dive into the recommended trails, let’s take a look at how raw food can provide the perfect energy boost for your dog’s adventures.

• High-Quality Protein: Muscle meats in raw diets provide the amino acids dogs need for endurance and muscle recovery after physical activity.
• Healthy Fats: Fat is an essential energy source for active dogs. Raw diets are naturally rich in healthy fats that keep your dog energized for longer periods.
• Hydration: Raw foods have a high moisture content, which helps keep your dog hydrated—especially important during long hikes.

Top Long Island Hiking Trails for Dogs

1. Caleb Smith State Park Preserve

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, located in Smithtown, offers a beautiful escape into nature with trails perfect for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike. The trails wind through wooded areas, fields, and around ponds, providing plenty of sights and smells to keep your dog entertained.

• Trail Tip: The park offers several easy-to-moderate trails, so it’s a great spot for dogs of all fitness levels. Make sure to bring along a portable water dish and some pre-portioned raw food treats to keep your dog’s energy up.

2. Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

This spot in Oyster Bay is more than just a beautiful arboretum—it’s also a fantastic place to bring your dog for a hike. Dogs are welcome on the trails as long as they’re on a leash, and there are plenty of shaded areas, making it a comfortable option even on warmer days.

• Food for Energy: Before hitting the trails, consider feeding your dog a meal rich in high-quality proteins like beef or lamb, which can provide sustained energy for exploring the arboretum’s vast grounds.

3. Sands Point Preserve

Sands Point Preserve in Port Washington offers diverse landscapes, from wooded areas to open meadows and even beachfront views. Dogs will love the variety of terrains and the exciting new scents along the way. The trails here are well-kept and perfect for a relaxed but invigorating walk.

• Fuel for the Hike: After a hike at Sands Point, treat your dog to some raw meaty bones. Not only will this keep them occupied during your downtime, but it will also help replenish their calcium and phosphorus levels after a good workout.

4. Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve

Located in Deer Park, this lesser-known preserve is ideal for pet owners looking for a quieter, less crowded hiking experience. The preserve features sandy trails and dense shrubbery, perfect for dogs who love to explore and sniff around.

• Quick Energy Snacks: Raw organ meat like liver or heart can be a fantastic energy snack for active dogs, offering a nutrient-packed boost that helps maintain stamina during longer hikes.

5. Montauk Point State Park

For those willing to venture to the far end of Long Island, Montauk Point State Park offers stunning ocean views and beautiful, breezy trails. Your dog will love the sea air, and the rolling hills provide a good workout for both of you.

• Post-Hike Recovery: After a challenging hike at Montauk Point, consider giving your dog a raw meal that includes fish like sardines. Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support muscle recovery.

Best Raw Foods to Fuel Your Hiking Adventures

1. Pre-Hike Meal: Protein-Rich Raw Meat

Before heading out for a hike, make sure your dog gets a meal packed with high-quality protein. Chicken, beef, or lamb are excellent options for ensuring your dog has the energy they need. Feed your dog at least an hour before hitting the trails to give them time to digest and avoid any stomach discomfort during the hike.

2. High-Energy Snacks: Organ Meats

Organ meats like liver and heart are nutrient powerhouses. They’re full of vitamins and minerals that help keep your dog’s energy levels high during intense physical activity. Bring along some freeze-dried raw organ meat as a convenient snack to give your dog a quick boost mid-hike.

3. Post-Hike Recovery: Raw Meaty Bones and Fish

After a hike, it’s important to help your dog recover. Raw meaty bones not only provide mental stimulation but also help replenish minerals like calcium. Additionally, fish such as sardines or mackerel are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support overall recovery.

Hiking Tips for Long Island Dog Owners

1. Stay Hydrated

Long hikes mean your dog will need plenty of water. Bring a collapsible water bowl and offer water regularly to keep your dog hydrated, especially during warmer weather or on longer trails.

2. Check for Ticks

Long Island is known for ticks, especially in wooded areas. After your hike, check your dog thoroughly for ticks, paying special attention to their ears, belly, and between the toes.

3. Bring Extra Raw Treats

Hiking can take a lot out of your dog, and they may need extra calories throughout the day. Packing some extra raw treats can help keep their energy up until you get back home for a full meal.

Conclusion: Raw Food and Adventure Go Hand in Paw

Exploring the beautiful hiking trails on Long Island with your dog is an incredible way to bond and stay active together. By fueling your dog with the right raw foods, you can ensure they have the energy, stamina, and nutrition they need to enjoy every adventure to the fullest. Whether it’s a casual walk through an arboretum or a vigorous hike along the Montauk coastline, the right nutrition is key to a happy and healthy dog.

Consider preparing meals that provide the best balance of protein, fats, and hydration, and don’t forget to pack those energy-boosting raw treats for the journey. With the proper nutrition, your furry hiking companion will be ready to explore all that Long Island has to offer.