Unfortunately as far as I know, there isn't any way to give the deputie…

Unfortunately as far as I know, there isn't any way to give the deputies more life . I've come across one level towards the end where you can restore your two sherriffs at a hotel, but I believe it's just for that level. One thing to keep in mind is if you have a saloon and a bit of gold you can hire gunslingers- they don't use your food- which makes them somewhat disposable. Good Luck!