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Regardless of the seasonal environmental temperature
or a dog's physiologic state, when all else is equal,
the more active a dog is, the more food it will require.
All nutrients will be required in greater amounts than
for an adult dog at maintenance, not simply additional
protein or extra minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
Physical activity is the outwardly visible result of
a complex sequence of muscular contractions. The combustion
of dietary fuels such as fat, protein and carbohydrates
provide the energy for muscular work. Water, vitamins
and minerals are involved in utilizing energy for work.
Hardworking dogs are usually referred to as those used
for hunting, herding sheep, or sled dog racing, as well
as dogs who routinely run long distances (i.e., greater
than 20 miles per week). These groups of working dogs
may have increased nutrient needs when they are training
or actually working. The requirement for additional
nutrients will depend on an individual dog's activity
level. A benchmark for these foods would be that they
are complete and balanced with high nutrient density
including at least 26 percent protein, 10 percent fat,
30 percent carbohydrates and 1750 kilocalories per pound
of dry food.
During those seasons when a dog is neither training
nor working, it is recommended that the amount of the
dog's training/working ration be reduced, or that the
dog be gradually changed to a lower energy, less nutrient
dense dog food (containing at least 20 percent protein
and 1,500 kilocalories per pound of food). Maintaining
dogs in good body condition in the off-season will help
make conditioning for training/working seasons less
stressful.
Working/training dogs should not be fed a meal immediately
before or immediately after a session of hard activity.
Feeding meals too near to workouts can result in poor
performance and gastric upset or discomfort (evidenced
by vomiting or loose stools) and may increase the risk
of gastric bloat. The proper use of food (such as snacks
or treats) during periods of increased activity can
prevent hunger discomfort and fatigue in hard-working
dogs. Proper use dictates that the snack or treat be
fed after a period of rest, in small portions, with
fresh cool water and followed by a period of rest.
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Reprinted with permission by Ralston Purina Canada
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