Optimizing Energy

Hello, and welcome back to the Live Life Off Leash Blog!

Do you have a working or sport dog? If you do I'm sure you know first hand how much energy and effort your dog puts into his sport or work. High powered working and sport dogs need a different kind of diet. Today we'll discuss a little bit of the different needs of a working or sport dog as well as some other dietary and supplemental needs to consider.

Working and sport dogs have jobs! These are not couch potato kind of dogs. We're talking about working hunting and herding dogs as well as agility, fly ball, schutzhund and protection dogs and throw in some sled and skijoring types too! There's all kinds of things dogs can do to be considered working or spot dogs. We are going to be talking about the elite of the elite and their dietary needs.

Fat is where it's at. No, you don't want your dog to be fat! But fat is what should make up more than 50% of their daily calories. It is the most efficient and safest fuel for working dogs. Dogs fed diets high in fat have the most efficient muscle recovery, function and the fewest work related injuries. The second most important factor is protein. Protein should make up about 40% of a working dogs diet, with carbohydrates coming in last at around 10%. Dogs with high carb diets tend to have more injuries and tire quicker as the fuel in their muscles burns fast. Fats and proteins are slow burning fuel to get them through their day!

Something to help meet the high demands outside of a high quality kibble are supplements. It is always good to supplement a quality kibble with more dense fats like pawTree's Salmon Oil. High in fats, amino acids and vitamins its a great way to supplement a working dog's diet. Another great pawTree supplement is any of our joint products. Working dogs place a lot of demand on their joints and a little extra help goes a long way in keeping them going.

If you have questions about how to feed your high powered working or sport dog, contact us! We'd love to help create a custom feeding program with you for your dog!