Olsen's

If you have a dog who truly exercises strenuously – for instance, shares your marathon training runs, spends long days hunting in the fields, or even chases the kids on their bikes all day – then you have a dog with very different dietary needs than the average house pet.

First of all, the highly active dog has much higher energy needs than a sedentary house dog. Research has shown that dogs performing long-term endurance (aerobic) exercise benefit greatly from a diet that is considerably higher in fat. The increased dietary fat will help them perform longer and better. However, this does not mean that carbohydrates are not important; carbohydrates are the primary fuel source for short, intense anaerobic activity such as sprinting. Maintaining muscle levels of a carbohydrate called "glycogen" is very important in supporting a high level of performance in active dogs. Therefore, the right combination of dietary fat and carbohydrates working together helps to optimally provide for the dog's energy needs. Finally, protein needs of hard-working dogs are generally greater than those of their more sedentary compatriots. Athletic activity results in production and maintenance of a greater mass of muscle as well as other adaptive physi ological changes that increase the utilization of protein. Thus, the very active dog needs a higher protein level in its diet than the average house dog.

If you have a dog that seems determined to be an Olympic champion, provide him with a feed designed to meet the needs of active, hard-working canines. Proper dietary support of the active dog will help keep him fit and strong and performing at his best!


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References: Paul, P. and B. Issekutz. 1976. Role of extramuscular energy sources in the metabolism of the exercising dog. Am. J. Physiol. 22:615-622.

Reynolds, A.J. 1995. Effect of diet on performance. Proc. Perform. Dog Nutr. Symp. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.

Reynolds, A.J., L. Fuhrer, H.L. Dunlap et al. 1994. Lipid metabolite responses to diet and training in sled dogs. J. Nutr. 124:2754S-2759S.

Reynolds, A.J., L. Fuhrer, H.L. Dunlap et al. 1997. Effect of diet and training on muscle glycogen storage and utilization in sled dogs. J. Appl. Physiol. 79:1601-1607.