A dog's physical activity, just as for people, determines its nutritional requirements, therefore it is essential to adapt the animal's diet to the level of physical exertion in order to balance its energy intake.
HOW TO CHOOSE A SPECIFIC HIGH-ENERGY DRY FOOD
The amount of energy required by a sports dog can be as much as five times greater as that required by a companion dog, depending on the type of exercise it does.
Therefore, a high-energy dry food should be chosen that provides high-quality ingredients that suit the animal's activity. This is due to the fact that, for example, a racing dog or a moderate-working dog will require high levels of carbohydrates, moderate levels of protein and low levels of fat, while a dog that does resistance activities will need high levels of fat and protein and fewer carbohydrates.
In order to ensure maximum utilisation of the energy, the dry food should contain high-quality animal protein, as its bio-availability and biological value is higher than that of vegetable proteins. Fish oils are one of the best sources of fat, as they are rich in omega-3, EPA and DHA, which have natural anti-inflammatory effects and help maintain good health.
Another important factor for feeding sports dogs is the provision of chondroprotectants, mainly glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which favour the regeneration of articular cartilage and protect joints. Many foods specifically formulated for dogs with high physical exertion already include them, therefore the vet may indicate that there is no need for supplements.
Another factor that should be considered is the digestibility of the food. If the ingredients in the food are highly digestible, the absorption of the nutrients is greater.
Advice from Canun®
In general, it is recommendable for food for sports dogs to contain:
High energy content
High protein content
High fat content
Carbohydrates: this is the source that varies the most depending on the type of activity (higher for greyhound-type or hunting dogs and lower for sled dogs)
Water content: hydration is fundamental for any dog, especially for sports dogs. It is estimated that a dog needs 15 ml of water per kg for every hour of exercise
Minerals, vitamins and other nutrients such as fatty acids, specific amino acids, chondroprotectants, etc.
The dry food should cover the energy and protein needs based on the physical demands of each dog. Consult a professional for a nutritional plan designed based on the activity.