Sustaining The Active Canine By Sarah-Jane Godfrey, DSM Nutritional Products
Just like human athletes, canine athletes need specialist nutrition,
condition score (BCS), has the behavioural drive to undertake the task
supported by appropriate training to perform at their very best. An
and is physically trained up to perform; only then will the benefits of
active dog must have optimal energy levels, a strong immune system,
correctly designed diets and feeding practices be fully apparent. Other
strong muscles, appropriate body condition score, flexible joints,
compounding factors include the variations of physical and mental
sharp vision and optimal mental alertness. These are also all physical
activity undertaken by dogs, the extremes of environments, both in
attributes accredited to our companion animal’s wellbeing. Consumer
terms of terrain and climate and frequency of the events. Anxiety can
data clearly indicates that being active is associated with good health
also impact upon energy demands. Woods and Besch, (1974) reported
and happiness. It is certainly a counterbalance to the growing obesity
that post absorptive heat production was almost doubled in stressed
rate seen in pets and also the human population. Pet foods and treats
dogs compared to those in more relaxed circumstances.
positioned to support an active lifestyle hold strong appeal for pet
Whilst energy requirements may spring to the forefront of one’s
owners. Active products are not only for those owners seeking high
mind in diet design for active dogs, it is also important to consider the
performance nutrition for their sporting and working dogs, but also for
role of each nutrient, including water, and under what circumstances
those owners who identify the critical role that activity and nutrition
a change in supply above maintenance levels may be appropriate.
has to play in the maintenance of their dog’s lifelong wellbeing.
What foods do we need? What is an Active Dog?
For the majority of today’s active dog food sales, we probably need
Before we can design an appropriate feeding regime for active dogs,
to consider more the needs of those dogs undertaking agility, flyball,
we need to deliberate exactly what we mean by active. Activity
olfactory and detection work, obedience and those that run for pleasure
comes in a wide range of both intensities and duration. Each of these parameters impacts upon both the diet design and feeding strategy. Matters are complicated further by the fact that much of the research and information so far on feeding the active dog is based on the extremes of activity, examining such sports as Greyhound or endurance Husky racing. Practically, the range of activities that dogs participate in is varied, for example dogs retrieving game in the hunting field, farm herding dogs, military dogs, mountain search and rescue dogs and those taking part in events such as agility or canicross, an event where owners run with their dogs. We also need to recognise that diet is only a part of the picture. You need a dog that is bred for the event, of appropriate body
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Pet Food Supplement 2017