Dogs like to log a lot of miles on their paws and the best way to keep them going is by providing them with exercise. For canine athletes that compete in dog sports, they need to do more than just exercise and it’s important that they eat the right food at the right time. So, what do athletic dogs eat?
It is important for any dog athlete to have a healthy diet. To ensure that they are getting the right nutrition, it’s important to know the nutrients they need and what types of foods they can get them from. It would help your athletic dog stay healthy before, during, and after a competition.
What are athletic dogs?
Dog athletes compete in games or sports for recreation or professionally. A full-grown athletic dog can be categorized as an active dog with a high energy level.
Many owners of sporting dogs often wonder about the best diet for their pets. There are several research studies that have been done on this topic, and there are some guidelines that can be followed to help determine an ideal intake of nutrients.
Dogs that engage in intense physical activity for 30 minutes continuously need higher amounts of protein and fat sources, such as meat. These animals also require more carbohydrates to fuel their muscles for exercise and recovery. The diet composition will depend on the individual dog’s exercise level and lifestyle.
What do you feed an athletic dog?
Athletic dogs should be fed a diet that fits their activity level. Owners can determine this by keeping track of how much their dog exercises and trains every day and then feeding the appropriate amount of food accordingly. They need a diet that will fuel them and keep them going through a day of training and competitions.
Athletic dogs have a very different diet plan than most other breeds. Dogs that compete have higher protein needs and lower carbohydrate needs, as well as greater digestive requirements.
What nutrients do canine athletes need?
The best diet for an athlete dog is composed mainly of meat with less than 10% carbohydrates, sugars, and fats added into the mix.
Typically, athletic canines need a balanced diet to meet their physical needs. A diet that consists of a healthy balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins will sustain a dog during a demanding workout or competition.
Athletic Dogs Need Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an important dietary need for active and athletic dogs. They provide the body with energy, which is very beneficial for physical activity. Carbohydrates also help regulate blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight.
In general, dogs should consume about 25% of their calories from carbohydrates per day. Besides being a source of energy for working muscles, they also serve as a building block for many important sugars that are essential for cellular function and preventing blood sugar spikes. One great homemade source of carbohydrates is oatmeal with a little bit of peanut butter mixed in.
Carbohydrates are essential for human and animal athletes alike. Active dogs require at least 60-80 grams of carbohydrates per day, and some may need more to replenish energy stores following exercise. A diet with a good balance of protein and carbohydrates will provide the fuel your dog needs for physical activity and endurance. So feed your active pup wisely!
High Energy Dogs Need Protein
Protein is the building block of muscle tissue in the body. Athletic dogs need lots of protein to help them recover from strenuous exercise and to be healthy and strong. Many pet owners feed their active dogs a raw diet or a homemade diet which would provide them with more protein than commercial dog food. Raw diets often contain 60%-70% of the daily requirement of protein, while homemade diets will vary depending on ingredients.
Protein comes from a variety of sources, including animal-based food, which is the most common source for dogs. Athletic dogs need extra protein both before and after rigorous physical activity Protein is the building block of muscle tissue in the body.in order to repair their muscles.
Athletes need to make sure they are getting enough protein in their diets. But you might be wondering, “What is the best type of protein for my dog?” Well, there are many different types of meat that your pup can enjoy. For instance, chicken and beef contain both animal-based and plant-based proteins. Tofu has soy-based proteins, while fish has omega-3s.
There are many different types of protein, all with their own benefits. From human-grade meats to soybean, a variety is available for every situation and need that a dog may have.
Before a new type of meat can be introduced into a dog’s diet, an animal needs to be tested for allergies beforehand in order to avoid any problems. Although all proteins have many benefits, they also have some downfalls.
Dog Athletes Need Fats
Athletes can often be found eating a healthy blend of protein and carbs, but what about the high-energy dogs that need a boost? To provide your canine athletes with their three meals per day, you might want to consider adding fats to their diets as well. Not only is fat an essential nutrient for humans, but it is also necessary for dogs that are constantly on the go or those who play rigorous dog sports.
There have been research studies exploring the benefits of a diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for active dogs. While most pet foods contain a lot of carbohydrates, fats are needed for dogs to be able to run and play and maintain healthy bones and muscles.
Fats also provide energy and help the body absorb all required nutrients like vitamin B12. Fats can be obtained from many different sources such as animal fat, vegetable oils, or nut butters.
Active Dogs require Vitamins and Minerals
Athletic dogs need vitamin and mineral supplementation to help maintain stamina and prevent injury. They are at risk for different types of injuries, but especially ligament sprains, bone fractures, or other harm due to sudden movement or direct impacts. Simply put, the more dogs play, the more nutritional help they dog need!
Dog sporting activities take a toll on their joints and muscles which would be significantly less stressful if they were getting the proper nutrients from food and supplements. The most common deficiencies in dog foods are vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, copper, and iron. These nutrients can come from dog food, raw food, homemade dog food, or supplements for dogs.
When it comes to food for athletic dogs, it’s also important to know if there are any medical conditions or allergies that can affect their dietary needs. Food is the best fuel for an athletic canine. Dog athletes should seek the advice of their veterinarian to make sure they are not neglecting any vital nutrients.
You can get dog food formulated specifically for athletic dogs, high-energy dogs, and dogs that compete in dog agility sports.