What Should Be The Feeding Of Hunting Dogs
Dogs that perform heavy work such as pulling a sled, herding and hunting, require a much more balanced diet than those of other dogs. They are athletes who need to perform at their best in their times of greatest effort and that is why constant review is necessary, especially the feeding of hunting dogs.
The balance in nutrients must be effective to reinforce the development of your muscles to the maximum. Extreme tiredness, dehydration and constant exposure to strong stresses, while hunting or training, progressively weaken the physical health of the animal.
That is why it is important that as owners we know the best methods to control the feeding of hunting dogs. Hence, we have decided to present you with the most relevant recommendations to achieve the correct balance in the nutrition of your partner and you can give him the health he deserves.
An important link: exercise and nutrition
Most hunting dogs are within the medium-large weight range (greyhound, pointer, retriever, etc.), with the exception of the cocker spaniel, the medium-weight dachshund, and the San Hound. Hubert or the Wolfhound which are considered large-giants.
These considerations are of great relevance since the exercise of the work to which they can dedicate themselves not only depends on the feeding of the hunting dogs, but also on genetic factors and training. The latter is essential to achieve good performance and avoid injuries.
There are three types of exercises that dogs can perform to maintain optimal health and weight: speed tests (high intensity, but for only a few minutes); intermediate activities (short days of hunting small game or tracking); and endurance tests (special hunting tests in championships stand out).
Hydration is essential
Water, in addition to feeding hunting dogs, is necessary for the proper functioning of this class of dogs. Through hydration, the body maintains its normal temperature ranges, as high-impact activities increase the body’s water requirement.
The heat produced by the great muscular work is dissipated by evaporation in the upper respiratory tract of the animal, through the act of panting. It is important, then, that your friend has water at all times.
Hunting dog feeding
According to veterinarians, it is very difficult to achieve an ideal balance of nutrients with a homemade diet, although it is possible to know the composition of each food. The high variability in the nutritional components and even the cooking of the ingredients significantly alters the balance for the good diet of hunting dogs.
This type of furry requires a series of essential amino acids to form protein. They also require linoleic fatty acids to obtain body fat. Carbohydrates or carbohydrates, not so essential, are necessary to maintain the dog’s energy reserves for longer.
As these three groups of nutrients are the only ones that can be transformed into energy, the experts came to the conclusion that the best option, for the good feeding of hunting dogs, is the feed that is scientifically elaborated, of high technology, and that ensures a perfect and constant balance in its composition.
There are different specific diets for highly active dogs on the market. These ‘high energy feed’ are usually more than enough to keep working dogs in optimal condition.
In the case of extreme activities at very low temperatures, it is necessary that the feeding of hunting dogs be supplemented with calories, through the intake of meat and fat, since in these cases the caloric and energy burn is much higher, the body requires maintaining a stable body temperature.
When it comes to competition dogs (national dog hunting and tracking championships), it is important to take into account factors such as stress or travel. Diarrhea due to stress or weight loss, despite taking care of its nutrition, unbalance the animal.
Some practical recommendations
- Changes in your partner’s diet should be gradual, you have to allow the gastrointestinal tract to adapt. Changes in metabolism, to assimilate changes in diet, can take between six or eight weeks.
- Food must be highly digestible and of high nutritional value. This allows to reduce the high volumes in the dog’s intake.
- It is advisable to feed the dog at least in the afternoon or night before hunting or competition, to achieve greater resistance. For very prolonged exercises, small amounts with high fat content can be offered during the development of the test.
- In the case of hunting for several days in a row, the dog will have to be fed at least one hour after the end of the day. Otherwise we could cause vomiting or diarrhea that will reduce performance during the rest of the activity.
- The vitamin supplements (especially vitamin B and C), the addition of amino acids (carnitine) or fatty acids, allow better recovery, since in extreme exercise, the ability to be assimilated by the overcomes body speed destruction .
