Food And Supplements For Sports Dogs
We understand by sports dogs not only those that practice sports with their owners or that participate in obstacle courses or races, but also those working dogs dedicated to hunting, rescuing people, police dogs and others that need to be in good shape.
These dogs need food and supplements to help them improve their skills. Any good quality feed provides the animals with the necessary nutrients, although in the case of these specimens an addition is needed to help them to be healthy inside and out.
Do you want us to tell you what would be the most appropriate diet and supplements for sports dogs? Well let’s go!
The importance of diet and supplements for sports dogs
Feeding
There are several common factors that every diet for sports dogs must have. There are several things that it must contribute to this type of animal:
- Energy. This is vital in any type of training or sport that is carried out. It can be obtained based on fats, which will also favor the stability of your body temperature and the absorption of vitamins.
- Fatty acids. These help protect and strengthen the coat, which will be very beneficial for those dogs that do sports or any type of work in areas with extreme temperatures. These are found in various foods such as salmon, sardines, soybeans, flax and chia seeds. However, ask your vet first if they are beneficial for your dog.
- Protein. Protein will allow the body to use fats for what they are really necessary, obtaining energy and maintaining a good body temperature. In this way, the animal will stay active longer, it will have more resistance.
A new diet, as is the case, whether it is a puppy or an adult animal, should be given little by little: between four and six weeks before training.
It will have to be done gradually, as the animal will not be used to eating more than necessary: otherwise, it could cause a shock to its body. Remember that the food cannot be eaten just before or after exercise, but you must allow a few hours.
Supplements for sporty dogs
There are several types of supplements that can be given to dogs; However, do not give him supplements for people, but you should buy those that are special for dogs.
Among them you can find:
- Vitamins. There are many vitamins that our dog needs. Although good quality food or raw diets provide them, in sports dogs an addition is necessary due to the wear and tear caused by exercise. Among the most important are:
– Vitamin K. It is responsible for blood clotting and preventing possible bleeding that could be caused by the pressure to which the body is subjected when doing sports with great intensity.
– Vitamin B. B2, for example, plays an important role in muscle development. The B3 controls the proper functioning of the enzymes and the B5 favors the absorption of nutrients.
– Vitamin D. Important for the development and strength of bones.
– Vitamin E. Produces membranes and promotes cellular respiration.
- Fatty oils. Although, as we said before, there are many foods in which these fatty acids or oils can be found, the supplements will give a greater and faster contribution to the animal.
- Minerals. These are very important for the proper functioning of the body, as well as for a greater contribution of energy and resistance. Contributing them to the animal in the form of a supplement will have a greater effect.
Depending on the training point where the animal is, you should give a greater or lesser amount of each nutrient or supplement. To be sure of the amounts at each stage, it is best to check with your vet.
