What you need to know if your dog is always on the go
Naturally, active dogs will utilize more calories and nutrients than more sedentary pets. Feeding them an energy dense diet means that increased nutritional demands can be met without having to feed copious volumes of food that take longer to digest and metabolize.
The ideal diet will not only provide fuel for energy, but optimal levels of the essential nutrients that the body requires to function efficiently. It is not simply a case of ‘adding more fuel to the rocket’. Therefore the ‘balance’ of energy supplied should also be considered.
The energy necessary for endurance is derived from predominantly aerobic metabolism, which requires a good level of quality dietary fat. Fat is an especially important nutrient in the active or sporting dog’s diet because it is a concentrated source of fuel (1gram of fat supplies more than double the calories of one gram of protein or carbohydrate).
Protein of a high biological value is necessary for tissue growth and replacement. Studies have suggested that higher protein diets may reduce susceptibility to injury*. However, excessive levels of protein have no benefit.
Chicken and egg are great sources of protein as they are easily broken down into the constituent amino acids necessary to support the structural and functional demands of the body. Both are included in the Arden Grange Prestige and Performance foods.
The active dog will benefit from nutrients that help to protect against additional stresses imposed upon the bodily systems. When the body is under stress, potentially harmful free radicals are released. Antioxidants, if present in the diet in sufficient volume, may help to combat their effects.
The immune, cardiovascular and musculo-skeletal systems are under particular stress during any period of prolonged physical exertion. Sensible levels of supplementary ingredients such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, joint supplements and chelated minerals are ideal. Examples of such ingredients contained within all the Arden Grange diets, are:
Krill – a very good source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA which have anti-inflammatory properties.
MSM – a form of organic sulphur which also has anti-inflammatory properties and may improve mental alertness by increasing the availability of oxygen to the body and brain.
Glucosamine and chondroitin – to support the joints.
Cranberries – for their antioxidant properties and for urinary tract support.
Prebiotics FOS & MOS and nucleotides – to support the digestive and immune function.
Arden Grange Performance is a great option for more periodically active dogs especially those competing in agility, flyball or canicross due to its optimal ratio of protein to fat to carbs. This product is formulated to promote speed and focus and has a higher fat content than our standard diets. It also includes quercetin and green tea to help lower the risk of free radical damage, L-carnitine, which aids the metabolism of fat and supports the muscles, and taurine to support the heart function.
Arden Grange Prestige is a calorie dense food ideal for periods when high levels of endurance/stamina are needed. This concentrated diet enables the provision of the extra calories needed during prolonged periods of activity or heavy work without overloading the digestion.
*[Reynolds, 1995].
**[Altom et al, 2003].
***Although grapes are toxic to dogs, grape seed extract is harmless. The toxic substance in grapes is water soluble and thus found in the flesh/skin of the grape and not the seed.