Sports Model Diet

Dogs that compete in canine sports require a specialized diet in order to perform at their highest level. The model sports diet varies depending on the dog's calorie needs and the type of work that he does. Feeding your dog a model sports diet doesn't have to be difficult. Follow these guidelines and your canine athlete will be performing at the top of his game.

Calories

• Your dog should have a clearly defined waist.

  Depending on the type of work a dog does, his need for calories can vary greatly. A sled dog at the peak of training will require nearly 10,000 calories to maintain his body weight, whereas the same dog only needs 800 calories during the summer. The easiest way to determine your dog's calorie needs is by trial and error. Start by feeding him 2 to 3 percent of his body weight in food. Every two or three days, run your hands along his body. His ribs should be easily felt but he shouldn't be extremely thin. There should be a hint of visible rib without clear definition. There should be a visible "tuck" at his waist.

Fat

• If your dog is an endurance athlete, such as a hunting dog, sled dog or search and rescue dog, most of his energy source needs to come from fat. Fat functions much like carbohydrates do in a human. It provides a quickly metabolized, consistent energy source. If your dog is an endurance sportster, at least 20 percent of his diet needs to be derived from fat. A sled dog can easily consume a diet that is 60 to 70 percent fat.

Protein

• For sprint and strength athletes, such as weight pullers, agility dogs and lure coursers, the model sports diet derives primarily from protein. Protein fuels the quick bursts of strength and speed that these dogs use to operate. A sprint and strength working dog's diet needs to be at least 30 percent protein with the remaining calories being mostly fat.

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates play little nutritional role in a dog's diet. While a dog can metabolize carbs, they aren't necessary. More often than not, carbs are used solely as fillers in cheaper dry dog foods. Many dogs have a sensitivity to carbs, especially if they're grain-derived.

Vitamins and Minerals

• A dog requires much the same nutrients a human does when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Feed your dog a high-quality dry food or a raw diet in order to ensure all of his nutritional needs are met.

Hydration

• The quality of food doesn't matter if your dog is dehydrated. In order to perform at his highest, he must be properly hydrated. Make sure he always has clean, fresh water available, especially in the summer.