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Croatian veterinary report, Vol. 27 No. 3/4, 2019.

Professional paper

Nutrition for sporting and working dogs

Tomislav Bureš ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Zoran Vrbanac ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Nika Brkljača Bottegaro ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Jelana Šuran ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Iva Šmit ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Diana Brozić ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Full text: croatian pdf 461 Kb

page 43-51

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Abstract

In sporting and working dogs, exercise induces various physiological responses, depending on the exercise type and intensity. Physical activity ranges from short duration, high intensity activity such as in Greyhound races, to long duration, low intensity activity in sled dog races. In search and rescue, and hunting dogs, apart from obedience and scent detection, a many hours of fieldwork is expected, which combines intervals of high and low activity for a prolonged period. Nutrition of sporting and working dogs should be appropriate for the training and specific performance required, with the goal of preparing the organism for the high demands of activity, and also to prevent injuries related to insufficient nutrient intake, which may affect speed, strength and endurance. For that reason, the recommended portions and sources of specific macronutrients in the diet should be correlated with the type, intensity and duration of activity. In dogs which are expected to perform a short duration, high intensity activity (racing hounds), the daily ration should consist of easily digestible carbohydrates at the level of 50 – 60% metabolic energy, whilst the percentage of fat and protein should be lower. On the other hand, for dogs that are expected to perform a long duration, medium to high intensity activity, the carbohydrate portion may be lower, with fat and protein energy levels adjusted according to the specific activity.

Keywords

sporting dogs; working dogs; nutrition

Hrčak ID:

229208

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/229208

Publication date:

24.6.2019.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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