What do active dogs need from their diet?

Whether they’re working on farms, assisting police officers, searching for people lost in the wilderness, sniffing out contraband or are agility athletes, active dogs are always on the go. This means that their nutritional requirements are different from those of the average pet dog.

Key nutritional points to consider when it comes to feeding all-action dogs include:

• To support their higher activity levels, active dogs require more calories from an energy-dense food. 
• To ensure they can physically consume enough nutrients that their body can efficiently process, active dogs need high-quality, easily digestible ingredients.
• To provide sustained energy and repair and build muscle tissue, active dogs need more protein in their food.

The Kennel Club advises: “Muscle power depends on protein. Not surprisingly, canine athletes such as those doing agility, that do not receive adequate dietary protein, may suffer from fatigue and have a lacklustre attitude and performance. Nutritionists recommend feeding active dogs a diet made with highly digestible, quality protein sources.”

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“Active dogs require more protein than sedentary ones. This is because active muscles undergo a natural process of building and breaking down muscle protein called protein turnover,” adds The Kennel Club. “During and after exercise, protein turnover increases to meet the increasing metabolic needs of working dogs. Elevated dietary protein complements the benefits of fat metabolism, since amino acids, the building blocks of protein, promote muscle growth and recovery. Key protein building blocks, branched-chain amino acids, also become an important energy source in exercising muscles.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

When it comes to powering muscles, dogs draw on three systems for energy:

• Immediate energy for 5-20 seconds, which comes from burning adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule in all living cells which stores energy and then releases it to power the movement of muscles and nerve impulses.
• Glycolytic energy for 20-120 seconds (this system involves the anaerobic breakdown of glucose), providing a temporary source of energy.
• Oxidative metabolism, which starts after about two minutes of exertion. This system is the most efficient and can use various sources of energy (fat, carbohydrates and protein).

Source: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s DogWatch newsletter.

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A daily challenge for dogs who are constantly on the go

“Exercise is a natural stress that challenges the immune system and accelerates the body’s protein metabolism and muscle breakdown,” says The Kennel Club. “Not eating the right sorts of foods and/or not having enough time to recover from exercise can impair a dog’s immune system. Muscle breakdown continues after exercise until a dog is fed, which is why it is important to rehydrate and feed after exercise, as it aids in fuelling a dog’s recovering body. The nutrients in the food provide the building blocks to allow the muscles to switch from breakdown to rebuilding.”

Why working dogs, rather than working breeds, need active food

While some owners may think that all working dog breeds, such as Border Collies and Springer Spaniels, need working/active dog food, it’s only actual working dogs who require a specialised high-energy, higher protein diet.

“If you own a working dog breed, but do not work or heavily exercise them, then they don’t necessarily need a ‘working dog’ specific food,” says Registered Veterinary Nurse Robyn Lowe. “If you fed a sedentary Husky or Collie the same amount as a dog that was working as a sled dog or herding daily, then what you will end up with is a very obese dog!”

The right nutrition to support hard-working, active dogs

Whether working or resting, as active dogs’ bodies have so much work to do, it’s essential that they have the right nutrition. Burgess Supadog Active Chicken and Beef is a delicious, nutritionally balanced recipe, developed by vets for active and working dogs.

Carefully crafted with a range of beneficial ingredients, this complete recipe is a natural dog food with no artificial flavours, colours or added preservatives. It provides exactly the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fats that active dogs need, in an easy-to-feed form.

With highly digestible proteins for muscle and tissue maintenance, and optimum levels of balanced carbohydrates for energy, this complete food contains all the essential nutrients an active dog requires. It’s also VAT-free for working dogs.

Suitable for all breeds from 12 months, the Burgess Supadog Active Chicken and Beef recipe includes:

• 25% protein to help support healthy muscle
• Balanced carbohydrates for high energy throughout the working day
• Calcium and minerals to support healthy teeth and bones
• Biotin and zinc to support skin and coat health
• A blend of highly digestible ingredients to support a healthy digestion

By choosing Burgess Supadog Active Chicken and Beef, you can be sure you are providing your hardworking dog with all the nutrients they require in exactly the right proportions, so you don’t have to worry about balancing their diet.

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FEEDING TIPS FOR ACTIVE DOGS

• Feed highly active dogs twice daily, giving approximately one-third of their daily ration at least three hours before activity. The rest should be offered after exercise, allowing at least two hours for digestion to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
• During injury recovery, rest periods, or between competitions, decrease your dog’s food intake to match reduced activity. Slowly transition back to a normal diet to avoid weight gain and surplus energy, which can lead to behavioural issues.
• Active dogs lose more water through exertion. Always provide unlimited access to fresh, clean water to maintain hydration.

Source: Pets4Homes

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WHY CHOOSE BURGESS SUPADOG ACTIVE CHICKEN AND BEEF?

Here are 5 good reasons that your hardworking dog will thank you for!

1. COMPLETE NUTRITION Each of the recipes in the Burgess Supadog range are complete, providing all the nutrients dogs require in exactly the right proportions.
2. PORTION CONTROL With dry food, it’s easy to measure out the right-sized portion to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
3. HEALTHY AND SAFE The thorough cooking process ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, and viruses are destroyed, and the dry food stays fresh inside the pack.
4. TEETH FRIENDLY Dry dog food has the added benefit of exercising your dog’s chewing muscles and provides a mild cleaning effect on the teeth.
5. MADE IN BRITAIN Crafted at Burgess Pet Care’s own factory in the heart of Yorkshire by vets and animal nutrition experts, Burgess Supadog contains high-quality ingredients that meet stringent specifications, locally sourced wherever possible to support British farmers.

Don’t just take our word for it!

With a whole host of *5-STAR reviews*, Burgess Supadog Active Chicken and Beef customers have told us:

* “Finally found something my dogs like! They wolf it down as they previously turned their noses up at most dog food. Brilliant. Happy dogs.” * “Great product.” * “The only food my dog eats.” * “I’ve got 4 big dogs and they all like it. They are doing well and are healthy on it.” * “The kibble is not too small, and it looks appealing. A good, affordable price. My dog certainly enjoys it, he can’t eat it fast enough.” * “Faultless. Good value and quick delivery.” * “Brilliant dog food, my dogs are thriving on it. Clean bowls every time.” * “Top stuff, my dog loves it.” * “My dogs look great on this food. They're big dogs and growing. Their coats look healthy, and their weight is on point. Highly recommend!” * “Great product, my Springer has been on this his whole life.” *

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Need more advice?

If you’re at all unsure about the best way of feeding your dog or have any concerns about specific nutritional requirements, ask your local veterinary practice for advice. You can also call our expert team, available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on +44 (0)1405 862241 who’ll be happy to help. Alternatively, use our online contact form to get in touch.

CARE MORE Find lots of useful advice on caring for your dog from Burgess, the pet experts >>

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SOMETHING TASTY FOR EVERY DOG

Every dog deserves a first-class dinner. Burgess Pet Care is a British, family-owned company, and all our dog foods are made at our own factory in the heart of Yorkshire, using only ingredients that meet our stringent specifications – locally sourced wherever possible to support British farmers.

All Burgess dog food is a complete food. This means that whatever variety you choose for your dog, it will contain all the nutrients they need in the correct balance. By choosing Burgess dog food, you know you can feed your canine companion with complete confidence.

Is your dog a Burgess dog? Join the Burgess Pet Club for exclusive offers, competitions and expert advice from our in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes.

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