Dumb question, but I don't know the answer! Dog nutrition?

Question

Do high energy foods, such as Royal Canin Energy 4800 and Nutro Natural Choice High Energy, give dogs more energy or do they just help high energy dogs maintain weight? I have a lab/golden mix who is in training for Search and Rescue, and she is extremely energetic (which is great!). I am wondering whether switching her to a high energy food will be of benefit to her,

She has an excellent drive to work, I just want to be sure I am providing her with the best nutrition to do her job.

She is what my bf describes as an 'easy keeper'. I think that is due to the Lab genes. She only eats about 3 cups of food a day and is usually active (swimming, running or playing) from the time she gets up until 11 or 12 at night. It is a little more difficult to judge her condition because she has a very dense long coat, but I believe she is just right. I can feel her ribs, but they do not protrude. She has never been a big eater, I have now found food that she will eat though. She's all about work/play rather than food. I'm wondering whether a high energy diet might help since she'd have to consume less to get the same calorie intake.

Answer 1

Hi, I have border collies and a jack russel and I know what you mean about wanting to maintain weight without over feeding pertaining to volume of kibble given. I have 2 of my dogs on a high energy food.
The way that I personally determine when to switch the dog over is by age of the dog (hence how many meals per day), how many feedings of his or her present kibble I must feed to maintain weight or maintain growth if the dog is a puppy, and the, er, quantity and firmness of her "output".
If you have a full grown dog that is eating three times a day in search and rescue, you need to consider the potential for something medical occuring (e.g.bloat) if the dog has a substantial amont of food in his or her gut when training or working. NEVER work a dog with a full meal and lots of water in her stomach..(I am sure you are already aware of that!). I do give small treats when training my dogs either for agility or herding, but they are at least 2-3 hours out from a feeding before that sort of work. I also wait at least an hour after finishing up to feed so that water has a chance to pass out of the stomache before food is consumed (again, bloat)

So, what is the output bit all about? If you are struggling to keep weight on your dog and you find yourself pushing more meals to keep up with energy demand, or if you are unable to eliminate the afternoon meal after she is full grown, you may want to talk to your vet and/or S&R trainer about moving her onto a high energy food. If you notice that her stools are soft and not well digested, and you are needing to increase food given to meet energy demands, that is DEFINITELY a sign that you are pushing too much food volume and will probably need to switch to the high energy food. You do not want to get into a cycle where you are pushing volume and not allowing time for her food to fully digest!
I know this was not the most clear cut answer. It is not an exact science, but the bottom line is that you know your dog the best. I am sure you will know when she needs to make the move up to that level of food- Oh, and congrats to you both for all the hard work, I know that training is such a commitment! You and your dog are both very special!!!

Answer 2

Is she getting skinny? I do not think you need to worry unless she is losing weight. If she is active but staying fit, you can keep her what she is on.
My neighbor has a dog on regular dog food (Purina) that is an extremely high energy dog (mutt of some sort) that will take 15 mile bike rides with the father 4 times a week and still want to go for more. You can easily feel all of her ribs but can not see them. You can also see the muscle definition, so she looks built but not emaciated.
Regular dog food made for active dogs is ok. They usually just have a higher protien load as well as some other nutrients they need. I am not familiar with those two brands, but I would stay away from them if they claim being a muscle or weight builder. I have read reports of organ failures from overload from muscle and weight builders ingredients. If those brands are just for very active dogs with no promises of muscle or weight building, I would say go for it.
An active animal either needs to consume a lot more food or eat a higher quality food if they look like they are too skinny. Thin is ok, but you should not be able to easily see all but the last 2-3 ribs.

Answer 3

If you ever saw what my dog eats when he gets out of the yard or when he thinks no one is looking, would stunt the growth of the young.

This dog is as happy and full of energy that any living creature could be.

Personally I think attitude is everything. Be happy, stay healthy.
I had a cousin that lived to be 106. He passed away just a few years ago with a smile on his face.

He was born during the Grover Cleveland Administration. He never ate Nutro or Royal Canine, but he did have a bowl of oatmeal everyday.

I hope this helps.

Answer 4

"High energy" foods contain more protein than regular dog food. If your dog is maintaining a healthy weight on regular dog food, then I would recommend remaining on the current diet. It will not provide additional energy, just help maintain weight burned off by the energy she uses. If you are in doubt on whether to switch to a high-energy food, you might speak with the trainers for the search and rescue team for their advice.

Answer 5

First thing no question is dumb!
I think this is what Mr. buys our dogs.... We have several BIG dogs then the other two are high energy dogs. He says he has to to keep weight on them.
I am not the dog food buyer lol! And we go through a lot of dog food!
"we do not have any dog food, oh go to there house they will give you some" get this one at times.....lol I will give out dog food in emergancies...

Answer 6

there is evidence that it fairly is authentic, yet IMO, no longer adequate authentic examine on the subject. Plus there is the easy actuality that the dogs gets no say in this, and a dogs, given the alternative, will maximum probable elect meat. that's of their nature to consume meat, they seem to be a predatory animal. Cats on the different hand are what's noted as an "obligate carnivore", meaning that they require meat, and can't be sustained on a vegetarian foodstuff ordinary.

Answer 7

High-energy foods have extra calories and fat Because calories are a form of energy and fat is stored energy, it does give them more enegry, TO MANTAIN THEIR WEIGHT. If your dog looks or feels underweight, consider these foods, or talk to your vet about raising her current food proportions.

Answer 8

hleping energy and health and sure switch her to high energy food just keep an eye on him/her
there's your answer give me ten points