Dog Gear for Life on the Road
While Sam and Atlas were traveling full time in the earlier days of APC, they were regularly meeting other dogs and their owners along the way. People to share stories with, to share experiences with,...
We spend a lot of time thinking about how to fuel up for our next adventure. Whey or soy protein in our green juice? How do I choose an energy bar with a low-glycemic index? Should we be ingesting those weird gel pack thingies?
But what about your four-legged activity partner? Active dogs can benefit from a few key supplements in their diet, too. We consulted some experts to find out what you can do to help your dog fuel up for his next big adventure.
Build healthy joints.
Every pup - from athletic to couch potato, young to senior - can benefit from added joint protection in his diet. Whether you want to support your running buddy’s knees or stave off hip dysplasia in your older dog, we’ve got you covered with these supplements.
Take a tip from Dr Matt Brunke, DVM, and start your dog on glucosamine and chondroitin as young as 8 weeks old, especially in larger breeds. If you’re nervous about dosage or choosing a supplement brand, it’s always best to ask your vet for guidance that’s customized for your particular pup.
Sustain energy.
Planning an epic hike with your pup? Or training for a 5k together, perhaps? Make sure he has the nutritional foundation to summit that mountain.
If your pup is exercising rigorously on a daily basis or a working dog of any kind, bump up that fat content. These dogs need their diet to be 25-32% fat to keep their engines running smoothly. Lean meats, coconut or fish oil, and flaxseed are all good sources of fat for an active dog’s diet.
If your running buddy could use some extra energy, try adding 250 mg of carnitine to his daily diet. Senior dog owners should also take note - although no formal studies have been performed, some researchers think that carnitine may be able to combat decreased muscle mass in dogs of advanced age.
Promoting long-term health for your pup is easy.
Reduce inflammation.
Vets recommend giving your pup 400 mg a day (based on a 50 lb dog). The best part? Researchers haven’t noted any adverse side effects with boswellia, making it a safe addition to your feeding regimen.
The devil is in the dosing, however - vets recommend 15 to 20 mg per pound daily, and caution against over-administering, which can cause blood thinning, stomach upset, and even ulcers. Curcumin is also difficult to absorb on its own, and needs to be given with a fat, like coconut oil, to be effective. As always, when in doubt, consult your vet for recommendations on bioavailable curcumin supplements that are both safe and effective for your pup.
Never endeavor hungry.
Before you head out on an epic adventure, be sure to pack some nutrient-rich snacks for both you and your dog so no one bonks out there on the trail.
We devised these energy bites that contain a few of the healthy supplements listed above, and - bonus - they’re awesome trail fuel for humans, too.
Ingredients
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Mix all dry ingredients together in a medium bowl with a whisk.
3. Mix all wet ingredients together in a separate bowl. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir well with a spatula until mixed. Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes.
4. Scoop on baking sheet coated with cooking spray using small cookie scoop or spoon. Flatten with a wet fork.
5. Bake 12 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to hit the trail.