Dietary recommendations are an important service you provide to your clients. Let’s explore the unique nutrient requirements for large breeds and performance dogs.

Multiple studies have investigated the unique nutritional needs of canine athletes and large-breed dogs, identifying distinct requirements compared to average dogs. Large breeds and athletes may not account for a large portion of your patient base, but understanding their needs can help you provide superior patient care and client satisfaction. Specifically, large breeds need different nutrients because of their size and genetic predisposition to degenerative joint disease, and performance dogs have unique energy requirements because of their increased activity levels. Let’s take a closer look at the nutrient requirements for large breeds and performance dogs, along with nutritious recipes tailored just for them.

Large Breeds: Supporting Healthy Growth and Joints

Nutrient requirements for large breeds differ because their bones, joints, and muscles grow rapidly and carry more weight compared to smaller dogs. While they do require more calories overall, they actually have lower energy requirements per pound of body weight than other dogs. For this reason, large-breed diets should have less fat, moderate protein, and fewer calories. This allows satiation without excess weight gain or rapid growth, which puts additional strain on joints and contributes to hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and other joint issues. Furthermore, young dogs require a stricter balance of calcium and phosphorus to prevent deficiencies and excesses and to support steady skeletal development. Similarly, diets with added omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial in supporting joint health and reducing inflammation.

Another consideration for large breeds is gut health. These dogs are prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus, which can be avoided with a combination of feeding strategies, such as:

• Feed multiple smaller meals throughout the day
• Avoid vigorous exercise right before and after meals
• Use a slow-feeder bowl or puzzle feeder
• Do not elevate food bowls
• Avoid rapid water intake

Performance Dogs: Supplying Energy When They Need It Most

Performance dogs that work, race, herd, or compete have unique nutritional needs driven by their elevated metabolic rates, higher water and oxygen demands, and significant musculoskeletal stress.

[adsanity align=’alignnone’ id=36659]

However, specific needs depend on the type of activity. Endurance athletes have much higher caloric requirements than regular companion animals. And they perform best when over 50% of their energy comes from fat for stamina and over 30% from protein to prevent training-induced anemia. On the other hand, dogs that sprint benefit from high-carbohydrate, high-protein diets with moderately more fat than a standard diet. This enables them to convert food to energy more quickly, providing the burst they need for optimal performance.

Meeting Nutrient Requirements for Large Breeds and Performance Dogs with Choice Recipes

Choice recipes from NutriSource offer tailored feeding solutions for canine athletes and large breeds. They have carefully formulated protein, fat, carbohydrate, and nutrient profiles to deliver optimal nutrition that supports energy, stamina, healthy growth, and performance. Designed for efficient nutrition, Choice recipes feature Bioplex® proteinated trace minerals to increase bioavailability and maximize nutrient absorption, so they have low daily feeding recommendations, making them an affordable choice for dogs requiring specialty diets. Supplemented with L-carnitine, taurine, and balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, Choice recipes also provide additional support for cellular, heart, and joint health, crucial factors for athletes and large breeds.

Visit NutriSource to learn more about Choice recipes and meeting the unique nutrient requirements of large breeds and performance dogs.