Diet and Agility Training

[Jamey]

I compete with one of my danes in agility. We just recently have gotten good enough to go out in public. The trial we went to last weekend was pretty warm and after a few hours Lilly ran out of gas. I had her signed up for six classes but after the first two she was pooped. Lilly is seven years old so I am sure her age and the heat had something to do with her running out of gas. I am just wondering what a recommened diet would be for her to keep her going a little longer. I just started her on cosequin a few days ago but I am thinking I need to feed her something differently?? Right now I feed her just a regular dog food from Petsmart. I think it is Natures Choice? Nothing special.

[Meatos]

I know that dogs who compete in agility need a high protein diet, but given your dog's age, I'm not sure if that would be best? I read somewhere that high protein has recently been proven to be beneficial for senior dogs, but can't remember where I saw that! Not sure if that would be true for danes, either.

Sorry I wasn't more help...ha! :confused:

[faust]

Yes there is a scientific study that refutes the previous claim that high protein diets in older dogs were detrimental. It was found that older dogs need as much if not a little more protein than puppies and that their livers will not encounter any adverse effects from the protein.

I would look for a diet that is high in protein and high in complex carbs. Sweet potatoes or Russet potatoes to add starches in. Also if you know she is going to be competing for awhile bring her little pick me up snacks. All beef hotdogs, turkey, chicken or peanut butter and crackers. Something with protein and a little bit of sugars in it to give a little boost. Also ice cubes in her water bowl can be refreshing and I have heard they make something that is a cool coat to cover your dog that someone mentioned in a previous post.

The big thing is very much like people playing sports (I grew up playing volleyball very competitively and on the beach) keep her hydrated, in the shade when she is not performing and her sugars up. Remember that even meat has natural sugars in it and can help keep her going.

[Jamey]

Thanks for the tips. Does anyone know of a high protein dog food? I could do some research if needed but thought I would ask first.

[Meatos]

Orijen!

www.orijen.ca

Any of the grain-free kibbles will be fairly high. High protein is good as long as it is grain-free.

[Jamey]

Thanks, any chance this is something you can find at petsmart or petco?

[LibsDW]

A seven year old running in six agility event is way too much even for a young dog especially in the heat. My rule of thumb is no more than two classes a day. Not only do the dogs get tired out running, but being at a trial is stressful and makes a dog tired.

If you are jumping in standard, jumpers and fast, I would choose two of the courses. I would suggest standard and jumpers.

The AKC just passed a rule that will allow obedience clubs to hold two trials on one day. I think my dog would die having to compete in obedience and rally twice in one day.

If you are wanting your dog to become faster and not get tired so quickly, the correct thing today is to work on conditioning. Running small courses at home several times.

Unfortunately a great dane is not comparable to a border collie, yet we have to compete against the same time. This is the reason why there is only one MACH dane and they earned that title before the rules were changed to make it harder.

Good Luck with your dane and just have fun with her and not run her six times in a day.

[faust]

The best you are going to find at petco (which has higher quality kibbles then petsmart) is Wellness Core. Natural Balance is a decent choice but I have seen feedback about taste issues. Blue buffalo Wilderness is also a lower option but also a good one.

Taste of the Wild you would need to find at either a feed store or independent dog specialty store. 0rijen would be found at a specialty store.
Bang for the buck: Taste of the Wild at around 40bucks for 30lbs

Best of the best: Orijen at 64bucks for 29lbs

Best of easy access: Wellness Core at around 60 for a 26lb bag

[Jamey]

We signed up for six classes, but ended up making a nice donation to the agility club hosting the trial becuase after the third class it was obvious she was pooped and not having fun. I agree it is not fair we have to compete against the border collies that never seem to run out of energy!! How is that?

In the past I have run standard and jumpers. I don't understand the rules of fast, competing is still very new to me. Our next trial is in July and it is indoors and airconditioned so hopefully the heat won't be a problem however the number of distractions will be a lot more. It is at a very large four day dog show.

[Jamey]

Yikes. $64 for 29 lbs?? That is over $2.00 a pound. Kind of steep.

[LibsDW]

FAST is much harder and if you are want the Agility Titles, I would compete in Jumpers and Standard. What jump height are you running? Have you considered preferred?

[Jamey]

Yes, I am running her at 20" in the preferred class. I see no reason to jump her at 24". Maybe if she was younger, but I don't want to risk injuries and want to keep running her as long as possible. She has a great time.

[quirkyone]

Actually, FAST is great for dogs that need "special" attention since you can totally customize your course (other than the distance piece). It's not easy if you don't have distance with your dog, but it's a great choice to get in some fun runs that don't put undo stress on your dog.

FAST is much harder