Energy requirements for racing endurance sled dogs

Abstract

Endurance sled dogs have unique dietary energy requirements. At present, there is disparity in the literature regarding energy expenditure and thus energy requirements of these dogs. We sought to further elucidate energy requirements for endurance sled dogs under field conditions. Three sled dog teams completing the 2011 Yukon Quest volunteered to provide diet history. Nutritional content was evaluated and a mock meal was analysed for each team. Race data were obtained from . Dogs were weighed at the start of the race in Whitehorse Yukon (WH), a mid-way checkpoint in Dawson Yukon (DS) and at the finish in Fairbanks Alaska. Data are average value per dog or per dog per d. Linear regression compared average weight loss to average kcal/dog consumed daily. Diets and feeding regimes were similar for all three teams. The average daily energy intake and nutrient content was similar for all diets. During leg one (WH to DS), team 1 gained weight overall, whereas the other two teams experienced weight loss. Linear regression revealed 37 638 kJ/dog/d (8995 kcal/dog/d) was required for weight maintenance. During leg two (DS to Fairbanks Alaska), average weights decreased for all three teams. The extrapolated kcal requirement was approximately 57 734 kJ/dog/d (13 799 kcal/dog/d). The carbohydrate contents of these diets also suggest that presumed fat intake for endurance sled dogs may be slightly less than previously thought. Finally, these data support the concept that dietary energy requirements vary substantially with additional variables such as load pulled, terrain and ambient temperature.

Serum chemistry and electrolyte alterations in sled dogs before and after a 1600 km race: dietary sodium and hyponatraemia

“…Therefore the mechanisms of exercise-related hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia shown in past studies in sled dogs competing in long-distance races is not completely understood, but appear to be due to excessive protein catabolism (urea generation), increased water turnover and modest deficiency in sodium intake ( 3 , 4 ) . In an effort to conserve sodium endurance dogs appear to activate the renin–aldosterone system which contributes to potassium losses and eventual hypokalaemia due to depletion of body reservoirs and increased renal losses ( 3 , 4 , 15 ) . However, a recent study by McKenzie et al examined serum chemistry alteration in sled dogs and showed a tendency of sodium to increase instead of decrease with a more mild yet significant decrease in potassium ( 5 ) .…”

The oral [13C]bicarbonate technique for measurement of short-term energy expenditure of sled dogs and their physiological response to diets with different fat:carbohydrate ratios

“…For dogs living outdoors all year around, a decrease in ambient temperature of 20°C may increase the daily ME requirements by about 50 % ( 1 ) . Performance sled dogs, which also are working hard for many hours per d in cold environments, may at times have tremendously high energy requirements which can increase by up to eleven times their resting requirements ( 2 , 3 ) . Dogs performing endurance sports, such as sled dogs or hunting dogs, require energy-rich diets that are highly digestible, to provide a sufficient amount of energy in an amount of feed that the dogs are able to consume without having an inhibiting effect on performance, i.e.…”

Efficacy of Nx4 to Reduce Plasma Cortisol and Gastrin Levels in Norwegian Sled Dogs During an Exercise Induced Stress Response: A Prospective, Randomized, Double Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Cohort Study

“…A brief clinical and orthopedic examination included the history of the dog reported by the owner, observation of the dog standing and moving, as well as palpation of the dog. The dogs weight as well as the BCS was recorded using the Purina BCS with a nine-point scale ( 25 ). The ideal BCS for dogs competing in mid-distance races is 4–5 ( 25 , 26 ).…”