A healthy diet and nutritional supplements are crucial to keeping a dog from running out of gas during lengthy hunting or trail trips. If their diet isn’t properly supplemented with a product high in fat and protein, most dogs will run out of energy on three- and four-day trips, no matter how fit they seem. 

It’s no secret that a dog needs more carbohydrates while he or she is in the field. Due to high activity levels and the strain placed on their bodies during these trips, a dog can lose 20 to 30 percent of its body weight. So, what should you do? 
 

Provide a good nutritional base. 

First, make sure the dog’s regular food provides a good nutritional foundation before the hunt. The exercise metabolism for a hardworking dog is best when fat is used for producing energy for muscles. This is because fat is the best energy source for promoting and supportingendurance exercise, which is exactly what most hunting dogs require for optimal performance. 

Keep your dog hydrated. 

One of the major factors to consider out in the field is your dog’s hydration level. Water is vital for working animals. Unlike their human handlers, dogs don’t sweat or use large amounts of electrolytes, which control how the body processes waste and absorbs vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It’s a good practice to hydrate your dog every 15 to 20 minutes. 

Consider a high-calorie supplement. 

Hardworking dogs are nothing less than elite athletes in every way, and hunters train their dogs for high performance while on hunts. Some hunters supplement their dog's with pre-exercise supplements. A supplement like Tomlyn's High Calorie Nutritional Gel - Nutri-Cal® for Dogs can put essential supplements in place and sustain a dog longer while he or she is active if given 30 minutes before intense exercise. Likewise, supplements like these serve as a re-energizing boost if given during a particularly long excursion. 

A lot is invested in training and maintaining peak performance levels of hunting and high activity dogs. It’s important to consider what their needs will be while they’re working and on the hunt. Whether it’s joint and hip support, skin/eyes/paw support or nutritional needs, 

Tomlyn has just what you need. Tomlyn’s products will keep your high-endurance dog ready to go in the field and at home.