Clean Run - January 2018 - 13

fats are not utilized for exercise lasting
less than 60 seconds, but should the athlete be expected to perform repeated
bouts of sprinting activity throughout
the day, then supplementing fat to the
diet is recommended. Fat also increases
palatability so it can be helpful for the
athlete that is more reluctant to eat during competition.
Unlike sprinters, dogs that compete in
longer, endurance type activities (for example, sled dogs) benefit from a higher
percentage of fat in their diet. Fat is very
energy-dense, providing twice as many
kcal as carbohydrates or protein. Endurance activity is primarily aerobic and utilizes fatty acid oxidation for energy production. Burning fat spares the athlete
from depleting glycogen stores. Fat also
improves the athlete's thermoregulatory efficiency, minimizing drastic elevations in body temperature, which is beneficial during endurance events. Top-tier
sled dogs may consume up to 80% of
their kcal in fat. For other more moderately active dogs, including sprinters, fat
should typically comprise about 20-24%
of total kcal consumed.
Type of fat is also important. There are
saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
Saturated fatty acids have been associated with decreased olfactory performance, so this is not recommended for
nose-work canines. Unsaturated fatty
acids are important for membrane ﬂuidity, biosynthesis of regulatory molecules,
and maintenance of epidermal integrity.
The essential fatty acids omega-3 and
omega-6 are also unsaturated. There
has been a lot of focus in recent years
on these essential fatty acids because of
their role in the inﬂammatory process.
Omega-6s are thought to be more pro-

inﬂammatory than omega-3s, but inﬂammation in moderation is important for tissue repair and healing. Thus, rather than exclusion of omega-6s, an adjusted ratio of
omega-6s to omega-3s is recommended, between 5:1 and 10:1 to be specific. A food
containing essential fatty acids should list this corrected ratio on the label.
So what about your average agility dog? On the spectrum of sprinters and marathon
runners, agility dogs fall in the middle. They compete in moderate intensity exercise
with short periods of high intensity activity. As such, both carbohydrates and fat are
important food sources. When more moderate work is expected, such as in training,
30-55% of kcal from fat and 15% of kcal from carbs are suitable. When a large amount
of work is expected, such as an all-day competition with multiple heats in a day, 4565% of kcal from fat and 50% of kcal from carbs are more appropriate.
What about protein? Protein, in fact, is rarely called upon for energy; energy requirements should be met by carbs and fat. Where protein plays a significant role is in
meeting the athlete's structural and anabolic requirements during exercise. Dietary
protein is necessary for building and repairing muscle, increasing blood vessel density within muscle, synthesizing enzymes and transport proteins, and increasing blood
plasma, red blood cells, and oxygen carrying capacity. Protein source is also imperative. Dietary protein should have good digestibility and amino acid availability; these
determine how well the protein is incorporated and utilized in the body. Many diets
are formulated with plant-based proteins, such as soybeans and corn gluten, which
are highly digestible, but animal-based proteins provide better amino acid balances
and are preferred for the canine athlete.
Fiber is another component of the diet that should not be ignored. After all, what
goes in, must come out! Fiber adds bulk and water to intestinal contents in order to
give your athlete a clean, efficient bowel movement. Moderately fermentable fiber,
such as beet pulp, is key; too much fermentation can cause excess gas, whereas too
little can cause constipation. Fiber should comprise between 4-7% of the diet.
And let's not forget water, the most important of all nutrients! Water is necessary for
nutrient delivery and waste removal, lubricating body surfaces to absorb shock, and
dissipating heat produced during exercise. Even mild dehydration can impair performance and endurance capacity. Water should therefore be offered at least three
times a day if not at all times! Flavor enhancers or a little bit of food can be added to
water to bid an unwilling dog to drink.
Now that you are equipped the knowledge of what makes a great performance diet,
do not forget that it takes four to six weeks for the body to acclimate to the new diet
and reap its benefits. This is particularly true when trying to increase fats in your athlete's diet. Thus, start a new diet at least a month before competition and make sure
your athlete is in a training program that reﬂects the desired activity level in order to
make use of the supplement.
Bon appétit! D

Dr. Nicole Chun is a resident of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Group (VOSM). She
received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from Oregon State University in 2011, and graduated from veterinary school in 2015 from the University of California,
Davis. She went to complete both a rotating internship in medicine and surgery at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, Florida, and a specialty internship in sports
medicine and rehabilitation at VOSM. Dr. Chun is a candidate for certification in canine rehabilitation (CCRP) with the University of Tennessee, and is performing research
on platelet-rich plasma in cats. She can be contacted via email at nchun@vosm.com.
Debra Canapp, DVM, CVA, CCRT, DACVSMR, became a board-certified diplomate with the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR)
in 2012. Her area of interest, clinical work, lecturing, and research, focuses on sports medicine and rehabilitation therapy-specifically canine sports-related injury,
sport rehabilitation, and performance. Dr. Canapp has completed advanced courses in canine rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, sports medicine, orthopedics, and stem cell therapy. Currently, Dr. Canapp practices sports medicine, acupuncture, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and rehabilitation therapy at VOSM, where she
is also co-principal and medical director. To learn more about Dr. Canapp, please visit www.VOSM.com.

January 18 | Clean Run

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - January 2018