Energy bars

[Cass]

Does anyone use the pemmikan energy bar, or is there a cheaper way to keep energy levels up?

The cheapest in the long run is to feet a high quality feed and feed twice a day. This year I swapped all my 10 dogs over to a grain free dog food (only meat and vegs & fruit) and they now have energy all day also because I have the choice of 3 different Kcal (energy) levels so I can literally feed them a lower level one day and then swap them over to a higher level the next. I used to feed a good, "normal" complete feed but had to give them extra meat to keep their condition so by the time I added up the extra, it cost me more than what I pay now. I do an average of 100 days/season starting with grouse so that put the food to the test.

Energy bar(s) might work for some but many dogs just don't eat during the day when they're out and tbh we may think they need it (like us) but many actually don't and I know some get diarrhoea as it's too strong. If you do a google search for Silk balls for dogs you'd find several recipes for energy balls for dogs which you can make yourself rather cheaply but basically there are two types of energy boosts: one which is based on fat and one that is based on carbohydrates/sugar/honey.

Natasha

This is an excellent post and I agree with all of it other than the twice daily feeding. I would follow this advice.

[Springfield Pointers]

Dogs get their energy from fat. Not sugar. Keep their nutrition correct and hunt them into fitness. There are no shortcuts.

[Naj]

... and if dogs are working 3, 4 or more days each week then two meals a day is a sensible option that helps to keep them in condition.

Naj

[Collieman]

Thanks for all replies some interesting views amongst them.

[Miesque]

I use Pemmikan as they use fat for the calories - makes more sense in terms of dog nutrition than sugars

[WGD]

Yes I use it sparingly, great for dogs that leave nothing "on the park" but have work left to do. Big, hard days picking up it is invaluable. Don't give too much though, I fed my trial dog a full square rather than any food before a trial and would have been better off throwing a chainsaw in the rhodies with the throttle taped open.... I'd also have had more control over it!

[eastie]

You feed before a trial?

[WGD]

You feed before a trial?

I know you do ...

... oh you mean the dog, no.

[beechessam]

Use sparingly with competition dogs! Useful after a long hard run on a cold day, especially if you're stood around for ages in the cold and wet.

I'm sure there are other alternatives, it works but common sense is required.

[Rascal]

Yes I use it sparingly, great for dogs that leave nothing "on the park" but have work left to do. Big, hard days picking up it is invaluable. Don't give too much though, I fed my trial dog a full square rather than any food before a trial and would have been better off throwing a chainsaw in the rhodies with the throttle taped open.... I'd also have had more control over it!

Sorry but that did make me giggle...

Rascal