power bars

[Tomm156]

hi all,
my ess bitch is getting a bit older now so I was thinking of giving her something during the day to help her keep her energy levels up. I saw on sporting saint the power bars, are these any good or is there a better option out there?

thanks
Tom

[Springfield Pointers]

Personally I'd avoid them. Are you wanting to aid her stamina for hunting? If so, look at diet and fitness generally, not gimmicks.

[Judy]

Mine is ten and fine picking up, she gets a few bits of fatty sausage during the day, only because I think she, possibly, looks less tired at the end of the day. I think its as much for my peace of mind as her benefit!

[Springfield Pointers]

Hi Judy. Additional food is not a bad thing at all, I don't feed at all during work, however I certainly add extra volume and additional ingredients during a hunting trip. I will also adjust feeding during the working season.

But these gimmicky power bar thingies during a hunt I don't understand. You can't feed a dog fit. (but I know you know that )

[Tomm156]

I am a bit consered after reading about an ess that went off its legs and ended up st the vets because it worked its self too hard when it could have been avoided by a small snack to keep the blood sugars up. She is well conditioned and fit I just want to make sure she isn't working herself to hard and ends up doing herself some harm.

Thanks all

[madrags]

My oldest springer Buzz (now retired) never learnt to pace himself, and always worked 100% - even when just out on a walk. Even though he was fit and well fed, he would sometimes show slight signs of wobbliness after prolonged running. This generally occurred if I was out on a social hike with friends, as a shoot day gave more frequent rests. I used to give him a quarter square of Pemmican half an hour before activity, and this stopped the problem. I would add that, whenever he was out, he would take no food if offered, but I was able to force him to swallow the Pemmican.

[trekmoor]

I used to give my dogs half a mars bar, then , on the grouse moors where I usually carried water for the dogs anyway, I added glucose to the water. I have no idea if that was a good or a bad idea but when at shoots now I often give my dogs a scotch egg each ........don't know if that does any good either for keeping up their energy levels but it makes me feel better.

Wullie

[ips]

Try the Scotch without the egg

[kenny]

I had the same problem last season with my 2 yr old springer the only day I never had the Jammie dodgers with me she collapsed and had to be carried back to the jeep .a biscuit and a drink of water with a can of coke in it and she was back on her feet she was given a weeks rest after that. They think they can out run their body will have to give her extra food on the 5th of November she will cover some miles in the kennel looking for ducks falling from the sky with the rockets

[Springfield Pointers]

Fitness is usually the key. You can't feed a dog fit on the day by giving it a sugary snack. This is mostly why dogs collapse and need carrying.