Feeding dogs on long walks/training days

[karter]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone here has tried freeze-dried or long-life meals for their dogs on proper long walks or training days. I’m looking for something easy to carry, that keeps well and still gives my retrievers the energy they need.
I know a lot of you talk about diet and prep before trials or working sessions. Any tips on keeping them going without lugging half a bag of food? And for those who’ve tried it, did you notice any difference in their stamina or behaviour?

Cheers for any advice!

[munstyman]

I feed my dogs with the long term in mind, with a proper balanced diet to balance a days activity when needed. I think having water, if a natural source is limited, is more important. Mid day "snacks" are generally a share of what I have for myself or a strip of jerky. Most retrievers could do with losing some weight and if they are lacking energy halfway through the day it is more a matter of fitness than diet IMO.

[Nickheref]

I agree that fitness is important but I don't hunt mine is abnormally hot conditions. I had always wanted to do a long distance walk with a dog and wanted to do it with a particular favourite of mine but kept putting it off due to work/life etc. I began to think the dog was probably too old at almost 10 but my wife told me just to get on with it, book it and do it, so I did. He managed to do it effortlessly covering 3 or 4 times the mileage that I did and was ready to do it all again next morning, his owner had rather less enthusiasm to do another 9 hour hike in the hills next day!

[karter]

Thanks both, that’s really helpful to read. I take the point on fitness being the bigger factor. I guess I was thinking more about those longer training days where I don’t want to overload them beforehand but still need something handy to top them up if needed. I’ve come across some options for freeze dried foods that look lightweight and easy to pack, so I might give that a go as a backup rather than carrying bulky kibble. Probably just a matter of experimenting a bit and seeing what works best for them without upsetting their routine.

Appreciate the insights, sounds like I may be overthinking it a little!

[Rascal]

Hi Karter I’ve removed the link in your post, please read the forum rules before advertising.

[Billybeau]

I take mine out on long walks or a days beating and I have either mini pork pies or a skinners energy bar, more for the beating TBH as the dogs are woeking hard, for a day hike I don't bother as their usual diet fuels them up plenty enough.