🐾 How to adapt the diet of a sporting dog

A sporting dog doesn't have the same needs as a companion dog. Whether it participates in canicross , bikejoring , agility , or sledding , its body is subjected to intense and regular exertion. A suitable diet is therefore essential to maintain its health , optimize its performance , and promote recovery .

⚡ 1. Understanding the specific needs of the sporting dog

During exercise, a dog's metabolism speeds up:

• It burns more energy .

• sweats through respiration.

• and puts strain on its muscles and joints .

Its energy requirements can be multiplied by 2 to 5 depending on the discipline and duration of the effort.

👉 This means that a sporting dog needs to receive a ration that is more energy-dense , but highly digestible , so as not to overload its digestive system.

🍗 2. Focus on high-quality proteins

Proteins are the essential building blocks of muscles. They participate in the repair of muscle fibers after exercise and support recovery.

• Opt for kibble rich in digestible animal proteins (chicken, salmon, lamb…).

• Complete with natural sources like spirulina , which provides essential amino acids.

💡 At Neo-Nutrition, Spirulina Tabs 500 mg is ideal for strengthening muscles and supporting endurance.

🥔 3. Providing fast and sustainable energy

Carbohydrates are the primary fuel for exercise. They allow the dog to maintain its speed and intensity.

Before or during exercise, it may be helpful to provide a source of fast-acting glucose , such as maltodextrin , to support blood glucose levels.

💧 This is why Neo-Nutrition develops ready-to-use energy products for sporting dogs, easy to digest and assimilated in a few minutes.

🐟 4. Promote recovery and joint health

Repetitive training puts stress on the joints, tendons, and muscles. Therefore, regular support is crucial.

• Salmon oil or krill oil : rich in omega-3, they reduce inflammation and improve joint flexibility.

• Green-lipped mussel , glucosamine , chondroitin , harpagophytum : a winning combination to protect joints in the long term.

💪 Our Optimal Joint Protection supplement combines these ingredients for complete support of the musculoskeletal system.

💧 5. Don't neglect hydration

A sporting dog loses a lot of water through respiration and salivation. Even mild dehydration can reduce its performance and increase the risk of injury.

• Always provide clean, fresh water.

• During periods of exertion, use a hydration solution rich in electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium).

💧 Neo-Nutrition formulas contain essential minerals to maintain fluid balance and support muscle recovery.

🕓 6. Adjust the ration according to the time of day

Moment	Objective	Recommended diet type
Before exertion (3–4 hours)	Prepare the body, avoid digestive heaviness	A complete meal rich in protein and quality fats
During prolonged exertion	Maintain energy	Source of fast-acting glucose (maltodextrin, glycogen)
After exertion (within the hour)	Muscle recovery and regeneration	Supplement rich in amino acids, electrolytes and omega-3

❤️ 7. Listen to and observe your dog

Every dog is unique. Some digest high-fat kibble better, while others prefer a mixed diet or smaller, more frequent meals.

Observe:

• his energy level ,

• the shine of the hair ,

• the consistency of her stools ,

• and his enthusiasm during training .

These signs will guide you towards the best way to adapt your child's diet.

🔍 In summary

👉 Adapting the diet of a sporting dog means:

✅ Provide energy adapted to the effort

✅ Increase muscle mass

✅ Protect the joints

✅ Promote recovery

✅ Maintain optimal hydration

And above all, it's understanding that performance depends first and foremost on health .

🐶 Discover the Neo-Nutrition range

Our products are formulated with natural, digestible and effective ingredients , designed to support sporting dogs at every stage : from preparation to recovery.

👉 Discover the full range on Neo-Nutrition.be