title: [The feeding of Dutch sled dogs in training].
abstract: To evaluate the diet of Dutch sled dogs, we investigated the dietary history of the dogs of 5 mushers. The animals were offered a commercial dry diet supplemented with a protein-rich product, a fat-rich product, and/or vitamins. At our request, the mushers prepared for 'their average dog' (a 20-kg Siberian husky) a daily ration of which the composition was calculated and chemically analysed. The calculated energy content of the rations was up to 50% higher than the requirement of the 'average dog' for maintenance. The composition of the rations was adequate from a nutritional viewpoint. However, the distribution of energy between macronutrients was not optimal in terms of the physiology of extreme endurance running: the rations had a relatively low fat content and a high content of carbohydrates.
authors.affiliation: Afdeling Voeding, Hoofdafdeling Geneeskunde van Gezelschapsdieren, Faculteit der Diergeneeskunde, Utrecht.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ebing
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Beynen
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D009426:Netherlands; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D014815:Vitamins