I think I just discovered something.
I was trying to feed my husky more proteins (in general) and also more carbs (before and after a race), because I was thinking that the proteins would help build strong muscles and the carbs would be used as energy, like when humans run.
But then, I started searching for a good food with lots of proteins and found out that many "sport dog oriented" foods will have up to 75% protein!!
I wasn't sure that was correct, I found the number very high.. So I started to read and it seems like what is the most important in a sled dog's food is the fat!
I didn't know that. I am still not 100% sure how true it is, and which dog are affected (if you run 1 hour a day, should you be getting more carbs or more fat?!).
I've read that dogs that play with a Frisbee will use carbs (short, intense play) and that sled dogs (long, moderate effort) would require more fat, but it's hard to know the limit between both!
It seems like when dogs ingest fat, they got more water molecules available, versus if they ingest too much carbs. I read this:
"Fat metabolism produces 107g of water for every 100g of fat. Protein produces 40g water/100g protein, and carbohydrate produces 55g water/100g carbohydrate"
So... now I don't know, should I be searching for a food high in protein or high in fat? I think 75% protein is too much, from what I read we should be around 32% protein... but.. I am not sure anymore! Someone light my lantern?
At the moment, my dog and I run about an hour a day. We do more on weekends. I would like (if possible) to get her to be able to run 2 hours, so I think nutrition and regular exercise will help. So, while we train, what should be the proper ratio of protein and fat?