A canine athlete does not digest and use food in the same way as humans. The high carbohydrate diet that helps a human runner perform at his or her peak will not have the same effect on a sled dog. Studies by veterinarians and dog food manufacturers have found that a high carbohydrate diet actually lowers canine performance. Fats and protein are the most important sources of energy for a sled dog. The ratio of fat and protein varies depending on the distance to be run and the time spent running, however, certain minimum requirements have been determined.
Fats provide the dog with quick energy.
They are highly digestible and very dense in calories. Protein helps a dog handle the physical demands of racing and is required in greater amounts as physical activity increases. Dog mushers rarely rely on dry dog kibble alone to supply their dogs nutritional needs. Finally, it is not enough to provide quality food unless the dogs are supplied with clean water. Water is the most important part of a dog's diet.