This can be particularly dangerous on longer journeys into the wilderness. Compare that to our normal intake of 2,000-2,500 calories per day for a large, sedentary male human. During the mushing season, the dogs are using all components of the food that is fed. Frequent, small amounts of food and water are preferable to larger quantities that will weigh heavily on their insides as they pull the sled. Dogs must be very well hydrated.
Some mushers even mix food in with lots of water hours before a race to encourage drinking.
In fact, high protein foods can cause kidney trouble later in life if fed too often. It takes a lot of energy to grow a new coat and if food isn't increased, the dog will drop weight very quickly. Everything Husky Web Site, including links to dog food recipes and dog food comparison charts. Check out this guide to mushing terminology. The ISDI has for its goal the preservation of this ancient arctic breed in its purest form as a working dog.