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The sled dog is a unique animal in regard to feeding since he expends a great deal of energy in a
relatively short period of time. This energy must be replaced daily to assure good performance.

When not in training, sled dogs can be maintained on a good quality science diet.

When in training, it has been shown that a food in which energy is derived from a proportion of
predominantly protein and fat, with carbohydrates contributing less than 20%, may be best. This fact was
also shown in food test on sled dogs in the Antarctic years ago.

For most sled dog drivers, the feeding of an excellent grade science dog food, especially created for
working dogs will be beneficial. When changes are made to a dog’s diet, make them gradually over a 3-4
day period to prevent upsetting his intestinal tract. Adding too much water to dry food may make his stool
loose.

Sled dogs need an increase in the amount of food given to them to keep up with the increased demands on
their energy as training progresses and the distances run get longer.

If increasing the amount of food causes your dog to develop diarrhea or a stool containing undigested
food, it may be that he is being fed too much at one time. Try dividing his daily ration into two feedings
per day.

To determine if your dog’s diet is adequate, several things must be watched:

1, The dog should be checked weekly to make sure that his weight is maintained but that he is not getting
fat.
2. You should always be able to feel his ribs easily right under his skin.
3. The dog should look healthy as well as feel good.
4. Hair/coat can be a guideline for adequate diet since hair, as well as the rest of the body, needs a
balanced diet for normal health.
Hair should be shiny. It should never be dry or brittle.
5. Water should ALWAYS be available and should be changed daily.

Food that doesn’t meet your dog’s nutritional needs, is lacking in essential nutrients, is unbalanced, or
causes allergic reactions has a profound impact on his physical well-being, and therefore his mental and
emotional state, as well.

The key to controlling the amount of stress your dog must cope with is primarily a matter of controlling
your dog’s environment. While we are powerless to eliminate stress entirely, we are certainly able to
substantially alleviate it. It is also important to remember that only your dog decides what is or is not
stressful to his—it’s his perception that matters. Once we have learned to identify these signs of stress,
we can do our best to help control it.