Having a low energy dog problem? Is your dog weak? Is it not as energetic as it used to be? Do you think your dog needs an energy boost? If your answer to these questions is ‘yes’, you are not alone. A lot of dog owners face the same problem. They know that their dog needs either a change in diet or something special apart from regular diet to stay energetic and healthy, but do not know what it is. So, in this article, I am going to describe you what you can do to improve your dog’s energy levels.
Lethargy or low energy dog is a general symptom of many canine health problems, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian. Remember that a change in dog energy could be a sign of an underlying problem that needs to be treated before energy levels return.
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High Energy Dog Food
Diet is of course an important part of keeping your dog energetic and well. What your dog eats is the source of energy and the first line of defense to prevent disease and to maintain body physiology.
In dog food, energy usually refers to the number of kilocalories (kcal) contained in each unit of food. Different foods will have different energy density which (e.g., high vs. low fat). The measure that is used is the amount of nutrient per 100 kcal or kcal per cup or can.
While this is somewhat complicated to understand, think about the amount of food you feed your dog. Now assume that the size of the portion is always the same. By changing the ingredients in that food, that varies the energy the food can provide.
In general, Researchers are continually revising the nutritional profile required by dogs. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) is the organization that sets dog food nutritional levels in the United States. If you are feeding your dog an AAFCO certified food, then you are doing right by your dog (check the label). Also check the raw ingredient content of food. Beside the certification from AAFCO, check that the food you are purchasing contains raw ingredients.
In terms of specific high energy dog food recommendations, some of the foods with higher kcal levels per cup or can include:
| Maker | Diet | Diet Categories | Form | kcal per cup.can |
| Royal Canin / IVD | Liver & Chicken | Adult, Reduced Phosphorous, Reduced Sodium | Canned | 619 |
| Hills/Science Diet | Science Diet Active Adult High Energy | Adult Performance | Dry | 564 |
| Eukanuba/Iams | Chicken & Rice | Adult | Canned | 560 |
| Royal Canin/IVD | Lamb & Rice | Adult | Canned | 524 |
| Eukanuba/Iams | Whitefish & Potato | Adult, Novel Protein | Canned | 521 |
We suggest buying dog food from a company that has been in business for quite some time such as Hill’s, Purina or Royal Canin. These companies have a long history of perfecting the formulation of their foods. With a larger number of purchasers, these companies get more feedback on the impact the food is having on a wide variety of dogs. This also serves as an early indication if there are any problems with a particular dog food.
In terms of research, the only factor that has been seen to help prevent disease and extend the life of your dog is making sure that your dog’s body is at the ideal weight and condition. Along with diet, the other factors found to be important are your dog’s genetics and maintaining a healthy clean environment.
What To Look For in a High Energy Dog Food
- Protein source: Usually from an animal or a concentrated vegetable protein (i.e., tofu)
- Essential fatty acids: Especially linoleic acid – animal-source proteins rarely provide adequate levels of this fatty acid, thus a vegetable oil should be included
- Calcium and phosphorus: These minerals are required in high concentrations and therefore are often provided in the form of bone meal or a calcium supplement
- Other minerals and vitamins: Unless liver or whole egg is provided in relatively high amounts, a source of other minerals and vitamins is necessary
Exercise and Low Dog Energy
Lack of regular physical exercise is one of the reasons why a pet dog needs energy boost. Pet health experts say that dogs that stay physically active tend to be healthier and happier than dogs that remain dormant all the time. So, spend some time with your dog every day – a ball throwing session or a long walk in the park with your dog can do a lot of good for your dog’s overall health.
Nutritional supplements To Improve Low Dog Energy
Giving high quality nutritional supplements is another way to improve the energy levels of a low energy dog. You can give natural supplements that contain powerful herbs like Huang Qi, Mistletoe, Indian Ginseng, and Milk Thistle. These herbs are known for their ability to boost the immune system, eliminate toxins, and increase the energy levels of pet dogs significantly. They do not cause any side effects and hence they are completely safe for your dog’s health.
One reputable product to try is Energy Tonic. This product contains the ingredients mentioned above and is particularly useful for use with dogs that appear sluggish, bored, listless or disinterested in life. This product also helps to support health and vitality levels in older dogs. As a reader of the Pet Health Guide, the manufacturer provides our readers with free shipping and an opportunity to buy 2, get 1 free. Beyond the fact that it is registered with the U.S. FDA, there is a 12 month money back guarantee. Just follow this link to learn more about Energy Tonic and to read supporting clinical studies.
If your dog needs energy boost, here’s what you need to do – start giving a healthy diet, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, and start giving herbal supplements regularly. These are three simple tips you can follow to keep your dog healthy and active for a long time.
Resources
Integration of Nutrition into Clinical Practice, S.J. Delaney1 and A.J. Fascetti
School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, CA, USA
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