Need food and electrolyte recommendations

[Rave]

In trying to deal with Wick's wonky internal thermostat (she overheats too quickly and cools off too rapidly), my vet has recommended a change in diet and the addition of supplements (L-Carnitine & Co-Q-10) and electrolytes. What I'm looking for is a decent kibble that's less than 24% protein and low in fat (like 10-12%) and has no lamb or corn (as these burn hot); fish or chicken would be ideal.

 

I'm also looking for electrolytes that don't have to be dissolved in water, if that exists.

 

Any and all help appreciated. My computer is sloooow, making this type of research a PITA.

 

Thanks!

Laura & Wick

[Wendy V]

Why a diet low in protein and fat? Just curious.

[Rave]

My holistic vet/nutrionist is recommending that because she's "burning too hot". Said she was on a "high-octane fuel" and didn't need to be since we've never had a problem with her energy level. This may be attributing to her over-heating. At this point, I'm willing to try it since over-heating can cause permanent damage.

[Wendy V]

Would just removing the grains help? I am actually going in the opposite direction by increasing the proteins and fat in an effort to improve stamina in hot weather. I have seen L-cartinine suggested before, but have not tried it myself.

 

Intersting topic. I hope more people chime in.

 

Cheers!

[Rave]

That wasn't suggested. We referred to her food chart, which lists the different dog food ingredients and if they're a "hot" or "cool" food. The most common grains were cool, i.e. rice, barley, etc... The only "hot" grain she mentioned was corn, although I'm sure there are more. I really don't know of an affordable kibble that doesn't have grain. (the key words there are affordable and kibble )

 

She also mentioned most sport dogs are fed a higher protein, higher fat food b/c they need the energy. Not so in Wick's case. We'll see. Regionals (agility) are next weekend, so I'm not changing anything until after then. Luckily, that'll be indoors with a pond outside for swimming.

[Wendy V]

When I was on the Epi-K9 list, many people used a non-grain based kibble called (forgive me if my memory proves incorrect), IVB duck/sweet potato/fish. I am not sure of the price, but it can be found in specialty pet stores.

 

Good luck at the regionals. Again, please share info if you find anything interesting.

[T H A I]

try PEDIALYTE for babies... its an ORAL ELECTROLYTE MAINTENANCE SOLUTION..

[Alaska]

Laura,

 

Have you read the article in the latest (here in Alaska, at least) Clean Run on keeping dogs cool? It says some interesting things, assuming I'm remembering correctly. A couple that stuck out to me were:

 

No need for electrolytes. Dogs don't sweat thus they don't lose electrolytes. (My vet agreed with this, but he's not necessarily what I'd consider a knowledgeable sports vet).

 

Fats burn cooler than carbs.

 

The article was written by a vet, but I wonder how widely accepted the above ideas are. Any thoughts?

[Rave]

Dogs do sweat, although minimally compared to humans. The electrolytes lost are internal though, dumped into the gut. This isn't so much a normal dog who simply over-worked and got a little hot, rather a different heating problem altogether.

 

Thanks for pointing out the article though, I'll look it up.

[MaggieDog]

Just saw this thread and thought I'd add my 2 cents.

 

I'm feeding Maggie California Natural Herring and Sweet Potato right now. I checked the bag and it is 21% protein, 11% fat. I also feed Eagle Pack Holistic Select Anchovy and Sweet Potato, but don't have the bag here. I do know it's 21% protein though.

 

hth