How to keep your running buddy,Fido, healthy.

Do you run 30 minutes or more with your dog?

Here are some quick tips for your dog:

1. Make sure you provide water.

2. No sports drinks or gels

( dogs don't need it and it can cause stomach distress.)

3. Add a teaspoon of olive oil to your running partner's kibble, if you run 5+ miles a day.

4. Stay away from soy based protein.

Buy food that has animal protein

5. This vet does not endorse creating your own raw food diet...

"I do not recommend that people create their own raw-food diets at home. It’s difficult to include all of the necessary nutrients, and there can be food-borne illnesses"

6. Minimize treats if it's just a walk and not a run.

7. Keep Fido hydrated! ( see tip #1)

Source: NYT article on sports nutrition for dogs, with Dr. Joseph Wakshlag, a professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, N.Y., and the author of a comprehensive new review about nutrition for active dogs.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/08/20/the-science-behind-your-dogs-special-exercise-needs/?smid=nytcore-iphone-share&smprod=nytcore-iphone NYTimes: Feeding Your Canine Athlete

I shouldn't have Gatorade after my run?! RoyAlexanderFitness.com has the full story linked on why Gatorade can give your dogs the runs. And how to keep the little guys happy and healthy.