The American Beagler Forum

Doc,

I have never noticed this in my hounds before until lately. My hounds get alot of running time so they always have a good athletic build but i have noticed lately something that i find a little odd. My dogs look great and appear to be in excellent health not to big not to skinny but in shape. However after 4 hours or so of running they still seem to have plenty of energy but they change in appearance. I don't know how to expalin this other than they look like they loose alot of weight or haven't been feed for a few days. They look like what you think a hound looks like if it has been lost and not found for a few days. Their condition bounces back in a day or two but if ran hard again appear to look the same way again. Just a worn, weathered un-fed look.

I feed Highland pride all meat base with 22% protein 16% fat. They eat this well and the stool is good. When i go to a higher protein / fat there is too much stool and it is not firm.

Do my dogs need a supplement or can i do something different to help them maintain good condition during hard running.

It just seems to me when run they loose alot of their body condition or are just maintaining the condition as well as i think they should.


anyone have any ideas.

Lot of variables come into play here. Are your hounds run consistently or a lot now and again? What about your deworming and heartworm prevention programs? What is the weather like you are running in currently? How good of quality is your feed? There are a lot of feeds which look good on the label, but are not readily utilizable by the hounds. Doc S

Doc,

Thanks for the reply! All worming is done regularly and up to date. The Pride dog food by the highland company is the best I am able to find in my area without going to what i call "designer feeds".

I am in VA and yes it is hot. I have 12 beagles and because of heat run mostly at night. I run 3-4 dogs one night and then rest them for a day or two then repeat the process until I am back to the round one again.

If i increase feed they just seem to have too much stool. If i go to higher protein the stool is loose.


I have had the Ideal of buying Fish Meal at the feed store and mixing a small amout with each feeding. This was just a thought but I may be in left field.

Any suggestions?

Thnaks,

Brian

I feed diamond premium adult 26/18 and my dogs stay in excellent health and condition. I run hard every other day (night). I feed free choice in a self feeder and their stools are always firm. My 2 cents.

An ounce of corn oil top dressed over feed daily will help as well. Doc S