Peak Performance and Structural Integrity
For dogs competing in high-impact sports like Agility and Flyball or the explosive speed of SprintDog™, the physical demands on the body are immense. These athletes require more than just calories; they require specific nutrients to maintain the structural integrity of their joints while under the pressure of sharp turns, jumps, and flat-out sprints.
To keep a sporting dog at their peak, we must focus on supporting connective tissue—the ligaments and tendons that act as the body’s shock absorbers.
Manganese: The Engine of the Sporting Joint
While many handlers focus on protein, the secret to longevity in dog sports is Manganese. This trace mineral is essential for the "building blocks" of cartilage and the repair of tendons. A deficiency in Manganese can lead to laxity in the joints, increasing the risk of cruciate ligament injuries—a common setback in the Agility world.
- Beef Tendons: The ultimate "functional chew" for the canine athlete. They are naturally loaded with Manganese and collagen, providing the raw materials needed to strengthen the internal scaffolding of the legs and paws.
- Emu Treats: The beneficial oils in Emu are world-class for reducing the systemic inflammation that follows a heavy day of competition, helping your dog bounce back for day two of a trial.
Green Lipped Mussel: The Coastal Superfood for Joints
If Manganese is the engine room of joint health, then Green Lipped Mussel is the premium lubricant. Native to the pristine waters of New Zealand, these mussels are a concentrated source of Omega-3 fatty acids, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin—the essential building blocks for healthy cartilage.
Unlike standard fish oils, Green Lipped Mussels contain ETAs (eicosatetraenoic acids), which provide a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory effect. Whether served as a whole dehydrated treat or as a concentrated powder, they are a vital tool for supporting connective tissue in aging seniors or high-performance athletes in Agility and SprintDog™.
- For the Senior: It helps reduce the daily "creakiness" associated with stiff joints, improving quality of life.
- For the Athlete: It provides a protective layer for the joints, helping to manage the micro-inflammation caused by explosive movements on the track.
High-Drive Motivation: Precision Training Off-Track
While you can’t reward your dog in the Agility ring or during a SprintDog™ run, the work done in the warm-up area and the training field is what wins titles. For technical drills—like tight wrap turns or contact precision—you need rewards that maintain high drive without the dog losing focus through long chewing breaks.
Our "teeny tiny" training treats in potent novel proteins like Buffalo and Insect are designed for this exact purpose. They provide an immediate hit to keep a dog "switched on" during pre-run warm-ups, allowing you to maintain high repetitions during training without over-filling the dog’s stomach or compromising their speed and breath on the course.
By using small, high-value rewards for post-run reinforcement, you build a powerful "reward history" that keeps your dog eager to get back to the start line.
The Post-Event "Internal Sweep"
Competition environments can be stressful, which often impacts a dog’s digestion. Providing a treat with fur, such as Goat Ears, introduces Insoluble Fibre. This provides a natural cleaning action for the gut, helping to settle the digestive system after the adrenaline of the finish line.
Common Questions: Dog Sports & Nutrition
What is the best treat for a dog that loses focus during Agility?
Scent is the key to focus. Our Kangaroo, Rabbit Jerky or Crocodile treats have a unique, potent aroma that cuts through the distractions of a busy trial ground, making them the perfect high-value reward for "high-drive" dogs.
How can I support my dog’s recovery after SprintDog™?
Hydration and inflammation management are key. Alongside plenty of water, offering treats rich in Omega oils, like Emu, helps to calm the body’s inflammatory response to explosive exercise, supporting connective tissue health over the long term.
Browse our complete collection of Treats for Joint Health
