Dog Nutrition Articles

Animal digest is often considered a substandard pet food ingredient. In some cases, this is because the word “digest” is mistakenly thought to describe the contents of the digestive tract. 

United Kennel Club (UKC) Purina National Championship 
May 8-9, 2015
Salem, IL

Two Purina^® Pro Plan^®-fed coonhounds won both overall titles at the UKC Purina National Nite Hunt and Bench Show.

GR NITE CH CH Stoners Lightning Jack was the Overall Nite Hunt Champion. Owned by Ronnie Stoner, this 5-year-old male English Coonhound is handled by Jeremy Smyser.

Millions of people watched as “Nathan” the Bloodhound (GCH Flessner’s International S’Cess) proudly displayed his fun personality and childlike antics during “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina” Thanksgiving Day on NBC. After taking his daily stretch in front of judge Edd Bivin, Nathan’s sense of humor paid off as he captured Best in Show under breeder-owner-handler Heather Helmer.

“Nathan’s swinging gait, entertaining personality and nicely wrinkled skin are true to breed type, and that’s what it’s all about,” said Bivin.

High Desert Cluster
May 8-12, 2015
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Gearing up for summer, Purina® Pro Plan® dogs are heating up the show ring! Read on for the latest specialty and all-breed show results from around the country.

Poodle Club of America National Specialty
April 18-25, 2014
Salisbury, MD

At the Poodle Club of America National Specialty, Purina Pro Plan Poodles made history by winning all three Bests of Variety.

In Toy competition, Baliwich Bacchus, handled by Chelsay Paul-Grubb, captured Winners Dog, Best of Winners and Best of Variety. 

In the thick of summer, Purina® Pro Plan® dogs are turning up the heat in the show ring, sweeping clusters and circuits across the country. Read on for the latest all-breed show results.

Mission Circuit
May 23-26, 2014
Pomona, California

April was a busy month for Purina^® Pro Plan^®-fed dogs as they won various all-breed and specialty shows. Read on for the show results.

Sunflower Cluster
April 1-6, 2015
Wichita, Kansas

A hard-working sporting dog needs high-quality nutrition for optimal performance helping him to reach his/her full potential. Whether working or competing, nutrient-dense food with high levels of fat and protein can help maximize your dog’s training and conditioning. Purina^® Pro Plan^® is the food of choice for many of the country’s top sporting dogs.

Nestlé Purina continues its long-standing support of canine health with recent donations to the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) for the 17th consecutive year. Combined, the 2013 donations represent more than $1 million and make a significant impact on the health concerns of all dogs.

Active dogs require water, especially during exercise, to work effectively. Mild dehydration in your dog can reduce endurance and strength, especially in hot weather conditions. Drinking small amounts of water helps keep dogs cool by dissipating the heat produced from activities. Though most people don’t consider water to be an essential nutrient, it is the most essential nutrient. Water is important for most biochemical processes in the body and is the most important nutrient for survival. 

Hardworking sporting dogs benefit from higher proportions of fat in their diet. Why? Because, a dog’s metabolism relies primarily on fat for energy during rest and light to moderate intensity exercise. Ingesting higher levels of fat in the diet actually “primes” or “metabolically conditions” an active dog’s metabolism, even when not active or exercising¹. So while a greater proportion of fat in the diet helps to deliver more calories to an exercising dog, another important benefit is that it helps to optimize a dog’s metabolism. 

Muscle power depends on protein. Not surprisingly, canine athletes that do not receive adequate dietary protein may suffer from fatigue and have a lackluster attitude and performance. Nutritionists recommend feeding active dogs a diet made with highly digestible, quality protein sources.