Ok this past week I have taken a long hard look at Belle. She is fine but I just am not sure she is "as good" as she was a few months ago. Ok the major WOW moment here is WINTER SUCKS. I have not gotten her out as I should, too cold too snowy whatever but due to her condition she has suffered more physically. She has lost muscle, considerably, and her fitness level is seriously down. I have AKC Nationals 6 weeks on the horizon, and well I want to give her what she needs to perform her best. I have promised myself she will get worked 5-6 days a week, and if the weather cooperates we can get the bike back out.
That being said, a friend who is a knowledgeable source, was concerned with Belle's food intake protein level to be exact. She told me that the guideline is 1 gram per pound of weight for the dog. She did the math on Belle's food and amount she eats and thinks she gets about 1/2 the protein she needs. I do still need to discuss this with my vet. We have upped Belle's food since we plan to increase her activity, and my husband is once again giving all the dogs some raw venison with their dinner. So I think we might be ok there but....
Is there any vitamins/minerals she could need? I was thinking about a horse we had in our barn, a wonderful old campaigner who just didn't look right. They did bloodwork, and decided he needed vitamin B12. Now I would not do anything without blood work on Belle, but is there something like that for dogs to help them increase their energy and strength? Again, I want to give her what is needed so she can do her job. Not fair of me to ask what I do, when she is not up to par.
I would appreciate any insight you folks might have.
Ann