FAQ
Maltodextrin: Rapidly absorbed carbohydrate that does not stimulate insulin release and efficiently replenishes glycogen stoes in the muscle when given within 30 minutes of the end of exercise/work.
Whey Protein: Adding protein to maltodextrin improves the transport of the carbohydrate into the muscle to be stored as glycogen for future use.
Vanilla Flavoring: Dogs are unlikely to be allergic/sensitive to vanilla and they seem to like it. When Glyco-Gen Energy Shake Mix was first introduced, a taste test at the 2006 USBCHA Finals showed that over 90% of dogs eagerly drank the shake.
1 scoop = 1 tbsp = 27kcal
After exercise: Give 1 scoop (1 scoop = 1 tbsp) per 10# dog weight within 30 minutes of exercise. A second dose 45-60 minutes later may provide additional benefit to a very exhausted dog. Be sure to allow the dog to rest (no vigorous exercise) for at least 2 hours for best results.
Before exercise: Give a half dose 15-30 minutes before exercise. This will provide a readily available source of carbohydrate for the dog to use before using stored carbohydrates thereby increasing the total carbohydrates available. If using the Glyco-Gen Shake mix in this manner, be sure to use the lowest volume of water necessary. Be sure to follow with a full dose after exercise for the best results.
During exercise: Give half doses every 45-90 minutes during long or strenuous exercise to slow depletion of glycogen from the muscles. If using the Glyco-Gen Shake mix in this manner, be sure to use the lowest volume of water necessary. Be sure to follow with a full dose after exercise for the best results.
Before Exercise: Give a half dose 15-30 minutes before exercise. This will provide a readily available source of carbohydrates for the dog to use before using stored carbohydrates thereby increasing the total carbohydrates available. If using the Gylco-Gen Shake in this manner, be sure to use the lowest volume of water necessary. Be sure to follow with a full dose after exercise for the best results.
During Exercise: Give half does every 45-90 minutes during long or strenuous exercise to slow depletion of glycogen from the muscles. If using the Glyco-Gen Shake mix in this manner, be sure to use the lowest volume of water necessary. Be sure to follow with a full dose after exercise for the best results.
After Exercise: Give a full dose within 30 minutes of exercise. A second dose 45-60 minutes later may provide additional benefit to a very exhausted dog. Be sure to allow the dog to rest (no vigorous exercise) for at least 2 hours for best results.
Carbohydrates are stored in muscle as glycogen. Muscle uses glycogen during the initial moments of activity and for bursts of speed and power (primarily fueling fast twitch fibers). Glycogen stores are relatively small and can be rapidly depleted leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. However, diets high in carbohydrates can lead to deconditioning (poor endurance, obesity, muscle injury). For a working dog, carbohydrates should be limited to 10-15% of the total energy in the diet. To improve the working dog’s use of carbohydrates, one should focus on replenishing glycogen stores and slowing glycogen depletion.
Replenishing glycogen stores is accomplished by providing a “good carbohydrate” at an appropriate time. Muscle cells have GLUT4 pathways that are active during exercise and for up to 30 minutes after exercise. These pathways allow for the uptake of carbohydrate into the muscle without the release of insulin. Simple sugars (glucose, dextrose, fructose, corn syrup) cause an insulin release that leads to subsequent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Complex starches (bread, rice, grains) take too long to be digested and absorbed. Both cause fluid imbalances that can contribute to diarrhea and dehydration. Maltodextrin is a small complex carbohydrate and is the ideal carbohydrate for this purpose. Maltodextrin is rapidly absorbed without an insulin release or fluid imbalance and is readily utilized by the GLUT4 pathway. When a maltodextrin supplement is given within 30 minutes of exercise, up to 85% of pre-exercise glycogen levels are restored. Without this targeted approach, only 40% of pre-exercise levels are restored.
In a word, no!
Dogs don't need electrolytes the same way as people and horses... they don't sweat enough! Unless your dog has a medical condition necessitating electrolyte supplementation, adding electrolytes can be detrimental. In general, healthy working dogs get enough electrolytes from their well-balanced performance diet.
When electrolytes (think "salt") are first consumed, the body will adjust and shift fluid from the cells to the bloodstream. This initial shift could potentially result in intracellular dehydration. Signals are sent to increase water consumption to accommodate this shift. Then urine production increases to eliminate the excess electrolytes. If enough water is provided, homeostasis returns. However, if insufficient water is available, dehydration can result.
Many other energy replacement products contain electrolytes. Energy Edge Glyco-Gen Shake Mix does not. Therefore, it can be given with just enough water to dissolve the powder and your dog can get back to work without worrying about excess water in the stomach. You can also be sure that the water provided is improving hydration... a definite benefit to the working dog!