Selective breeding and proper training are key factors in the success of a sled dog kennel. However, without adequate nutrition the dogs will not reach their full potential as canine athletes. At the Fjellborg kennel the art and science of feeding has evolved during their twenty years of involvement in the world of sled dogs. Since the kennel breed and train dogs for long distance sledding, over the years their feeding program has been carefully designed to optimize the results of selective breeding and conditioning.

Dogs are by nature carnivores and do best on a diet high in animal protein rather than carbohydrates (grains). A high performance sled dog also needs a high level of fat in order to meet the energy requirement. Studies have shown that long distance sled dogs can burn up to 11, 000 Calories a day, so knowing what to feed and when to feed are among the most important aspects of the sled dog sport.

The amazing canine athletes of Fjellborg Arctic Journeys can run distances of up to 150km a day. Daytrips of 50km is standard. In order to provide the dogs with enough energy, the Fjellborg kennel feeds a premium kibble which is high in fat and in quality protein. Often the kibble is mixed with meat or fish for the sake of palatability.

Besides animal protein and fat and a smaller amount of carbohydrates, water is the most important ingredient in a dog’s diet. Sled dogs are known to eat snow along the trail, and to some extent the “dipping” habit helps regulate the need for water. However, in order to make sure that enough water is consumed the dogs are provided with clean water several times a day. Obviously, more water is required when working in warm weather, such as during fall training or during the sunny late spring. However, water loss is also increased during extremely cold weather and when out on longer runs the dogs are always watered regularly.

During expeditions the Fjellborg team also makes regular stops for snacking on the trail. The dogs love their tasty chicken or salmon snacks which also provide that little extra energy which makes them even more eager to perform their job. Salmon may not sound like a typical dog treat but for northern breeds in particular, fish is a very natural part of the diet. In its original habitat among the Inuit and Indian peoples of North America the husky ate the same food as his human tribe and was often fed fish along with seal, whale or walrus meat. Today, salmon and chicken are popular snacks not only because they are tasty, these foods also contain the very important Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids.

It takes lots of experience and dedication to develop a diet that meets the nutritional demands of high performance sled dogs. However, understanding the difference a good feeding program can make, most professional mushers take a keen interest in the evolution of dog food and in the details of practical nutrition. In fact, Kenth and Ann admit that their own diet is not by far as well thought-out as that of their dogs!