Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids for the Racing Greyhound
Addressing the necessity of adding vitamins, minerals and amino acids to the diet of the racing greyhound.By Russell Savige Training Dog Breeds
Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids for the Racing
Greyhound.
Vitamins and minerals are an essential part of the diet of
any living animal, especially an athlete... and the racing
greyhound a supreme example. If anything a racing greyhound
is more fine-tuned than any Olympic athlete. And like Olympic
athletes, the racing greyhound needs a dietary supplement to
make up for essential vitamins and minerals that are no longer
available in our food chain.
Essential Amino Acids - L-Lucine, Tryptophane, Lyaine,
Methionine, Phenylalanine etc... these are some of the 'building
blocks' that, in their correct combinations, make up proteins.
Amino Acids are essential to life, because protein is the
structure for all living things. Muscles, ligaments, tendons,
organs, in fact all organic matter in the body is made of
protein.
Amino acids are involved in energy production, hormone
production and have antioxidant effects. Inadequate intake
of Amino Acids will restrict muscle growth. About 80% of amino
acids are produced by the liver, but the other 20% must be
obtained from the diet.
Minerals
Balanced in the right ratio's, minerals are vital for bone
growth, development and strength. The main minerals required
are Calcium, Phosphorous and Magnesium, which need to be
balanced with Vitamin D, for the body to absorb them properly.
There are many other trace minerals needed to form a strong
healthy body in a fast growing pup, but these are the main ones.
A calcium deficiency or imbalance will result in skeletal and other
problems.
Iron is vital as it produces hemoglobin, the most essential
component of red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from
the lungs to every part of the body. Without an adequate supply
of red blood cells, the muscles can't get enough oxygen, and
without oxygen a greyhound can't perform, no matter how fit it is.
Vitamins
Vitamin A - Retinol... is an antioxidant and helps the greyhound
utilize protein, gives a healthy skin, fights disease and aids in
the formation of strong bones and teeth.
Vitamin D3 - Cholecalciferol... helps the body utilize calcium.
Vitamin K3 - Menadione... is a synthetic form of the fat-soluble
vitamin K, responsible in synthesizing the liver protein that
controls blood clotting.
Vitamin E - dl-a-Tocopheryl... antioxidant. Aids in muscle
development, reproduction and disease resistance.
Vitamin C - Ascorbic Acid... antioxidant and antibiotic. Helps
form red blood cells, increases iron absorption by up to 30%.
Aids tissue repair and fights infection. Is vital for the
production of collagen and the metabolism of folic acid.
Vitamin B1 - Thiamine... helps form blood, metabolize
carbohydrates and produce hydrochloric acid, so it is needed
for digestion.
Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin... is a co enzyme in the respiratory
system. Helps metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine... required for hydrochloric acid
production and helps absorb fats and proteins. Needed for
brain function and healthy nervous system.
PABA - Para-aminobenzoic... part of the B complex family.
Helps form folic acid in the body. Aids in utilizing protein and
forming a healthy skin and coat.
By giving a prepared supplement of essential amino acids,
vitamins, minerals like calcium, phosphorous and iron with
an optimally balanced combination of carbohydrates and
protein, and plenty of fresh clean water, your racing greyhound
will be able to perform to the best of it's ability at the
highest level of competition.
© Copyright 2004 Russell Savige and Training Dog Breeds
All Rights Reserved.
Written by Russell Savige
Training Dog Breeds