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Archive for the ‘Greyhounds’ Category

Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids for the Racing Greyhound

Wednesday, August 29th, 2007

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 http://training-dog-breeds.com All Rights Reserved.

About Author

Russell Savige has been successfully breeding, rearing and training greyhound’s in Australia for 18 years. http://training-dog-breeds.com

Source: ArticleTrader.com

All About Greyhound

Wednesday, August 29th, 2007

Thinking of buying a gentle dog for your family? Wondering what breed of dog is capable of acting as a great family pet? If your answer to these questions is yes, then greyhound dogs can be your best choice.

The greyhound dogs are considered throughout the world as the fastest breed of dog available. It runs with a speed of about 40 miles per hour, making them a potential candidate for dog racing. They belong to an ancient breed which is believed to have developed from a breed of Arabian Sloughi which was introduced to Britain by merchants and traders earlier than 900 AD. For its speed, the greyhound dogs were first used for hunting purposes, with them being capable of hunting deer and even wild boars. They are also noted for chasing cats and rabbits, making the greyhound dogs unfriendly to smaller animals, especially those that do not belong to the canine group.

Although unfriendly to other animals, the greyhound dogs can make a great companion, even to children. They are one of the gentlest breed that are so sensitive. The greyhound dogs are also loved for their intelligence and talent. They perform well in a massive number of sports that may involve sighting, racing, hunting, and even watch dogging. Aside from that, the greyhound dogs are so sweet and affectionate that they love to be part of a family.

Unlike the other breeds of dogs, the greyhound does not fight with other canines. Although it is possible that they may get into certain arguments with other dogs, it is rarely possible for the greyhounds to start a fight. Don’t even wonder when you see one running away from another canine in case of trouble for the greyhound dogs was bred to live that way.

With such gentle nature, the greyhound dogs won’t make a great guard dog. It tends not to bark even in case of intrusions and they are not even eager to bite. While these reasons are great enough for the greyhound dogs to be considered as family friendly, it is often advised not to depend on them for guarding. You better purchase a rottweiler if you are thinking much of security.

In terms of training, the greyhound dogs naturally respond to gentle caress. Yes, they should be treated with a gentle touch for if you will employ certain techniques for disciplining, chances are your greyhounds won’t grow and learn faster as you may think. Your yelling will rather put them away from you because of fear. And, note that because of its sensitivity, the greyhounds need an expert handler.

About Author

El is the owner of the dog training. Visit www.dog-training-reviewed.com to find out more resources and offers for dog lovers.

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