The famous Iditarod sled dog race started last saturday. It features teams of 16 huskies who pull their musher bravely across a staggering 1100 miles of frozen wilderness. They travel from Anchorage to Nome and on average it takes 9- 15 days. One of the key components of these mighty dogs diet is salmon. They are reported to burn up to 10,000 calories a day especially in the colder conditions.
Most mushers therefore carry a power packed dog food with protein, fat and carbohydrate. Along with extras of lamb, poultry skins, hamburger, salmon or moose. Common snacks are frozen fish-great for calories, protein and water.
The special diet is prepared prior to the event and stored at checkpoints along the way.
Sources:
- http://iditarodblogs.com/zuma/2008/02/11/eating-drinking-for-iditarod-dogs/
- http://dogs.suite101.com/article.cfm/feeding_iditarod_dogs
Alaska’s Iditarod Fueled by Salmon!