The objective of this study was to characterize the postprandial nutrient profiles of exercise-conditioned dogs fed a supplemental carbohydrate and protein bar with or without astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis immediately after exercise.

The study had 2 phases. During phase 1, postprandial plasma glucose concentration was determined for dogs fed a bar containing 25% protein and 18.5% or 37.4% maltodextrin plus dextrin (rapidly digestible carbohydrate; RDC) or dry kibble (30% protein and 0% RDC) immediately after exercise. During phase 2, dogs were exercised for 3 days and fed either a bar (25% protein and 37.4% RDC) with or without astaxanthin or no bar immediately after exercise. Pre- and post-exercise concentrations of plasma biochemical analytes and serum amino acids were determined on days one and three. Phase 1 post-exercise glucose concentration was increased when dogs were provided the 37.4% RDC bar, but not 0% or 18.5% RDC. On day three of phase 2, the CPA group had the highest pre-exercise triglyceride concentration and significantly less decline in post-exercise glucose concentration than did the CP and control groups. Mean glucose concentration for the CP and CPA groups was significantly higher than that for the control group between 15 and 60 minutes after bar consumption.

Dogs fed a bar with 37.4% RDCs and 25% protein immediately after exercise had increased blood nutrient concentrations for glycogen and protein synthesis compared with control dogs.

 Source: Brian M. Zanghi PhD et al., 2015. Effects of postexercise feeding of a supplemental carbohydrate and protein bar with or without astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis to exercise-conditioned dogs. AJVR online, April 2015. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.76.4.338.