So, Neb was neutered today (I know, I know, I wanted to wait until he was 2 years (he's 16 months) but I think it was the right time).

His bloodwork taken Tuesday and this morning (external lab and vet-done) both show that he is mildly hypoglycemic.

The vets don't think it's related to his diet (his bloodwork was normal otherwise, including his creatine which can show up as high in raw-fed dogs). He was fasted but for a normal time.

His weight is stable, at around 35lbs. He is not particularly small (i.e., I don't see this being the toy breed hypoglycemia). He is part terrier so go go go.

A couple of times on runs he's suddenly wanted to stop and I assumed it was a conditioning thing but maybe not.

Does anyone have any thoughts? I am going to move to 2X/day feeding and start making sure he intakes nutrition while backpacking/long runs (the vet noted that his breeds are not bloat risks and we had a great long discussion about bloat, his observations were very interesting).

I will be getting some syrup to keep on hand and might make little syrup packets to mix with water on runs/backpacking. Not sure what I'll use yet.

Would honey be a viable option? It seems like even though it is really "sugary" it wouldn't be as bad as corn syrup or Karo.

I was thinking maple syrup!

Honey could be good too maybe. Everything I've read so far says syrup, I will have to read. I think the point is to get something really sugary, for emergencies anyways. Maybe I need to up his carbs (currently low in the diet). Hmmm.

What do people think of these to carry on runs and give to him?

http://www.honeystinger.com/?cat=14

Does it look like there is anything bad for dogs in there?

 Quote: jennifer mullen

... Maybe I need to up his carbs (currently low in the diet). Hmmm.

JMHO. Hypoglycemia in dogs needs real proteins and fresh fats, actually, to keep pouring a steady slow stream of glucose into the blood rather than the rush-and-crash from simple sugars or refined carbs (but yes, the simple sugars are a good thing to have on hand for an emergency).

Probably the worst thing to do is give simple sugars as a "just in case" or as part of the daily diet.

The first thing is to give several small meals throughout the day and to give a small protein snack if you are heading out and it has been a while since the dog ate a meal.

 Quote: jennifer mullen

....I am going to move to 2X/day feeding and start making sure he intakes nutrition while backpacking/long runs (the vet noted that his breeds are not bloat risks and we had a great long discussion about bloat, his observations were very interesting). ...

Yes!

Even if he was a "bloat breed," small meals throughout the day would not be a trigger. That is not one of the common factors in bloat/torsion events.

The big thing will be the switch away from one meal a day.

JMO.

The focus on simple sugars for emergencies is kind of misplaced. Yes, have that on hand, but far more critical is to avoid the situation completely with a steady stream of glucose from real food.

OK. B/c right now I am feeding based on a prey model, so it is mostly proteins and fats. Maybe bits of fat would be good to give him on a run? I'm trying to think of something I can package easily and give to him. We go backpacking for 7 days in a week or so and I'll be careful of his feeding then. I'm thinking for winter too when he'll be pulling a sled.

 Quote: Jennifer Mullen

OK. B/c right now I am feeding based on a prey model, so it is mostly proteins and fats.

Excellent!

(It's the one meal a day that I'd want to change.)

 Quote: connie sutherland

 Quote: jennifer mullen

....I am going to move to 2X/day feeding and start making sure he intakes nutrition while backpacking/long runs (the vet noted that his breeds are not bloat risks and we had a great long discussion about bloat, his observations were very interesting). ...

Yes!

Even if he was a "bloat breed," small meals throughout the day would not be a trigger. That is not one of the common factors in bloat/torsion events.

The big thing will be the switch away from one meal a day.

JMO.

The focus on simple sugars for emergencies is kind of misplaced. Yes, have that on hand, but far more critical is to avoid the situation completely with a steady stream of glucose from real food.

The other thing I can do while backpacking is give him his THK throughout the day. And I can buy dehydrated meat at the outdoor store and give it as treats, protein, real food, transportable!!!

My vet said the same, he did not think doing more meals would be any sort of bloat risk. He said in the dogs he's seen stress seems to be the common factor, not eating and exercise. Anyways. He thought it was great I'm so aware/careful of it though, especially with 2 GSDs. I've done the one meal a day b/c it works with the exercising and feeding separately, but we will make some changes - I'm thinking 2 meals a day and a snack.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

It's the one meal a day that I'd want to change.

We discussed that as the primary change and testing his blood sugar in a month to see what difference it makes.