By Molly Haines
Robert Britton urges trainers to keep it simple and balanced when it comes to including supplements in a racing grey- hound’s diet.
“Bart Cummings said he fed exactly the same as his father fed 40 years earlier and I think there is a lot to be said in that. Find a diet, stick to it and don’t move away from it,” Britton advises.
Britton uses a basic supplement regime because the premium dry food he feeds already has a formula of vitamins and minerals. “I use a product called Livamol, which is a basic mineral and vitamin supplement…the Livamol is just a top up,” he said.
The other supplements Britton feeds his greyhounds is an oil blend, which is good for a greyhound’s coat, as well as liquid potassium to replace lost salts and calcium for bone strength.
“One fault a lot of young trainers make is that nearly every year there is a new supplement or additive put on the market and they believe they have to use it to keep up, but in reality you are making a cocktail and going away from your proper food.”
“If you go back to the old traditional diet you had meat, kibble, bread, oil and a potassium-based supplement, and not too much more than that. I basically try to stick to that,” he said.
“Whatever you come up with as your balanced diet, stick to it and don’t move away from it by one day doing this and the next day doing something else. Routine and a stable, balanced diet go together to keep the dog well and healthy.
Britton also reiterates the importance of abiding by the manufacturer’s recommendations when using supplements and additives because of Cobalt and Arsenic levels. These can result in a positive swab if overfed.
BRITTON’S SUPPLEMENT REGIME
- 4ml oil blend – cod liver or maize oil (good for a greyhound’s coat)
- 4ml – liquid potassium (replaces salts and helps with cramping)
- Teaspoon of calcium (bone strength)
- Livamol (recommended serving)
