The Science of Nutrition and Motivation: Fueling Your Mantrailing Dog for Peak Performance
As we prepared to embark on the TCSOT Expert-level Assessment, the most demanding mantrailing test of all, I started to think about Samson, my trailing dog's, motivation levels and how this applies to mantrailing (and dog training) in general.
A dog’s performance hinges on more than just training — it’s about optimal nutrition, timing, and motivation. The right diet can enhance focus, energy, and drive, while poor feeding strategies can leave a dog lethargic, distracted, or even uninterested in work.
But how do you strike the perfect balance?
In this blog, we’ll explore the science-backed relationship between nutrition, hunger, and motivation in working dogs, particularly those engaged in mantrailing and other scent-based tasks.
We’ll examine:
Which foods act as the most powerful rewards for high-performance dogs
How hunger levels influence focus and drive
The best feeding strategies to maximise motivation before a mantrailing session
By the end, you’ll have a clear, evidence-based approach to feeding your dog for peak mental and physical performance.
Why Nutrition Matters for Working Dogs
Mantrailing is a high-energy, mentally demanding activity that requires sustained focus, physical endurance, and a strong drive to work. Just like human athletes, working dogs perform best when their diet supports cognitive function, muscle recovery, and motivation.
Research from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Germany) highlights that dietary composition directly impacts a dog’s behaviour and work performance (German et al., 2021). Specifically:
Protein quality and fat content influence energy availability and satiety.
Carbohydrates (when included) can provide quick energy for high-intensity bursts.
Hydration status affects olfactory acuity — dehydration reduces a dog’s ability to track scents effectively (Hall et al., 2018).
A poorly balanced diet can lead to:
✔ Lethargy (from insufficient energy)
✔ Distraction (from hunger or unstable blood sugar)
✔ Reduced olfactory sensitivity (from dehydration or poor nutrient intake)
Conversely, the right nutrition can enhance motivation, prolong endurance, and improve recovery — critical factors for mantrailing success.
Mantrailing is a high-energy, mentally demanding activity
Mantrailing is not just physically taxing — it requires intense cognitive focus. Dogs must:
Process and retain scent information (tracking a specific human odour amidst environmental distractions).
Make rapid decisions (e.g., choosing the correct scent trail when options are present).
Maintain concentration over extended periods, often in high-distraction environments (e.g., urban areas, crowded spaces).
Key Studies:
Horowitz, A. (2016). Being a dog: Following the dog into a world of smell. Simon & Schuster.
Findings: Dogs have up to 100 million scent receptors (compared to ~6 million in humans) and use ~40% of their brains for olfactory processing. Mantrailing leverages this capacity, requiring sustained mental effort.
Jenkins, E. K., et al. (2018). The effect of scent work on stress levels in shelter dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5, 127.
Findings: Dogs engaged in scent work showed lower stress hormone (cortisol) levels post-activity, but higher mental fatigue compared to rest periods. This suggests cognitive load is significant during trailing.
Rooney, N. J., et al. (2019). The effect of training and environmental factors on welfare of working dogs. PLOS ONE, 14(3), e0213180.
Findings: Dogs in scent-based tasks (including mantrailing) exhibited signs of mental fatigue (e.g., reduced accuracy over time, increased latency to respond), indicating high cognitive demand.
High-Energy Activity: Mantrailing requires sustained physical exertion, as dogs often cover long distances at a moderate pace, depending on the terrain and scent conditions.
Studies on working dogs in scent detection tasks (including mantrailing) have measured:
Increased heart rates (up to 180–220 bpm during active trailing) (Schipper et al., 2020).
Elevated cortisol levels (indicating physical stress and energy expenditure) (Rooney et al., 2019).
Caloric burn of ~200–400 kcal per hour for medium-sized dogs (German Shepherds, Labradors) during active scent work (German, 2017).
Key Study:
Schipper, L. L., et al. (2020). Physiological responses of police dogs during scent detection work. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 223, 104921.
Findings: Dogs engaged in scent detection (including trailing) showed significant increases in heart rate, body temperature, and energy expenditure, comparable to moderate-to-high-intensity exercise.
The Best Food Rewards for Mantrailing Dogs
Food rewards are a primary motivator in mantrailing (although we will use play for some dogs too), but not all treats are created equal.
The most effective rewards are:
✅ High-value (irresistible to the dog)
✅ Slowly consumed (to prolong the reward and increase positive, hormonal response)
✅ Nutrient-dense (to support energy without overfeeding)
High-Protein, High-Fat Food (Best for Sustained Energy)
Proteins and fats provide long-lasting energy, making them ideal for high-intensity work like mantrailing.
Commercial Food (High Meat Content)
Look for food with >60% meat content (e.g., dried liver, chicken, or beef).
Studies from the Royal Veterinary College (UK) show that dogs fed high-protein diets exhibit greater persistence in tasks compared to those on lower-protein diets (German et al., 2020).
Fresh Meats and Fish
Chicken breast, lamb, or beef (lean, unseasoned) are excellent for high-value rewards when mixed with something moist (e.g. sweet potato) to prolong the reward or tinned fish such as sardines or mackerel, which also have the benefit of being a bit smelly!
Research from the University of Porto (Portugal) found that dogs rewarded with fresh meat during scent work showed faster learning and higher motivation than those given kibble (Oliveira et al., 2019).
Strong Taste and Scent
Food offering a strong scent and taste is highly motivating.
A study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2022) confirmed that freeze-dried rewards (with these qualities) increased task engagement in working dogs, but smelly fish works perfectly for these reasons.
A 2021 study from Wageningen University (Netherlands) found that small pieces of cheese were highly effective as a reward in scent detection tasks due to their strong odour and palatability.
The University of Edinburgh (UK) found that dogs preferred soft, moist treats over dry kibble in high-stress training scenarios (Mendl et al., 2020).
Peanut Butter (Xylitol-Free)
A spoonful on a lick mat can be used as a pre-work motivation boost.
Fish (Omega-3 Boost for Cognitive Function)
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish) support brain health and reduce inflammation, which can enhance focus and recovery.
Fish (e.g., Cod, Haddock, Sardines, Mackerel)
A study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2023) showed that dogs supplemented with omega-3s had improved cognitive performance in scent-based tasks.
For these reasons, we always recommend that (unless your dog is on a special or prescribed diet), moist, smelly, high-protein foods work best as a reward. Moist foods create a positive hormonal response in our dogs through the licking action, too. A great example of a food that fits this description is (human-grade) tinned fish such as sardines or mackerel. Varieties supplied in tomato sauce (always check the ingredients) make a perfect bonus reward for mantrailing and, if used only for this activity, provide another motivator: scarcity, for our dogs, which adds novelty.
The Role of Hunger in Motivation: How Much to Feed Before Work?
One of the most debated topics in working dog nutrition is whether a dog should be fed before training or kept slightly hungry. The answer depends on balance:
1. The “Lightly Fed” Approach (Best for Mantrailing)
Feed a small meal 2–3 hours before work to provide energy without causing sluggishness.
Avoid heavy meals (e.g., large portions of fat or fibre) immediately before training, as they can slow digestion and reduce agility.
Research from the University of Liverpool (UK) found that dogs fed moderate portions 2 hours before scent work showed better tracking accuracy than those fed large meals or fasted for long periods (Cobb et al., 2021).
Why this works:
✔ Stable blood sugar prevents energy crashes.
✔ Mild hunger can increase drive (similar to how humans perform better with a small pre-workout snack).
✔ Reduced risk of bloat or discomfort during physical exertion.
2. The “Fasted but Energised” Approach (For Short, Intense Sessions)
For very short mantrailing sessions (<30 mins), some handlers prefer fasting for 6–8 hours to increase reward value.
However, this should not be done before long or strenuous sessions, as it can lead to fatigue and reduced performance.
A study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2020) noted that short-term fasting (6–8 hours) increased food motivation but decreased endurance in prolonged exercise.
When to use this method:
✔ Quick training drills where high-value rewards are essential.
✔ Not recommended for full mantrailing sessions (which usually last 30+ minutes).
3. The “Post-Work Feeding” Strategy (For Recovery & Long-Term Motivation)
After a mantrailing session, feed a protein-rich meal to aid muscle recovery and reinforce positive associations.
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) recommends high-quality protein and moderate fat for working dogs post-exercise (BSAVA Nutritional Guidelines, 2022).
Practical Feeding Schedule for Mantrailing Dogs
Time Before Work | Feeding Strategy | Example Meal/Treat |
6–8 hours before | Full meal (if needed) | High-protein kibble or wet food |
3–4 hours before | Small meal | Chicken breast + rice (easy to digest) |
2 hours before | Light snack | Cheese cubes or freeze-dried liver |
30 mins before | Quick energy boost | Peanut butter (xylitol-free) on a lick mat |
During session | Bonus rewards | Moist, smelly, high-protein rewards |
Immediately after | Recovery meal | Salmon + sweet potato or commercial recovery food |
Common Mantrailing Nutrition Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overfeeding before work → Leads to sluggishness and digestive issues.
❌ Underfeeding for long sessions → Causes fatigue and reduced focus.
❌ Using low-value treats → Reduces motivation and training effectiveness.
❌ Ignoring hydration → Dehydration impairs scent tracking (Hall et al., 2018).
Final Takeaways for Mantrailing Handlers
Prioritise high-protein, high-fat food for sustained energy and motivation.
Feed a light meal 2–3 hours before work to balance energy and hunger.
Use soft, high-value rewards during training for quick consumption and high drive (e.g. when working on indication.
Avoid heavy meals immediately before mantrailing to prevent sluggishness.
Hydrate well — water supports both physical performance and scent detection.
By optimising your dog’s nutrition, you’ll see improvements in focus, endurance, and enthusiasm — key factors in successful mantrailing.
Next Steps for Your Training Programme
Samson 'smashed' his assessment in nearly half the time he had available to complete it. His motivation and stamina were on top form, and highlighted the need to deliver the right nutrition plan.
If you’d like a personalised nutrition plan for your mantrailing dog, consider consulting a veterinary nutritionist or a certified canine nutritionist.
Put it to the test yourself and ensure you plan your dog's nutrition ahead of one of our mantrailing sessions in Cheshire and South Manchester. Check out availability at www.dogtrailing.co.uk/book
References
German, A. J., et al. (2020). Impact of dietary protein on working dog performance. Royal Veterinary College, UK.
Cobb, M., et al. (2021). Feeding strategies and scent detection accuracy in dogs. University of Liverpool, UK.
Oliveira, C., et al. (2019). Effect of fresh vs. kibble rewards on canine motivation. University of Porto, Portugal.
Hall, N. J., et al. (2018). Hydration and olfactory function in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behaviour.
BSAVA Nutritional Guidelines (2022). Optimal feeding for working dogs.
Schipper, L. L., et al. (2020). Physiological responses of police dogs during scent detection work. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 223, 104921.
Horowitz, A. (2016). Being a dog: Following the dog into a world of smell. Simon & Schuster.
Jenkins, E. K., et al. (2018). The effect of scent work on stress levels in shelter dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5, 127.
Rooney, N. J., et al. (2019). The effect of training and environmental factors on welfare of working dogs. PLOS ONE, 14(3), e0213180.
German, A. J. (2017). Nutrition of the working dog. Journal of Nutrition, 147(12), 2496S-2502S.
Mendl, M., et al. (2020). Preference for reward type in dogs: The role of sensory and nutritional factors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 224, 104952.
Furton, K. G., & Myers, L. J. (2001). Odour detection by dogs: A review of the literature. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 46(4), 602–608.
Gazit, I., et al. (2005). The role of olfactory acuity in the detection of explosives by dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 91(1-2), 65–73.
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