Agreed.

Hydration is the absolute key. Muscle tie up is almost a certainty when the water level goes south.

Early on I wanted/needed to be in total control so I dictated fluid intake in every feeding and did not leave a fresh water source for the dog during non-working hours. From then on I made sure the dog had a fresh water bowl. I still added all the fluids during the feedings. Within a few weeks the water level hit the mark and the dog no longer uses the water bowl. As CYJ stated the dog can be dialed in by counting backwards the last 3-4-5 days and space the feedings out. A dog with healthy kidneys will piss himself correct.
That is most important when using dry food. It will soak a lot of water from the dog for digestion.

If a dog is fed raw or a lot of raw with a kibble mix just drop the raw and go straight dry for a few days. His water intake will double-triple and more.

Again, good topics wander.

I have often wondered if the fish is so nutrient dense it stays in the bloodstream and the muscle tissue retains the proteins and amino acids for longer thus the better recovery ability. I am guessing it magnifies with outside temperature. Still, not a science guy so I can't give anything more than an opinion.

The times I used the fish the dogs were wet and in really good shape. After a couple of days with plenty of water they were back. My best guess would be the outside temperature was too warm, and then time and fluids flushed it through.

Reading up on the sled dog guys that use kibble and fish it is always a really soupy/slop type mixture. Around here I can get the fluids right but can't force the temps down.

Again great topic. Wandering at times but good conversation.

EWO