The influence of diet on the heat production during mechanical work in the dog

Abstract

The following table shows that when a dog runs at the rate of about 2 1/2 miles an hour the heat production is almost exactly the same whether the dog has had no food or whether 70 grams of glucose have been administered. In the resting dog 70 grams of glucose would have increased the heat production six calories.

The experiment proves the economical use of carbohydrate during periods of work. On the contrary, when 700 grams of meat were given and the dog was compelled to run, the heat production was increased by that quota which would have been added from the specific dynamic action of the protein metabolized. The latter observation confirms Rubner; the first Observation has never been reported. The principles are of importance in the proper arrangement of dietaries for those who execute mechanical labor.