Category archives: Featured

There was an article in a recent issue of a running magazine, and it got us thinking…Could Rice Krispies Treats be the go-to energy boost that dog mushers need as they begin fall training, and just possibly on races this winter? We asked a couple of people, and this article will explore the upsides of this kid-friendly treat.

Carb-Loading at the Cabin: Simple Fuel, Big Results

Even in one of the toughest dog-powered sports, a humble 30-cent children’s treat could be shifting the fueling game.

The night before a long-distance sled race, top mushers aren’t just prepping dog harnesses, they’re carb-loading, too. And one surprisingly effective solution? A whole box of 16 Rice Krispies Treats helps them hit their 300–500 grams of carbs goal before launch.

For endurance mushing, the human, just like the sled dogs, needs quick, reliable energy. Mushers say they prefer Rice Krispies Treats because “any rice-based food […] sat well with me. Put a little sugar on the rice, and there you go.”

Behind the Scenes: Fueling My Team and Me

Dog mushing demands explosive bursts of strength and long stretches of steady power. Mushers appreciate being able to stash these treats in their parkas and sled bags, dipping into one or two between checkpoints, and keep rolling, much like Tour de France cyclists or marathon runners.

Research now shows endurance athletes can handle much higher carb intakes mid-effort, up to 100–120 grams per hour if they mix types correctly, far above the old 30–70 g/hour guidelines. Given mushers’ intense, often multi-day races, quick-digesting carbs from treats like these become a game-changer.

The Economics of Trail-Friendly Fuel

Rice Krispies Treats also win on cost. At $0.30 apiece, or cheaper when homemade, they’re a steal compared to gels, which run $2 to $5.50 per serving. Mushers on a budget, or those who prefer savoring their snacks, are baking their versions, some even blending in savory touches like miso or seaweed for taste and variety.

“Eat Like Your Eight-Year-Old Self Would Want to Eat”

Mushing isn’t just about brute strength (hauling heavy food buckets and wrangling huskies); it’s about rhythm, endurance, and teamwork. That includes the human athlete enjoying what they eat. As a sports physiologistputs it: “In and around a training session, eat like your eight-year-old self would want to eat.”

That applies perfectly on the trail, fuel that’s fun, easy on the stomach, cost-effective, and ready when needed.

Takeaways for Mushers and Trail Teams

In conclusion

As Rice Krispies Treats quietly reshape endurance fueling, musher-athletes are embracing their simplicity and effectiveness. This off-the-trail kid-style snack is fueling trail glides just as much as podium finishes, proving that sometimes the best fuel is the one that tastes like childhood fun.