A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Growth food adapted to the expected size, divided into three meals, without unnecessary calcium supplementation.
Adult : Controlled ration in two meals, adjusted to ideal weight and actual activity.
Senior : Digestible food, possibly less energy-dense, with joint and dental monitoring.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
A premium diet rich in good-quality animal proteins is preferred, with a simple and digestible composition. Well-formulated kibble for large dogs may be suitable, as may a properly balanced home-cooked or raw ration under competent supervision.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount must be adapted to the weight, activity and energy density of the chosen food. In this large dog, it is better to avoid excesses, split the meals and regularly monitor body condition to adjust the ration.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 30 - 37 kg | 511 - 699 g | 2 |
| 37 - 45 kg | 542 - 736 g | 2 |
| 45 - 52 kg | 630 - 853 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be done gradually over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A gentle transition also makes it possible to check good tolerance of the new formula.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must be available at all times. Vigilance is increased in hot weather, after exercise or when feeding a dry diet exclusively made up of kibble.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and be included in the calculation of the overall ration. They are useful for training, but their quantity must be limited so as not to unbalance the daily energy intake.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration each day rather than serving by volume.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and after the meal.
- Deduct training treats from the daily ration.
Never give
As with other dogs, you should avoid chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, avocado, cooked bones, alcohol, caffeine and sweeteners such as xylitol, as they can cause severe digestive disorders, neurological poisoning or liver and kidney damage.
