A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A growth diet for a small dog must support development without excess, with several meals spread throughout the day.
Adult : The ration must be adapted to the dog's actual activity and maintained in 2 meals to promote good digestive regularity.
Senior : With age, energy intake may need to be adjusted and monitoring body condition becomes even more important.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium kibble for an active small dog generally suits the Alaskan Klee Kai very well, provided it is adapted to its life stage. A home-prepared or mixed diet can also be considered, but it must then be properly balanced with the help of a veterinarian.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount depends mainly on actual weight, age, sex, sterilization, the food’s energy density and the level of exercise. It is preferable to base it on the manufacturer’s recommendations and then adjust according to the dog’s body condition rather than following a fixed theoretical amount.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 3 - 6 kg | 98 - 142 g | 2 |
| 6 - 8 kg | 146 - 211 g | 2 |
| 8 - 11 kg | 184 - 252 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A transition spread over about a week, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food, is generally well tolerated.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times, especially for an active dog or in hot weather. After exercise, care must be taken to ensure good rehydration without encouraging too sudden a water intake right after intense exertion.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful in the training of this intelligent and sensitive dog, provided they remain moderate and are included in the total ration. It is better to favor small, tasty rewards that are easy to digest.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than measuring it approximately.
- Split the food into 2 meals per day for the adult.
- Adjust the ration during periods of more intense or calmer activity.
- Introduce any new food gradually over several days.
Never give
As with other dogs, chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, avocado, very fatty foods, cooked bones, alcohol, caffeine and products containing xylitol should be avoided, as they can cause sometimes serious poisoning, digestive, neurological or cardiac.
