A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Choose a growth food for a medium to large-sized dog, split into three meals, without excess energy or non-prescribed mineral supplement.
Adult : Serve a ration adapted to the activity in two meals and adjust according to body condition.
Senior : Favor a digestible formula, moderately energetic and adapted to mobility after veterinary advice.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
High-quality complete kibble adapted to age, weight and activity level constitutes a practical base. A home-prepared ration may be suitable if it is formulated by a veterinary nutritionist in order to ensure balance in proteins, lipids, minerals and vitamins. Meat must not unbalance an already complete ration.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The quantity depends on the energy density of the food, the actual weight, the age and the activity. The manufacturer's recommendation serves as a starting point, then the ration is adjusted according to body condition and the veterinarian's advice.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 25 - 27 kg | 280 - 320 g | 2 |
| 28 - 30 kg | 300 - 350 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change of food must be carried out gradually over seven to ten days, increasing the proportion of the new food in stages. This transition limits digestive upsets and makes it possible to check that the recipe is well tolerated.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Fresh, clean water must remain accessible at all times, especially after exercise and in hot weather. Water should be renewed regularly and a supply taken along during walks, sports sessions and trips.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional, small in size and represent less than 10% of the daily energy intake. Part of the kibble can be used for training in order to reward without excess.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the daily ration rather than measuring it by eye.
- Split the food into two meals for the adult.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and after the meal.
- Check the silhouette and weight each month.
- Adjust the ration to the treats used for training.
Never give
Chocolate, fresh or dried grapes, onion, garlic in quantity, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts, cooked bones and very salty or very fatty foods should be avoided. They can cause poisoning, neurological disorders, kidney damage, digestive lesions or pancreatitis and require urgent veterinary advice in case of ingestion.
