Diet

Feeding your Old Danish Pointer well

Denmark

The diet of the Old Danish Pointer must support its physical activity, maintain its muscle mass and cover its needs without promoting weight gain. A complete, good-quality food, adapted to its age, its weight and its level of exercise, is to be preferred.

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?

Premium kibble or a balanced home-prepared ration formulated with a veterinarian are well suited to this breed. For a very active dog, a formula rich in quality animal proteins and digestible energy is generally the most suitable.

Amounts

How much should you give?

Quantities must be adjusted according to weight, age, body condition and activity intensity. A dog that hunts or expends a lot of energy will not have the same needs as an individual living mainly as a companion.

WeightDaily amountMeals/day
26 - 29 kg425 - 582 g2
29 - 32 kg467 - 639 g2
32 - 35 kg509 - 696 g2

Change

Managing the food transition

Any change in diet must be made gradually over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. It is preferable to increase little by little the proportion of the new food while monitoring appetite and stool quality.

Hydration

Water: do not overlook it

Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Hydration is particularly important after exertion, in hot weather and during prolonged outings in natural terrain.

Little extras

Treats, in moderation

Treats can be useful for training and motivation, but they must remain moderate and included in the daily caloric intake. It is better to favor simple, digestible rewards given at the right time.

Good habits

For a top-notch bowl

  • Adjust the ration to the dog's actual activity level
  • Split daily meals for better digestive comfort
  • Regularly monitor body condition to adjust quantities

Never give

As with other dogs, chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, alcohol, xylitol, cooked bones and very fatty foods should be avoided, as they can cause poisoning, severe digestive disorders or metabolic complications.