A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Choose a complete food for the growth of medium to large-sized dogs and divide the ration into three meals before gradually moving to two.
Adult : Adjust the intake to the hunting season, the duration of outings and body condition, while maintaining two meals per day.
Senior : Preserve muscle mass with digestible proteins and adjust energy downward to the decrease in activity after veterinary advice.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
A complete, good-quality food formulated for an active adult dog of medium to large size is generally suitable. It must provide digestible animal proteins, an amount of fat adapted to the level of effort, and a mineral balance consistent with the life stage. Any home-prepared ration must be formulated by a veterinary nutritionist.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount must be calculated based on the manufacturer's recommendations then adjusted according to body condition and energy expenditure. In a hunting dog during the season, needs can increase markedly, while they decrease during rest periods.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 22 - 27 kg | 280 - 350 g | 2 |
| 28 - 34 kg | 340 - 430 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be gradual over about 7 to 10 days, increasing each day the proportion of the new food. A slower transition is preferable in case of loose stools, digestive sensitivity or after a period of intense work.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Fresh water must remain accessible at all times. During hunting outings, training sessions and in hot weather, regularly offer small amounts of water and plan breaks in order to avoid dehydration and overheating.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and represent less than 10% of the daily energy intake. For training, favor small low-calorie pieces and deduct their contribution from the main ration.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration with a scale rather than using an approximate measuring cup.
- Serve two daily meals and avoid intense exertion just before and after the meal.
- Check body condition each month and adjust the portion in small steps.
- Bring water and an appropriate ration during long working days.
Never give
Chocolate, fresh or dried grapes, onion, garlic in quantity, leek, products containing xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts, cooked bones and very fatty or very salty foods should be avoided, as they can cause poisoning, digestive lesions, pancreatitis or obstruction.
