A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Choose a food for large-breed puppies, divided into three meals, and monitor steady growth without excess energy.
Adult : Adapt a complete diet to actual activity and split the ration into two daily meals.
Senior : Favor a digestible formula, maintain quality proteins and adjust calories to the decrease in activity.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Complete, quality kibble formulated for large-breed dogs is a practical solution. A home-prepared ration based on meat, starches and vegetables may be suitable if it is calculated and supplemented by a veterinary nutritionist. Calcium and phosphorus must never be added at random, especially in the puppy.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount depends on the energy density of the food, weight, age, neutering and activity level. The manufacturer's guidelines must be adjusted to body condition and divided into at least two meals in order to better control digestion.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 27 - 34 kg | 300 - 380 g | 2 |
| 35 - 40 kg | 360 - 440 g | 2 |
| 41 - 47 kg | 420 - 500 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change of food must be gradual over about seven to ten days, increasing each day the proportion of the new food. A slower transition may be necessary in an individual with a sensitive digestive system.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Fresh water must remain available at all times, especially after walks and in hot weather. After an intense run, it is preferable to let the dog calm down and allow it to drink without hastily ingesting a very large quantity.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain small, low in fat and included in the daily ration. They are particularly useful for recall training, but their quantity must remain moderate in order to preserve the silhouette and digestive balance.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than estimating it by eye.
- Split the food into at least two daily meals.
- Avoid intense running just before and after meals.
- Check weight and body condition every month.
- Have any homemade ration validated by a veterinary nutritionist.
Never give
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic in toxic quantities, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and cooked bones are dangerous. They can cause digestive, neurological, blood, kidney disorders or internal injuries and require prompt veterinary advice in case of ingestion.
