A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Choose a suitable growth food and divide the ration into three meals before gradually moving to two.
Adult : Adjust the intake to the activity and monitor the silhouette in order to prevent overweight.
Senior : Favor an easily digestible and moderately energy-dense formula, with veterinary monitoring of mobility and weight.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
High-quality kibble for a medium-sized dog is a suitable option, provided you choose a formula that matches its age and activity. A complete wet diet or a home-prepared ration formulated with a veterinary nutritionist may also be suitable.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount depends on the energy density of the food, weight, age, neutering and activity. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer's guide, to weigh the portions and to adjust them according to changes in body shape.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 15 kg | 200 - 240 g | 2 |
| 17 - 18 kg | 220 - 270 g | 2 |
| 20 kg | 250 - 300 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be gradual over about a week, by gradually increasing the proportion of the new food. This transition limits digestive upsets and makes it possible to check good tolerance of the new ration.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times, particularly after walks, during hot periods and with a dry diet. The bowl must be washed regularly.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can support training, but they must remain small and be deducted from the daily ration. Low-calorie rewards are preferable so as not to encourage weight gain.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh each portion with a kitchen scale.
- Split the daily intake into two meals.
- Deduct treats from the daily ration.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and after the meal.
- Regularly monitor body shape and weight.
Never give
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic, leek, avocado, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine, xylitol and cooked bones are dangerous for the dog and can cause poisoning, digestive lesions or an obstruction. In case of ingestion, you must quickly contact a veterinarian.
