A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Provide a complete growth food in three meals, with a ration adjusted regularly without speeding up weight gain.
Adult : Divide the ration into two meals and adapt it to outings, work and body condition.
Senior : Favor an easily digestible formula, monitor weight more often and adjust intake according to activity and veterinary advice.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Complete, good-quality kibble for an adult dog of medium size and active generally suits. A home-prepared ration can also be considered if it is formulated with a veterinarian in order to ensure a balanced intake of proteins, lipids, minerals and vitamins.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount must be calculated based on ideal weight, activity and the manufacturer’s recommendations, then adjusted according to changes in body shape. A dog that hunts or works regularly may have needs significantly higher than those of a less active companion.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 14 - 15 kg | 180 - 230 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be gradual over about a week, increasing each day the proportion of the new food in order to limit digestive upsets.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Fresh, clean water must remain available at all times. During long walks or hunting days, frequent hydration breaks should be offered without waiting for the dog to show intense thirst.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats are useful for training, but must remain small and be counted in the daily ration. Low-calorie rewards or part of the meal kibble limit the risk of overweight.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than measuring it by eye.
- Maintain a silhouette with palpable ribs without excess fat.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and after meals.
- Deduct training treats from the daily ration.
Never give
Chocolate, fresh or dried grapes, onion, garlic in quantity, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and cooked bones must be kept out of reach, as they can cause poisoning, digestive lesions or obstruction and require urgent veterinary care.
