A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Use a growth food for a medium-sized dog and divide the ration into three meals before gradually moving to two.
Adult : Adjust the intake to the actual workload and serve the ration in two meals in order to limit large intakes.
Senior : Monitor muscle mass, weight and mobility, then adjust energy and digestibility with the veterinarian.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
High-quality complete kibble for an active medium-sized dog is suitable for most adults. A home-prepared or raw diet should only be used with a formulation validated by a veterinary nutritionist in order to avoid imbalances.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily ration is calculated according to the energy density of the food, the target weight and the activity. It must be monitored by changes in body condition and adjusted with the veterinarian, especially in sport or working dogs.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 20 - 25 kg | 260 - 340 g | 2 |
| 26 - 30 kg | 320 - 400 g | 2 |
| 31 - 34 kg | 370 - 460 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change of food must be gradual over about a week, increasing each day the proportion of the new food. A slower transition may be necessary in case of digestive sensitivity.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Fresh water must remain available at all times. During exertion, offer small regular drinks and let the dog recover before allowing it to drink a large amount.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can support training, but they must remain small, suitable for the dog and deducted from the daily ration. Part of the kibble can be set aside for training sessions.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than measuring it by volume.
- Serve two daily meals and avoid intense exercise around meals.
- Reassess body condition each month.
- Gradually adjust intake when there is a change in workload.
Never give
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic in quantity, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and cooked bones are dangerous for the dog and can cause poisoning, digestive lesions or neurological disorders. Any accidental access requires prompt veterinary advice.
