A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Choose a food for large-breed puppies and control the growth rate in order to protect the joints.
Adult : Adjust the energy intake to the actual activity level and split the ration into two meals.
Senior : Maintain digestible proteins, reduce energy if activity decreases and monitor weight, muscles and joints.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Complete, quality kibble intended for large dogs is a practical solution, provided that the recipe provides clearly identified animal proteins and an appropriate energy density. A home-prepared ration or a wet diet can also be suitable if it is formulated with a veterinarian in order to guarantee balance in energy, proteins, minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount depends heavily on the energy density of the food, weight, age, neutering and activity. The manufacturer's indications serve as a starting point, then the ration is adjusted according to body condition and weight changes. In adults, splitting into two meals helps avoid a single meal that is too large.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 25 - 30 kg | 300 - 380 g | 2 |
| 31 - 35 kg | 350 - 440 g | 2 |
| 36 - 40 kg | 400 - 500 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change of food must be gradual over about one week, or even longer in a sensitive subject. The portion of the new food increases in stages while the old one decreases. In case of persistent diarrhea, vomiting or refusal to eat, the transition must be slowed down and a veterinarian consulted.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times, particularly after exertion and in hot weather. It is better to let the dog recover calmly after an intense activity and avoid it gulping down a very large quantity of water all at once.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can support positive training, but they must remain small and be deducted from the daily ration. Simple rewards, low in fat and easy to digest are preferable. For a highly motivated dog, part of its kibble can be used during training sessions.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than estimating it by eye.
- Split the daily food into two meals.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and after meals.
- Check the weight and body condition every month.
- Deduct treats from the daily ration.
Never give
Chocolate, fresh or dried grapes, onion, garlic in large quantities, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and raw dough containing yeast are dangerous for the dog. Cooked bones can splinter and cause an obstruction or a perforation. Any suspected ingestion requires prompt veterinary advice.
