A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Choose a growth food for a medium-sized dog and divide the ration into three meals, without any non-prescribed mineral supplement.
Adult : Adjust the intake to the actual activity and divide the ration into two daily meals.
Senior : Preserve muscle mass with digestible proteins and adjust calories if activity decreases.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Complete, good-quality kibble for an active medium-sized dog is suitable, provided it supplies digestible animal proteins, appropriate lipids and a correct mineral balance. A home-prepared ration is possible only if it is formulated by a veterinary nutritionist in order to avoid deficiencies.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The quantity indicated by the manufacturer is a starting point to be adjusted according to body condition, the season and the intensity of activity. The daily ration is ideally weighed then divided into two meals for the adult.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 16 - 20 kg | 220 - 290 g | 2 |
| 21 - 25 kg | 280 - 360 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change of food must be gradual over about seven to ten days, by gradually increasing the proportion of the new food. A slower transition may be necessary if the stools become soft or if the dog shows digestive sensitivity.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Fresh, clean water must remain accessible at all times. After intense exercise, it is preferable to let the dog calm down and drink in several times rather than abruptly absorbing a large quantity.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats are useful for training, but they must remain small and be included in the daily energy intake. Part of the kibble from the ration can be used as a reward in order to limit weight gain.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh each portion rather than using an approximate measure.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and after meals.
- Monitor body condition and weight at least once a month.
- Deduct treats from the daily ration.
Never give
Chocolate, fresh or dried grapes, onion, garlic in quantity, leek, avocado, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine and any product containing xylitol are dangerous. Cooked bones can break and cause an obstruction or a digestive perforation; any moldy or very fatty food also exposes to poisoning or pancreatitis.
