A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Choose a complete growth food and divide the ration into several small meals before gradually moving to two meals.
Adult : Adapt the intake to the activity and regularly monitor body condition to maintain a slim silhouette.
Senior : Favor an easily digestible formula and adjust energy to expenditure, with more regular veterinary follow-up.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
High-quality complete kibble adapted to a small or medium size and to the life stage is suitable. A home-prepared ration is possible if it is formulated with a veterinary nutritionist in order to avoid deficiencies and imbalances.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily ration is ideally divided into two meals. The manufacturer's guidelines serve as a starting point, then the quantity is adjusted according to body condition, activity and the veterinarian's recommendations.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 7 - 8 kg | 120 - 145 g | 2 |
| 9 - 10 kg | 145 - 170 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. A slower transition may be necessary in a dog that is sensitive from a digestive standpoint.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain accessible at all times, particularly after exercise and in hot weather. Usual consumption should be monitored, as a significant variation may indicate a health problem.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain small, low-calorie and counted in the daily intake. They can be reserved for training and partly replaced by kibble taken from the ration.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than measuring it by eye.
- Split the daily food into two meals.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and after the meal.
- Adjust the quantity to body condition and activity level.
- Include treats in the daily calorie intake.
Never give
Chocolate, fresh or dried grapes, onion, garlic, leek, avocado, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine and products containing xylitol are dangerous for the dog. Cooked bones can break and cause an obstruction or a digestive perforation. In case of ingestion, you must quickly contact a veterinarian or a veterinary poison control center.
