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 before gradually moving to two.
Adult : Adjust the intake to the actual activity, checking the weight and body condition each month.
Senior : Favor an easily digestible formula, moderately energy-dense and sufficiently high in protein, with veterinary monitoring of the joints and kidneys.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
High-quality kibble for an active medium-sized dog is suitable, provided it supplies digestible animal proteins, measured fats and an appropriate mineral balance. A home-prepared ration is possible only if it is formulated with a veterinary nutritionist.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The quantity is determined according to target weight, age, sterilization, season and physical expenditure. The manufacturer’s guidelines serve as a starting point, then the ration is adjusted according to changes in weight and body shape.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 9 - 11 kg | 140 - 190 g | 2 |
| 12 - 14 kg | 180 - 240 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 a sensitive dog in order to limit soft stools, gas or food refusal.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain accessible at all times, particularly after work, long walks and in hot weather. During exertion, offer small, regular drinks rather than a massive intake immediately after exercise.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Rewards are useful for training, but they must remain small and represent less than 10% of the daily energy intake. Part of the kibble from the ration can be set aside for learning sessions.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration with a scale rather than using an approximate measuring cup.
- Split the feeding into two daily meals.
- Avoid intense exertion just before and after meals.
- Reduce the ration when many treats are given.
- Monitor the silhouette under the dense coat by regular palpation.
Never give
Avoid in particular chocolate, fresh or dried grapes, onion, garlic, leek, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and cooked bones, which can cause poisoning, digestive disorders or internal injuries. In case of suspected ingestion, contact a veterinarian or a veterinary poison control center immediately.
