A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Slow growth of a large dog, in three meals, without calcium supplement.
Adult : Ration adjusted to actual activity, often lower on the plains than in the mountains.
Senior : Digestible food and joint support, while maintaining a lean weight.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Quality kibble for large dogs, with controlled growth for the young, is well suited. Avoid overly rich formulas intended for intensive sporting dogs if it does not have equivalent activity.
Amounts
How much should you give?
An adult weighing 30 to 45 kg often receives 400 to 650 g of kibble per day depending on activity, climate and sterilization.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 30 - 35 kg | 400 - 540 g | 2 |
| 35 - 40 kg | 460 - 620 g | 2 |
| 40 - 45 kg | 520 - 700 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change of food must be gradual over seven to ten days in order to limit diarrhea and loss of appetite, especially during hunting season.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Fresh water must remain available at all times, especially in summer. This double-coated dog dehydrates quickly during exertion in hot weather.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats remain occasional. For this large size, they are deducted from the ration to avoid joint overload.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Do not try to make him massive: weight kills the joints.
- Two meals are better than one for this large format.
Never give
Chocolate, grapes, xylitol, onion, garlic, alcohol, caffeine, cooked bones and very fatty leftovers are dangerous. In case of ingestion, contact a veterinarian.
