A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Choose a complete food for a small-breed puppy and divide the ration into three meals during growth.
Adult : Adjust the intake to the ideal weight and activity, generally in two daily meals.
Senior : Regularly monitor weight, teeth and muscle mass, then adjust the food with the veterinarian.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
High-quality kibble formulated for small dogs is suitable, provided it supplies quality animal proteins and appropriate energy. A complete wet diet or a home-prepared ration formulated with a veterinary nutritionist may also be suitable.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount must be calculated based on ideal weight, activity level and the manufacturer’s recommendations, then adjusted according to changes in body shape. For an adult, the ration is generally divided into two meals.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 4 kg | 70 - 90 g | 2 |
| 5 kg | 85 - 105 g | 2 |
| 6 kg | 95 - 120 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change of food must be gradual over about a week, gradually increasing the proportion of the new diet. A slower transition may be necessary if digestive disorders appear.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. The bowl must be refilled each day and monitored more closely in hot weather, after exercise or when fed a mainly dry diet.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and be deducted from the daily ration. Small pieces adapted to the size of the dog can be used for training without promoting overweight.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration with a kitchen scale.
- Choose a kibble size suited to its small jaw.
- Deduct treats from the daily intake.
- Monitor the silhouette and adjust the ration gradually.
Never give
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic, leek, avocado, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts, xylitol and cooked bones should be avoided, as they can cause poisoning, digestive disorders, neurological damage or internal injuries.
