A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : a quality growth diet with several meals per day helps support development without excess energy
Adult : the ration must match the actual activity level, with fine adjustment to avoid both thinness and weight gain
Senior : a more controlled intake and joint and muscle monitoring often become useful with age
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium kibble for an active medium-sized dog generally works well, with a composition rich in digestible animal proteins and a good energy balance. For very athletic individuals, a denser formula may be appropriate, whereas a less active dog will need a more controlled ration.
Amounts
How much should you give?
Quantities must always be adjusted to weight, body condition and actual activity level. A Border Collie that works, practices a sport or spends a lot of time outdoors will not have the same needs as a companion dog living mainly indoors. The ration is generally divided into 2 meals per day for an adult.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 14 - 17 kg | 180 - 240 g | 2 |
| 18 - 20 kg | 220 - 280 g | 2 |
| 21 - 22 kg | 260 - 330 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary transition must be done gradually over about a week in order to limit digestive upsets. The proportion of the new food is increased little by little while observing the stools, appetite and overall tolerance.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain accessible at all times, with increased vigilance after exertion, in hot weather and during travel. A very active dog may have markedly higher water needs on certain days.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats are useful for training this very receptive breed, provided they remain small in size and are included in the daily ration. It is better to favor quality and moderation rather than an excessive caloric intake.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than measuring it approximately
- Spread meals out away from the most intense exertion
- Adjust quantities according to body shape and not according to appetite alone
- Introduce any new food gradually
- Split the daily ration into 2 meals for the adult
Never give
Chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, avocado, alcohol, cooked bones, xylitol and very fatty or very salty foods should be avoided because they can cause poisoning, severe digestive disorders or metabolic complications in dogs.
