Diet

Feeding your Hamiltonstövare well

Sweden

The Hamilton Hound needs a quality diet, adapted to its age, its size, its body condition and its level of physical activity. Needs may increase during hunting periods or sustained training.

A menu for every age

Needs change over time

  • Puppy : Choose a complete food for the growth of a medium-sized dog and divide the ration into several meals.

  • Adult : Adjust the energy density and the quantity to the activity level, particularly during hunting periods.

  • Senior : Regularly reassess the ration, weight and mobility with the veterinarian in order to preserve muscle mass.

Which food?

Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?

A complete and balanced diet for a medium-sized and active dog is suitable, in the form of kibble, wet food or a home-prepared ration formulated with a veterinarian. The energy density must be adjusted to the intensity of the exercise.

Amounts

How much should you give?

The daily amount must follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and be adjusted according to weight, body condition, age and energy expenditure. Splitting meals helps to avoid too large a food intake in a single sitting.

WeightDaily amountMeals/day
23 - 24 kg371 - 509 g2
24 - 26 kg390 - 535 g2
26 - 27 kg408 - 560 g2

Change

Managing the food transition

Any change in diet must be carried out gradually over several days in order to limit digestive upsets, by gradually increasing the proportion of the new food.

Hydration

Water: do not overlook it

Fresh water must remain available at all times, especially after long outings, during hot periods and on hunting days.

Little extras

Treats, in moderation

Treats should remain occasional, be suited to the dog and be deducted from the daily ration in order to preserve its ideal weight.

Good habits

For a top-notch bowl

  • Adjust the ration to the actual activity level.
  • Split the daily feeding.
  • Avoid intense exercise just before and after the meal.
  • Regularly monitor weight and body condition.

Never give

Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic, leek, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and cooked bones should be avoided, as they can cause poisoning, digestive disorders, neurological damage or internal injuries.