A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Growth food adapted to the expected size, divided into three meals, without unnecessary calcium supplementation.
Adult : Controlled ration in two meals, adjusted to ideal weight and actual activity.
Senior : Digestible food, possibly less energy-dense, with joint and dental monitoring.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium complete kibble for an active medium-sized adult dog is generally well suited, with a good-quality protein intake and an energy density adjusted to its activity. A home-prepared or mixed ration can be considered if it is formulated rigorously with a veterinarian.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount varies according to actual weight, age, sterilization, temperature and above all the level of activity. In this scenthound, needs easily increase during hunting periods or sustained exercise, which justifies considering the ration on a case-by-case basis by monitoring body condition.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 20 - 22 kg | 331 - 455 g | 2 |
| 22 - 23 kg | 355 - 487 g | 2 |
| 23 - 25 kg | 378 - 519 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change of food must be done gradually over 7 to 10 days in order to limit digestive disorders. It is preferable to increase little by little the proportion of the new food while monitoring the stools, appetite and digestive tolerance.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Hydration deserves increased vigilance after prolonged exertion, in hot weather and during travel or hunting activities.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful for training and motivation, but they must remain moderate and integrated into the daily caloric intake. It is preferable to favor simple, digestible and low-fat rewards.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration each day rather than serving by volume.
- Avoid intense exertion just before and after the meal.
- Deduct training rewards from the daily ration.
Never give
As with other dogs, it is necessary to avoid in particular chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, avocado, alcohol, cooked bones, xylitol and very fatty foods, as they can cause poisoning, severe digestive disorders or metabolic complications.
