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?
Good-quality kibble for an active medium-sized dog is generally very suitable, provided it offers an adequate protein intake and an energy density consistent with its lifestyle. The essential thing is to favor a stable diet, well tolerated and easy to portion.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount depends on weight, age, sex, sterilization and the intensity of activity. In this hunting dog, the ration must be reassessed as soon as the pace of outings or work changes in a lasting way.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 17 - 20 kg | 323 - 443 g | 2 |
| 20 - 22 kg | 334 - 459 g | 2 |
| 22 - 25 kg | 371 - 509 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change of food must be done gradually over several days to avoid digestive disorders. A slow transition helps to observe the appetite, stool quality and the dog's overall tolerance.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Hydration is particularly important after exercise, in mild to hot weather and during hunting days or long walks.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can support training and recall, but they must remain measured so as not to unbalance the ration. It is preferable to use small, simple rewards that are well tolerated.
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 treats from the daily ration.
Never give
As with other dogs, chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, cooked bones, alcohol, xylitol and very fatty or very salty foods should be avoided, as they can cause poisoning or digestive disorders that can sometimes be serious.
