A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A diet for a large-breed puppy helps support steady growth without excess energy.
Adult : In adulthood, the ration must cover maintenance needs while maintaining a stable weight and good muscle mass.
Senior : In seniors, a more digestible diet and closer monitoring of weight and mobility become particularly useful.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium kibble for large dogs often constitutes the simplest solution to cover its needs while keeping the ration under control. If a home-prepared diet is chosen, it must remain balanced in proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables and minerals, ideally with veterinary validation.
Amounts
How much should you give?
Daily amounts vary depending on age, sex, activity level, sterilization and the energy density of the food. In this breed, it is better to fine-tune portions than to feed by guesswork, because excess weight quickly weighs on the joints.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 35 - 43 kg | 588 - 804 g | 2 |
| 43 - 52 kg | 620 - 840 g | 2 |
| 52 - 60 kg | 720 - 973 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be carried out gradually over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A slow transition also makes it easier to observe appetite, stool tolerance and changes in body condition.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times, especially in summer and after exercise. Hydration deserves special attention in this thick-coated dog, especially when it lives outdoors or in hot weather.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful in training, but they must remain moderate and included in the calculation of the daily ration. It is preferable to choose simple, digestible rewards adapted to the dog's large size.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration regularly instead of serving by eye.
- Split meals into at least two servings per day.
- Adjust the ration immediately if the silhouette gets heavier.
Never give
As with all dogs, chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic, avocado, alcohol, yeast dough, cooked bones and sweeteners such as xylitol should be avoided, as they can cause severe digestive or neurological disorders, or potentially fatal poisoning.
