A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A growth diet for a medium-sized puppy, divided into several meals, supports development without excess.
Adult : A complete, good-quality ration, adjusted to actual activity, helps maintain musculature, coat and ideal weight.
Senior : With age, a more digestible formula and monitoring of weight, teeth and mobility become particularly useful.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium kibble for medium-sized dogs generally works very well, provided it is suited to the dog’s life stage and activity level. For sensitive individuals, a formula that supports digestion, skin and coat can be of interest.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The quantity must be adjusted according to actual weight, daily activity, sterilization and the energy density of the chosen food. It is preferable to base it on the dog's body condition and the manufacturer's recommendations rather than to overfeed a very demanding dog.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 9 - 10 kg | 184 - 252 g | 2 |
| 10 - 12 kg | 206 - 282 g | 2 |
| 12 - 13 kg | 227 - 311 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary transition must be done gradually over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A change from one food to another that is too rapid can cause loose stools, digestive discomfort or a decrease in appetite.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. After exercise, in hot weather or in the case of dry feeding, extra attention must be paid to daily hydration.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful for training and bonding, but they must remain measured and included in the total daily calorie intake. It is better to favor simple, digestible rewards of small size.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration regularly to avoid excess.
- Preferably split it into two meals per day in adulthood.
- Adjust the ration after sterilization or a decrease in activity.
Never give
As with other dogs, chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, alcohol, xylitol, cooked bones and very fatty or very salty foods should be avoided, as they can cause severe digestive disorders, poisoning or metabolic complications.
