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?
A complete, high-quality diet for a large active dog is generally the most suitable, with particular attention to the growth phase. Kibble formulated for large-breed puppies and then for athletic adults most often makes it possible to better control energy and mineral intake.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount must be adjusted to the actual weight, age, activity level and energy density of the chosen food. In this breed, it is preferable to consult with the veterinarian or the breeder in order to avoid both excesses and deficiencies during growth.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 40 - 42 kg | 540 - 733 g | 2 |
| 42 - 43 kg | 560 - 760 g | 2 |
| 43 - 45 kg | 580 - 786 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A slow transition is particularly useful in a large dog sensitive to dietary imbalances.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Hydration is particularly important after exertion, in hot weather and for a dog fed a dry diet.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful for training, provided they remain simple, digestible and well integrated into the total ration. They must not become a source of excess calories or encourage anarchic food intake.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration each day rather than serving by volume.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and after the meal.
- Deduct training treats from the daily ration.
Never give
As with other dogs, chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, avocado, cooked bones, alcohol, xylitol and very fatty or spicy foods should be avoided, as they can cause poisoning, severe digestive disorders or pancreatitis.
