A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Split meals and a good-quality growth diet support development without excess.
Adult : The ration must be adjusted to the actual activity level, with two meals per day in the majority of cases.
Senior : A more digestible formula and monitoring of weight, joints and muscle mass become priorities.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium kibble for an active medium-sized dog generally suits very well, provided that the energy density remains consistent with its lifestyle. For very athletic individuals, a richer formula can be useful, while a less active dog will need to receive a more measured ration.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount varies depending on adult weight, age, sterilization, season and above all actual activity. In this breed, it is better to adjust the ration by observing the silhouette and energy level rather than overfeeding a dog that moves less on certain days.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 13 - 15 kg | 180 - 240 g | 2 |
| 15 - 18 kg | 220 - 300 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary transition must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. It is recommended to gradually mix the old food and the new one, then to increase the proportion of the latter until complete replacement.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. After exertion, in hot weather or after a day of hunting, monitoring hydration is particularly important for this very active dog.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful for training and recall, but they must remain measured and integrated into the overall energy intake. It is preferable to choose simple, digestible rewards that are easy to break into smaller pieces.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than pouring it in by guesswork.
- Split the food into 2 meals per day.
- Adjust the quantities during periods of high or low activity.
- Limit treats if the dog is neutered or less active.
Never give
As with other dogs, it is necessary to avoid in particular chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, alcohol, cooked bones and very fatty foods, as they can cause poisoning, severe digestive disorders or veterinary emergencies.
