A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A small-breed puppy diet, split into several meals, supports its growth without overloading its digestion.
Adult : A complete, quality ration, well measured and adapted to its ideal weight, is generally enough to cover its needs.
Senior : With age, a more digestible formula and monitoring of weight, appetite and overall comfort become useful.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Kibble or a complete ration of good quality formulated for small dogs generally suit the breed well, provided they are adapted to the age, weight and individual digestive sensitivity. A texture that is easy to grasp and excellent digestibility are preferable.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily ration must be adjusted according to the actual weight, body condition, age, sterilization and activity of each dog. For a small indoor dog, it is better to finely control the quantities rather than feed by eye.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 2 - 3 kg | 68 - 99 g | 2 |
| 3 - 5 kg | 91 - 134 g | 2 |
| 5 - 6 kg | 116 - 168 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be done gradually over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A slow transition also makes it possible to check that the new formula suits its appetite, its stools and its overall comfort.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. In hot weather or after a walk, it is useful to monitor its water consumption and its behavior more closely.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful for training and bonding, but they must remain occasional and be integrated into the total daily intake. For a small dog, excesses happen quickly, even with small quantities.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than feeding by eye.
- Split meals if the dog eats too fast or digests poorly.
- Limit treats and table scraps.
- Monitor body condition each month.
Never give
As with other dogs, it is necessary to avoid in particular chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, avocado, alcohol, cooked bones and sweetened products with xylitol, as they can cause digestive, neurological, blood or metabolic disorders that are sometimes serious.
