A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A diet for a growing small breed, divided into several meals, helps support development without digestive overload.
Adult : The ration must be stable, measured and adapted to the actual weight as well as the daily activity level.
Senior : With age, a more digestible formula and monitoring of weight, dentition and appetite become even more important.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
A premium diet for small dogs, dry or mixed depending on digestive tolerance and the desired dental hygiene, is generally suitable. The ration must remain adapted to the age, actual weight, activity level and physiological condition of the dog.
Amounts
How much should you give?
Quantities vary quickly depending on the actual weight and the energy density of the food. In this breed, it is better to weigh the ration and readjust it regularly rather than roughly filling the bowl.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 2 kg | 50 - 73 g | 2 |
| 2 - 4 kg | 74 - 108 g | 2 |
| 4 - 5 kg | 98 - 142 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary transition must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A slow change, with observation of stools, appetite and overall comfort, remains the best approach.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Hydration deserves increased vigilance during hot periods, after play and in dogs fed mainly with kibble.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and small in size. They are useful for training, but their calorie intake must be included in the daily ration to avoid weight gain.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than measuring it approximately.
- Split the meals if the dog digests better in several servings.
- Adapt the treats to the breed’s small size.
- Reassess the ration in case of sterilization or decreased activity.
Never give
Chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, alcohol, xylitol, cooked bones and yeast dough must be avoided, as they can cause serious digestive, neurological, hematological or metabolic disorders in dogs.
