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?
Premium kibble formulated for large dogs generally constitutes a suitable base, provided that the quality of the proteins and the balance of the ration are respected. During growth, a diet specifically designed for large-breed puppies is preferable in order to support development without excess.
Amounts
How much should you give?
Quantities must be adapted to the dog's age, weight, activity and body condition. In the Fila Brasileiro, it is particularly important to avoid energy overfeeding, especially during growth, in order to limit weight gain and stress on the joints.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 40 - 47 kg | 570 - 773 g | 2 |
| 47 - 53 kg | 650 - 880 g | 2 |
| 53 - 60 kg | 730 - 986 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary change must be gradual over several days to avoid digestive upsets. A well-managed transition also helps to better observe tolerance of the new ration and to adjust quantities if necessary.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times, all the more so for a large active dog often living outdoors. Hydration deserves increased attention in hot weather and after exertion.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and be included in the overall calculation of the daily ration. In a dog predisposed to gaining weight, it is better to favor small rewards and avoid intakes that are too rich or too frequent.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration each day rather than serving by volume.
- Avoid intense exertion just before and after the meal.
- Deduct training treats from the daily ration.
Never give
As with other dogs, chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, alcohol, very fatty foods, cooked bones and xylitol-sweetened products should be avoided, as they can cause severe digestive disorders, poisoning or severe metabolic damage.
