A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A good-quality puppy diet helps support harmonious growth without overload.
Adult : The ration must be adapted to the actual activity level, which varies greatly depending on whether the dog works or not.
Senior : With age, the energy intake can be adjusted to preserve muscle mass without promoting weight gain.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium complete kibble for active dogs generally suits the Kelpie very well, with a formula adjusted depending on whether it is a companion, sport or working dog. Digestibility, protein quality and adapting the ration to energy expenditure take precedence over simple quantity.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount must be determined according to the dog's weight, age, sterilization and above all the actual activity level of the dog. A Kelpie that works or intensively practices a sporting activity will not have the same needs as an individual living mainly as a companion dog.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 11 - 15 kg | 235 - 322 g | 2 |
| 15 - 18 kg | 294 - 403 g | 2 |
| 18 - 22 kg | 322 - 443 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be carried out gradually over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A slow transition also makes it easier to assess the dog's tolerance to its new ration.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times, all the more so for such an active dog. Hydration deserves particular vigilance after exertion, in hot weather and during long outings.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful for the Kelpie’s training and motivation, provided they remain moderate and are included in the overall ration. It is better to favor simple, easy-to-digest rewards rather than multiplying extras that are too rich.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Split the ration into at least two meals per day.
- Adjust the quantity to the actual physical expenditure rather than to weight alone.
- Avoid intense exertion just before and just after meals.
Never give
As with other dogs, you should avoid in particular chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, avocado, alcohol, sweeteners such as xylitol and cooked bones, as they can cause serious digestive disorders, poisoning or potentially life-threatening complications.
