A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A growth diet for a medium-sized puppy, given in several meals, helps support steady development without excess weight.
Adult : In adulthood, the ration must match the actual level of activity, with particular attention to periods of hunting, sport, or lower expenditure.
Senior : In older dogs, a more digestible diet is preferred, maintaining muscle mass and monitoring weight as well as mobility.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
A complete premium diet for an active medium-sized dog is generally well suited, in the form of high-quality kibble or a well-formulated home-prepared ration with the help of a veterinarian. The choice should remain stable, digestible and consistent with the intensity of the effort provided.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount varies according to weight, metabolism, season and activity, especially in hunting or sporting dogs. It must be adjusted individually to maintain a lean silhouette and good endurance, without overfeeding.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 20 - 23 kg | 343 - 471 g | 2 |
| 23 - 27 kg | 390 - 535 g | 2 |
| 27 - 30 kg | 436 - 598 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary transition must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive disorders. In the event of a change of brand, recipe or activity rhythm, observing stools, appetite and general condition remains essential.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must be available at all times, with increased attention after exertion, in summer and during travel. An active and hardy dog like the West Siberian Laika must be able to rehydrate easily after prolonged outings.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful for recall, training and motivation, but they must remain simple, digestible and given in moderation. It is better to include them in the calculation of the daily ration to avoid unnecessary excesses.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Split the daily ration into at least two meals for the adult.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and just after the meal.
- Adjust the ration according to the season and the intensity of the work.
- Regularly monitor body condition rather than weight alone.
Never give
As with other dogs, chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, avocado, alcohol, cooked bones, yeast dough, xylitol and very fatty foods should be avoided, as they can cause severe digestive disorders, poisoning or veterinary emergencies.
