A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Choose a growth food for a medium-sized dog and split the ration into 3 to 4 meals per day depending on age.
Adult : Adjust the ration to the actual activity and preferably split the daily amount into 2 meals.
Senior : Monitor weight, muscle mass and digestive comfort with a less caloric food if activity decreases.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
A complete premium diet, most often in the form of good-quality kibble, is well suited to this active dog. The important thing is to choose a formula suited to medium-sized dogs, with digestible proteins and an energy density in line with its pace of life.
Amounts
How much should you give?
Quantities must be calculated according to actual weight, body condition, daily activity and the caloric density of the chosen food. In adults, it is generally preferable to divide the ration into two meals in order to improve digestive comfort and better control intake.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 10 - 12 kg | 203 - 278 g | 2 |
| 12 - 13 kg | 230 - 315 g | 2 |
| 13 - 15 kg | 256 - 351 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary change must be made gradually over 7 to 10 days by slowly increasing the proportion of the new food. This transition limits digestive upsets and helps to check good tolerance of the new formula.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Needs increase after exercise, in hot weather and during long outdoor outings, hence the benefit of bringing water during activities.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats are useful for training this dog, which is receptive to positive reinforcement, provided they remain moderate. They must be deducted from the daily ration and chosen to be simple, digestible and suited to its size.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than estimating it by eye.
- Deduct treats from the daily caloric intake.
- Quickly adjust the ration in the event of a clear increase or decrease in activity.
- Regularly monitor body condition rather than weight alone.
Never give
As with other dogs, chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine and cooked bones should be avoided, as they can cause digestive, neurological, hematological or toxic disorders that are sometimes serious.
