A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A well-formulated growth diet helps support development without promoting overly rapid growth.
Adult : The ration must cover maintenance and activity, with adjustment according to the season and the work performed.
Senior : In the aging dog, a more digestible diet and monitoring of weight and mobility become priorities.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium kibble for an active medium-sized dog, or a properly balanced wet or home-prepared diet with veterinary validation, generally suits the Pudelpointer well. The composition should prioritize quality animal proteins and good digestibility.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount must be adjusted according to ideal weight, exercise intensity, season and the energy density of the chosen food. In a hunting or sporting dog, needs can vary significantly between a period of sustained work and a calmer phase.
| 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 about a week in order to limit digestive upsets. It is preferable to gradually increase the proportion of the new food while monitoring appetite, stools and overall condition.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Hydration deserves special attention after long outings, work sessions, hikes, or periods of heat.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful for training and recall, provided they remain moderate and are included in the daily ration. It is better to favor simple, digestible rewards, without unnecessary excess calories.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Splitting the daily ration into 2 meals helps with better digestion.
- Weighing the ration regularly helps avoid overfeeding.
- Adjusting the energy intake to periods of hunting, sport or rest is essential.
Never give
As with other dogs, it is necessary to avoid in particular chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, avocado, alcohol, cooked bones, xylitol and very fatty or very salty foods, as they can cause digestive, neurological, hematological or metabolic disorders that are sometimes serious.
