A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A growth diet for a small dog, divided into 3 to 4 meals depending on age, helps support its development without digestive overload.
Adult : The ration generally stabilizes at 2 meals per day, to be adjusted according to physical activity and body condition.
Senior : In the older dog, a more digestible formula and monitoring of weight, muscle mass and joint comfort become useful.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Good-quality kibble for a small active dog is generally very suitable, with a good level of animal proteins and an appropriate energy density. A home-prepared or mixed ration can also be considered if it is formulated in a balanced way with a professional.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount must be adjusted according to the weight, activity, age and caloric density of the chosen food. In this small sporty terrier, an insufficient ration can affect fitness, while an excess promotes overweight.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 7 - 8 kg | 120 - 160 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be done gradually over several days to limit digestive disorders. Mixing the old and the new food, with a gradual increase of the latter, remains the most prudent method.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times, particularly after exercise, in hot weather or if the dog eats a dry diet. Good hydration supports recovery and digestive comfort.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful for training, provided they remain moderate and are included in the calculation of the total ration. Small and appreciated rewards are preferable so as not to unbalance the energy intake.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than pouring it by eye.
- Adjust the intake for very active days and for more sedentary periods.
- Split into two meals for better digestive comfort.
Never give
As with other dogs, it is necessary to avoid in particular chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine and cooked bones, as these products can cause digestive, neurological, metabolic or traumatic disorders that are sometimes serious.
