A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Choose a large-breed growth diet, split into several meals, in order to support development without accelerating weight gain.
Adult : Maintain a stable ration adjusted to activity to keep lean muscle mass and limit joint overload.
Senior : Closely monitor weight, digestion and locomotor comfort, with a less caloric food if activity decreases.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium kibble for large dogs often provides a practical base, provided it is highly digestible and suited to the life stage. For the puppy, a large-breed growth formula helps control bone development, while the active adult benefits from a balanced intake of protein and fat.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount varies according to actual weight, sterilization, physical activity and the caloric density of the food. You should always start from the manufacturer's recommendations then adjust according to body shape, muscle condition and changes in weight.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 35 - 45 kg | 380 - 480 g | 2 |
| 45 - 55 kg | 480 - 600 g | 2 |
| 55 - 60 kg | 600 - 680 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary transition must be gradual over about one week in order to limit digestive upsets. The proportion of the new food is increased little by little while monitoring stools, appetite and digestive comfort.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times, especially after exercise, during hot periods and if the diet is based on dry kibble. Good hydration also contributes to overall comfort and recovery.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and represent a limited share of the daily caloric intake. It is better to favor small rewards that are easy to incorporate into training work rather than repeated and overly rich extras.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration to avoid approximations.
- Split meals to limit digestive discomfort.
- Reduce the ration if activity decreases or in case of weight gain.
- Keep treats within the daily calorie budget.
Never give
As with other dogs, it is necessary to avoid in particular chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, avocado, alcohol, sweeteners such as xylitol, cooked bones and very fatty foods, as they can cause poisoning, severe digestive disorders or potentially serious complications.
