A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Growth food adapted to the expected size, divided into three meals, without unnecessary calcium supplementation.
Adult : Controlled ration in two meals, adjusted to ideal weight and actual activity.
Senior : Digestible food, possibly less energy-dense, with joint and dental monitoring.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Good-quality kibble formulated for an active small dog is generally suitable, provided it is correctly portioned. Wet or mixed feeding can also be considered if it remains complete, well tolerated and followed rigorously regarding quantities.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount varies depending on the food, activity and individual metabolism. It is preferable to start from the manufacturer's recommendations and then adjust the ration according to body condition rather than feeding by eye.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 9 - 9 kg | 176 - 241 g | 2 |
| 9 - 10 kg | 182 - 249 g | 2 |
| 10 - 10 kg | 187 - 256 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary transition must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. The new menu is introduced in increasing stages while observing the dog's appetite, stools and overall comfort.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain accessible at all times. Vigilance is particularly important after exercise, in hot weather and in dogs fed mainly with kibble.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and included in the total energy intake. They can be useful in training, provided they are small in size and do not unbalance the daily ration.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration each day rather than serving by volume.
- Avoid intense exertion just before and after the meal.
- Deduct training treats from the daily ration.
Never give
As with other dogs, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, avocado, alcohol, coffee, xylitol and cooked bones should be avoided, as they can cause poisoning, severe digestive disorders or potentially serious metabolic complications.
