A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A growth diet for a medium-sized puppy is recommended, with several small meals per day and careful monitoring of the weight curve.
Adult : In adulthood, 2 meals per day of a complete and well-balanced food are generally suitable to maintain its muscle mass without promoting weight gain.
Senior : In older dogs, a more digestible diet adapted to the activity level helps preserve mobility, joint comfort and body condition.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Complete good-quality kibble for an active medium-sized dog is generally very suitable, provided it supplies digestible proteins and an appropriate energy density. The exact choice must be adjusted according to the dog's profile and the veterinarian's advice.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount depends mainly on actual weight, body condition, age and activity. In adults, the ration is most often divided into 2 meals per day to promote regular digestion and better control energy intake.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 9 - 11 kg | 187 - 256 g | 2 |
| 11 - 12 kg | 214 - 293 g | 2 |
| 12 - 14 kg | 240 - 329 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary transition must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. It is preferable to gradually increase the proportion of the new food while observing appetite, stools and overall tolerance.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Hydration deserves particular attention in hot weather, after exercise or during shedding periods and more active life.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful for training and motivation, but they must remain occasional and be included in the calculation of the daily ration. It is better to favor small, simple rewards to avoid an excess of calories.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration regularly rather than measuring it at random
- Adjust the energy intake to the seasons and the actual level of activity
- Split the daily ration into 2 meals for the adult
- Limit treats if the dog gains weight easily
Never give
As with other dogs, it is necessary to avoid in particular chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, alcohol, xylitol, cooked bones and very fatty foods, as they can cause digestive, neurological or metabolic disorders that are sometimes serious.
