A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : steady growth with a complete diet for a medium-sized puppy and precise monitoring of body condition helps preserve the joints.
Adult : a stable ration, split and adjusted to daily activity makes it possible to maintain a good weight and proper muscle mass.
Senior : a more digestible and moderately energy-dense diet, combined with regular veterinary monitoring, helps preserve mobility and overall comfort.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Good-quality kibble for an active medium-sized dog generally suits the Sussex Spaniel well, provided it is formulated with digestible proteins and controlled energy. In the case of regular hunting activity, the ration can be adjusted according to the actual expenditure.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount must be defined according to adult weight, activity and body condition, then reassessed over time. It is preferable to split the ration to preserve digestive comfort and avoid excesses.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 15 - 18 kg | 296 - 406 g | 2 |
| 18 - 22 kg | 320 - 440 g | 2 |
| 22 - 25 kg | 366 - 503 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A slow transition also makes it possible to observe appetite, stool quality and good tolerance of the new ration.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times, with increased vigilance after exercise, in hot weather or during hunting periods. Good hydration contributes to overall comfort and recovery.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and included in the calculation of the daily ration. It is better to favor small, simple and digestible rewards, especially during training or recall work.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Split the daily ration into 2 meals.
- Weigh the dog regularly to adjust the quantities.
- Adjust the energy intake to periods of hunting or sustained activity.
- Avoid treats that are too rich or given in excess.
Never give
As with other dogs, chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, avocado, cooked bones, alcohol, yeast dough and very fatty or very salty foods should be avoided, as they can cause serious digestive disorders, poisoning or metabolic complications.
