A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A diet for a large-breed puppy helps support steady growth without excessive speed.
Adult : The ration must cover maintenance, daily activity and the maintenance of healthy muscle mass without promoting overweight.
Senior : With age, a more digestible food and an adjusted energy density can help preserve mobility and body condition.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Complete, good-quality kibble formulated for large dogs generally provides a suitable base. It should offer digestible proteins, controlled energy density and a consistent supply of minerals, especially during growth. A home-prepared ration is only conceivable with a balance validated by a veterinarian.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount must be adjusted according to weight, body condition, actual energy expenditure and the caloric density of the chosen food. It is preferable to reason from the dog's body condition and the manufacturer's recommendations, then to adjust gradually.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 30 - 35 kg | 495 - 677 g | 2 |
| 35 - 40 kg | 565 - 772 g | 2 |
| 40 - 45 kg | 560 - 760 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change of food must be done gradually over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A transition over about a week, by gradually increasing the proportion of the new food, is suitable in most cases.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. In hot weather, after an outing or for a dog fed mainly on kibble, you must be particularly attentive to hydration.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and counted in the daily energy intake. It is better to favor small, simple and digestible rewards, used mainly as part of training.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Split the daily ration into two meals for digestive comfort.
- Weigh the dog regularly and adjust the ration according to its body condition.
- Introduce any new food gradually.
- Keep fresh water available at all times.
Never give
As with other dogs, it is necessary to avoid in particular chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, alcohol, xylitol, cooked bones and very fatty or very salty foods, as they can cause serious digestive disorders, poisoning or metabolic complications.
