A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A growth diet for a small dog is necessary, divided into several meals and adjusted to support development without excess weight.
Adult : In adulthood, the priority is maintaining ideal weight with a precise ration and a good-quality complete food.
Senior : For the senior, a formula that is easier to metabolize and weight monitoring help preserve mobility and overall comfort.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium kibble for an active to moderately active small dog, rich in digestible proteins and well balanced in energy, generally suits the Scottish Terrier well. The chosen formula should help maintain ideal weight and remain well tolerated from a digestive and skin standpoint.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily ration must be adjusted according to actual weight, age, sterilization, activity and the energy density of the food. It is preferable to base it on the dog's body condition and the manufacturer's recommendations rather than on a fixed quantity.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 8 - 9 kg | 163 - 223 g | 2 |
| 9 - 9 kg | 174 - 238 g | 2 |
| 9 - 10 kg | 184 - 252 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be gradual over several days in order to avoid digestive upsets. A gentle transition also makes it possible to check good tolerance of the new formula and to adjust the ration without upsetting the dog.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Hydration is all the more important during hot weather, after walks and for dogs fed mainly with a dry diet.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and be included in the day's calorie calculation. In the Scottish Terrier, moderation is important so as not to encourage rapid weight gain.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration regularly to avoid excess.
- Preferably split the daily ration into two meals.
- Adjust the quantities immediately in the event of sterilization or reduced activity.
Never give
As with all dogs, chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine and cooked bones should be avoided, as they can cause poisoning, severe digestive disorders or neurological and hematological damage.
