A menu for every age
Their needs change as they grow
Puppy: Use a growth food suited to the expected size, divided into three meals, without calcium supplementation or seeking rapid weight gain.
Adult: Provide a ration adjusted to ideal weight and activity in two daily meals.
Senior: Choose a digestible and moderately energy-dense formula, with joint support if the veterinarian recommends it.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?
Complete quality kibble, formulated for medium to large dogs depending on size, is a practical solution. A complete wet diet can be used alone or in combination, taking into account its caloric intake. A home-prepared or raw ration should only be chosen with a formulation established by a veterinary nutritionist in order to avoid deficiencies, mineral excesses and health risks.
Portion sizes
How much should you feed?
The daily amount depends on the energy density of the food, the ideal weight, age, sterilization and activity level. The manufacturer's guidelines serve as a starting point, then the ration is adjusted according to body condition, weight changes and the veterinarian's advice.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals per day |
|---|---|---|
| 20 - 30 kg | 250 - 400 g | 2 |
| 31 - 40 kg | 350 - 520 g | 2 |
| 41 - 50 kg | 450 - 650 g | 2 |
Changing food
How to switch foods successfully
Any change of food must be gradual over seven to ten days. The proportion of the new food increases in stages while the old one decreases, which limits diarrhea, gas and digestive discomfort. In case of repeated vomiting, blood in the stool or lethargy, the trial must be stopped and a consultation sought.
Hydration
Don't overlook water
Fresh, clean water must remain available at all times. Needs increase with heat, activity and a dry diet. You should bring water during walks, offer frequent breaks and monitor especially massive dogs or those with a short muzzle, which are more sensitive to overheating.
A little extra
Treats in moderation
Treats should remain small, low in fat and represent less than 10% of the daily energy intake. Part of the ration can be reserved for training exercises. Very hard products likely to fracture a tooth, fatty leftovers and hypercaloric supplements intended to increase mass should be avoided.
Good habits
Make mealtimes count
- Weigh the daily ration each day with a scale.
- Split the adult diet into two meals.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and after the meal.
- Check weight and body shape each month.
- Deduct training treats from the daily ration.
- Do not use mass-gain supplements without veterinary advice.
Never feed these foods
Chocolate, fresh or dried grapes, xylitol, onion, garlic in quantity, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts, cooked bones and very fatty or very salty foods are dangerous. Ingesting them can cause poisoning, kidney damage, neurological disorders, obstruction, digestive perforation or pancreatitis and requires prompt veterinary advice.
