A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Choose a complete food for growth and split the ration into several meals before gradually moving to two meals.
Adult : Adjust the ration to weight, activity and urinary risk, with abundant hydration and two meals per day.
Senior : Reassess energy intake, digestibility and kidney health with the veterinarian while preserving muscle mass.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
High-quality kibble can cover all of its needs if it is adapted to its age, its weight and its activity. A home-prepared ration can also be suitable, with meat, vegetables, rice or pasta, but it must be formulated with the help of a veterinarian in order to be balanced and to take into account the urinary risk specific to the breed.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount depends on the energy density of the food, weight, age, neutering and activity. It must be weighed, divided into two meals and reassessed according to body condition and the recommendations of the manufacturer or the veterinarian.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 24 - 27 kg | Selon l'aliment et l'activité | 2 |
| 28 - 32 kg | Selon l'aliment et l'activité | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be carried out gradually over about a week, increasing each day the proportion of the new food. A slower transition may be necessary if digestive disorders appear.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Good hydration is particularly important in this breed predisposed to urinary stones; adding wet food or water to the ration can be discussed with the veterinarian.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats are useful for positive training, but they must remain small, low in fat and counted in the daily ration. In a dog prone to urinary stones, their composition must be validated with the veterinarian.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the daily ration rather than feeding free-choice.
- Split the adult's food into two meals.
- Keep fresh water available at all times.
- Monitor body condition each month and adjust the ration.
- Ask a veterinarian for advice for a home-prepared ration or a history of stones.
Never give
Avoid chocolate, fresh or dried grapes, onion, garlic, leek, avocado, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine, products containing xylitol and cooked bones, which can cause poisoning, digestive disorders, lesions or obstruction. Any suspected ingestion warrants prompt contact with a veterinarian.
