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title: "Dutch Shepherd - Feeding and nutrition | Pedibase"
description: "Complete Dutch Shepherd feeding guide: portions, food types, meal frequency, and age-specific advice, from puppy to senior."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+7
Feeding
# Feeding your Dutch Shepherd well
Netherlands
The Dutch Shepherd needs a complete, digestible diet adapted to its age, its weight, its activity level and its physiological condition. Its ration must support its musculature without promoting overweight.
A menu for every age
## Their needs change as they grow
- Puppy: Choose a growth food for medium or large size and divide the ration into three meals until about six months, without non-prescribed mineral supplement.
- Adult: Adjust the intake to the actual activity and divide the ration into two meals to limit overly large intakes.
- Senior: Reassess calories, digestibility and joint support with the veterinarian while maintaining a suitable regular activity.
Which food?
## Kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?
High-quality kibble for an active medium to large-sized dog is generally suitable. A home-prepared ration or a mixed diet can also be considered if it is formulated with a veterinary nutritionist in order to ensure balance in proteins, lipids, minerals and vitamins.
Portion sizes
## How much should you feed?
The daily amount depends on the energy density of the food, weight, activity and sterilization. The manufacturer's indications serve as a starting point, then the ration is adjusted according to changes in weight and body shape.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 20 - 24 kg | 260 - 330 g | 2 |
| 25 - 28 kg | 320 - 380 g | 2 |
| 29 - 32 kg | 370 - 430 g | 2 |
Changing food
## How to switch foods successfully
Any change in diet must be gradual over about 7 to 10 days, increasing the proportion of the new food in stages. A slower transition may be necessary in case of digestive sensitivity.
Hydration
## Don't overlook water
Fresh, clean water must remain available at all times, particularly after exertion and in hot weather. During sustained activity, offer small, regular drinks rather than a large quantity taken in abruptly.
A little extra
## Treats in moderation
Treats are useful for training, but they must remain small and be included in the daily calorie intake. Part of the kibble ration can be used as a reward in order to limit excesses.
Good habits
## Make mealtimes count
- Weigh the ration with a scale rather than using an approximate measuring cup.
- Allow a calm period before and after meals.
- Adjust the quantities according to the silhouette and activity level.
- Deduct treats from the daily ration.
### Never feed these foods
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic in quantity, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and cooked bones are dangerous. They can cause poisoning, digestive disorders, neurological damage or internal injuries and require prompt veterinary advice in case of ingestion.
## Ready to welcome your Dutch Shepherd?
Find a verified breeder near you and get off to a great start, right from the food bowl.
[Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd)
## Discover other breeds
[German Shepherd Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-shepherd-dog)
[White Swiss Shepherd Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/white-swiss-shepherd-dog)
[Saarloos Wolfdog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/saarloos-wolfdog)
[Belgian Malinois
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois)
[Bohemian Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bohemian-shepherd)
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