---
title: "Flat-Coated Retriever - Feeding and nutrition | Pedibase"
description: "Complete Flat-Coated Retriever 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)
+8
Feeding
# Feeding your Flat-Coated Retriever well
United Kingdom
The Flat-Coated Retriever needs a complete, digestible diet adapted to its size, activity level and age. As it is an active dog, protein quality, energy density and digestive tolerance deserve particular attention.
A menu for every age
## Their needs change as they grow
- Puppy: A growth diet for a large puppy, divided into several meals, helps support development without excess energy.
- Adult: The ration must be adapted to the actual activity, with particular attention during periods of hunting, sport or regular swimming.
- Senior: A more digestible food, possibly less energy-dense and enriched for joint support, can become useful with age.
Which food?
## Kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?
Premium kibble for medium to large, active dogs generally suits them very well, provided it is adapted to their body condition and their energy expenditure rate. A home-prepared ration is only conceivable with a balance formulated with the veterinarian.
Portion sizes
## How much should you feed?
The daily amount varies according to weight, age, neutering, activity and the caloric density of the food. It must be adjusted by observing the silhouette, stool quality and the dog's stamina.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 25 - 29 kg | 320 - 450 g | 2 |
| 29 - 33 kg | 380 - 520 g | 2 |
| 33 - 36 kg | 420 - 580 g | 2 |
Changing food
## How to switch foods successfully
Any change in diet must be made gradually over several days in order to limit digestive disorders. A slow transition makes it possible to assess good tolerance of the new food and to adjust the ration if necessary.
Hydration
## Don't overlook water
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times, with increased vigilance after exertion, during hot periods and during outings in nature or swimming sessions.
A little extra
## Treats in moderation
Treats can be useful for training, provided they remain moderate and are included in the daily caloric intake. It is better to favor simple, digestible rewards that are easy to break into smaller pieces.
Good habits
## Make mealtimes count
- Weigh the ration regularly to avoid discreet excesses.
- Ideally split the ration into 2 meals per day for the adult.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and just after the meal.
### Never feed these foods
As with other dogs, you should avoid chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, alcohol, very fatty foods, cooked bones and products containing xylitol, as they can cause serious digestive disorders, poisoning or neurological damage.
## Ready to welcome your Flat-Coated Retriever?
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-flat-coated-retriever)
## Discover other breeds
[Curly-Coated Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/curly-coated-retriever)
[Golden Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/golden-retriever)
[Labrador Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever)
[Chesapeake Bay Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chesapeake-bay-retriever)
[Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/nova-scotia-duck-tolling-retriever)
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