A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Growth must be controlled with a large-breed puppy diet, rich but without excess, in order to preserve the joints and avoid overly rapid weight gain.
Adult : The adult needs a stable, digestible ration adapted to its activity, generally divided into 2 daily meals.
Senior : With age, energy intake must often be adjusted to limit excess weight while supporting muscle mass and joint comfort.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium kibble for large dogs, or a balanced home-prepared ration validated by a professional, generally suit this breed well. The composition must support muscle mass without excess calories, with good digestibility and, if needed, joint support.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount depends on weight, age, metabolism and activity level. For this large dog, it is preferable to adjust the ration according to actual body condition rather than overfeed, especially during growth.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 38 - 46 kg | 554 - 752 g | 2 |
| 46 - 54 kg | 650 - 880 g | 2 |
| 54 - 62 kg | 746 - 1008 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A slow transition makes it possible to assess the dog's tolerance and to adjust the ration without upsetting its digestion.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. In hot weather or after exercise, monitoring hydration is particularly important in this large-sized dog.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and be included in the calculation of the daily ration. It is better to favor simple, digestible rewards, useful in educational work without promoting weight gain.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Split the daily ration into 2 meals.
- Avoid intense exercise in the hour before and after the meal.
- Adjust the ration to the actual body condition rather than to the theoretical weight alone.
- Introduce any new food gradually over several days.
Never give
As with all dogs, chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, alcohol, cooked bones and very fatty foods should be avoided, as they can cause serious poisoning, severe digestive disorders or potentially life-threatening complications.
