Karelian Bear Dog
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Feeding

Feeding your Karelian Bear Dog well

Finland

The Karelian Bear Dog needs a quality, balanced diet adapted to its size, age and level of physical activity.

A menu for every age

Their needs change as they grow

  • Puppy: Growth food adapted to the expected size, divided into three meals, without unnecessary calcium supplementation.

  • Adult: Controlled ration in two meals, adjusted to ideal weight and actual activity.

  • Senior: Digestible food, possibly less energy-dense, with joint and dental monitoring.

Which food?

Kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?

A complete, quality diet is suitable on a daily basis. When it is used for hunting, a food formulated for hunting dogs can cover its increased needs, before a return to a classic diet after the activity season.

Portion sizes

How much should you feed?

An adult of 20 to 28 kg often receives 280 to 450 g of kibble per day depending on activity.

WeightDaily amountMeals per day
17 - 21 kg280 - 330 g2
21 - 24 kg320 - 380 g2
24 - 28 kg370 - 450 g2

Changing food

How to switch foods successfully

Any change of food must be gradual over seven to ten days in order to limit diarrhea and loss of appetite, especially during hunting season.

Hydration

Don't overlook water

Fresh water must remain available at all times. Needs increase sharply after exertion, in cover and in hot weather. Take water into the field.

A little extra

Treats in moderation

Treats remain measured and are deducted from the ration. They are useful for training in retrieving and recall, without making the dog gain weight out of season.

Good habits

Make mealtimes count

  • Weigh the ration each day rather than serving by volume.
  • Avoid intense exertion just before and after the meal.
  • Deduct training treats from the daily ration.

Never feed these foods

Chocolate, grapes, xylitol, onion, garlic, alcohol, caffeine, cooked bones and very fatty leftovers are dangerous. In case of ingestion, contact a veterinarian.

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