A menu for every age
Their needs change as they grow
Puppy: More divided ration, rich and digestible, with regular growth monitoring to avoid excesses.
Adult: Two meals per day with weighed portions and adjustment according to activity and body condition.
Senior: More digestible complete diet and often a little less caloric, with monitoring of weight and muscle mass.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?
Premium kibble for small to medium-sized dogs, formulated for a moderate to sustained activity level, generally works very well. The key is to choose a complete, good-quality, consistent, digestible diet that is suited to the ideal weight rather than the actual weight in case of overweight.
Portion sizes
How much should you feed?
The quantity depends on weight, activity, age, neutering and the energy density of the food. In the Pembroke, it is prudent to start with a weighed ration, to be adjusted according to body condition and not according to the dog's appetite.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals per day |
|---|---|---|
| 10 kg | 130 - 170 g | 2 |
| 11 - 12 kg | 150 - 190 g | 2 |
| 13 kg | 170 - 210 g | 2 |
Changing food
How to switch foods successfully
Any dietary transition must be gradual over about a week, or even longer in sensitive dogs. The proportion of the new food is increased little by little in order to limit digestive upsets and to better observe tolerance of the ration.
Hydration
Don't overlook water
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Hydration deserves particular vigilance in hot weather, after exertion and in dogs fed exclusively with a dry diet.
A little extra
Treats in moderation
Treats can be useful in training, but they must remain moderate and be deducted from the daily ration. It is preferable to choose small, simple rewards and to favor consistency rather than quantity.
Good habits
Make mealtimes count
- Weigh the portion rather than estimating it by eye.
- Divide the food into 2 meals per day.
- Adjust the quantities according to the dog's body shape and not according to its greediness.
- Limit treats and count them in the daily intake.
Never feed these foods
As with other dogs, you should avoid chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic, avocado, alcohol, xylitol, cooked bones and very fatty foods. These products can cause poisoning, severe digestive disorders or metabolic complications.
