A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A growth formula adapted to its future size helps support development without excess energy, with split meals and careful monitoring of the weight curve.
Adult : The ration must maintain a lean, muscular and stable dog, taking into account the activity level, reproductive status and possible neutering.
Senior : With age, a highly digestible, protein-rich diet adjusted in energy is preferred, while closely monitoring the teeth, weight, muscle mass and hydration.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
A complete, good-quality diet, in the form of suitable kibble or a balanced home-prepared ration with professional supervision, generally suits the Poodle very well. It is useful to choose a formula consistent with the dog’s size, its activity level and any possible sensitivities. In small individuals, particular attention can be paid to the texture and size of the kibble for oral and dental health.
Amounts
How much should you give?
Quantities must always be adjusted to the food’s energy density, the Poodle’s size, and its actual expenditure. A neutered, greedy, or not very active dog will often need a more strictly measured ration than a young, athletic subject. Theoretical guidelines remain useful, but body condition and changes in weight must guide the final adjustment.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 2 - 4 kg | 45 - 70 g | 2 - 3 |
| 5 - 10 kg | 80 - 150 g | 2 |
| 11 - 20 kg | 160 - 260 g | 2 |
| 21 - 32 kg | 270 - 390 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary transition must be done gradually over several days in order to limit digestive upsets and to assess tolerance to the new food. In case of loose stools, flatulence, decreased appetite or new itching, it is better to slow the change and reassess the chosen formula. This caution is particularly useful in sensitive or older dogs.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times, with increased vigilance in summer, after exercise, during travel and for dogs fed mainly with kibble. A dog that suddenly drinks much more or much less, or whose urine becomes very concentrated, deserves prompt attention. After intense activity, water should be offered calmly without letting the dog rush.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats are often very useful with the Poodle, a breed receptive to positive reinforcement, provided they remain small, digestible and well integrated into the daily ration. Ideally, simple rewards should be favored, easily chewed and given at the right time rather than very fatty or very sugary products. Part of the daily ration can also be used for training.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than measuring it by volume.
- Split meals for sensitive, greedy, or large-sized dogs.
- Quickly adjust quantities after sterilization or a decrease in activity.
- Use part of the daily kibble as training rewards.
Never give
As with other dogs, you must avoid chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic, avocado, cooked bones, alcohol, yeast dough, xylitol and very fatty foods. These products can cause poisoning, severe digestive disorders, pancreatitis, hypoglycemia or a metabolic emergency. You must also beware of table scraps that are too salty and small food items that can be swallowed too quickly.
