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title: "Portuguese Water Dog - Feeding and nutrition | Pedibase"
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+5
Feeding
# Feeding your Portuguese Water Dog well
Portugal
The Portuguese Water Dog needs a good-quality diet adapted to its age, its weight and above all its activity level. A naturally athletic dog, it benefits from a balanced ration that supports its muscle mass, its recovery and the health of its skin and coat.
A menu for every age
## Their needs change as they grow
- Puppy: A growth diet for an active medium-sized dog, divided into 3 meals then 2 depending on age, helps support development without excess.
- Adult: A high-quality ration adjusted to daily exercise helps maintain endurance, muscle mass, and ideal weight.
- Senior: With age, a more digestible formula and monitoring of weight, joints, and visual function become particularly useful.
Which food?
## Kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?
Premium complete kibble for an active dog generally suits very well, provided that its energy density remains consistent with the dog’s actual exercise. A home-prepared ration can also be considered, but it must be properly formulated to cover needs in proteins, minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids.
Portion sizes
## How much should you feed?
The daily amount varies according to weight, age, neutering and physical activity. A very athletic dog will not have the same needs as a dog living mainly with a family with more typical outings, hence the interest in adjusting the ration with the help of the veterinarian if necessary.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 16 - 20 kg | 220 - 300 g | 2 |
| 20 - 25 kg | 280 - 360 g | 2 |
Changing food
## How to switch foods successfully
Any dietary transition must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. It is recommended to gradually mix the old and the new food while monitoring the stools, appetite and the dog's general condition.
Hydration
## Don't overlook water
Permanent access to clean, fresh water is essential, especially for this active dog that likes to swim, play and expend energy. After exercise, swimming or in hot weather, it is necessary to ensure good rehydration and let the dog recover calmly.
A little extra
## Treats in moderation
Treats can be useful in training, as the breed responds well to positive reinforcement. However, they should remain occasional and be included in the calculation of the daily ration to avoid excessive caloric intake.
Good habits
## Make mealtimes count
- Split the daily ration into 2 meals for an adult.
- Adjust the quantities to periods of more or less intense sporting activity.
- Regularly monitor the silhouette and adjust the ration if needed.
### Never feed these foods
As with other dogs, you should avoid chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, avocado, alcohol, xylitol, cooked bones and very fatty or very salty foods. These products can cause digestive, neurological, kidney or cardiac disorders that can sometimes be serious.
## Ready to welcome your Portuguese Water Dog?
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-portuguese-water-dog)
## Discover other breeds
[Lagotto Romagnolo
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/lagotto-romagnolo)
[Barbet
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/barbet)
[American Water Spaniel
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/american-water-spaniel)
[Spanish Water Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/spanish-water-dog)
[Frisian Water Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/frisian-water-dog)
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