Småland Hound
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Feeding

Feeding your Småland Hound well

Sweden

Like all active dogs, the Småland Hound needs a complete and balanced diet, providing quality proteins, vitamins and minerals in appropriate amounts. Its diet must support exertion without promoting overweight.

A menu for every age

Their needs change as they grow

  • Puppy: Split meals and choose a growth diet suited to a medium-sized dog.

  • Adult: Adjust the ration to daily activity to maintain lean muscle mass and a stable weight.

  • Senior: Monitor weight, digestion, and mobility more closely, with a diet that is easier to metabolize if needed.

Which food?

Kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?

Premium kibble for an adult, medium-sized and active dog constitutes a relevant base. Depending on the individual profile, a wet or mixed diet may also be suitable if it remains well balanced and adjusted to energy expenditure.

Portion sizes

How much should you feed?

The daily ration must be adjusted according to actual weight, age, sterilization, the season and above all the level of activity. A moderate companion dog will not have the same needs as an individual used for hunting or for long regular outings.

WeightDaily amountMeals per day
15 - 16 kg278 - 381 g2
16 - 17 kg294 - 403 g2
17 - 18 kg310 - 425 g2

Changing food

How to switch foods successfully

Any change in diet must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A slow transition also makes it possible to check good tolerance of the new diet and changes in body condition.

Hydration

Don't overlook water

Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. Hydration deserves particular attention after exertion, when traveling and during warmer periods, even in a dog that is rather resistant to cold.

A little extra

Treats in moderation

Treats can be useful for training and recall, provided they remain moderate and are counted in the daily intake. It is better to favor small, simple and digestible rewards rather than extras that are too fatty.

Good habits

Make mealtimes count

  • Weigh the ration rather than pouring it in by guesswork.
  • Split meals into at least two servings per day.
  • Adjust the energy intake to hunting periods or times of reduced activity.
  • Introduce any new food gradually.

Never feed these foods

As with other dogs, you should avoid in particular chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, alcohol, xylitol, cooked bones and very fatty foods, as they can cause severe digestive, neurological or metabolic disorders that are sometimes serious.