A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Choose a complete diet suited to the growth of a medium-sized dog and divide the ration into several meals.
Adult : Adjust the intake to the activity level, particularly between hunting periods and calmer periods.
Senior : Monitor weight, mobility and digestion, then adapt the diet with the veterinarian if needs decrease.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
A complete, quality diet, formulated for an active adult medium-sized dog, is suitable when it provides appropriate proteins, controlled fats and all essential nutrients. The precise choice must be adjusted with a veterinarian according to activity and body condition.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount must be determined according to the energy density of the food, the dog's weight and its actual expenditure. The manufacturer's guide is a starting point, to be adjusted according to changes in body shape and the veterinarian's recommendations.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 18 - 19 kg | 323 - 443 g | 2 |
| 19 - 19 kg | 334 - 458 g | 2 |
| 19 - 20 kg | 344 - 472 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be gradual over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. The proportion of the new food increases little by little while that of the old decreases, with monitoring of stools and appetite.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Fresh water must remain available at all times, particularly after hunting, running or a long outing. In hot weather or during sustained effort, regular breaks allow the dog to drink without waiting until it is excessively thirsty.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can support training and recall, but their intake must remain moderate and be deducted from the daily ration in order to limit weight gain.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the dog regularly and monitor its body condition.
- Adjust the ration to actual energy expenditure rather than to weight alone.
- Avoid a large meal just before or just after intense exertion.
- Deduct treats from the daily energy intake.
Never give
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic in toxic quantities, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and cooked bones are to be avoided, as they can cause poisoning, digestive lesions or obstruction.
