A menu for every age
Their needs change as they grow
Puppy: Provide a complete growth food in three meals, with a ration adjusted regularly without speeding up weight gain.
Adult: Divide the ration into two meals and adapt it to outings, work and body condition.
Senior: Favor an easily digestible formula, monitor weight more often and adjust intake according to activity and veterinary advice.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?
Complete, good-quality kibble for an adult dog of medium size and active generally suits. A home-prepared ration can also be considered if it is formulated with a veterinarian in order to ensure a balanced intake of proteins, lipids, minerals and vitamins.
Portion sizes
How much should you feed?
The daily amount must be calculated based on ideal weight, activity and the manufacturer’s recommendations, then adjusted according to changes in body shape. A dog that hunts or works regularly may have needs significantly higher than those of a less active companion.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals per day |
|---|---|---|
| 14 - 15 kg | 180 - 230 g | 2 |
Changing food
How to switch foods successfully
Any change in diet must be gradual over about a week, increasing each day the proportion of the new food in order to limit digestive upsets.
Hydration
Don't overlook water
Fresh, clean water must remain available at all times. During long walks or hunting days, frequent hydration breaks should be offered without waiting for the dog to show intense thirst.
A little extra
Treats in moderation
Treats are useful for training, but must remain small and be counted in the daily ration. Low-calorie rewards or part of the meal kibble limit the risk of overweight.
Good habits
Make mealtimes count
- Weigh the ration rather than measuring it by eye.
- Maintain a silhouette with palpable ribs without excess fat.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and after meals.
- Deduct training treats from the daily ration.
Never feed these foods
Chocolate, fresh or dried grapes, onion, garlic in quantity, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and cooked bones must be kept out of reach, as they can cause poisoning, digestive lesions or obstruction and require urgent veterinary care.
