Nutrition: What are the specifics depending on size or age?

Differences between breeds can be observed from birth: for example, a POODLE gives birth to puppies weighing 150 to 200 g each, whereas NEWFOUNDLAND puppies weigh between 600 and 700 g at birth. Although an adult giant-breed dog weighs twenty-five times more than a small-breed dog, the ratio of birth weights is only 1 to 6. The growth journey is therefore very different depending on the breed. The extent and duration of growth are proportional to the dog's final weight.

A small-breed puppy reaches half its adult weight at around 3 months, whereas a large-breed puppy does not reach it before 5 to 6 months. A POODLE reaches its adult weight at around 8 months; by then, it has multiplied its birth weight by 20. A NEWFOUNDLAND, on the other hand, continues growing until 18 or 24 months, by which time it has multiplied its birth weight by approximately 100. Regardless of breed, a puppy's energy, protein, mineral, and vitamin requirements are much higher than those of an adult dog. Puppy food therefore shares a number of common characteristics: high energy density, a high concentration of all essential nutrients, and a capped starch level. However, breed size requires specific adaptations.

At 3 months, a Terrier puppy weighs between 2 and 3 kg, while a giant-breed puppy weighs between 18 and 20 kg: there is an obvious difference in jaw size! A medium-sized kibble causes gripping difficulties for the former and waste for the latter. It is therefore more appropriate to offer a kibble size specifically suited to small-, medium-, or large-breed puppies.

Large-breed puppies are particularly prone to growth disorders: limb malformations, bone deformities, joint lesions... These problems are largely encouraged by excessive energy intake, leading to overly rapid weight gain. Limiting the energy density of food intended for large-breed puppies, together with proper portion control, helps better regulate growth rate and therefore minimize the risks.

A large-breed puppy has a greater calcium requirement than a small-breed puppy. Yet a 20 kg puppy eats only 1.5 times as much as a 10 kg puppy of the same age. If they consume the same food, the former risks suffering from a calcium deficiency. The calcium concentration in food for large-breed puppies must therefore be increased.

The period during which growth food is used varies according to breed: 8 to 10 months for small breeds, 10 to 14 months for medium breeds, and 14 to 24 months for large breeds.

Once adult, a dog needs a certain amount of energy to maintain its weight, and the greater its weight, the lower its energy requirement per kilogram. Consequently, a small-breed dog should receive food with a higher energy concentration—and therefore a higher fat content—than a medium-breed dog. Increasing the energy concentration also requires increasing the concentration of protein, minerals, vitamins, and so on.

A higher fat content increases the product’s palatability. Palatability is essential for these small dogs, which are often fussy because their owners readily give in to their whims. Small dogs are more likely to eat small-sized kibble.

In large-breed dogs, increasing energy density makes it possible to slightly reduce meal volumes and therefore minimize the risk of poor digestion. This precaution is also part of the preventive measures against a common emergency in large-breed dogs: gastric dilatation-volvulus. The form of the food is also important: large, low-density kibble can help slightly slow down eating.