Find out how much to feed your beloved dog!
Calories: About 40 calories per pound per day, adjusted for activity level and health.
Protein: High-quality protein should make up about 25-30% of their diet.
Fats: Essential for energy and healthy skin; aim for 5-10% of their diet, including sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Carbohydrates: Should come from whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure a balanced diet with essential nutrients, possibly supplemented with glucosamine for joint health.
Toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, onions, grapes, and xylitol.
The amount of food for a Toy Poodle varies depending on age, weight, activity level, and health condition. Below is a general guideline.
Toy Poodles in their growth stage require more energy than adult dogs. It's common to feed them about 60g to 90g per day, divided into three meals.
Particularly between 2 to 4 months of age, choose high-quality food in appropriate amounts to support their rapid growth.
For a Toy Poodle weighing 2.5 kg, provide about 50g to 70g of dog food per day.
If the dog weighs closer to 4 kg, aim for about 80g to 100g per day. However, adjustments may be necessary depending on the individual dog's metabolism and activity level.
Senior Toy Poodles have a slower metabolism and reduced activity level, so feeding them the same amount as adult dogs may lead to obesity.
It’s advisable to choose low-calorie food specifically for senior dogs and aim to provide about 40g to 60g per day.
Toy Poodles often enjoy high-quality dog food, both dry and wet, as well as lean meats like chicken, turkey, and beef (cooked and unseasoned).
They can also safely eat cooked fish like salmon, and love vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes.
Fruits like blueberries, apples (without seeds), and bananas make healthy treats, while scrambled or boiled eggs, plain pumpkin, and unsalted peanut butter (xylitol-free) are also favorites.
Always avoid toxic foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, and grapes.
The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a numerical scale used by veterinarians and pet owners to assess a dog's body fat and overall body condition. It helps determine whether a dog is underweight, overweight, or at an ideal weight.
The BCS is an essential tool for managing a dog's diet and overall health, especially in breeds like Toy Poodles, where weight management is crucial to prevent obesity and related health problems.
The BCS typically ranges from 1 to 9:
1: Emaciated, with visible ribs, spine, and pelvic bones, and no discernible body fat.
2: Very thin, with easily felt ribs and minimal fat. The waist and abdominal tuck are very pronounced.
3: Thin, with ribs easily felt and an obvious waist and abdominal tuck.
4: Slightly underweight, with ribs easily felt and minimal fat cover. The waist and abdominal tuck are noticeable.
5: Ideal, with ribs palpable without excess fat covering. The waist is observed from above, and the abdomen is tucked up when viewed from the side.
6: Slightly overweight, with ribs discernible under some fat. The waist is noticeable, but less defined.
7: Overweight, with ribs palpable under moderate fat covering. The waist is less apparent, and there's a slight abdominal tuck.
8: This dog is obese, with a thick layer of fat underneath that makes it difficult to feel the ribs. The waistline may be barely visible and the abdomen may appear round.
9: This dog is severely obese, with a lot of fat accumulated around the ribs, spine and base of the tail. There is no waistline and the abdomen is very round.
Toy Poodles typically stand about 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 4-6 pounds.
They need regular grooming, including daily brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
They do well with children, but prefer to be handled gently, so they are better suited to homes with older children.
They often live 12-15 years, but can live longer if properly looked after.
They can be prone to periodontal disease, patellar luxation, and eye diseases.
Yes, they are relatively easy to train, as they are very intelligent.
They need moderate exercise, including daily walks and playtime.
Yes, their small size and adaptability make them well suited to apartment living.
No, they are known to shed very little, making them a good choice for people with allergies.
Feed them a high-quality dog food with balanced nutrients for a small dog breed and make sure they always have fresh water available.