Coton de Tuléar Food and Exercise: How Much to Feed, Choosing Food, Walks and Seasonal Care
When choosing Coton de Tuléar food, many people start with brands. The first things to check are whether the food is complete and balanced for your dog's life stage, and how much your dog actually needs each day. This guide covers choosing food, calculating portions, switching food safely, walks and seasonal care.
Choosing Coton de Tuléar food
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Complete and balanced | Designed to meet all nutritional needs on its own |
| Life stage | Puppy, adult and senior foods differ |
| Kibble size | Small-breed kibble is easier to eat |
| Main ingredients | Clearly named protein sources |
| Skin and coat support | Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, important for this coat |
The "best" food is the one your dog eats well, with good stools, healthy skin and coat, and stable weight.
Why not to change food right after adoption
When Baebaepuppy sends a puppy home, one of the things we stress most is "please keep the same food." New home, new people, new sounds and smells: changing food at the same time often upsets the stomach. Keep the same food for at least 1–2 weeks, then switch over 7–10 days.
| Days | Old food | New food |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | 75% | 25% |
| 4–6 | 50% | 50% |
| 7–9 | 25% | 75% |
| 10+ | 0% | 100% |
If stools loosen, go back a step and slow down.
Calculating daily portions
- Resting energy requirement (RER) = 70 × body weight (kg)^0.75 kcal
- Daily need = RER × activity factor
| Weight | Neutered adult (×1.6) | Intact adult (×1.8) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | About 255 kcal | About 285 kcal |
| 4 kg | About 315 kcal | About 355 kcal |
| 5 kg | About 375 kcal | About 420 kcal |
| 6 kg | About 430 kcal | About 485 kcal |
For a food with 380 kcal per 100 g, a neutered 5 kg adult starts at about 100 g a day. If you give treats, reduce food to match. This is only a starting point; adjust by body condition. See size and weight.
Meals per day by age
| Age | Meals | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 months | 3–4 | Often starts with softened kibble |
| 3–6 months | 3 | Gradually less soaking |
| 6–12 months | 2–3 | Adjust by body condition |
| 12+ months | 2 | Switch slowly to adult food |
Treats and dangerous foods
| Treat | Pros | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Kibble pieces | Easy calorie control | Less exciting as a reward |
| Freeze-dried meat | Very tasty, simple ingredients | Cut small |
| Dental chews | Satisfy chewing | Right size, high in calories |
| Vegetables (cucumber, cabbage) | Low calorie | Tiny amounts at first |
Dangerous foods: grapes and raisins, chocolate and caffeine, xylitol (some gum and peanut butter), onions, garlic and leeks, macadamia nuts, and cooked bones.
Water
Small dogs on dry food sometimes drink too little. A rough guide is 50–60 ml per kg per day, so 250–300 ml for a 5 kg dog. Wash the bowl daily and place water in two or three spots. A sudden big increase in drinking can signal diabetes or kidney disease, so see a vet.
Walks
| Guide | |
|---|---|
| How long | 30–60 minutes a day, split morning and evening |
| When to start | After vaccinations, as your vet advises |
| First walks | Quiet places, 5–10 minutes |
| What matters | Time to sniff and explore |
| Season | Watch for |
|---|---|
| Summer | Hot pavement and heatstroke; walk early or after sunset, bring water |
| Rainy season | Dry a wet coat fully to avoid mats and skin problems |
| Spring and autumn | Burrs and ticks; brush and check after walks |
| Winter | A light coat for short trims; check for tangles from clothing |
Seasonal feeding
| Season | Care |
|---|---|
| Summer | Do not leave food out long; change water often |
| Humid months | Store food sealed, away from moisture |
| Winter | Recheck portions if activity drops; dry indoor air means more water |
Store food in an airtight container and buy a size you will finish within about a month.
Frequently asked questions
My dog will not eat its food.
Check whether it is getting too many treats. Offer meals at set times and remove the bowl after 20 minutes. A sudden loss of appetite can be a dental or digestive problem, so see a vet.
What about homemade or raw diets?
Balancing nutrients is difficult and hygiene matters. Work with a vet or veterinary nutritionist on any recipe.
Sources
- WSAVA global nutrition guidelines (energy requirements, choosing food)
- AAFCO nutrient profiles ("complete and balanced")
- Veterinary information on foods toxic to dogs
Questions about the Coton de Tuléar? Contact us
Whether you are thinking about adopting a puppy, want to see the puppies currently with us, or have questions about raising your Coton, feel free to reach out. Baebaepuppy answers by phone, WhatsApp, KakaoTalk and Instagram every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Korea time).
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