Cites P. Dechambre, 'Alimentation du chien par la methode des facteurs durationnement', Recueil de médecine vétérinaire 10 and 12 (May and June, 1919), p. 220.
Description:

'The quantity of food which should be given to the dog naturally depends upon the amount of work or exercise undertaken by the animal. Appetite capacity cannot be taken as a guide, because the inhereited instinct is to eat to its maximum when food is available. The quantity of food should be such as will keep the animal in good health but not fat. Shepherds' dogs, which are the hardest worked and probably the healthisest animals, are never obese. It is unnatural for a dog to be fat. It is believed that a satisfactory answer to the question so frequently put to veterinarians regarding the quantity of food which should be given to dogs is provided by Dechambre's standard of nutrient requirements. Dechambre compiled the table of nutrients, which is reproduced here, by determining the maintenance requirements in accordance with the well-known surface law, which is applicable to dogs as well as to horses and cattle. We believe this table to be sound in principle, and that it will be of great assistance to the veterinarian.' (86)

'It is suggested that Dechambre's standard of food requirements for dogs may be accepted as a useful guide as to quantity and proportions.

Some daily rations for dogs, including two from greyhound kennels, were analysed and compared with Dechambre's standard. A fairly close agreement was noted.

The chemical composition of 27 different types of dog biscuit is given, showing a great variation. If dogs are to be fed according to a standard, the composition of the biscuits must be known.

As the dog is still a carniverous animal, his diet must contain a proportion of fresh raw flesh. This is definitely essential for young growing dogs, and raw liver, spleen, and kidney are particularly valuable in this respect. Crushed bone or bone flour should always be given to pregnant and nursing bitches, and also to puppies.' (95)

 

[NB: Dechambre article not present in BnF Gallica edition of journal]