Gundog group · Breed guide
Flat-Coated Retriever: weight, routine and daily dose
Once known as the Wavy Coated Retriever, the Flatcoat is thought to owe its racy lines to Setter ancestry mixed with Spaniel and Retriever blood. The Royal Kennel Club notes it was popular on the large shooting estates of the late 1800s, and that the Kennel Club’s founder, Sewallis Evelyn Shirley, was a great enthusiast who helped stabilise the type.
The breed standard describes a bright, active dog, generously endowed with natural gundog ability, optimism and friendliness — shown in an enthusiastic tail. The RKC suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, so a Flatcoat’s routine is usually shaped by long walks or working days, with meals fitted around them.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 25–36 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 2–3 tablets/day
- One bottle lasts
- 40–60 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 4–6 weeks
Weight: Royal Kennel Club, “Preferred weight in hard condition: dogs: 27-36 kgs (60-80 lbs); bitches: 25-32 kgs (55-70 lbs).” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Flat-Coated Retriever need?
A typical adult Flat-Coated Retriever weighs 25–36 kg, which crosses 2 rows of the DIGEST+ feeding guide. Weigh your own dog and use the row for its current weight — the table shows each case.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days | Every 6 weeks |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days | Every 4 weeks |
The bottle label prints 25 kg in two rows (11–25 kg and 25–40 kg). We use the 11–25 kg row at exactly 25 kg; if your dog is heavier than 25 kg, use the 25–40 kg row.
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a Flat-Coated Retriever
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tablets/day | 60 days | 120 days | 180 days | from £0.33 |
| 3 tablets/day | 40 days | 80 days | 120 days | from £0.50 |
Days are for one dog. Each bottle holds 120 tablets; days are rounded down to whole days. Prices and cost per day by bottle count.
Feeding-routine notes for Flat-Coated Retriever owners
- With more than two hours of exercise a day suggested, plan meals around the main outing rather than just before it, and give your dog time to settle first.
- The standard gives a preferred weight ‘in hard condition’ — a fit, working shape. Weigh regularly and adjust food as activity changes through the year.
- Two measured meals a day keep portions moderate for a large, active dog and give you a fixed point for anything added to the bowl.
- Keep fresh water to hand after exercise and on warm days.
- Give DIGEST+ at the same point in the day — with breakfast or dinner — so it becomes part of the routine. The tablets can be eaten directly or crushed into food.
- Weigh your dog every few months: the dose follows body weight, not breed.
- Introduce one new thing at a time. If you are also changing food, let that settle first so you know what is what.
The full feeding guide
| Body weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days |
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days |
| Over 40 kg | 4 tablets/day | 30 days |
Work out your exact supply
The calculator on the product page takes your dog’s weight band and how many dogs you have, then shows the daily dose, how long a bottle lasts and a sensible refill rhythm.
Flat-Coated Retriever: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Flat-Coated Retriever have a day?
Typical adult Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh 25–36 kg, which crosses more than one row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 11–25 kg: 2 tablets/day; 25–40 kg: 3 tablets/day. Weigh your dog and use the row for its current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a Flat-Coated Retriever?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 2 tablets/day one bottle lasts 60 days; At 3 tablets/day one bottle lasts 40 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
Should a Flat-Coated Retriever be fed before or after a long walk?
After, once your dog has cooled down and settled, is the usual approach for a large, active dog. Feeding at the same times each day keeps the routine predictable. If you notice any change in appetite or digestion, speak to your vet.
My Flatcoat’s weight changes between seasons. Does that matter for the feeding guide?
It can. The feeding guide works by body weight, so weigh your dog when activity levels change and use the current figure. Your vet can tell you whether your dog’s weight suits their frame.
Can every Flat-Coated Retriever have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Flat-Coated Retriever is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Retriever (Flat Coated) breed standard — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Retriever (Flat Coated) – Breeds A to Z — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) — PDSA. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated