Gundog group · Breed guide
Italian Spinone: weight, routine and daily dose
The Italian Spinone is an ancient Italian breed that is a relatively recent arrival in Britain: the Royal Kennel Club records that it was first seen in the UK in the early 1980s, at the Game Fair. At home it is hugely popular as an all-purpose gundog, and it is easy to recognise by its strong head with an almost human expression, its thick skin and its coarse coat.
Its pounding trotting action gives it stamina rather than speed, and the RKC suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. At 29–39 kg under the breed standard, this is a substantial dog whose day revolves around long, steady outings — so the routine works best when meals come after exercise, once your dog has had time to settle, rather than just before heading out.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 29–39 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 3 tablets/day
- One bottle lasts
- 40 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 4 weeks
Weight: Royal Kennel Club, “Weight: dogs: 34-39 kgs (75-86 lbs); bitches: 29-34 kgs (64-75 lbs).” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Italian Spinone need?
A typical adult Italian Spinone weighs 29–39 kg, which sits entirely in the 25–40 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 3 tablets/day.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days | Every 4 weeks |
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a Italian Spinone
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Italian Spinone owners
- Long days on foot are easier to fit around two meals than one large one, and a regular evening meal makes a dependable moment for a daily tablet.
- Let your dog cool down and settle after a long outing before putting the food bowl down.
- If you change your Spinone’s food — for example between a working season and a quieter spell — switch gradually over several days rather than overnight.
- 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.
Italian Spinone: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Italian Spinone have a day?
Typical adult Italian Spinones weigh 29–39 kg, which is the 25–40 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 3 tablets/day. Always use your own dog’s current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a Italian Spinone?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 3 tablets/day one bottle lasts 40 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
How should I fit meals around an Italian Spinone’s long walks?
Aim to feed after the main walk, once your dog has cooled down and settled, and leave a gap after meals before vigorous exercise, as the PDSA advises. Two meals a day are usually easier to arrange around long outings than one. Speak to your vet if your dog is regularly sick or uncomfortable around exercise.
Does a working Spinone need a different routine on shooting days?
Working days often move mealtimes around. Try to keep the supplement tied to a meal that still happens at a predictable time, and avoid giving a large meal just before hard work. If your dog’s digestion changes after a busy spell, speak to your vet.
Can every Italian Spinone have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Italian Spinone is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Italian Spinone | Breed Standards | The Kennel Club — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Italian Spinone | Breeds A to Z | The Kennel Club — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) — PDSA. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated