Gundog group · Breed guide
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: weight, routine and daily dose
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has one of the more unusual jobs in the gundog world. Its task, as the Royal Kennel Club describes it, is to lure wildfowl to within range of the guns — reputedly using its vigorous tail action — and then to retrieve, especially from water, where its webbed feet make it a powerful swimmer. The breed comes from Canada and arrived in Britain as recently as 1988.
Selected over generations for intelligence and trainability, the Toller makes an enthusiastic companion for an active household, the RKC says, and does well in agility, flyball, tracking and obedience. A dog that trains and swims needs a routine with room for both: meals at steady times, a gap between eating and hard activity, and a daily tablet given with a meal rather than squeezed in on the way out of the door.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 15.5–23 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 2 tablets/day
- One bottle lasts
- 60 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 6 weeks
Weight: American Kennel Club, “Weight: 35-50 pounds” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever need?
A typical adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever weighs 15.5–23 kg, which sits entirely in the 11–25 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 2 tablets/day.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days | Every 6 weeks |
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tablets/day | 60 days | 120 days | 180 days | from £0.33 |
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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever owners
- After swimming, dry your dog off and let them settle before feeding.
- Training rewards add up over a busy day. Count them as part of the day’s food so main meals can be adjusted rather than simply added to.
- The PDSA advises avoiding vigorous exercise around meal times — worth remembering when you plan training, flyball or swimming sessions.
- 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.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever have a day?
Typical adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers weigh 15.5–23 kg, which is the 11–25 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 2 tablets/day. Always use your own dog’s current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 2 tablets/day one bottle lasts 60 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
Can a Toller go swimming straight after a meal?
It is better to leave a gap. The PDSA advises avoiding vigorous exercise around meal times, and swimming is hard work. Feed after the session once your dog has settled, and speak to your vet if your dog seems uncomfortable after eating.
Do training rewards change my Toller’s feeding routine?
They can, because rewards given through a day of training add up. Counting them as part of the daily food helps keep your dog’s weight steady. Keep the DIGEST+ tablet tied to a regular meal so it is given once a day at a consistent time.
Can every Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) | Breeds | Kennel Club — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) — PDSA. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated