Kolkata: From tracking explosives at VVIP events to pulling long hours of surveillance under a scorching sun at the Eden Gardens during international matches, the Kolkata Police dog squad remains one of the force’s most hardworking units. To ensure these four-legged officers perform at their peak, Lalbazar has formalised a highly specialised, 14-item monthly diet plan, floating an annual raw food procurement contract worth Rs 40 lakh. With the state govt allocating between Rs 6,300 and Rs 6,750 per dog each month, the premium menu moves far beyond standard meat and rice to incorporate a scientifically balanced array of nutrients, vitamins, and cooling elements.Checked over by vets and nutritionists, the monthly ration for each of the 40 canine members includes 12kg of fresh, boneless chicken fit for human consumption, 30 eggs, and 3kg of fresh, non-citrus seasonal fruits.The carbohydrates are covered by 3kg of high-quality atop chal and an increased allowance of 6kg of branded wheat dahlia, which handlers say provides vital, slow-releasing energy for dogs exhausted by heavy field duties. The protein and fibre profile is further reinforced with 750g of unbroken masoor dal and 1.5kg of low-fat branded biscuits.According to police handlers, the kitchen explicitly avoids standard cooking oils, relying instead on 120ml of premium salmon oil administered thrice a week to maintain coat health and joint functionality. Health supplements come through precise monthly allotments of 150g each of branded salt and turmeric powder, along with 300g of fresh garlic. To ensure dental health, handlers separately procure 1.5kg of high-quality meat bones each month so the canines can chew on them to strengthen their jaws.The diet is heavily modified by trained cooks who prepare meals twice daily to help the animals battle Kolkata’s oppressive heat. During peak summer, the police have increased the monthly curd allocation from the usual 1.5kg to over 2.5kg per dog to aid digestion and maintain hydration.Exercises are concurrently scaled back during peak heat hours, replaced by mandatory swimming sessions. Handlers also mix specific vegetables into the daily mash, emphasizing carrots for beta-carotene and vitamin A, alongside broccoli to boost bone density and cardiovascular health.For emergency situations or specialized medical requirements, the department has included a strict alternative menu protocol. Based on recommendations from the department of animal nutrition at the West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, the canine personnel can be switched to a daily ration of 500g of commercial dry dog food, guaranteed to have a minimum of 18% protein and a metabolic energy value of 4,000 kilocalories per kg. “They are as much a part of KP as any other human asset,” a handler said.
