Breed Specific Dog Food Guide

Dogs come in an array of shapes and sizes, and no two are identical. They differ considerably in terms of personality, exercise requirements, grooming needs, and individual health concerns. While all dogs belong to the classification Canis familiaris, the ideal diet for a 4-kilogram Toy Poodle is a world away from what an 80kg Irish Wolfhound requires.

Beyond size, each breed has unique health predispositions. For instance, small breed dogs are more prone to dental disease, bladder stones and finicky appetites, while large breed dogs can develop osteoarthritis and joint issues much earlier in life.

Dietary variations are engineered to suit these unique needs. Royal Canin pioneered this field with the specialised diet for Persian cats and now offers over 20 formulas for breeds like Boxers, Bulldogs, and Ragdoll cats, as well as targeted puppy food like French Bulldog Junior. Recognising popular Australian household breeds, Advance has also launched a range of breed group diets, such as Medium Terriers, Retrievers, and Shepherds.

Why do different breeds need different diets?

The variation in breed size and shape often dictates specific nutritional requirements. For example, a small dog’s mouth and jaw structure is vastly different from that of a large dog. The kibble size, shape, and density in a breed-specific formula are designed to encourage proper chewing.

This is especially critical for brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs), whose unique jaw conformation can make it difficult to pick up and manage regular, round kibble.

Furthermore, genetically predisposed health conditions play a major role:

• Large Breeds: Require specific joint support and calorie control to manage growth and prevent early-onset joint issues.
• Small Breeds: Benefit from kibbles that mechanically scrub the teeth and ingredients like Sodium Tripolyphosphate to inhibit tartar formation.