Last Updated: 29/09/2025
Health & Nutrition Guide for Popular Dog Breeds
Every breed has unique health needs. Explore our expert guides to learn what makes your dog special and find precisely tailored nutrition from Royal Canin to help them thrive.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 1 minute - quick read
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian, Dr Teagan Lever in partnership with Royal Canin.
Choosing a purebred dog means welcoming a companion with a wonderfully unique history, appearance, and personality. But these distinct characteristics, from the Poodle's continuously growing coat to the German Shepherd's sensitive digestion, also come with a unique set of health requirements. This is why breed health nutrition is so important; it acknowledges that a one-size-fits-all approach to feeding doesn’t account for these specific needs. Providing a diet precisely tailored to your dog’s breed can help support their known health predispositions, cater to their specific energy levels, and even accommodate their unique jaw shape with a specially designed kibble, ensuring they get the exact support they need to live a magnificent life.
Labrador Retriever
There is a reason Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs worldwide. Playful and devoted, they are known for their open, enthusiastic temperaments, which you’ll soon come to adore - as long as you can stand the affection overload, that is!
Quick facts
Place of origin
Great Britain
Weight range
25-32kg
Breed size
Large
Height range
53-61cm
Breed group
Retrievers/Gundogs
Other names
Labrador, Lab
Life stages
Puppy
2 - 15 month
Adult
15 months - 8 years
Mature
5 - 8+ years
Senior
From 8 years
Breed health nutrition for adult Labrador Retrievers
Key features
Adapted calorie content, increased protein and decreased fat to support a healthy weight
Donut shaped kibble to encourage chewing and slow eating
EPA, DHA and glucosamine to support healthy bones and joints
How it works
ROYAL CANIN® Labrador Retriever Adult dry dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Labrador Retrievers 15 months and older. It contains an adapted calorie content with an increased protein level and reduced fat to help maintain a healthy weight.
This formula also helps support healthy bones and joints with EPA, DHA and glucosamine. To support the skin's barrier role and maintain skin and coat health, it is enriched with borage oil and other essential fatty acids.
The donut-shaped kibble is exclusively designed to help the Labrador Retriever chew their food slowly and reduce the rate of food intake.
Breed health nutrition for Labrador Retriever puppies
Key features
Adapted energy, protein, calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development
High quality protein and prebiotics to support digestive health and balance of intestinal flora
Antioxidants, including vitamin E to support natural defences during this key growth period
How it works
ROYAL CANIN® Labrador Retriever Puppy dry dog food is specially formulated for your Labrador Retriever puppy up to 15 months old. It contains a complex of antioxidants, including vitamin E, to support your puppy's natural defences during this key period of growth.
With an adapted content of energy, protein, calcium and phosphorus, it contributes to the healthy development of your growing puppy's bone structure and helps to facilitate harmonious weight gain. This formula also contains a combination of nutrients with high-quality protein and prebiotics to support digestive health and a balance of intestinal flora.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the world's most popular dog breeds, cherished for its friendly, tolerant attitude and intelligence. Their gentle nature and striking golden coat make them a beautiful and loving family pet.
Quick facts
Place of origin
Scotland
Weight range
25-34kg
Breed size
Large
Height range
51-61cm
Breed group
Retrievers/Gundogs
Other names
Golden
Life stages
Puppy
2 - 15 month
Adult
15 months - 5 years
Mature
5 - 8 years
Senior
From 8 years
Breed health nutrition for adult Golden Retrievers
Key features
Modified energy content to help maintain a healthy weight
Taurine, EPA and DHA to support cardiac function
EPA, DHA and borage oil for skin support
How it works
ROYAL CANIN® Golden Retriever Adult is specially formulated for Golden Retrievers over 15 months old. It helps support the skin’s “barrier” role and maintains skin and coat health with an exclusive complex of nutrients, including EPA, DHA, and borage oil. The formula contains specific nutrients to help support good cardiac function and has an adapted calorie content to help maintain an ideal weight. The kibble's shape, size, and texture are also adapted specifically for the Golden Retriever.
Breed health nutrition for Golden Retriever puppies
Key features
EPA, DHA and borage oil to support the skin’s barrier role
High quality protein and prebiotics to support digestive health
Antioxidants, including vitamin E to support natural defences during this key growth period
How it works
ROYAL CANIN® Golden Retriever Puppy, for puppies up to 15 months old, supports the developing immune system with a complex of antioxidants, including vitamin E. It helps maintain the health of the young puppy's skin and coat and supports digestive health with high-quality proteins and prebiotics for optimal stool quality.
Dachshund
The Dachshund, with its iconic long body and short legs, is a friendly, intelligent, and loyal breed. Their brave and playful nature makes them a charming and entertaining family companion.
Quick facts
Place of origin
Germany
Weight range
9-12kg
Breed size
Small to medium
Height range
35-47cm
Breed group
Hounds
Other names
Doxie, Dashie, Badger Dog
Life stages
Puppy
2 - 10 month
Adult
10 months - 8 years
Mature
8 - 12 years
Senior
From 12 years
Breed health nutrition for adult Dachshunds
Key features
Optimal calorie content to help maintain an ideal weight
Highly digestible proteins and L-carnitine to help support lean muscle mass
Adapted calcium and phosphorus content to support healthy bones and joints
How it works
ROYAL CANIN® Dachshund Adult, for dogs over 10 months old, is formulated to support the Dachshund's bones and joints, thanks to an adapted calcium and phosphorus content. This exclusive formula also helps to maintain good muscle tone and an ideal weight. Furthermore, it helps to reduce the smell and volume of their stools, and the tailor-made kibble helps to reduce tartar formation thanks to calcium chelators.
Breed health nutrition for Dachshund puppies
Key features
Adapted levels of energy, protein, calcium, and phosphorus to promote optimal development
High quality protein and prebiotics to support digestive health
Exclusive kibble helps to support dental health and includes calcium chelators to reduce tartar formation
How it works
ROYAL CANIN® Dachshund Puppy, suitable for puppies up to 10 months old, supports your puppy's natural defences thanks to a complex of antioxidants including Vitamin E and contributes to the healthy development of their bones and joints through an adapted calcium and phosphorus content. It also supports digestive health and promotes a balance of intestinal flora, while the exclusive kibble shape is adapted to the Dachshund puppy's jaw.
Miniature Poodle
The Miniature Poodle is an intelligent, elegant, and active breed, known for its distinctive curly coat and proud demeanour. Their loyal and trainable nature makes them a beloved companion for many families.
Quick facts
Place of origin
Germany
Weight range
6.5-8kg
Breed size
Small
Height range
28-35cm
Breed group
Non-sporting
Other names
Caniche (French), Duck Dog
Life stages
Puppy
2 - 10 months
Adult
10 months - 8 years
Mature
8 - 12 years
Senior
From 12 years
Breed health nutrition for adult Poodles
Key features
Adapted protein content to support continuous hair growth and overall skin health
EPA, DHA and borage oil to nourish the Poodle's curly coat
Ingredients that bind calcium in the saliva to redue tartar formation
How it works
ROYAL CANIN® Poodle Adult is formulated to meet the needs of Toy and Miniature Poodles over 10 months old. The formula contains nutrients to maintain the health of the Poodle's woolly coat, enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) and borage oil. An adapted protein content helps support continuous hair growth, and the formula also helps maintain muscle tone. The exclusively designed kibble is specially adapted for the poodle and helps reduce tartar formation thanks to calcium chelators that bind to calcium in the saliva.
Breed health nutrition for Poodle puppies
Key features
EPA, DHA and borage oil to maintain the Poodle's woolly coat
High quality protein and prebiotics to support digestive health
Antioxidants, including vitamin E to support natural defences during this key growth period
How it works
ROYAL CANIN® Poodle Puppy is designed for Toy and Miniature Poodle puppies up to 10 months old. It supports the puppy’s natural defences with a complex of antioxidants, including vitamin E. The formula contains nutrients to maintain the health of the young Poodle's woolly coat and supports digestive health while promoting a balance of intestinal flora which contributes to good stool quality.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a noble and intelligent breed, renowned for its loyalty, courage, and working ability. Their versatility and devotion make them an exceptional companion and a highly capable working dog.
Quick facts
Place of origin
Germany
Weight range
22-40kg
Breed size
Large
Height range
55-65cm
Breed group
Shepherds/Working Dogs
Other names
German, Shepherd, Alsatian, GSD
Life stages
Puppy
2 - 15 month
Adult
15 months - 5 years
Mature
5 - 8 years
Senior
From 8 years
Breed health nutrition for adult German Shepherds
Key features
Highly digestible protein and specific fibres for intestinal health
EPA and DHA to support skin barrier function
Nutrient complex to support joint and bone health
How it works
ROYAL CANIN® German Shepherd Adult is formulated for German Shepherds over 15 months old and is designed to support optimal digestive health with highly digestible L.I.P. proteins and specific fibres to limit intestinal fermentation. The formula helps support the skin's barrier role and maintains skin and coat health with EPA and DHA. It is also enriched with specific nutrients to help support healthy bones and joints, while the exclusive kibble is adapted to the German Shepherd's strong jaw to encourage chewing.
Breed health nutrition for German Shepherd puppies
Key features
Antioxidant complex including vitamin E for immune system support
High quality protein and prebiotics fibres (FOS, MOS) to support digestive health and promote a balance in the intestinal flora
Adapted calcium and phosphorus content and glucosamine and chondroitin to aid in bone and joint development
How it works
ROYAL CANIN® German Shepherd Puppy, for puppies up to 15 months old, supports the puppy's natural defences with a complex of antioxidants. Highly digestible proteins and specific fibres help to support digestive health and promotes a balanced intestinal flora, taking into account the breed's digestive sensitivity. The formula also contributes to supporting the puppy’s bones and joints with an adapted calcium and phosphorus content.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Mon 29 Sep 2025
Written by Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
