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The selection of dog food is huge and some owners are at a loss as to which product they should choose. Uncertainty persists particularly concerning the subject of food for different breeds: do dogs really need breed-specific food? Read now why food adapted to the special needs of individual dog breeds can be extremely advantageous.
All dog breeds that are well-known nowadays descend from wolves. Some breeds emerged naturally and others by humans carrying out targeted breeding. The domestication of the wolf began with humans keeping wolf pups as pets. This led to these wild animals losing their reserve towards humans with time and accompanying them during hunts. Both the wolf’s nature and its appearance gradually changed. The process of domestication took place in different parts of the world, meaning that dog breeds developed that were adapted to the local conditions and predominant climate.
Travellers helped take breeds to other parts of the world, where they reproduced and more new breeds emerged. Over time, humans began targeted breeding to create new dog breeds. This involved mapping out certain character traits and physical features in order to support humans. For instance, this is how breeds emerged that are suitable for hunting, herding or protecting humans due to their physique, abilities and character. Every dog breed has both special characteristics and special needs too, which is also reflected in dietary requirements.
Breed-specific food can contribute to keeping your dog healthy, since the composition of the food pays attention to criteria that correspond to the special nutritional requirements of the breed in question. For instance, there are breeds that have a tendency to gain weight. In such cases, a low-calorie food can prevent over-provision of energy and help the dog to maintain its ideal weight and prevent illnesses that are encouraged by excess weight. Breed-specific dog food can also have a positive impact on breed-specific predispositions to ailments such as joint disorders. To summarise, the objective of a breed-specific food is to provide the optimal response to the nutritional profile of the dog breed in question. A further advantage is that breed-specific food is adapted to the teeth and jaw, with the size of the pieces of food varying based on this.
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The Labrador Retriever is one of the dog breeds with a tendency to gain excess weight. Not for nothing are Labradors considered greedy and have the reputation of doing anything for an extra portion of food. Studies demonstrate that the reason for this voracity lies in the genes. Due to a gene alternation, some Labradors are lacking certain neurotransmitters that ensure the feeling of hunger is suppressed. Labradors with this “greedy gene” are therefore always hungry. As a result, special food for Labradors is lower in calories and contains particularly filling ingredients. Due to its size, the Labrador tends to suffer from joint problems. Breed-specific food can have a positive impact here too, because its composition contains all the nutrients that support natural joint function in order to prevent diseases.
ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult is suitable for Labrador Retrievers from the age of 15 months and was specially developed for the dietary requirements of this breed. It has adapted calorie content – including increased protein content and a reduced proportion of fat – therefore contributes to maintaining an ideal body weight. ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult supports the skin’s barrier function thanks to an exclusive nutrient complex. Borage oil and other essential fatty acids are some of the nutrients it contains and help to keep the skin and fur healthy.
As determined athletes, Labrador Retrievers give their all when it comes to physical exercise. Due to its solid physique and strong bones, your dog needs nutrients that contribute to keeping the joints healthy. The breed-specific food ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult uses added special nutrients including the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA for healthy bones and joints.
In addition, the texture and shape of the biscuits are exclusively tailored to the Labrador Retriever’s jaw. The specially adapted shape of the biscuits encourages chewing and prevents bolting.
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The German Shepherd also has a tendency to develop joint problems, as well as having sensitive digestion. Ideally its food will contain nutrients to support joint function and be made up of ingredients that are easy to digest. Additives to the food can strengthen the immune system.
We offer a selection of high-quality foods for the following dog breeds:
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