Photos by: Amaviael / Bigstock
Not all dog breeds are the same. Did you know that different sizes of dogs need different diets? Here is why there is a meal for every type of dog.
Dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes. It can be placed in the palm of your hand, or it can hover over a person when standing on its hind legs. Because their sizes range, so do their nutritional needs. Chihuahuas and Great Danes have different dietary concerns, so it doesn’t make sense to offer a one-size-fits-all food.
It’s not just about size – there are also different life stage feeding concerns within the dog breed size range. Royal Canin offers a range of small breed dog nutritional formulas and life support for your giant breed dog through every stage of his life.
What should you consider when looking for the best food for your breed? Consider the following when deciding if you should give your Yorkshire Terrier the same type of dog food that you would give your German Shepherd:
- crunch the size: Although small dogs can have a loud bark, they can’t bite off more than they can chew! This is why kibble made for small dogs is much smaller than the one in a bag of food for large dogs. Small dogs need a kibble that they can easily chew and digest – and that means a medium kibble has no place in their mouths or bowls.
- Nutrition balanceSmall dogs can be full of energy. And thanks to their higher metabolic rates, a pint-sized pod can burn calories quickly, especially when you’re a puppy. During this formative time, you will need to make sure that your young dog is consuming enough calories on a daily basis. Additionally, smaller breed dogs may require more frequent feeding. Even as they grow into adults, small breed dogs still need more calories per pound than large dogs. Remember that more calories does not necessarily mean more food. Small, high-energy breeds require formulas with different calorie contents to support their nutritional needs.
- Joint health: Large breed dogs put a lot of pressure on their joints, and over time, it takes its toll. Because large and giant breed dogs are predisposed to bone disease, foods designed for larger breeds must be formulated with nutrients designed to support bone and joint health.
- senior yearsDogs: Both small and large breed dogs have different nutritional needs as they reach their golden years. Younger dogs have longer lifespans, and antioxidants can help prevent cell damage. Highly concentrated foods can contain nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, both of which can help promote joint health in large and small breed dogs.
No matter your dog’s size, you need to make sure he’s eating a perfectly balanced, nutritional food that’s been designed just for him…and you’ll find just what you’re looking for with Royal Canin. Order the perfect Royal Canin dog food for your pup from Petco’s online store today!
