Collection: 15% Off Royal Canin Breed Specific

Royal Canin offers breed-specific dog food for over 20 breeds, including Boxer, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Dalmatian, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Jack Russell Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, Pug, Rottweiler, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier, among others. Many breeds have both puppy and adult versions. At Canine & Co, we carry the full breed-specific range available in South Africa.

Royal Canin offers breed-specific cat food for four popular breeds: Persian, Siamese, British Shorthair and Maine Coon. Each formula is developed in collaboration with breeders of that specific breed and addresses the unique physical characteristics, eating behaviours and nutritional requirements of each. For example, the Persian diet has kibble shaped for flat-faced cats, while the Maine Coon formula supports the breed's large bone structure and cardiac health. Kitten versions are also available for some breeds.

Breed-specific Royal Canin formulas differ from size-based formulas in several important ways. The kibble shape is designed specifically for the breed's jaw structure and eating behaviour - for instance, a flat disc shape for brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, or a curved shape for Dachshunds with narrow muzzles. The nutrient profile addresses breed-specific health predispositions, such as joint support for breeds prone to hip dysplasia, or cardiac nutrients for breeds with heart concerns. The formulas also consider breed-typical coat types, skin sensitivities and digestive characteristics that generic formulas cannot address.

For owners of breeds with pronounced physical or health characteristics, breed-specific food offers tangible benefits that generic formulas cannot match. The custom kibble design alone can make a significant difference for breeds with unusual jaw shapes - flat-faced breeds, for example, often struggle to pick up standard round kibble. The targeted nutrient profiles can help manage breed-typical concerns proactively, such as supporting joint health in large breeds or maintaining coat quality in long-haired breeds. Breeders overwhelmingly recommend breed-specific formulas because they see measurable differences in the health and condition of dogs and cats fed these diets.

If Royal Canin does not offer a breed-specific formula for your dog, the Size Health Nutrition range is the next best option. Determine your dog's size category based on their adult weight - Mini (up to 10 kg), Medium (11-25 kg), Maxi (26-44 kg) or Giant (over 45 kg) - and choose the corresponding puppy or adult formula. If your dog has a specific concern like skin sensitivity, weight management or digestive issues, the Canine Care Nutrition range may also be appropriate. These formulas, while not breed-specific, still offer Royal Canin's precise nutritional approach tailored to your dog's size.

You can switch between Royal Canin formulas, but a gradual transition over 7 to 10 days is always recommended to avoid digestive upset. If your dog has been on a size-based formula and you want to try the breed-specific option (or vice versa), mix increasing proportions of the new food with the old food over the transition period. The breed-specific formula will typically be the more tailored option if one exists for your breed, but the size-based formula is also a sound nutritional choice. The most important thing is to select the correct life stage - do not feed a puppy formula to an adult dog or vice versa.

Most Royal Canin breed-specific formulas are available as dry kibble, which is the format where the custom kibble shape provides the most benefit. Some breeds also have wet food options available. At Canine & Co, our product listings clearly indicate which formats are available for each breed. Where both formats exist, you can use a mixed feeding approach - combining dry kibble with wet food for added palatability and moisture intake. Follow the mixed feeding guidelines provided on the packaging for correct portioning.

Royal Canin's kibble design process involves studying the jaw structure, bite force, and eating behaviour of each breed. Using dental moulds and feeding studies, researchers determine the optimal kibble shape, size and texture that encourages proper chewing and suits the breed's physical characteristics. For example, the Labrador Retriever kibble is doughnut-shaped to slow down fast eaters, the Chihuahua kibble is very small for tiny jaws, and the Persian cat kibble is almond-shaped for flat-faced cats. The texture and hardness are also calibrated - some breeds benefit from a crunchier kibble for dental health, while others need a softer bite.

Yes, many popular breeds have dedicated puppy formulas within the Royal Canin breed-specific range. These include Labrador Retriever Puppy, German Shepherd Puppy, French Bulldog Puppy, Golden Retriever Puppy, and several others. Breed-specific puppy formulas combine the benefits of breed-tailored nutrition with the specific growth requirements of puppies - including adapted energy levels, immune system support, and controlled mineral content for healthy skeletal development. They also feature smaller kibble sizes appropriate for puppy jaws within that breed.

The full Royal Canin breed-specific range is available online at Canine & Co (canineandco.co.za). We stock breed-specific formulas for dogs and cats, in both puppy and adult options where available. All products can be delivered anywhere in South Africa, with free delivery on orders over R550. Our product pages include detailed information about each formula's specific benefits, kibble design, and feeding guidelines so you can make an informed choice for your pet's breed. Browse the collection to find your breed's dedicated formula.