Collection: Royal Canin Breed Specific

Canine & Co stocks 18 Royal Canin breed-specific dog formulas: Beagle, Boxer, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Jack Russell, Labrador Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, Pomeranian, Poodle, Pug, Rottweiler, Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier. Many breeds have both puppy and adult versions. Beagle is adult only, and Chihuahua, Dachshund, Poodle, Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier also have a wet pouch.

Canine & Co stocks five Royal Canin breed-specific cat formulas: Persian, Maine Coon, British Shorthair, Siamese and Sphynx. 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 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 - X-Small (under 4 kg), Mini (1-10 kg), Medium (11-25 kg), Maxi (26-44 kg) or Giant (45 kg and over) - 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 the same precise nutritional approach tailored to your dog's size.

You can switch between 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.

The exact figures are in the feeding tab on each product page, taken from Royal Canin's own tables. From the Dachshund Adult table: a 5 kg dog needs 84 g a day at low activity, 97 g at moderate and 111 g at high; an 8 kg dog needs 120 g, 138 g or 157 g. From the Yorkshire Terrier Adult table: a 3 kg dog needs 55 to 64 g a day, and less dry food if you mix in wet pouches. Weigh the food rather than using a scoop, because a 20 g error is a large share of a small dog's ration, and recheck the table whenever your dog's weight changes.

Yes, in both puppy and adult, and both are stocked. The kibble is shaped for a flat-faced jaw, which standard round kibble makes difficult to pick up. The English Bulldog and Pug formulas cover the other flat-faced breeds, each with puppy and adult versions.

Yes, German Shepherd puppy and adult are both stocked. The formula centres on digestive support, with easily digestible proteins and prebiotics, because the breed is disproportionately prone to a sensitive digestive system. Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler and Boxer complete the stocked large breed formulas.

The 18 dog and 5 cat breed formulas we stock are all available online at canineandco.co.za, in puppy and adult versions where Royal Canin makes both. Orders over R550 qualify for FREE local shipping. Each product page carries the formula's kibble design notes and the feeding table in grams per day, so you can check the details for your breed before ordering.