Each breed has unique nutritional requirements with different outcomes on their health and wellbeing. So when dinner time comes around, ask yourself, are you feeding your cat or dog a food that’s made specifically just for them? Breed Specific food from brands like Royal Canin and Black Hawk are made with different breeds in mind, providing the right health benefits that your pet needs.
In order to maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle, breed specific nutrition targets individual breeds, developing pet food and treats that focus on health benefits and the unique eating styles of brachycephalic jaw shapes.
What is brachycephalic?
Brachycephalic describes the shape of your pet’s skull and jaw, usually referring to a pet with a wider shaped head with protruding jaw and a flattened or shortened nose. Brachycephalic pets will have varying degrees of severity, usually occurring in breeds like Boxers, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, French Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Persians and British Shorthairs.
As Brachycephalic pets have abnormally shaped jaws, dental problems are quite common. Their lower jaw has an underbite which protrudes in front of the upper teeth. Pets with under bites experience unusual chewing action and may have difficulties eating larger kibbles. Picking up food can also be difficult as the incisors (The small teeth at the front) don’t meet in the middle. Breed Specific nutrition is ideal for pets who suffer from Brachycephalic jaws as the size and shape of the kibble is specifically made to suit the average size of the breed’s mouth and eating motion.
Breed specific foods can assist with palatability through special kibble technology.
What is Kibble Technology?
You may not think much about it when you’re feeding your pet, but the shape of their kibble is important. Smaller shaped kibbles are easier to eat for small breed pets and pets with brachycephalic jaws. Similarly, larger dogs will benefit from a bigger, crunchier kibble. These foods also help by providing preventative nutrition that targets breed specific health conditions such as cardiac function, skin conditions and weight control.
Alternatively there are pets with mesocephalic jaws who encounter genetic based dental problems. Breeds like West Highland White Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Poodles, Jack Russell Terriers, Maine Coons and Ragdolls may encounter these genetic problems. These pets tend to do well with a food that has a dental benefit such as specified kibble shape and calcium chelators. Breeds specific foods also alleviate problems such as fussy appetites, urinary health, joint and heart support solutions by providing preventative nutrition.
For the fast eaters
Does your dog or cat wolf down their food at dinner time? It’s not always just because they’re hungry! If you’ve got a Labrador, Beagle or Siamese, these breeds commonly chow down their food at lightning fast speed. This can cause digestive problems and overeating. Our vet nutritionist recommends, feeding them larger kibble sizes, shaped as a donut or clover as this encourages consistent chewing and reduces the speed of consumption.
Feeding kibble shaped larger donut or clover shaped kibble to your dog will reduce the speed of their and encourages consistent chewing.
These breeds pack on the podge quickly. Giving them food that contains L-carnitine will help maintain lean muscle mass and remain fit and healthy.
For better digestion
Additionally, there are breeds that have significant digestive sensitivities. Breeds like German Shepherds often need support in this area and by feeding them breed specific food it will improve their digestion.
Finally, always remember to pair good, healthy diet with regular exercise and grooming. This is the best way to keep your dog fighting fit and at their finest.
