In the beginning, dog food was just dog food. One size fits all. With knowledge came the recognition of differing nutrient requirements between maintenance and growth, and puppy foods were born. That was furthered to study pregnancy and lactation nutrition. But still, it was approached through the “a dog is a dog” mentality.

The first effort to “specialize” dog nutrition was the development of a large breed puppy diet. The tremendous variations in growth rates among breeds and the skeletal development in particular inspired this step. Commonly referred to as “size nutrition”, the more distinct categorizations evolved beyond the small breed, large breed designations to include medium and giant breeds. Each size has nutritional needs that set it apart. 

Differences between the relative sizes of dogs go beyond musculoskeletal, involving the gastrointestinal tract, energy metabolism, body composition and rates of aging.

Scientists then additionally looked at the differences in nutritional needs according to activity levels, or the work dogs performed. . The “active” dog, or sometimes called “performance” dog, was recognized to have higher energy and somewhat higher protein needs. Still there persisted a broadband classification regarding activity. Now, types of activity are clarified between endurance, sprint, and steady maintained effort.

Royal Canin recognized that while the size-specific diets were addressing the needs of dogs, there are still significant differences within size groups according to breed. Sometimes those differences were more on an energy basis, sometimes on characteristics such as coat and hair. But additionally, breeds differ according to what health problems commonly occur.

The Yorkshire Terrier breed-specific diet was the first of its kind, introduced in 2002. Extensive research into the breed and its history identified common issues. In this instance, it was recognized that Yorkies tend to have dental problems, often severe. These problems don’t stop with formation of tartar and infection of the gingiva, but extend to bone damage of the jaw, and bacterial infections that threaten vital organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys. Also, with their beautiful long, silky coats, they require higher protein and essential fatty acids levels. The breed typically can be picky eaters, driving their owners to distraction as they would try food after food to find one that would suit. Yorkies are ideal indoor dogs for apartment dwellers, and spend virtually their entire lives indoors. The need for a diet that would minimize both the amount and the odor of the dog’s stools was important.

Other breeds revealed other concerns. For instance, Chihuahua’s tend to have heart problems. Their special diet was formulated to protect the heart along with other aspects. Dachshunds are particularly vulnerable to joint problems and weight gain. Poodles have needs for eye health, and neural tissue protection. Schnauzers have trouble maintaining an ideal body weight, and frequently have skin problems.

These are but a few of the examples of breed-specific needs, and the basis of their corresponding diets. Currently, Royal Canin offers 12 breed specific diets for dogs. Six are small breeds, 2 are midsize breeds, and 4 are large breeds.

For every breed that a diet has been formulated, the same basic steps were taken. First, an in-depth study of the breed is performed to identify characteristics that set the breed apart, and then the health issues common to that breed. Second, research is conducted to see what steps could be taken nutritionally to meet the breed’s particular needs and to prevent or mitigate the health conditions identified, where possible. Then, working with top breeders around the world, and Royal Canin’s research facilities in England and France, studies were conducted feeding the proposed formula to the targeted breed. Many of these studies continued from several months to over a year. Each step of the way, the dogs were carefully monitored for health and the satisfaction of the owners.

This degree of formulation is the basic application of nutrigenomics. While research will continue the study of interaction between nutrition and genes, the idea of a diet formulated for the individual dog is in the future, and will most likely evolve on the veterinary side. In the mean time, Royal Canin continues the research and innovation to provide your dog the best nutrition possible.