The right diet for dogs: Why size and breed matter

Dogs are as diverse as their owners - from small Chihuahuas to huge Great Danes, there are countless sizes and breeds. But what does this mean for nutrition? Size and breed play a crucial role in your dog's nutritional requirements and feeding. In this article, you'll learn what you should look out for to ensure the optimal diet for your four-legged friend.

Why Size Matters in Dog Nutrition

The size of your dog not only affects his energy needs, but also the type of food he needs.

• Small dogs (up to 10 kg)
  Small breeds have a fast metabolism and require high-energy food to meet their daily needs. Their small stomachs mean they need smaller but more frequent meals. Food should also be offered in small kibbles or portions that are easy to chew.
• Medium-sized dogs (10–25 kg)
  Medium-sized dogs have balanced nutritional needs and require a varied diet to keep them fit and active. A balance between energy content and portion size is important here.
• Large dogs (over 25 kg)
  Large breeds often have a slower metabolism and are more prone to joint problems. They require a diet with moderate energy content to avoid obesity. Additionally, nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin should be included to support joint health.

How breed influences nutrition

Breed characteristics such as activity level, susceptibility to certain diseases and body type also affect nutrition.

• Active breeds (e.g. Border Collie, Australian Shepherd):
  These dogs require a high-protein diet to maintain their muscle mass and make the most of their high energy. Omega-3 fatty acids can help promote endurance and reduce inflammation.
• Large breeds (e.g. Great Dane, St. Bernard):
  In addition to supporting joints, it is important to control the growth of large breed puppies. Growth that is too rapid can lead to skeletal problems. Special food for large breeds contains the right amount of calcium and phosphorus to promote healthy growth.
• Small breeds (e.g. Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier):
  These dogs are often picky eaters and require food with an intense flavor and an appealing texture. Their food should also be easily digestible so as not to burden their sensitive stomachs.
• Breeds with a tendency to be overweight (e.g. Labrador Retriever, Pug):
  For these breeds, a diet with moderate fat and sufficient fiber is important. Controlled portion sizes and low-calorie snacks are essential.

Common mistakes in breed-specific nutrition

• Ignoring the growth stage:
  Puppies, adults and seniors have different needs. The wrong food can lead to nutritional deficiencies or oversupply.
• Too little consideration for activity:
  Less active dogs, regardless of breed, need less energy to avoid obesity.
• One size fits all:
  Many owners give all dogs the same food without considering their individual needs. This can lead to health problems in the long term.

How to find the perfect diet

You can ensure your dog gets the best nutrition by following these steps:

• Individual analysis: Take into account your dog’s age, weight, activity level and special needs.
• Quality food: Look for high-quality ingredients that are specifically tailored to the size and breed of your dog.
• Adjust portion sizes: Follow the feeding recommendations on the packaging and adjust them to your dog's activity level.

How Petmeal.ch helps you

Size and breed play a crucial role in your dog's diet. With the right combination of high-quality food, adjusted portion sizes and breed-specific nutrients, you can promote your dog's health and zest for life. Discover the benefits of personalized nutrition with Petmeal.ch and offer your dog the best!

At Petmeal.ch we create personalized food packages that are tailored to the size, breed and needs of your dog. Our intelligent tool analyzes the most important information about your dog and ensures that he gets all the nutrients he needs - without compromise.

Try our personalized food package for your dog now and find the optimal diet for his size and breed! Try it now .