Feeding by Breed: The Best Dog Food for NZ’s Most Popular Pups

From couch-loving Cavoodles to high-energy Border Collies, your dog’s breed can play a major role in what food they thrive on. While personality matters too, genetics often influence things like metabolism, joint health, coat condition, and appetite. Feeding to suit your dog's breed isn’t just smart - it can help prevent costly health issues down the line. At Petdirect, we are a passionate team of pet lovers, in-house vets, and nutrition specialists, and we’re here to help Kiwi pets live their best lives one bowl at a time.

Why Breed-Specific Nutrition Matters

Different breeds have different nutritional priorities:

• Large breeds (e.g. Labradors, Golden Retrievers): Need joint support and calorie control

• Small breeds (e.g. Toy Poodles, Cavoodles): Require energy-dense food in small kibble sizes

• Working breeds (e.g. Border Collies, Huntaways): Benefit from high-protein, high-calorie diets

Even within those categories, there’s variety. A Greyhound has different metabolic needs than a German Shepherd—even though both are large dogs.

Top Dog Food Picks by Breed

1. Labradors & Golden Retrievers

These loveable goofballs are notorious for gaining weight. Choose food with joint support (glucosamine) and moderate fat.

• Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult: Tailored kibble shape to slow down eating, enriched with EPA/DHA

• Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Adult: Controlled calcium for bone health and glucosamine for joints

2. Cavoodles, Toy Breeds & Small Dogs

Small dogs have faster metabolisms and smaller stomachs—so they need energy-dense food in tiny bites.

• Royal Canin Mini Adult: Designed for dogs under 10kg, with omega fatty acids for a shiny coat

• Black Hawk Adult Small Breed: Highly patatable and has a smaller kibble size for dogs with smaller mouths

3. Border Collies, Working Dogs, and Active Breeds

High-output dogs need calories and protein that go the distance.

• Eukanuba Premium Performance: (Working & Endurance): High protein/fat for sustained energy

• Nutrience SubZero Fraser Valley: Grain-free, freeze-dried inclusions, and packed with Canadian protein punch

Honourable Mentions

• Ziwi Peak: Air-dried, NZ-made and great for all breeds, especially fussy eaters or those with allergies

• Orijen: Rich and diverse in protein and ideal for dogs of all ages

Want to learn more about your dog’s unique needs? Explore our Dog Breed Hub for tailored advice, nutrition tips, and personality insights across dozens of breeds.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a breed-specific dog food? A: Not always, but breed-specific or tailored diets can prevent breed-related issues like joint problems or skin sensitivities.

Q: What if I have a mixed breed dog? A: Focus on size, activity level, and any known sensitivities rather than breed-specific products.

Conclusion

Feeding to your dog’s breed gives them a nutritional edge—and peace of mind for you. Browse Petdirect’s range of breed-suited formulas and speak to a vet or contact our experts if you need personalised guidance.