How To Help Your Dog Live Their Happiest, Healthiest Life (According To Science)

Fun fact: did you know Dachshunds were bred to burrow after badgers? Or that Labradors were built for retrieving in cold water? Yeah, neither did we. But every breed’s unique backstory comes with its own strengths, quirks and health considerations.

The good news? We can help them thrive by understanding what makes them tick, and that starts with how we care for them, especially when it comes to what goes in their bowl.

We sat down with Royal Canin’s vet Dr Katelyn O’Connor to unpack the science behind breed-specific nutrition. Keep reading for her top tips to help your furry friend live their happiest, healthiest life.

What is something most owners don't realise about each breed?

Many owners are surprised to learn that the very traits they love about their breeds are directly linked to their unique health needs. The adorable sausage shape of your Dachshund is actually a feat of engineering for hunting badgers in tunnels. Owners often don't realise that this long spine is incredibly vulnerable, which is why keeping them lean and supporting muscle tone matters so much. 

For Labrador Retrievers, that insatiable appetite isn't them being greedy; it's a hardwired survival instinct from their history as water retrieval dogs in freezing conditions. Their body is telling them to store energy for a job they no longer do, making weight management and joint support particularly important.

Vets often have to highlight Golden Retrievers’ genetic predisposition to certain heart conditions. It's a silent vulnerability that needs proactive care, alongside support for their skin and coat. And for the tough-looking German Shepherd, most owners are shocked to learn they have notoriously sensitive digestive systems. What might be dismissed as an occasional upset stomach can actually be a sign that their gut needs specific support.

So, what does that mean for how we should feed them? 

It means we should feed to their unique purpose, not just their size. Royal Canin’s breed-specific nutrition can help address their individual needs, from controlled calories and joint support for Labradors and Dachshunds to nutrients for heart, skin and coat health in Golden Retrievers, and highly digestible proteins for German Shepherds.

What are the biggest health myths you’d like to bust? 

I would love to clear up a few common misconceptions: 

The Myth: A hungry Labrador acts in a certain way because they are not trained.

The Truth: Their constant hunger is a genetic drive, not a choice. They're hardwired to eat. The real danger is overfeeding them. The most responsible thing you can do is not give in to those puppy-dog eyes and instead manage their portions carefully. Using a kibble specifically designed to slow their eating rate can also make a huge difference in their satisfaction and digestion. 

The Myth: A Dachshund's potential back problems are only things to look out for when they age. 

The Truth: While genetics play a role, the biggest factors are often weight and mechanics, both of which you can control. Preventing them from jumping off furniture and keeping them at a lean, healthy weight with a diet that supports lean muscle mass is the best way to proactively protect their spine. 

The Myth: A German Shepherd's loose stool is just from eating grass or the occasional "bad treat." 

The Truth: It's often a direct sign of their inherently sensitive digestive system struggling to cope. Their digestive tract is relatively shorter and needs the right fuel. Choosing a diet with highly digestible proteins isn't just a nice-to-have; it’s fundamental to their daily comfort and health. 

The Myth: Skin flare-ups in Golden Retrievers are simply due to using the wrong shampoo. 

The Truth: Their dense, beautiful double coat tends to trap dampness, creating a warm, moist breeding ground for bacteria or yeast. While grooming is really important, nutrition that reinforces the skin's barrier function with specific omega fatty acids plays a crucial role in managing this sensitivity. 

How can we give our dogs the best chance of staying healthy in the long term? 

Start by understanding what your specific breed was built for and providing care that respects their unique design. This includes providing the right kind of exercise, scheduling regular vet check-ups and making a crucial choice about their daily nutrition.

Feeding a high-quality, breed-specific diet is one of the easiest and most effective daily actions you can take. For example, knowing that a Labrador is prone to joint issues, you can choose a food that is already formulated with nutrients to support their joints. Or for a German Shepherd, you can provide a diet with highly digestible proteins to support their sensitive gut from the start.  

When should we start thinking about prevention rather than intervention?

The single most powerful thing an owner can do is shift their mindset from intervention to prevention, and that starts from day one. Many of the health issues we see in adult and senior dogs, like joint disease or obesity, are the result of habits and conditions that began in puppyhood. 

For example, with a German Shepherd, their rapid puppy growth puts a lot of strain on their developing hips. Starting them on a diet designed for their specific growth rate is a key preventative measure against future joint problems. Similarly, with a Dachshund, preventing them from becoming overweight as a puppy is the best way to protect their spine later in life.

Don't wait for a problem to appear; use Royal Canin’s tailored nutrition to help prevent it from ever starting. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Royal Canin and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find  out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.