The Best Dog Food for Your Breed: A Tailored Nutrition Guide

Why Your Dog’s Breed Should Shape What’s in Their Bowl

Here’s the deal: your dog’s breed isn’t just about looks or personality - it plays a huge role in what they should be eating. A high-energy Aussie needs fuel to keep up. A doodle’s sensitive stomach might demand something gentler. And your Frenchie? Let’s just say they have opinions about digestion.

This guide breaks it all down - by breed. We’ll cover what makes each dog tick nutritionally, what to avoid, and which foods are actually worth your money. No fluff, no filler - just solid advice and top-notch product recs from Brindle Pet Supplies, including some of the best in the game: Dr. Marty, Badlands Ranch, and Smack.

Why freeze-dried dog food? Because it’s real food. It’s clean, packed with nutrients, and actually convenient - especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, or picky appetites. And let’s be honest: not every kibble on the shelf cuts it anymore. If you want food that works with your dog’s breed traits, not against them, you’re in the right place.

What Actually Matters When Choosing Food for Your Dog’s Breed

Every dog is different - but breed gives you a huge head start when figuring out what they need to thrive. It’s not just about size or how cute they look in a raincoat. It’s about how their body works, what they’re prone to, and how they burn energy. Here’s what should be driving your food choices:

1. Energy Level and Activity

High-drive breeds like Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers need high-protein dog food that fuels endurance, focus, and recovery. This is where freeze-dried dog food shines. You’re feeding raw-level protein in a lightweight, easy-to-serve form - perfect for athletic dogs with big engines.

2. Size and Structure

Big dogs? Think joint support, glucosamine, and omega-3s. Small dogs? They need food that’s easy to chew and digest - especially brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs or Boston Terriers. Freeze-dried food is ideal here too. It’s softer, easy to rehydrate, and comes in bite-sized pieces that work for all sizes.

3. Skin and Coat Health

Certain breeds are known for sensitive skin (hello, Golden Retrievers, Doodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels). Flaky skin, itchiness, and dull coats are often signs that your dog’s food isn’t cutting it. Look for formulas with omega-3s, antioxidants, and whole-food ingredients.

4. Digestion and Sensitivities

Let’s talk stomachs. Some dogs - like Shih Tzu mixes, Doodles, and Frenchies - are prone to gas, bloating, or food allergies. If your pup has a sensitive gut, you need grain-free, limited-ingredient, or single-protein formulas that are easy on the system.

Feeding by breed isn’t about overthinking - it’s about matching your dog’s real needs with food that fuels them properly. And with premium freeze-dried options from Dr. Marty, Badlands Ranch, Carna4 and Smack, plus a few top-tier kibbles, you can build the kind of diet that keeps tails wagging from puppyhood to senior years.

Doodles (Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Aussiedoodles)

Doodles are the golden children of the dog world - smart, goofy, and full of energy. But behind those teddy bear curls, there’s usually a sensitive stomach and a bit of a picky side. These dogs often inherit food sensitivities from their Poodle lineage and high-energy demands from their Retriever or Aussie parent. Translation? You need food that’s gentle on the gut but still packs enough protein to keep up.

What They Need:

• Easy-to-digest formulas (grain-free or limited-ingredient is ideal)
• High-quality proteins to support muscle and brain development
• Omega fatty acids for skin, coat, and inflammation
• No artificial fillers, no weird stuff - just real food

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Doodles:

1. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness Freeze-Dried - Original: This is our go-to for sensitive doodles. It’s grain-free, loaded with real turkey, beef, and salmon, and includes organ meats for added nutrients. Plus, it’s light on the stomach and heavy on the flavor.
2. Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete – Lamb and Venison Recipe: Packed with real lamb and venison, flaxseed, chia, and turmeric, this one’s great for coat health and digestion. Doodles love the taste - and it travels well too.
3. Smack Prairie Harvest Pork (Dehydrated): Canadian-made, low-ingredient, and raw-style without the mess. It’s one of the most allergy-friendly foods out there, and it’s perfect for doodles with mystery sensitivities.

Kibble Options for Doodles:

1. Acana Singles Grass-Fed Lamb Dog Food: A clean kibble made with traceable ingredients and zero corn or soy. 
2. GO! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Lamb: For doodles who can’t handle much of anything, this limited-ingredient option is a lifesaver.

Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs

Big Hearts. Bigger Appetites. Smart Nutrition Needed.

These are the heavyweights of the family dog world - loyal, affectionate, and always down for a snack (or five). But they also share a few nutritional quirks: weight gain, joint issues, and sensitive digestion are all common with Goldens, Labs, and Berners. They're lovable, energetic, and easygoing - but when it comes to food, you'll want to keep things clean, lean, and supportive of long-term health.

What They Need:

• Lean, high-quality protein to maintain muscle without tipping the scale
• Joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine, omega-3s, and anti-inflammatory superfoods
• A calorie-conscious option - especially for Labs (let’s be honest, they’ll eat anything)
• Digestive-friendly formulas with minimal fillers

Best Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Options:

1. Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Beef: Loaded with joint-friendly ingredients like flaxseed, turmeric, and chia. Great for dogs prone to inflammation or early arthritis. The beef recipe is perfect for skin and coat support too.
2. Carna4 Hand Crafted Dog Food Nuggets - Chicken: Lean protein, minimally processed and no fillers. Carna4 is also available in large bags which makes feeding large breed dogs a breeze.
3. Smack Very Berry Chicken Raw Dehydrated Food for Dogs : Minimalist, gently dehydrated, and ideal for dogs that need clean, real nutrition. It’s calorie-dense and filling, so you can feed less without sacrificing energy or performance.

Kibble Picks Worth Trying:

1. NOW Fresh Large Breed: Grain-free, with added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
2. Royal Canin Golden Retriever or Royal Canin Labrador Retriever: Great if your pup thrives on breed-specific kibble with adjusted fat/protein ratios.
3. Acana Large Breed Adult: Protein-rich and made in Canada with regional ingredients.

Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds

Smart, Intense, and Always On the Move

If there were a “most likely to outwork you” award for dogs, Aussies and Shepherds would share the title. These breeds are sharp, athletic, and notoriously high-energy. Whether you’ve got a backyard herder or a full-on working dog, they need nutrient-dense fuel to keep up - and food that supports their joints, brain health, and often sensitive digestion.

German Shepherds in particular are known for GI issues, while Aussies burn energy like it’s their full-time job. Both benefit from high-protein dog food that’s easy to digest and packed with functional ingredients.

What They Need:

• High-protein, performance-oriented food to support endurance and muscle
• Digestive support (especially for German Shepherds)
• Anti-inflammatory ingredients for joint health
• Clean, filler-free food that helps maintain ideal weight and stamina

Best Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Options:

1. Carna4 Hand Crafted Dog Food Nuggets - Lamb: Gently baked in small batches, these Canadian-made nuggets offer real lamb, sprouted seeds, and a natural fermentation blend for gut and immune support - perfect for Shepherds and Aussies needing clean, balanced energy without synthetic additives.
2. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness Freeze-Dried - Original: Raw-style nutrition that’s rich in high-quality meat and organ ingredients, with added prebiotics and probiotics for gut support. Especially good for Shepherds with finicky stomachs.
3. Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Chicken: Built for dogs with jobs. High in protein, includes anti-inflammatory turmeric and omega-rich ingredients to keep your pup sharp and strong.

Kibble Picks to Support Their Drive:

1. Acana Grasslands or Acana Wild Prairie: Packed with protein and quality meats and great for high-output dogs.
2. Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Salmon and Cod: Packed with lean protein for sustainable energy.

French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers

Big Attitudes. Small Tummies. Sensitive Everything.

Frenchies and Bostons may be compact, but they’re full of personality - and a whole lot of digestive drama. These brachycephalic breeds (a.k.a. flat-faced charmers) are prone to food sensitivities, gassiness, and skin issues, so what you feed them really matters.

The goal? Keep it clean. You want easy-to-digest ingredients, grain-free or limited formulas, and food that doesn’t overload their systems. Smaller kibble size or easily rehydrated meals make feeding time smoother for dogs that may struggle with chewing or swallowing.

What They Need:

• Digestive support (especially for gas and bloating)
• Skin and coat-friendly nutrients like omega-3s
• Clean, limited-ingredient food that’s easy to chew and absorb
• No fillers, no artificial junk

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food Picks:

1. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness Small Breed: Tiny pieces, big results. Easy on digestion, great for skin and coat, and packed with probiotics and organ meats. Great for picky eaters too.
2. Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Air-Dried Dog Food - Chicken: Loaded with gut-friendly flaxseed and omega-rich ingredients. Chicken is an excellent lean protein choice for Frenchies and Bostons with sensitive digestion.

Kibble Picks Worth Trying:

1. NOW Fresh Small Breed Adult: A clean, grain-free formula made just for little dogs. Features small, crunchy bites with added probiotics and omega oils to support digestion and skin health.
2. Go! Solutions Sensitivities - Salmon Small Bites: Limited-ingredient, single-protein kibble made with real salmon and no grains or common allergens. Smaller kibble size is ideal for Frenchies and Bostons.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Shih Tzu

Cuteness Overload Meets Sensitive Systems

Cavaliers and Teddy Bear dogs (Bichon Shih Tzu mixes) are known for their gentle nature, lapdog loyalty, and honestly… next-level cuteness. But beneath the fluff, you’ve got breeds that are often prone to dental issues, sensitive stomachs, and sometimes heart or eye conditions (especially with Cavaliers).

What does that mean for food? You’ll want something easy to chew, gentle on digestion, and packed with clean, real ingredients that support long-term wellness. And bonus points for smaller kibble or freeze-dried options that don’t require much effort to eat.

What They Need:

• Smaller, bite-sized food that’s easy to chew (especially for older or dental-challenged dogs)
• Gentle-on-the-gut ingredients (limited-ingredient or freeze-dried = win)
• Omega fatty acids and antioxidants to support skin, eyes, and heart
• No fillers, no fluff - just good food

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food Picks:

1. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness Small Breed: Designed for tiny dogs with sensitive digestion. Soft, easy-to-chew pieces packed with nutrient-rich proteins, organ meats, and digestive support.
2. Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Beef: Loaded with joint-friendly ingredients like flaxseed, turmeric, and chia. Great for dogs prone to inflammation or early arthritis. The beef recipe is perfect for skin and coat support too.

Small-Breed Kibble Picks That Work:

1. NOW Fresh Small Breed Adult: A clean, grain-free formula made just for little dogs. Features small, crunchy bites with added probiotics and omega oils to support digestion and skin health.
2. Go! Solutions Sensitivities - Salmon Small Bites: Limited-ingredient, single-protein kibble made with real salmon and no grains or common allergens. Smaller kibble size is ideal for Frenchies and Bostons.

Why Freeze-Dried Dog Food Works for Every Breed

Spoiler: It’s Not Just for Raw Feeders Anymore

Here’s the thing about freeze-dried dog food: it’s not a trend - it’s a nutrition upgrade that just happens to be ridiculously convenient. Whether you’ve got a high-energy Aussie or a picky little Shih Tzu, freeze-dried dog food checks almost every box.

It’s lightweight, shelf-stable, and easy to serve - just scoop, add water (or not), and you’re done. But what really makes it stand out is the quality of ingredients and the minimal processing. Brands like Dr. Marty, Badlands Ranch, and Smack Pet Food use raw or gently cooked meats, organ meats, fruits, and veggies - without the additives or heat that can destroy key nutrients.

Why it works for your dog:

• Picky eaters love the rich, meaty flavour
• Sensitive stomachs benefit from clean, limited-ingredient formulas
• Small breeds get easy-to-chew bites without filler
• Large breeds get protein-dense meals that support joints and energy
• Senior dogs love the softer texture (especially if teeth are an issue)

From puppies to golden oldies, freeze-dried dog food offers species-appropriate nutrition without the hassle of a full raw diet. And for breed-specific needs? You’ve got options.

Where to Buy the Best Dog Food in Canada by Breed

(Hint: You’re Already in the Right Place!)

Whether you're feeding a Frenchie with digestive drama, a working German Shepherd, or a curly-coated doodle, Brindle Pet Supplies has the best dog food for your breed - and your lifestyle.

We carry top-rated, vet-approved, and customer-loved brands like:

• Dr. Marty dog food Canada – Trusted by holistic vets and picky pups alike
• Badlands Ranch dog food Canada – Freeze-dried formulas with superfood ingredients
• Smack and Carna4 – Premium Canadian-made alternatives with real, whole foods
• Plus high-quality kibble options like NOW Fresh, GO! Solutions, and Acana

All shipped fast across Canada. Plus, all freeze dried raw dog foods ship free! All chosen because they deliver real results for real dogs.

Shop by breed. Shop by health need. Or just shop knowing we’ve already done the hard part for you.

Final Thoughts

Feeding Right Shouldn’t Be a Guessing Game

When you know your dog’s breed, you’ve already got a cheat code to their ideal diet. Whether you’re looking for joint support, allergy relief, better digestion, or just a food your dog will actually eat, the solution often starts with high-quality, breed-aware nutrition.

And with freeze-dried foods like Dr. Marty, Badlands Ranch, and Smack, you’re not just meeting their needs - you’re feeding them like the legends they are.

Ready to upgrade their bowl? Find your breed’s best match at Brindle Pet Supplies - and get it shipped anywhere in Canada, fast.