New Westie, Pug and Boxer Junior

If you’re the owner of a perfect Pug, wonderful Westie, or bouncy baby Boxer, read on! These three breeds are the latest to have their own ‘special’ food, courtesy of Royal Canin’s Breed Health Nutrition range.

Royal Canin Pug 25 

The Pug is one of the world’s most historic breeds, originating from China, and used to be a favourite at the royal Courts of Europe before the Spaniel ousted it for a time. Today, the Pug has been ‘rediscovered’, as more and more owners recognise the breed’s happy, affectionate and totally loyal character, as well as his sense of fun. Royal Canin Pug 25 is specially designed for the breed’s brachycephalic face, which means he finds it very difficult to pick up a flat kibble. Instead, a cloverleaf shaped kibble is easy to pick up, with a texture which makes the dog want to crunch, providing mechanical brushing for the teeth and helping to slow down the build up of dental plaque. In addition, calcium chelators trap the salivary calcium and help reduce the formation of tartar. The shortness of the Pug’s muzzle and fineness of coat clearly shows off the folds around his face, but this area can retain humidity and therefore encourage irritation. Pug 25 contains a patented complex of four B vitamins and an amino acid to help support the barrier function of the skin, together with omega 3 fatty acids, EPA-DHA from fish oil and vitamin A. Regular, gentle exercise and avoiding strong heat and intense effort are important for the Pug – maintaining muscle tone is essential, but the shortness of his nasal passages makes him prone to breathlessness. Pug 25 is based on ultradigestible (over 90%) proteins and a combination of fibres to help stimulate digestive transit and protect intestinal flora. Like all small dogs, the Pug has a long life expectancy, hence the inclusion of antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, taurine, and plant extracts luteine and grape polyphenols for their role against free radicals.

Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier 21

Originating from Scotland, a total terrier by nature, and pure white from top to toe, the Westie has become one of the top ten breeds in Europe today, and is as much at home in town as country. His lively nature can make him demanding, but beneath the tough exterior are certain sensitivities. Skin problems are the single most common reason for the Westie to visit the vet, because his wiry coat conceals a very sensitive skin. Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier 21 uses a patented Skin Complex consisting of four B group vitamins, one amino acid and a cocktail of complementary nutrients to help provide support for the skin and help with regeneration. Borage and fish oils and flax seeds help limit the risk of skin issues. The bright, white coat is one of the Westie’s crowning glories, and the addition of omega 6 essential fatty acids and zinc contribute to coat lustre while sulphurated amino acids help with hair construction and renewal. Like all small breeds, the Westie is prone to dental problems (big teeth in a small jaw), so the West Highland White Terrier 21 kibble is formulated to make it easy for him to pick up and crunch. The crunching provides a mechanical brushing effect, helping to slow down the formation of dental plaque, while sodium phosphates ‘catch’ salivary calcium and help prevent the build up of tartar. Given the Westie’s strong character, it’s not surprising he can be fussy – sometimes just for the fun of it! West Highland White Terrier 21 is designed to offer exceptional palatability, thanks to the highest quality raw materials and exclusive natural aromas.

Boxer Junior 30

The Boxer is one of those breeds that once owned, never forgotten! His loving nature, natural bounciness and sheer joie de vivre makes him a joy to live with. Royal Canin Boxer Junior 30 is designed for young Boxers up to 15 months, when they then move on to Boxer 30. Optimal protein content and high levels of L-carnitine, chondroitin, glucosamine, EPA and DHA help support the correct development of joints and muscles during the growth phase, while prebiotics and psyllium help maintain a good balance of intestinal flora in the Boxer’s often sensitive digestive system. The kibble shape, size and texture are suited to the Boxer’s brachycephalic jaw, making it easy for him to pick up and encouraging crunching, which slows down ingestion speed.

Royal Canin was the first pet food manufacturer to offer breed-specific foods tailored to the needs of some of the most popular breeds, and now caters for 17 dog breeds and 3 cat breeds, along with selected Junior or Kitten versions! They are all available from good pet shops throughout the UK, with prices starting at £8.49 depending on pack size and breed.