DTE Answers to Common Questions About Cats and Dogs. Part 016 by Nene Ajayi

 

🍗 Do Dog Breeds Dictate Nutrition?

I'm Asking Because Raya Seems To Think So.

 

You see, I should’ve known Raya was different from Blaze the moment she side-eyed a bowl of dog food like it insulted her ancestors.

Blaze, my ever-hungry mutt, would eat yam peels and act like it’s gourmet. But Raya? She sniffed, blinked slowly, and walked away like the spirit led her elsewhere. That morning, my husband had taken the kids to school, and I was in the kitchen mixing a blend of dry kibble and homemade broth – feeling like a Michelin chef – when she gave me that look.

I sighed.

“Stu eats boiled eggs, Blaze eats everything, and you... you want charcuterie and bone broth, don’t you?”

Raya blinked again.

That’s when I asked myself, “Wait o, does dog breed really influence what they should eat?”

 So, I did what every Nigerian woman with Wi-Fi and anxiety does.

I Googled it.

So, Do dog breeds have specific nutritional needs or is my dog just a picky eater with main character energy?

🧠 Did You Know?

Yes, breed matters.

According to the American Kennel Club, different breeds metabolize nutrients differently and have varying energy, coat, and bone density needs. For example:

🔍 Large breeds, like German Shepherds, need diets that support joint health. Hello glucosamine!

🔍 Small breeds, like Chihuahuas, have fast metabolisms and need more calorie-dense food.

🔍 Working breeds, like Huskies, need high protein for endurance.

🔍 Basenjis like Raya are prone to digestive issues and benefit from grain-free or hypoallergenic diets.

So, it’s not just vibes and entitlement. She actually might need different food.

📋 What I Know Now

✍️ Breed-specific feeding isn’t a marketing gimmick, it can make or break your pet’s health.

✍️ Some dogs can tolerate carbs better; others need more protein or fat.

✍️ Genetics affects digestion, appetite, and even allergies.

✍️ Stu, despite being a cat, has opinions on everyone’s meal. Loud ones.

🔁 What I Now Practice

⭐ Switched Raya to a grain-free salmon kibble, her coat glows like gospel now.

⭐ Feed Blaze moderate-calorie food with joint support, because that dog can eat for a nation.

⭐ Added raw egg yolk to Stu’s meals occasionally, not for health, but peace in the home.

⭐Watch poop like a fortune teller — changes tell you if a diet’s working or not.

📌 What to Take Seriously

🔹Never assume one-size-fits-all when it comes to feeding.

🔹Monitor your pet’s energy, coat, stool, and mood.

🔹Always introduce new diets gradually to avoid stomach drama.

🔹And when in doubt, consult your vet or a certified pet nutritionist.

🛍️ Amazon Goodies That Helped

🛒 Salmon & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Raya-approved.

🛒 Joint Support Chews for Dogs – Blaze thinks they’re treats.

🛒 Cat Nutritional Gel Supplement – Stu now tolerates our existence.

🛒 Slow Feeder Bowl – Because Blaze once inhaled his bowl in 10 seconds.

🐕 How the Morning Finally Turned Out

After sniffing the new salmon blend, Raya finally sat down and took a delicate bite like a fine lady on a date. Blaze, seeing her eat, decided his was now “not enough” and side-eyed his bowl.

I ignored him.

Stu, meanwhile, yawned and jumped into a carton like the true ruler of the realm.

It was quiet for a while.

Then, Raya let out a small burp.

We’re getting somewhere.

✨ Final Thoughts:

Breed does matter. Personality too. But when you match nutrition to your pet’s body type, activity level, and temperament, you end up with fewer vet visits, shinier coats, and less guilt over food waste.

It’s not spoiling, it’s smart feeding.

🔜 Next Blog Topic?

We honestly don’t know. It could be:

 “Can Cats Secretly Fly?”

 “Do Dogs Control Their Farts?”

 “How To Know When Your Pet Is Plotting Against You.”

 Who knows? 😅

Until next time, keep being the best version of you – for your pet, your rug, and your sanity.

😂 Affiliate Disclosure:

“Yes, Nene earns from these links. No, she hasn’t bought me a yacht yet. 

But she tries. Support her, so I can finally retire from this madness.”

And in case you want in on the genesis of this series, get them in full here.

Shalom and tail wags,

 Nene Ajayi ✌️