Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (UK) chief executive, Michael Bellingham, recently recommended that dogs should be provided with the correct food formulated specifically for their breed.

Certain breeds of dogs are prone to specific health problems, making it important they receive the proper diet, Bellingham said. Additionally, he said, size, energy requirements and health issues should all be considered in selecting a pet's food. According to PFMA, all dogs must have 37 "essential" nutrients in their food.

"We see variation in the nutritional needs of dogs depending on their characteristics," said Bellingham.

Petfood manufacturers offer a range of breed-specific dog foods, including Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier dog food and Eukanuba German Shepherd dog food.