ANYONE WHO’S BEEN around dogs knows there’s a huge difference between a Great Dane and a Chihuahua, so why should their food be “one size fits all”? That’s where dog food manufacturers have seized the opportunity and developed some specialized menus for canines of all body types. One thing they all have in common: placing protein front and center, to satisfy carnivorous hunger.

Small Plates

Formulated for the little guys and gals, these recipes come in smaller size packaging, meaning less mess, no storing leftover cans in the fridge. Sized right for the smaller appetites of adult toy and small breed dogs, your customers will appreciate trading in cans for single-serve trays with a peel-off top. All three of the brands featured here have opted for this type of 3.5-ounce packaging.

Merrick Lil’ Plates
Merrick

KEY FEATURES: Playing off of Merrick’s classic “humanized” canned recipes come new grain-free Lil’ Plates, in eight flavors formulated for pint-sized pooches. Meat, fish or poultry at top of the label, all USA-sourced ingredients and no corn, wheat, soy, gluten.

SELLING TIP: With flavors such as “Petite Pot Pie” and “Teensy Turducken,” these recipes are the ultimate doggie comfort food.

merrickpetcare.com, (800) 664-7387

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Mighty Mini Lamb, Sweet Potato & Cranberry
Solid Gold

KEY FEATURES: Gravy-based recipe that’s grain and gluten free, with easy-to-digest lamb protein. This new release joins the first in the Mighty Mini line: the Chicken, Chickpea and Pumpkin recipe.

SELLING TIP: Pair this with the dry kibble version for a full-course meal.

solidgoldpet.com, (800) 364-4863

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Blue Devine Delights
Blue Buffalo

KEY FEATURES: Line of 13 recipes designed for small breeds, in paté and gravy-based recipes, free of corn, wheat or soy or artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.

SELLING TIP: Direct your customers to the three “breakfast bites” flavors, so their dogs can partake in Sunday brunch.

bluebuffalo.com, (800) 919-2833

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Main course

These new releases are well-suited for all adult dogs and make protein the savory centerpiece. Your customers will see the difference in these recipes lies with stripping away unnecessary fillers and placing the focus on high-quality meats as a the real star of the meal. “Eating clean” is the new mantra for 2018!

Now Fresh Stews
Petcurean

KEY FEATURES: Available in two recipes: turkey stew and pork stew, GMO-free and made in a human-grade facility with human-grade ingredients. Both recipes made with turkey bone broth, which adds a great source of collagen.

SELLING TIP: Eco-minded customers will appreciate the Tetra Pak carton packaging, made from renewable materials. They are 100 percent recyclable and BPA-free.

petcurean.com, (866) 864-6112

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Nothing Else
Against the Grain

KEY FEATURES: Single-ingredient foods available in five options: duck, beef, chicken, salmon and pork. No added water, gluten-, grain- and preservative-free, just 100 percent meat.

SELLING TIP: Practice this line: “Really, there isn’t anything else in it!”

againstthegrainpetfood.com, (847) 537-0102

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Crave Paté
Crave

KEY FEATURES: This line of paté complements CRAVE’s meat-centric varieties of dry food. Available in four flavors: chicken, beef, turkey and chicken & beef.

SELLING TIP: An affordable, grain-free, protein-rich option that also comes in petite sized 3.5-ounce trays for smaller appetites.

cravepetfoods.com, (800) 255-4738

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Generous portions

More helpings, please! Big dogs have big appetites and these hearty formulas will leave them feeling full and ready to romp. These days, large breeds are living longer and fuller lives, thanks to advances in pet nutrition. Here are a few healthy-minded yet flavor-focused options that will leave doggies (and their owners) begging for more.

Nutro Wild Frontier
Nutro

KEY FEATURES: The latest release from Nutro consists of high-protein, grain-free options in three flavors full of meats and nutrient-rich liver, geared for bigger breeds. No corn, soy or chicken by-products.

SELLING TIP: Organized by “prey” type (i.e. bird, land animals), these recipes will unleash dogs’ inner hunter.

nutro.com, (800) 833-5330

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Canidae Life Stages
Canidae

KEY FEATURES: Nutrient-dense recipe vet formulated specifically for large breeds. Chicken, duck and lentil simmered in broth for maximum flavor.

SELLING TIP: Start them young: Your customers with large breed little ones will be happy to hear there’s a puppy version of this same formula.

canidae.com, (800) 398-1600

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Slow-cooked Stews
Koha

KEY FEATURES: Six stews pay homage to regional delicacies: from the Big Easy Feast (turkey, chicken and duck) to the northwest fishy flavors of Pike Place Platter and classic Lone Star Brisket (featuring “Texas-sized chunks of beef”).

SELLING TIP: The word “Koha” in New Zealand means a “gift of food,” and your customers can give their fur babies the gift of clean eating. All recipes free of grains, potatoes and fillers.

kohapet.com, (800) 478-7713

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