Don’t let their diminutive size fool you — the Brussels Griffon is full of comical quirks and charm. From their signature grumpy faces and unique trot, these spirited dogs thrive on real food that’s tailored to their build and biology.
In this guide, we unpack what balanced nutrition really looks like for a Griffon, from high-quality protein and fibre to essential nutrients that support gut health and steady energy levels. Whether you're prepping for your puppy’s first meal or refining your adult Griffon's routine, here’s what to feed — and why it matters.
Read more: Brussels Griffon breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
How nutrition can help common Brussels Griffon health concerns
Sensitive stomachs
Brussels Griffons can have sensitive digestive systems, suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting, or gas. An unbalanced gut microbiome can be part of the problem, or it may indicate food sensitivity.
Try this:
Choose a real food diet with gently-cooked, human-grade animal proteins and a variety of natural ingredients. Prebiotic fibre, found in produce like sweet potato and pumpkin, can support gut health and smooth digestion.
Read more: Sensitive stomachs in dogs: how to relieve your pup's discomfort (Lyka blog)
Overweight or obesity
Because of their petite size and moderate activity level, Brussels Griffons are prone to weight gain. Even a few extra grams can strain their joints and respiratory system.
Try this:
Choose custom-portioned meals with the appropriate calorie content for their daily needs, like Lyka. Skip the high-fat or high-GI carbohydrate treats and instead opt for low-fat, single-protein snacks like Lyka’s Chicky Chews.
Read more: Lyka’s vet guide to healthy dog weight (with charts and videos)
Joint issues
Brussels Griffons can inherit joint conditions like hip dysplasia or patellar luxation (where the kneecap slips in and out of place). Some dogs can also develop arthritis as a secondary condition.
Try this:
Include ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like omega-3-rich fish oil, found in all Lyka meals, to support joint health.
Lyka’s Joint Supplement is formulated with active ingredients like Green-lipped mussels and curcumin extract, both rich in anti-inflammatory properties to support joint health.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog’s diet help?
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How to choose the best food for your Brussels Griffon
Fresh food, raw, wet or dry? Supermarket, pet shop, or delivered to your door? There are so many dog food options on the market — where do you begin?
Complete and balanced
Brussels Griffons, like all pups, need a complete and balanced diet containing the right nutrients in the right proportions.
Australia has pet food standards, but they’re largely unregulated. Many brands follow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines.
Meeting AAFCO and FEDIAF standards is just the start. Lyka meals are formulated by a team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to ensure they’re complete and balanced for all life stages.
Read more: Dog food ingredients: a glossary of common and confusing terms
Optimal nutrition for your Brussels Griffon
Not all dog food is created equally. Variety and quality of ingredients and cooking methods can all impact the nutrient availability of your dog’s food.
Many raw dog food options present a good balance of high-quality protein, fresh produce, and superfoods. But not all dogs can easily digest raw food, especially pups with a weakened immune system or digestive issues.
Dry food (kibble) often contains high amounts of carbohydrates and synthetic vitamins and minerals. The animal protein used in kibble is often pet-grade, like meat meal or meat by-products, that vary in quality and are not subject to the same checks as human-grade meat. Kibble is usually cooked at high temperatures that can reduce digestibility and can lead to the potential formation of harmful compounds, like acrylamides.
Home cooking can be a great option for your dog, but making sure each mouthful is complete and balanced is not easy to do without expert guidance.
Lyka meals are made using human-grade ingredients and are gently cooked then snap-frozen to retain their nutritional value and digestibility. Each meal is high in protein and custom-portioned to meet your dog’s daily needs.
Want to dig deeper into which type of food is best for your Brussels Griffon? We’ve created a series of guides to help you make an informed choice.
Read more: Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs raw meat for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs home cooking for your dog: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs wet food for dogs: which is better?
How much food does a Brussels Griffon need?
Serving size recommendations based solely on weight don’t tell the full story. Your dog’s energy level, lifestyle and body condition score are all part of the picture.
That’s why Lyka calculates your Brussels Griffon’s portion sizes based on their personal profile, not just on their weight.
Establish a consistent feeding routine with your Brussels Griffon to support their digestion, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
Do Brussels Griffon puppies and senior dogs need special food?
Not necessarily. Nutrient-dense, real food meals formulated for all life stages — like Lyka — cover the daily requirements of both growing pups and dogs in their golden years.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development
Read more: Why real food is the healthiest choice for senior dogs
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New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting a Brussels Griffon comes with plenty of decisions. Choosing what’s in their bowl is one of the most important.
Designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, Lyka meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Brussels Griffons across Australia are already thriving on Lyka — yours could be next.
Join our pack of proud Brussels Griffon parents today.
