Royal Canin cat food: lines, composition, analogues

Among the variety of cat foods, Royal Canin products are especially popular among breeders and cat owners. What is the secret of the demand for food from this particular company? What kind of pets is Royal Canin suitable for? And how exactly can it be useful? An excellent alternative to natural feeding for pets is Royal Canin super-premium industrial cat food. The variety of dry granulated and wet canned products from this company allows you to decide on a diet for pets of any age, breed and individual characteristics of their body.

For over two decades, the French company has been considered one of the world's leading manufacturers of cat food. This brand has factories not only in its homeland, but also in Poland and Russia.

The country of origin is indicated on each package of cat food.

A few years ago, Royal Canin was purchased by MARS Corporation.

Advantages and disadvantages of feed

Among the positive characteristics are the following:

1. Variety of types of products: dry granules, pouches, various pates.
2. Availability. Food is sold in many pet stores.
3. The entire Royal Canin product line contains vitamin and mineral supplements.
4. Availability of veterinary and preventative food for pets with various pathologies.

Separately, it should be said about the shortcomings of Royal Canin products.

1. High cost of feed.
2. Contains preservatives, as well as cheap cereals.
3. Quite a noticeable decline in product quality after a change in brand management.

Royal Canin products were initially purchased in large quantities by leading domestic catteries. The offspring born in these nurseries were initially accustomed to industrial feed. This became the reason for the widespread distribution and special demand for Royal Canin products.

More about cats

Many people who own cats do not know how to feed them properly. Sometimes poor nutrition leads to serious consequences and diseases that can not only harm the pet, but also lead to death.

Before you start giving this or that food, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian who will help you choose the right and balanced diet.

This is especially true for those who have rather finicky cat breeds. For example, British longhair and shorthair cats are very picky about food (Royal Canin for British cats is suitable for them).

Also, after the cat has eaten new food for several days, it is worth taking tests that will determine the level of various enzymes in the cat’s blood and body. If no harmful changes are observed, the food can be continued. If changes, even if not significant, are still observed, then feeding with this food should be stopped immediately.

When buying Royal Canin for cats, price should not matter! You need to understand that saving on food, first of all, can negatively affect the body of your beloved pet. It is also strictly contraindicated to give cats “table food”. Most of the food that humans consume cannot be tolerated by cats. It is not recommended to give cats fish that has not been cooked (this can cause pests to appear directly in the pet’s esophagus). The fish must first be thoroughly cleaned and then thoroughly boiled. After this, it can be given to your pet.

Compound

Each specific type of product contains special ingredients. However, most Royal Canin dry cat foods contain the following ingredients.

• Vegetable protein.
• Animal proteins: turkey, veal, fish or rabbit.
• Cheap cereals.
• Rice.
• Animal fats.
• Flavoring.
• Plant fiber of unknown origin.
• Yeast.
• Fructo-oligosaccharides and mannan-oligosaccharides.
• Minerals (there is no information on the packaging regarding the exact composition).
• Extracts of plantain and marigold.
• Soybean oil.
• Various vitamins.
• Taurine.
• Antioxidants (exactly which ones are not specified).

Manufacturer

Royal Canin has a long history. Back in 1967, a certain Jean Catari, a French veterinarian from the town of Le Puy-en-Velay, came to the conclusion about the importance of nutrition for animals, and created a mixture for dogs called “yellow soup”. Having distributed it among friends and colleagues, Jean received a lot of good reviews - the animals, if the food had a big appetite, did not experience digestive problems - and decided to open his own production. In the same year, the ROYAL CANIN® trademark was registered.

In 1972, ROYAL CANIN® was bought by the Guyomarc'h group. The sale benefited the company: its divisions gained more autonomy, funding increased, and serious scientific research and marketing development began.

Hard work bore fruit: by the end of 1974, the food began to be sold in several European countries (the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Belgium and throughout France).

Since 1980, a new round of growth has begun. The brand owners acquired factories in Brazil and the USA, and global innovation began. 1994 was marked by a real breakthrough: the so-called “triple revolution” in cat nutrition took place, when newly released cat food began to be promoted not only through retail outlets, but also through breeders and veterinarians.

In 2002, the company, maintaining its internal structure, was sold to the Mars / Masterfood group of enterprises. Products began to appear on the markets of Latin America and Asia.

In Russia, Royal Canin cat food appeared in 1991, thanks to an agreement between the founder of Friend magazine and Pascal Cardy, who at that time was the president of the company.

The food quickly conquered the domestic market and became one of the three most popular. And to this day they remain so. Moreover, a separate production facility has opened in Russia.

Daily feed

Products for daily use by adults have several directions.

Depending on age.

1. Indoor – for pets 1-7 years old.
2. Indoor 7+.
3. Ageing – for cats over 12 years old.

Depending on the individual characteristics of each specific cat.

1. Indoor Appetite control – this food is suitable for pets prone to obesity.
2. Outdoor – for cats who prefer to spend most of their time outdoors.
3. Savoire Exigent - products specially designed for purrs who are particularly picky about food.

• For sterilized cats – Royal Canin Sterilized.
• For animals with sensitive digestion – Sensible 33 and Digestive Care.

The manufacturer did not ignore the little purrs. Several types of food are also produced for kittens.

• Mother and babycat and Babycat Instinctive foods are suitable for pets under 4 months.
• Kitten – daily food for small pets.
• Kitten Sterilized - food is suitable for sterilized purrs under 1 year of age.

General characteristics

This is one of the world's largest manufacturers of dry and wet pet food. It has occupied a leading position in the market for decades.

The brand has a line of daily and veterinary food. When producing them, the manufacturer takes into account individual needs depending on the health status, breed and other characteristics of the animals.

Manufacturer

Royal Canin is a French brand. He has factories in his homeland, Russia, Poland. The country of origin is indicated on the product packaging.

The Royal Canin brand was recently sold to MARS Corporation. The company also produces other foods: Whiskas, Kitikat, Perfect Fit, Pedigree, Chappie, Sheba, Kezar. More detailed information about the manufacturer can be found on the web resource www.royal-canin.ru.

The brand maintains its popularity by annually holding major exhibitions in the capitals and other large cities of the countries where it produces or supplies its products.

Category

A well-known manufacturer claims that it produces premium and super premium cat food. This means that the ingredients include natural meat in different percentages. The products can be given to kittens, sterilized individuals and those with health problems. However, judging by the composition, this food can hardly be classified as a premium line.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive points include:

• a varied assortment (dry food, pouches, canned food with different flavors);
• availability (can be purchased in any store or ordered online);
• vitamin and mineral complexes included;
• dietary line for the treatment and prevention of many pathological conditions (for example, dental diseases, hair loss, etc.).

Despite the large number of positive aspects, there are also negative ones:

• questionable quality of raw materials for production after a change in brand ownership and, as a result, a significant decrease in quality;
• the presence of preservatives, flavor enhancers, cheap additives (cereals);
• relatively high cost.

Veterinary feed

Royal Canin also takes care of pets suffering from certain feline diseases. Thus, an animal for which veterinarians prescribe a special diet will need to be fed special food.

• Royal Canin Urinari (Urinari) - for kidney stones.
• Hepatik (Hepatic) - for liver diseases.
• Royal Canin Renal (Royal Canin Renal) - for kidney problems.
• Calm (Calm) - for pets who have suffered severe stress. Most often this may be a change of residence.
• Light Weight is an ideal food for overweight pets.
• Mobiliti (Mobility) - for existing problems with the musculoskeletal system.
• Sensitivy Control is a hypoallergenic food for animals prone to allergic reactions.
• Fiber Response (Fiber Response) – for difficulties with bowel movements.
• Gastro Intestinal (Gastro Intestinal) - for pets suffering from diarrhea.
• Digestive Comfort – for cats with sensitive digestion.

The above medicinal foods can only be used after prior consultation with a veterinarian.

Reviews of Royal Canin food from veterinarians and cat owners

When a beloved pet devours the food offered with appetite, it cannot leave the owner indifferent - hence the numerous reviews on the Internet about various foods

I know many animal owners and breeders who have been feeding Royal for the past ten years and have had no problems. I also know many whose animals suffered from diarrhea, itching, and whose liver and kidneys failed. Different animals are different organisms. The food suits some people, not others.

DeepEyes, forum visitor

https://www.zoovet.ru/forum/?tem=515191&tid=35

Most cat owners are satisfied with the quality of Royal Canin food. Some owners note an improvement in the animal's health after constant use of this product.

It helped me a lot, my cat’s breath smelled bad, and after regularly taking Royal Canin “Oral care” everything went away. Don’t spread illnesses and take care of your pet, because they can’t tell us what hurts them.

batek-lena, forum user

https://otzovik.com/review_5730006.html

There are many reviews of kittens literally attacking the Royal Canin food bowl.

I have two neutered cats, 3 and 5 years old, we eat Royal, there are no problems, the coat is beautiful, the ears and eyes are clean. We make sure to do urolithiasis prevention once every six months - I take it with KotErvin (that’s what the veterinarian told us).

evafox, forum visitor

https://www.zoovet.ru/forum/?tem=515191&tid=35

Many veterinarians recommend Royal Canin dietary (veterinary) food to their tailed patients. Judging by the reviews, cat breeders do not regret trusting the veterinarian’s recommendations.

We feed Romka medicinal Royal, everything is fine. A good doctor recommended him to us.

Lapulya, an old-timer of the forum

https://www.dogshelter.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=990

Video: a cat named Mars appreciated Royal Canin

Not everyone can afford such food; although it is healthy, not everyone can afford it.

valentina45234, forum user

https://otzovik.com/review_5859228.html

Some buyers of this food and veterinarians noticed some deterioration in quality, but this did not reduce the demand for the product.

Despite the fact that in Russia they are manufactured under license using good equipment, they are inferior to the original. The main advantage of Royal Canin is the availability of a line of medicinal foods separately for different breeds and ages. Veterinary feeds are balanced taking into account the specific disease. They consolidate the results of treatment, accelerate it, and have a preventive effect. You cannot make decisions about feeding on your own, only on the recommendation and under the supervision of a specialist.

Pavlovskaya Ekaterina Viktorovna, veterinarian

https://otzyvkorm.ru/royal-canin-dlya-koshek/

Video: Bombay cat Monica and a bag of Royal Canin food

Every year, everyday foods that were once beloved by many contain more and more low-quality and incomprehensible ingredients. Veterinary lines and kitten food have not changed as much, but they have still become much worse in quality.

AngelCat, forum user

Read also:  Treats for cats - how to choose: TOP 7 best manufacturers of 2022!

https://otzyvkorm.ru/royal-canin-dlya-koshek/

You can feed your cat only healthy, properly balanced food. If the cat owner cooks for his pet himself, then responsibility for the quality of the cat food rests solely on the shoulders of the cat breeder. But an increasing number of cat lovers trust industrially produced food. Royal Canin cat food is considered to be properly balanced. Some customers have begun to complain about deterioration in quality, but veterinarians still recommend some lines of this product.

Line by breed

It is well known that representatives of some cat breeds require a special approach to nutrition. Royal Canin has developed a whole line of food specifically for some specific breeds.

Canadian Sphynx

• Sphynx Adult is food for cats over one year of age. High calorie triangular croquettes provide the Sphynx with the proper amount of energy he requires. Nutrients support the protective functions of the skin. Taurine with fatty acids has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. And the required minerals contained in the composition ensure the normal functioning of the genitourinary system.
• Sphynx Kitten – small triangular kibble for Sphynx kittens.

Siamese cat

Royal Canin has developed a special dry food for representatives of this breed: Siamese Adult.
When long-faced Siamese cats chew ring-shaped croquettes, they provide an opportunity to control the amount of food consumed. Siamese Adult contains 2 times more protein than fat. This helps to build enough muscle and also prevents obesity. L-carnitine helps metabolic processes in the pet's body. LIPs improve digestion.

Probiotics help ensure balanced bowel function. Nutrients support healthy skin and a shiny coat. And the unique mineral content keeps the genitourinary system in shape.

Maine Coon

• Maine Coon Adult. Gnawing large cube-shaped croquettes by pets of the above breed perfectly cleanses their oral cavity. Special fatty acids contained in the product help strengthen Maine Coon bones. Taurine supports normal functioning of the heart muscle. Maine Coon Adult also contains nutrients and a unique set of minerals.
• Maine Coon (in sauce) – wet canned food for pets from 15 months of age.
• Maine Coon Kitten – dry croquettes for small Maine Coons.
• Maine Coon Kitten (in sauce).

Persian cats

• Persian Adult. Oval kibble of dry food for adult Persian cats are made with a special texture to facilitate gripping and also encourage chewing. Fatty acids maintain normal skin and coat condition. The fiber contained in the food promotes the smooth removal of long, dense hair that has been accidentally swallowed from the animal’s body. LIPs improve digestion. Probiotics help ensure balanced bowel function. And the unique mineral content keeps the genitourinary system in shape.
• Persian (in pate) – wet product for adult Persian cats.
• Persian Kitten – dry croquettes for little “Persians”

Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Adult – dry croquettes for representatives of the above breed from 1 year.
Sulfur-containing amino acids and vitamins help maintain the normal condition of the cat's coat and skin. The fiber contained in the food promotes the smooth removal of long, dense hair that has been accidentally swallowed from the animal’s body.

Bengal breed

For such pets, Royal Canin produces a special dry product, Bengal Adult.
The LIPs contained in the food improve digestion. Probiotics with fiber help promote balanced bowel function. Bengal Adult contains 2 times more protein than fat. This helps to build a sufficient amount of muscle. Specially selected amino acids, as well as Omega 3 and Omega 6, will ensure the healthy appearance and shine of your Bengal's coat.

The unique mineral content supports the normal functioning of the genitourinary system.

British shorthair breed

• British Shorthair Adult - large convex dry kibble specially made for British cats. By chewing on such foods, pets additionally cleanse their oral cavity. Sufficient protein content helps in maintaining the muscle tone of the animal. Special fatty acids contained in the product help strengthen bones. Taurine has a positive effect on the cat's cardiovascular system. A balanced composition of minerals supports the normal functioning of the genitourinary system.
• British Shorthair (in sauce) – wet food for British dogs from 1 year of age.
• British Shorthair Kitten – dry croquettes for British Shorthair kittens.

Conclusion on Royal Canin dry and wet food

The current composition of Royal Canin is similar to economy. Lots of grains, no percentage of ingredients, no additional instructions such as what kind of rice was used, etc. For example, let’s compare the compositions of Royal Canina and good holistic dry food GO! (we compare it with it, since it has the same price per kg as Royal Canin, from 500 to 700 rubles, unlike other holistic brands, such as Akana or Orijen).

Screenshots from official websites (click on the image to enlarge).

Read our review of the best premium kitten foods.

Line by breed

There is a line designed for certain breeds of cats (Persian, British Shorthair and others). According to the manufacturer, each of them has its own individual characteristics, the necessary substances are selected optimally for the breed, and the food is adapted to the size and structure of the pet’s jaws. But we doubt it, again we rely on the composition. The line includes products for:

• Bengals;

• Persians;

• Maine Coons;

• Siamese;

• Siberian;

• sphinxes;

• British and other popular shorthaired, semi-longhaired, longhaired breeds.

Let's look at the composition using the example of food for everyone's favorite Maine Coons, screenshot from the official website.

Again, animal proteins of unknown quality, rice, grain flour, vegetable proteins. Perhaps the ingredients in the last places are selected for Maine Coon, but in the first places they are still the same as in all other Royal Canin foods. Our pets do not need all these components.

Veterinary feed

Intended for the prevention and treatment of pathological conditions.

For example, when:

• chronic gastrointestinal diseases, poor appetite (Gastro Intestinal, Sensible 33, Sensitivity Control);
• problems in the endocrine system (Fibre Response);
• predisposition to allergies (hypoallergenic Hypoallergenic);
• urolithiasis (ICD), renal failure (Urinari S, Senior Consult Stage 1);
• pathologies of bones and joints (Royal farm);
• liver diseases, incl. for pancreatitis (Hepatic);
• tendency to accumulate hair in the digestive organs (Intense Hairball).

There is also nutrition to prevent excess weight gain, pathologies of teeth and gums, and early aging.

Medicinal food is prescribed by a veterinarian for rehabilitation after surgery (for example, after a pet has been spayed or neutered).

Let's look at the composition of Urinary Care:

Again, little inspires confidence. Whether you choose these foods for your pets is, of course, up to you, but we categorically do not recommend this.

Advantages and disadvantages

• In the line of similar food, Royal Canin has a more than attractive price.
• The range of food is wide and there is even a division by breed (Maine Coons, Sphynxes, Siamese, British, Persian, Bengal cats).
• The food in this line can be combined with each other.
• They are sold in literally all pet stores, as well as in supermarkets with animal departments. It’s easy to order food online anywhere in the country.
• Manufacturers often organize promotions and sweepstakes among their customers, are active on social networks and notify about all the latest news in the field of production.
• According to independent studies of food samples, organoleptic indicators are normal. No infectious agents, salmonella, E. coli and mycotoxins were found, no traces of foreign impurities (metal shavings, sawdust, sticks), or traces of pests.

• Laboratory studies have shown the following: the proportion of fat does not correspond to that indicated on the label, but is underestimated. Moreover, it is significantly underestimated: by 28%. On the contrary, it contains too much fiber. The indicator of oxidative spoilage (peroxide value of fat) is higher than allowed for a product of this type, which means that by the end of the feed’s shelf life its taste characteristics will deteriorate (souring is also possible). In terms of the content of all amino acids, it contains incomplete (in terms of biological value) protein.
• Some samples contain wheat, corn and their derivatives, and soybeans. These products, which are useful to people, are of no benefit to carnivorous cats. They can cause allergic reactions (rashes, hair loss, dermatitis), promote rapid weight gain, diabetes, and problems with the digestive system.
• Plant protein is practically not digestible, causing bloating, increased gas formation, diarrhea or constipation.
• What kind of animal fat is used is not specified on the packaging. There is no detailed information on the official website either. Such mystery makes one doubt the quality. The same applies to yeast: brewer’s yeast is very useful for cats, but simply baker’s yeast, if it exists, is of no benefit.

Get acquainted with interesting cat breeds with the help of our encyclopedia: Napoleon, Neva Masquerade, Oriental.