Royal Canin cat food: lines, composition, analogues

The owner decides how to feed the dog. One of the ways is food “from the table”, when the animal gets the same products as the rest of the family. Natural food is healthy, rich in protein, affordable, but it is recommended to create a specific diet, excluding food that is harmful to your pet. Veterinarians advise owners of purebred dogs to combine natural food with factory-made food, and in some cases, finally settle on an industrial product. French Royal Canin dog food is a highly advertised premium food in Russia. The global brand specializes in the production of dry and canned foods suitable for various breeds and age groups.

Detailed composition of Royal Canin

as premium food. This means that the buyer should see meat in the first positions in the food composition, that is, the protein component, followed by carbohydrates, fats, prebiotics, vitamins and microelements. Many dog ​​owners are upset by the fact that proteins take third place, and the percentage of substances contained is not indicated. The food is oversaturated with cheap corn and unknown ingredients.

Analysis of dry food components

1. Plant proteins. They are less digestible than animals; the manufacturer does not indicate the percentage content and types of plants from which the protein is obtained.
2. Rice cereal. A quickly digestible carbohydrate with high energy value.
3. Degraded proteins. This is a powder made from poultry meat production waste.
4. Chicken by-product meal. It is obtained by grinding the remains of butchered carcasses (feet, beaks, bones). A source of protein and amino acids, but obtained from cheap, low quality products.
5. Brown rice Increases calorie content and is easily digestible.
6. Corn. In some types of dry food, the ingredient leads in quantity. Added to increase the calorie content of the product.
7. Chicken fat. A source of Omega-6 acids that are beneficial for the dog’s body.
8. Wheat gluten. Second-rate vegetable protein, poor in amino acids and vitamins.
9. Cellulose. Some foods use beet pulp, which has a positive effect on sugar levels and intestinal health.
10. Fructooligosaccharides are prebiotics to improve dog digestion.
11. Yeast. A source of B vitamins and healthy saccharides.

Other components include processing aids, including stabilizers, water absorbents, antioxidants and preservatives.

What should you pay attention to before purchasing?

Before you decide to buy food, you should study the reviews and recommendations of breeders of your particular breed. If the majority of owners praise the diet, and even more so, it is recommended by the nursery from which the dog was taken, then you can safely offer it to your pet.

As already mentioned, for some dog breeds, Royal Canin has provided separate ready-made diets, but if there are none, then you can choose a product based on the size of the pet. The brand has a line for small, medium, large and giant animals.

According to consumer reviews, it is better to buy food in one trusted place, in sealed bags, avoiding loose goods. In some pharmacies, they may become stale, stored incorrectly and, as a result, lose their smell and appetizing to the dog.

Don’t be afraid of the prices for animal food, because experienced breeders never tire of repeating that the price of good nutritious food is equal to the price of its main component - protein. This means it varies within the price per kilogram of a piece of meat or fresh poultry.

Features of the composition of wet food

It is recommended to supplement the dry diet with canned food. The manufacturer does not reveal its secrets; wet food packages contain very scant information about the composition of the product.

• Meat, vegetable by-products;
• cereals;
• minerals;
• fats;
• sources of carbohydrates.

There are no exact values, the percentage of content is not indicated. The amount of vitamins and minerals is prescribed per 1 kg of product, 85 g per pack.

The omega-6 fatty acid included in the feed performs an important function in the synthesis of vitamin D and affects the production of retinol in the animal’s liver. The lack of these substances negatively affects the appearance of the dog's coat and leads to skin diseases.

Daily feed requirements

The size of daily portions depends on the weight, age, and individual characteristics of the animal. Each package contains daily allowances based on these characteristics.

Determining the fatness of a pet is quite simple, you just need to look at the cat from above. In normal condition, her waist will be visible. The outlines of the body should be smooth, without depressions or angular protrusions.

If everything is not in order with the mass, it is necessary to adjust the dosage. However, it is not advisable to go beyond these limits. You can measure portions using a special measuring cup. For example, Indoor 27 food has the following daily value in grams (+ 1 Royal Canin Instinctive pouch):

Advantages and disadvantages

Positive reviews from veterinarians highlight the advantages of Royal Canin food:

1. A special line contains a special composition suitable for dogs with digestive problems, pregnant and lactating females.
2. Availability. You can buy dry or canned French food at an affordable price in any pet store.
3. An assortment that includes the ability to choose food for breed, size, and age.
4. Contents of vitamin and mineral supplements.

But consumers highlight many disadvantages of Royal Canin:

• there is no percentage ratio of the components of the composition;
• the packaging does not contain information about the quality and origin of raw materials;
• it is not indicated what preservatives and other additives are used;
• Russian-made food is inferior to its foreign counterpart, according to dog breeders;
• Some lines contain the harmful antioxidant E-310.

Questionable ingredients - gluten, gluten, powdered cellulose, feed yeast, vegetable oil.

Vitamin-mineral complex contains:

• iron, zinc, biotin, taurine, calcium;
• tocopherol acetate, manganese, copper, L-carnitine, sodium, magnesium.

Diets for different ages

The brand’s assortment offers balanced diets that take into account the needs of the cat’s body at different ages:

• For kittens, young individuals up to one year. Here are milk replacers, separate diets up to 4 months of age (also suitable for pregnant and lactating cats), pates, wet food in sauce and jelly, “drying” with small granules for kittens of different breeds (British, Maine Coon, Persian ), and also separately for sterilized pets. Special formulas help strengthen the immune system, normal growth and development of small pets.
• For healthy adult animals, taking into account their breed and other characteristics: with long hair, normal or overweight, sensitive digestive system, active or domestic lifestyle, intolerant of strong tastes and aromas in food, for castrated animals.

Here you can also select diets to solve specific problems: maintaining healthy skin and coat, caring for the oral cavity, or removing hairballs from the stomach.

• For individuals over 7 (including sterilized) and over 12 years old in the form of dry granules, wet diets with jelly or sauce.

Royal Canin food line

When choosing industrial food - dry or canned, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the dog’s body, age, breed, activity. The owner must take care of a balanced diet, a sufficient amount of protein, the presence of vitamins, minerals, and useful components.

Royal Canin products are sold in veterinary pharmacies and pet stores. The assortment is wide, and the price of premium food is considered average.

For puppies

Babies grow quickly, they need a lot of protein for health and proper development, calcium to strengthen bones, teeth, vitamins, as well as hypoallergenic food. There is dry food produced for puppies of small breeds, the emphasis of its composition is on weight gain. There are types of food for large individuals that help form the correct skeleton.

This is interesting: 10 hypoallergenic foods for puppies

For newborn puppies and nursing females:

• Mini starter – recommended for decorative indoor dogs;
• Giant – food with this marking is suitable for large breed puppies;
• Medium – for medium-sized dogs;
• babydog milk is a substitute for mother's milk or an additive if necessary when there is insufficient quantity.

The starting line of Royal Canin food contains a set of nutrients, minerals, and vitamin complexes that can complement natural nutrition. Dry croquettes are soaked in milk or water.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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If, after starting complementary feeding, your dog has a reaction in the form of allergic rashes or digestive problems, you should consult a veterinarian and look for another food option for him.

When no problems arise, an older puppy from 2 months to a year is switched to dry complete dog food marked Junior on the package.

1. Mini - in the first positions in the composition are poultry meat, vegetable proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber. Calcium chelate stimulates digestion, fish oil affects the health of the coat. The food is recommended for strengthening the immune system of small dogs with sensitive intestines.
2. Yorkshire – designed for feeding Yorkshire terriers. These animals often get sick and are prone to allergic reactions and gastrointestinal disorders. The finished mixture has a beneficial effect on the balance of microflora and strengthens the Yorkie's immune system. The convenient format in the form of granules and cookies is suitable for the small jaw of the animal.
3. Medium Junior – designed for puppies up to one year old, belonging to medium breeds of dogs (Labradors, retrievers, Dalmatians, poodles, hounds). Contains a complex supplement of vitamins, minerals, fish oil and fiber.
4. Giant or Active Junior - this food contains a lot of calcium, which strengthens the bone structure and joints of large breed puppies.
5. Urban – recommended for kids growing up in large and polluted cities.

The price for a package of Royal Canin premium industrial feed depends on the type, composition and volume of the product.

For an adult dog

A pet at the age of 12-15 months is given food for the rest of its life. The Royal Canin adult line is a continuation of the food suitable for puppies.

1. Adult – standard and high-quality food for different dogs. The corresponding breed is marked or drawn on the packaging.
2. Urban Adult – recommended for pets exposed to stress, noise, and living in polluted cities.
3. Indoor – supports the health of small indoor dogs.
4. Endurance 4800, Agility – suitable for animals with increased physical activity.

For dogs over 8-10 years old, special diets of dry or wet Royal Canin food have been developed in the form of canned food. Owners will find numbers on the packaging indicating nutritional recommendations based on the pet's age.

Medicinal and dietary feeds

The Royal Canin veterinary ready-to-eat line deserves special attention. A dog can get the disease at any age or be born with the defect.

1. Cardiac is a special food for dogs with abnormalities in the cardiovascular system.
2. Gastro Intenstila Low Fat – low fat content, suitable for pets with poor digestion.
3. Fiber Response with a higher percentage of fiber - designed for a dog's special diet.
4. Weight Control - food recommended for overweight pets.
5. Calm is used to reduce stress and during the adaptation period.
6. Diabetic – for diabetes mellitus.
7. Skin Care – suitable for severe allergic reactions and skin rashes.
8. Neutered is a specially developed food for neutered animals.
9. Renal – used by animals with acute renal failure.
10. Hypoallergenic or Sensitivity Control - hypoallergenic food.
11. Gastro - prescribed for dogs with gastrointestinal disorders.
12. Urinary – prevention of the development of urolithiasis.
13. Mobility – for problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Dry granules or canned food of a special series are recommended for the treatment or prevention of diseases, as well as during the period of recovery and rehabilitation of the animal.

Indications for Royal Canin Hepatic food

Royal Canin Hepatic is a dog food designed for animals with chronic liver disease. This diet should always be prescribed by a veterinarian.

Only a doctor has the right to prescribe a therapeutic diet.

Indications for use of Gepatika:

• acute and chronic liver failure;
• hepatic encephalopathy;
• excessive accumulation of copper in the liver, other metabolic disorders;
• hepatitis (infectious, toxic, chronic);
• piroplasmosis;
• hepatosis;
• cirrhosis;
• portal hypertension;
• formation of extravascular effusion in the hepatic vessels;
• portocaval shunt;
• other liver diseases;
• recovery period after an illness.

Important! The veterinarian prescribes a therapeutic diet after a thorough examination of the animal. In rare cases, this food may be prescribed for gastritis and other stomach problems.

Dry food is packaged in bags of different sizes

Liver diseases in dogs can be either congenital or acquired. Quite often, liver pathologies develop against the background of urolithiasis. One of the main causes of most cases of chronic liver failure in dogs is poor diet. A pet that is fed food from the human table or poor food seriously risks its health.

Portosystemic shunts in dogs can occur before birth or become apparent in adulthood. This pathology causes the blood to stop being cleared of toxins. As a result, hepatic encephalopathy may develop, and then the dog will need emergency care.

Note! Hepatitis in dogs is a serious disease that can occur either due to poisoning or after infection with a virus. The causative agent of infectious hepatitis is adenovirus type 1.

How to suspect liver disease:

• weakness;
• refusal to eat;
• vomit;
• swallowing disorders;
• temperature increase;
• jaundice;
• brown urine;
• stool is discolored or, conversely, black with blood;
• ascites;
• the liver increases in size.

If your pet develops these symptoms, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. The dog needs to undergo a biochemical blood test and undergo an ultrasound, MRI, and x-ray. Based on the results of diagnostic tests, the veterinarian will prescribe treatment and a suitable diet.

Canned food is available in 420 g

Manufacturer

The French one has been operating since 1967. The first production in the city of Emargue specialized in the production of dry food for German shepherds. A few years later, the range was expanded, and a whole line of special packaging appeared for purebred dogs and cats, puppies, large pets, and animals with digestive problems.

Over time, factories appeared in other countries: Germany, Finland, Argentina, USA, Brazil. Domestic production works according to the standards of the French company, preserving the original composition. Despite this, many dog ​​owners are convinced of the low quality of food produced in the Russian Federation.

Price and where to buy

You can buy this food inexpensively at the online pet store:

1. "ZooPassage" (link):
   Packaging 1 kg - from 690 rubles;
2. Packaging 3 kg - from 1280 rubles;
3. Packaging 15 kg - from 4262 rubles;
4. Canned food 195 g - from 78 rub.
5. "Yandex Market" ().

The indicated prices are valid at the end of September 2022, differ depending on the option and may change over time. For the exact current price, see the pet store’s website using the link above.

The better than others

No premium pet food has such a wide range as Royal Canin. Sixteen types of dry and canned food for puppies, more than 20 for adult dogs, plus a separate therapeutic and preventive line. It is possible to meet the needs of representatives of any breed with different characteristics. With this choice, food has a relatively low price and is freely available.

Feeding tips and tricks

When feeding dry food from this company, like any other, be sure to have a bowl of clean, fresh water nearby. Dry food requires a lot of water to digest, and you need to make sure your dog is quenching his thirst.

According to veterinarians, food containing grains can attract insects and rodents, so it is important to properly store opened packages. They should not only be put in a dark and cool place, but also carefully closed: a plastic sealed container is best. This will not only protect the diet from spoilage by pests, but will also leave it fresh and aromatic.

It is best, according to reviews, to keep food on the top shelves of cabinets, and also take them in small packages. This makes them more convenient to store and reduces the risk of edible granules oxidizing in air.

Wet food is sealed in airtight packaging and can be stored unopened longer than dry food. Dry diets are usually good for 1-1.5 years, while wet diets can be consumed after 3 years.

The packaging of wet menus is also convenient: since their shelf life in open packaging is no more than 2-3 days, they are packaged in small jars or bags for one meal of the animal. Veterinarians insist in their reviews that you thoroughly wash your pet’s bowl after each meal of wet food to avoid the growth of bacteria and the appearance of insects.

Dosage per day

A dog owner who prefers commercially produced food should carefully study the procedure and feeding standards. The serving size is calculated based on the height, weight, and physical activity of the animal. The features of its content are taken into account. For example, during the cold season, a lot of calories are spent on heating the body, so food should be nutritious and the portions should be larger.

The dosages and daily consumption rates are prescribed on the packages; the owner just needs to pay attention to the details.

• Do not exceed the recommended dose; overfeeding leads to obesity and serious health problems for your pet;
• premium or holistic food is more economical than usual, since these categories have a more nutritious composition;
• If the dog is hungry and does not eat enough, it means there is not enough protein in the food. It is worth adding an additional complex of vitamins and minerals to your diet.

Puppies eat at least 5 times a day in small portions. At the age of 4 to 6 months, they are fed a little less often, gradually reducing the number of meals to two times. The nutrition of sick animals is adjusted by the treating veterinarian, and pregnant and lactating females need to increase the portions.

Daily value for an adult dog:

For puppies of small breeds, the recommended daily dose of dry food is 180-450 g. Medium-sized babies will need 400-600 g, and large animals from 600 g to 1 kg.

Reviews from dog breeders about the food

Dog breeders note that the food is of fairly high quality.
Elena. I came across RoyalСaninMedium food out of necessity, because I was looking for a temporary replacement for another food (it was not on sale). I would like to note that my Weimar pointer didn’t really feel the difference, except that she lost a little in kilograms. I believe this was due to the low animal protein content. My first impression of the food after opening the package was that it was very greasy and felt damp to the touch. But in general, the dog eats with pleasure, no side effects were found. The diet has low consumption and a low price, which is a huge plus for it.

Timofey. I would like to tell you about my personal experience of feeding my dog ​​Royal Canin. When I was given a South African Boerboel, I immediately had a question about its diet. At first they used cheap food that lacked anything useful. This did not suit me, and I decided to try the advertised French food Royal CaninX-Small Junior. This option fits my pet’s weight category – up to 9 kg. I like the composition of the food: meat, necessary crops, vitamins and minerals. The food did not cause any negative effects, the dog was well-fed and healthy. However, at first he was capricious and did not want to eat, so he had to mix the food with the cheap one he had been fed before. But over time, all the whims stopped, and the Boerboel began to gobble up with pleasure. The price, of course, hits your pocket, but the quality of the food is worth the money.

Julia. Finally, my dream came true, and I got a second dog - an East European Shepherd. Since she was transported from another city when she was just a baby, the change of habitat became a big stress for her. Therefore, it was very important to maintain a correct and accurate diet. We supplemented with Royal Canin Starter Medium and were satisfied. The pet eats it with pleasure, the stool is in normal condition. The puppy is gaining weight well, growing active and inquisitive. The only problem for us was buying food - it turned out to be not so easy to find in our city.

Reviews from veterinarians

Sinyatina Ekaterina: “For owners of furry clients, I recommend only Royal Canin food from the veterinary line. The diet includes more than 50 types of dry options and canned food with a composition enriched with healthy ingredients with an optimal level of calorie content. I won’t recommend everyday varieties of food; they contain controversial ingredients, a lot of corn or rice, and a poor composition. Properly selected nutrition is the key to the healthy functioning of all important systems in the animal’s body.”

Titov Leonid: “I buy special food marked Yorkshire for my Yorkshire terriers. The breed is picky, it took a long time to find the right option, the dogs refused everything. With the help of Royal Canin, I finally solved the problem, but I advise you to choose European production, dogs eat it better.”

Sushchenko Alevtina: “I recommend that owners of animals with digestive problems, allergies or developmental defects pay attention to a special therapeutic and preventive line of food. The composition is selected taking into account the dog’s characteristics, enriched with useful substances, fiber, and vitamins.”

Properly selected food for a dog is evidenced by its healthy shiny and glossy coat, as well as active behavior, playfulness, mobility, and constant body weight. But if she refuses to eat, has skin problems, constipation, or decreased activity, it is recommended to replace dry or wet food with another option.

Specifics

The food manufacturer has developed variations that are suitable not only for animals of a certain age and health status, but also for their breed.

Royal Canin is popular with owners of British and Scottish Fold cats , Scottish Straight cats , and Neva Masquerade cats .

There are special products for:

• Persian cats;
• Oriental cats;
• Maine Coons.

However, before using the food, it is better to consult a specialist.

Note! The animal's body's reaction to food can be unpredictable. There are cases when the fur of British cats with a gray color acquired a brown tint.

Royal Canin will help couch potatoes stay in shape

After consuming food from the medicinal line, unforeseen consequences occur less frequently.

If the owner takes into account the breed of the pet when choosing food, he should give preference to:

• British Shorthair Adult (in sauce) – for British cats;
• Maine Coon Adult (in sauce) – for Maine Coons;
• Persian – for Persian cats;
• Sphynx Adult – for Peterbalds and Don Sphynxes ;
• Siamese Adult – for Siamese and Oriental cats .

Proper nutrition allows your pet to stay in shape and has a positive effect on its health.

If you want to learn more about how to feed a cat correctly, we recommend reading the article

Note! There is no need to overfeed your pet. If medicated food is used, the dosage is prescribed by a veterinarian. Failure to follow the doctor's recommendations can negatively affect your pet's health.

The Royal Canin company has developed an offer for pets leading a sedentary lifestyle.

If your cat doesn't like to run and prefers to spend the whole day on the couch, he can quickly gain excess weight.

Using Indoor Appetite Control will help prevent your pet from becoming obese without reducing the frequency of meals.

The physical form of the animal depends on the diet

Advantages of Royal Canina over other brands

This dog food is a premium food. No brand of dog food has such a wide range as Royal Canin dog food.

REFERENCE! There are 16 types of dry food, more than 20 types of food for adult dogs; in addition, food for the treatment or prevention of diseases is also produced separately.

Thanks to this, the owner of absolutely any dog ​​can choose the necessary option. At the same time, food of this brand has a fairly low cost and can be purchased at any pet store.

Photo gallery

Photo 1. Diet for large dogs

Photo 2. Menu for dogs living in the city

Photo 3. Food for aging small dogs

What breeds is this food suitable for?

Breed health nutrition – created for purebred pets. It takes into account individual requirements for proteins, vitamins and nutrition.

The premium diet is recommended for the following breeds:

• Afghan Hound;
• Bedlington Terrier;
• Dogue de Bordeaux;
• Jack Russell Terrier;
• miniature schnauzer;
• Italian Greyhound;
• Newfoundland;
• German Pinscher;
• Russian colored lapdog;
• Pomeranian Spitz;
• Pekingese;
• small poodle.

The developers took care of the individual shape of croquettes for bulldogs, for example. It corresponds to the special anatomical structure of the pet’s jaw. And in the German Shepherd’s diet, the emphasis is on components that strengthen the joints.

Feed cost and sales points

The cost of the product depends on its type (therapeutic, preventive or everyday), consistency (pouches, pates or dry food) and packaging size. You can purchase ready-made diets at most pet stores.

A few examples:

1. A small package (400 g) of dry food for adult kittens up to 12 months costs 250–300 rubles. The price of a large bag (10 kg) is about 5000–6000 rubles.
2. 400 g of dry food to prevent the formation of tartar costs 300–350 rubles. The price of a large package (8 kg) is 5000–5500 rubles.
3. Pouch (100 g) for cats with digestive disorders costs 60–80 rubles.