Royal canin (Royal Canin) - dog food - composition analysis: Review + Video

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Manufacturer information

Royal Canin began working on pet food in 1967 . Its founder, Jean Katari, created the first mixture. Today, 10 production facilities operate under this brand in different countries, and the products are very popular.

The manufacturer assures that one of the secrets is the production of the already ordered volume of feed; almost nothing is stored in warehouses, that is, the factories supply the freshest feed possible.

It is also stated that the products are taken only from suppliers proven over the years, and production technologies in Russia do not differ from French ones, which also guarantees the highest quality of the product. Careful analysis of the produced food and constant cooperation with the Research and Development Center help improve the recipes.

Consumption standards

The dog owner who has made a choice in favor of industrially produced food will have to carefully study the norms of its consumption. The serving size can be calculated for each animal using data on its weight, height, and activity. In addition, you need to take into account the place where it is kept.

In winter, when it’s cold, more calories are used for heating, which is why food needs to be higher in calories and the portion size is correspondingly larger. Each food package contains the necessary information about the dosages and norms of such nutrition per day. Therefore, the owner should not have any difficulties with calculations.

IMPORTANT! It is not recommended to increase the norms indicated on the packaging, otherwise this will lead to obesity of the animal and problems with its health will begin.

If you notice that your pet is not eating enough, this may mean that the food is low in protein. It is worth trying to change the type of food or add an additional complex of vitamins to the diet.

If the food is properly selected for the dog, its coat will shine and shine. Her behavior will be active and playful. The weight will always be maintained at the same level. If the dog has any problems, the food needs to be replaced.

Feed range

Royal Canin food products are distinguished by a wide range of options, as well as developed diets for individual breeds.

The division of food is done primarily according to the age of the pets. Lines for puppies and adults are presented.

Royal Canin offers a wide selection of diets for feeding up to a year:

• Starter for babies up to 2 months. They are also suitable for bitches during pregnancy and lactation.
• Puppy is suitable for feeding from 2 to 8-10 months.
• Junior is intended for pets from 8 to 18/24 months.

There are also Active for hyperactive kids.

The price of puppy food ranges from 1,100 to 1,350 rubles per bag weighing 3 kg.

For adult pets, the choice of assortment is also quite extensive:

• Adult (for adult pets without health problems);
• Exigent (for picky pets who are selective about the food offered);
• Light weight care (for pets prone to gaining excess weight);
• Dermacomfort (for animals with skin problems);
• Digestive care (for pets with unstable gastrointestinal tract function).

The cost of adult feed is from 1,000 to 1,400 per 3 kg.

Each of the foods for both puppies and adults is presented in different weight categories:

• mini;
• medium;
• maxi;
• giant.

In addition to this variety, the manufacturer offers ready-made diets designed for the following breeds:

• Golden retriever;
• Shih Tzu;
• French Bulldog;
• pug;
• chihuahua;
• Jack Russell;
• English bulldog;
• Yorkshire Terrier;
• Labrador;
• Dalmatian;
• poodle;
• boxer;
• dachshund;
• miniature schnauzer;
• and others.

For sterilized animals, only one type of food is available for decorative breeds weighing up to 4 kg - X-small sterilized . It costs around 550 rubles for 1.5 kg . The rest of the food for castrates in the veterinary line.

A separate type of diet has also been developed for small pets that are not walked. Indoor food reduces the odor and amount of feces. Cost – 1,150-1,400 per 3 kg.

For dogs with increased stress, Royal Canin offers 2 options:

• Agility large dog (for pets weighing more than 10 kg and short-term activity);
• Endurance 4800 (for pets with constant physical activity).

These feeds will cost about 4,300 per 15 kg.

Wet food is presented in a smaller range and is divided according to the age of the animals:

• Starter (for babies up to 2 months);
• Junior (for puppies of small breeds weighing up to 10 kg);
• Adult beauty (for adult pets);
• Adult light (light version for adults);
• Mature (for older pets over 8 years old).

A separate wet food diet is offered for urban dogs that are exposed to increased levels of pollution - Urban.

The cost of wet food starts from 80 rubles per 200 g jar.

In addition to basic diets, Royal Canin offers veterinary lines of food for pets with acute problems:

• Satiety (diet for controlling excess weight);
• Renal (diet for dogs suffering from kidney disease);
• Hypoallergenic (for pets with allergies and intolerances);
• Urinary (therapeutic diet for animals with diseases of the urinary system);
• Gastro intestinal (diet for dogs with gastrointestinal disorders);
• Dental (diet to maintain oral hygiene);
• Mobility (for pets with musculoskeletal disorders);
• Hepatic (diet for dogs with liver abnormalities);
• Skin care (against hair loss);
• Diabetic (for diabetic dogs);
• Cardiac (diet for animals with heart problems);
• Neutered (for sterilized dogs).

The price of medicinal feed varies from 4,600 to 5,900 rubles per 12 kg.

The Royal Canin food range is one of the widest. Here the owner can choose the option that is most suitable for his pet. Diets tailored to the requirements of each breed are unique. No other dog food manufacturer offers this.

In addition to differences in breeds, the brand’s technologists have developed nutritional options for different age periods, activity levels and even living conditions. Here are therapeutic diets for dogs suffering from a variety of problems - from allergies to diabetes.

Detailed review of the Royal Canin dog food line

Types and types of feed

Royal Canin produces two types of food: dry granules and wet canned food, which are divided into everyday and veterinary.

Everyday feed

Ready meals are distinguished according to the following criteria:

1. Age: the manufacturer makes products for puppies, adult dogs up to 7 years old and older animals. Puppies are considered to be young animals of small breeds up to 10; average up to 12; large up to 15; giant up to 18 months.
2. Size: the buyer purchases food for small breeds Small up to 4 kg; Mini from 4 to 10 kg; medium - Medium from 10 to 25 kg; large ones - Maxi from 25 to 45 kg and giants.
3. Breed: recipes have been developed for 16 breeds.

Veterinary feed

The manufacturer produces the following lines of Royal Canin medicinal food:

1. Vital Support is prescribed when the need arises for lifelong maintenance of kidney function or joint mobility.
2. The Health management food group includes products for neutered dogs.
3. Urinari is prescribed for animals with urolithiasis to dissolve stones and prevent complications.
4. Dermatology is recommended for dermatitis, hair loss, allergic reaction to food.
5. Weight management includes nutrition to treat obesity and maintain desired weight.
6. Gastrointestinal is a group of foods for dogs with sensitive digestion and diabetes.

Veterinary food is produced in the form of dehydrated granules or wet canned food.

Feed composition: analysis of components with explanations

Let's look at the composition of Royal Canin food using the example of dry granules for large breeds - adult German shepherds.

The manufacturer has placed advertising information on the packaging stating that the feed mixture includes the following groups of biologically active substances:

1. To optimize digestion: LIP is a complex of easily digestible proteins; the manufacturer does not disclose its composition. A special type of fiber - dietary fiber prevents fermentation in the intestines and becomes a substrate for the proliferation of beneficial bacteria.
2. To maintain healthy skin and beautiful coat due to limiting unsaturated fatty acids EPA and DPA, an exclusive complex, the composition of which is not mentioned by the manufacturer.
3. Formula for healthy joints and bones.
4. A form of granules that meets the physiological needs of German Shepherds.

The manufacturer included the following components in the feed mixture for German shepherds:

Despite the fact that the dog is a carnivore, manufacturers put rice in first place. The cereal component contains few proteins , but many complex carbohydrates , therefore it is regarded as a source of energy. Rice compares favorably with wheat because its starch is a slow carbohydrate and does not cause fermentation in the intestines. The proteins of the cereal component contain less harmful gluten than wheat. Unhusked rice is used in dog food mixtures. Cereal contains dietary fiber, which, when consumed, quickly saturates the animal.

It is difficult to say what dehydrogenated animal proteins are. This is probably waste from processing poultry products.

What plant fiber is is not clear.

It is unclear what animal fats the manufacturer uses. The formulation is likely to be adjusted depending on the availability of the specific product being used to make the batch of feed.

Hydrolysates of animal proteins are used as flavoring additives. In this regard, Royal Canin compares favorably with economy-class feeds that use synthetic flavor enhancers.

It is unclear what minerals were included in the feed mixture. Perhaps we are talking about sources of macro and microelements.

It is unknown what cereal flour is used in ready-to-eat foods. The component was not placed in the first place, so its quantity is small. Perhaps flour was added as a technological component to give the mixture the required structure. Fish oil contains EPA and DPA, which are responsible for healthy skin and beautiful coat.

Soybean oil is used as a source of fatty acids and calories. Sunflower oil is not suitable because it does not contain Omega 3 fatty acids. The walls of yeast are composed of mannanoligosaccharides - carbohydrates that occupy an intermediate position between starch and fiber. They are not absorbed by the body and putrefactive microbes, but serve as a substrate for the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria of the large intestine. Beneficial microbes acidify the contents of the alimentary tract and create unfavorable conditions for pathogenic bacteria.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are chondroprotectors, a plastic material for building ligaments, tendons and cartilage that cover the surfaces of the epiphyses of bones that touch inside the joint. German Shepherds are working dogs that run around a lot. Therefore, it is necessary that components to support the musculoskeletal system be supplied with food.

Marigolds contain lutein carotenoids, which protect eye receptors from damage and enhance pigmentation and shine of the coat. Green tea polyphenols inactivate free radicals, increase the speed of blood flow in the glomeruli, support heart function, destroy viruses, and stop the growth of cancer tumors.

The feed mixture was enriched with microelements and vitamins. Clinoptilolite sorbent binds toxic metabolites and absorbs excess moisture. Royal Canin contains synthetic preservatives and antioxidants.

Ready-made food for adult German Shepherds meets the requirements for premium food.

Royal Canin Gastro Intestinal Low Fat canned food for dogs with sensitive digestion includes the following components:

• pork liver and meat;
• rice, corn;
• beet pulp;
• prebiotics FOS and MOS;
• marigold extract;
• taurine;
• vitamins;
• minerals.

Watch the video.

Advantages and disadvantages

Owners and breeders note the following benefits of Royal Canin ready-made dog food:

1. Wide range: there is dry and wet food, food for animals of different sizes, breeds, ages.
2. Royal Canin produces a bitch milk replacer. Puppies are transferred to artificial nutrition, the mother is treated with drugs that are contraindicated for pups, and orphans are fed. Dry food for puppies, pregnant and lactating bitches increases safety and facilitates the transition from milk to solid food.
3. The veterinary line is represented by medicinal food for diet therapy of chronic diseases.
4. Availability: Royal Canin food is always available in pet stores.

Consumers note the following disadvantages:

1. Lots of grains and little animal feed. Judging by the composition, there is no meat, only processing waste.
2. Opaque composition.
3. The presence of negative reviews from consumers.
4. Relatively high price.

The table shows the average prices for Royal Canin and similar quality prepared foods.

The average price of Royal Canin is higher than that of similar foods. Czech ready-made food Brit Premium is not inferior in quality, but the price of the package is 397 rubles lower. The cost of super premium Brit Kea food is almost the same, but the quality is higher.

Daily norm

The recommended daily serving size is printed on the back of the package. When feeding ad libitum, food is overused and excess weight appears.

To make feeding rationed, use a Royal Canin measuring cup , which sellers provide upon request when making a purchase.

The capacity of the cup is 240 ml, and the weight of the food is 100 g. But this is the case when small granules are used for puppies. Adult pets eat large kibble, so less food fits into the glass. The number of cups for a dog depending on the weight is indicated on the packaging. For ease of dosing, the container was divided into 8 parts by marks.

The size of the daily portion for puppies depends on the age and planned live weight of the adult dog. The table shows the recommended amount of dry food.

Feed intake increases until six months of age. Then the need for food decreases, and by twelve months it stabilizes. Do not increase the portion size: excess weight increases the load on the joints, and bone growth ends only at the age of one and a half years. In severe frosts, an increase in the daily allowance is allowed.

Adult German Shepherds are working dogs. Their need for food depends on physical activity. The recommended daily serving size is shown in the table.

In cold weather, increase the daily allowance by 10-15%, in hot weather, reduce it by the same amount.

Feed composition overview

• The composition of almost all Royal Canin food starts with a meat ingredient. The percentage of protein is about 25%, which is within the normal range. But in super-premium food the amount of protein could be higher.
• Rice primarily serves as carbohydrates . It is easily digestible and has sufficient nutritional value.
• Next on the list of ingredients are corn and wheat - the most useless components of feed, which are almost not absorbed by the body. Dogs are most often intolerant to them. I would not like to see them in food of this level.
• Next come animal fats (about 14%). Their origin in the composition is not disclosed. The presence of unknown ingredients in the food is also not very welcome by veterinarians.
• A complex of useful microelements, fatty acids and antioxidants is also added to the composition - this is a definite plus.

So we can say that Royal Canin food has a rather poor composition. There are practically no fruits and vegetables in them, which gives a low fiber content (1.5%). The amount of proteins and fats is within the permitted limits, but for premium food these are low coefficients.

Compound

• meat and meat by-products;
• vegetable by-products;
• vegetable protein isolate;
• dehydrated animal proteins;
• wheat, rice, corn and their derivatives;
• vegetable fats;
• vegetable fiber;
• hydrolyzed animal proteins;
• vitamins: A, D3, iron, iodine, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, taurine, L-carnitine.

Other components:

• hydrolyzate from cartilage (source of chondroitin);
• Marigold erecta extract (source of lutein);
• borage oil (immune support);
• hydrolyzate from crustacean shells (source of glucosamine);
• LIP (specially selected proteins with a high degree of digestibility);
• yeast hydrolyzate (source of mannan oligosaccharides);
• tomatoes (source of lycopene);
• fructooligosaccharides;
• preservatives;
• antioxidants;
• clinoptilolite of sedimentary origin.

Advantages and disadvantages

A detailed analysis of the range and composition allows us to identify the pros and cons of Royal Canin dog food.

Advantages

The advantages of feed can be safely attributed:

• a wide range of food, divided by breed, age of pets and their individual needs;
• availability of therapeutic diets for dogs with acute diseases;
• the presence of vitamins and microelements in the composition;
• not very high cost for the super-premium level;
• Available for purchase in almost all pet stores.

Flaws

The disadvantages include:

• low level of protein component;
• presence of ingredients of questionable quality and unknown origin;
• low fiber content.

Feed class

The conditional division of feed into classes is as follows: economy, premium, super-premium and holistic. And it often happens that owners, wanting to increase sales, overestimate the class of their products. So take this into account when purchasing. And high cost does not mean good quality at all!

The owners of the Royal Canin brand classify their food as super-premium. But, judging by the main characteristics, it is not. After all, super-premium food must meet the following:

• contain high-quality and fresh ingredients (at least half!);
• be balanced and easy to digest;
• take into account the physiological characteristics of different groups of animals: age, activity, behavioral habits, specific needs of animals (long hair, previous operations, poor digestion, etc.);
• do not contain known allergenic products (wheat, corn, their derivatives) and products with proven ineffectiveness (potatoes, cellulose), artificial colors, flavor enhancers, GMOs, medications, vegetable proteins;
• have a dietary line.

Unfortunately, Royal Canin cat food clearly falls short on some points. Therefore, it can only be classified as a premium feed.

Reviews from veterinarians and buyers about the food

Dog owners and veterinarians often share their opinions about the pet foods they use.

Owner reviews:

• Alexander, dachshund owner:

“My dog ​​has been eating this food for several years. Sometimes I change it to Pro Plan. He eats both with pleasure; I have no complaints about both foods and no reason to complain. It is clear that the composition of Royal Canin is not the ultimate dream, but I am satisfied with its price, appearance and condition of the baby’s body. The dog looks healthy, active, and not overweight.”

• Tatyana, pug owner:

“I have a sad experience feeding my pug Royal Canin. We started giving it on the doctor's advice. And within a week a terrible reaction appeared - acne and itching on the face, ears and stomach. Veterinarians claimed that the reason was not the food, since it was proven and good. After reading the forums, I was horrified. The more I studied the composition, the more I realized that I was allergic to the food. I replaced it, and the acne went away immediately. I talked to the owners of other pugs, many faced the same situation.”

Reviews from veterinarians:

• Pavel Viktorovich, veterinarian:

“Royal Canin food is interesting from the point of view of the large number of options and the presence of a veterinary line. The manufacturer offers unique diets adapted for different breeds and diseases of animals. I recommend medicinal foods for various stages of obesity, heart and kidney problems.

The composition of the feed is quite poor, although it is considered balanced. When feeding these foods, I always recommend adding vitamin complexes and supplements.”

Owner reviews from forums:

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.