Royal Canin for cats is a popular food for pets. The company also produces ready-made food for dogs. On thematic forums you can find a large number of comments about products. There are both positive and negative. The food is complete, it is acceptable to feed pets daily, but we do not recommend doing this, since the composition of Royal Canin does not inspire confidence and is produced by the well-known company Mars, which owns a large number of economy class cat foods, including Whiskas, Kitikat and other. In this article we will talk more about the composition of Royal Canin.
Manufacturer information
The French manufacturing company has been operating since 1967, by the mid-90s. it began to expand: subsidiaries began to open in many countries. During the same period, the range of food expanded, the laboratory began to develop products for sterilized pets, it was assumed that they should be less caloric and prevent obesity.
Royal Canin food is in great demand in the market
Since 2004, the first Russian branch of Royal Canin was launched, which successfully produces products for animals to this day. In addition to this, the company has 11 large secondary plants located in:
- SOUTH AFRICA;
- Brazil;
- Argentina;
- Poland;
- Canada;
- Great Britain;
- China;
- France;
- Japan.
For your information! Royal Canin cat food is not the only brainchild of the company. The company successfully produces dog food, medicinal series and milk for newborn kittens and puppies.
Royal Canin Cat Food Review
Royal Canin Gastro Intestinal for cats: food composition
Pet stores and hypermarkets offer a wide variety of foods under the Royal Canin brand. Each product has its own recommendations for use, and there are age and health restrictions. Owners can choose options for both neutered and sick animals.
Dry food Urinary is intended for sick pets
Urinary
Royal Canin cat food from this series is intended for pets with urinary tract diseases and kidney stones. Owners can purchase them in the form of biscuits or pieces of meat in sauce.
Royal Canin Urinari wet food
The series includes the following types of food:
- Royal Canin Urinary S/O LP 34 Feline is a dietary food for the treatment and prevention of urolithiasis. It is prohibited for pregnant and lactating cats with chronic renal failure, metabolic acidosis, heart failure and hypertension. Dissolution of struvite stones occurs after 5-12 weeks from the start of treatment; to prevent relapses, the pet is kept on a diet for another 6 months;
- Royal Canin Urinary S/O Olfactory Attraction is a complete dietary food used for daily consumption, treatment and prevention of the formation of urolithiasis of struvite etiology. Can be used to prevent oxalate in animals that prefer to select food by smell;
- Royal Canin Urinary S/O High Delution helps to quickly dissolve struvite and prevent the development of urolithiasis. Treatment takes 5-12 weeks, consolidation of the results obtained takes another 6 months. Regular urine tests are required throughout the therapeutic period. When consuming this food, the volume of urine increases, thus preventing the two main forms of urolithiasis.
High Dilution is used to treat urolithiasis
Important! If there is idiopathic, regularly recurring cystitis, the pet must be switched to wet food of the same series.
Kitten
The Royal Canin company produces food for kittens in dry and canned forms. Among the well-known varieties of the Kitten series are:
- Royal Canin - adapted croquettes and pouches for babies 4-12 months. They contain 34% protein and 20% fat and are suitable for pregnant and lactating cats;
- Royal Canin Sterilized is produced for cats that have undergone sterilization and castration; they contain a sufficient amount of nutrients for normal development;
- Royal Canin British Shorthair is intended for “Britons” from 4 to 12 months;
- Royal Canin Maine Coon is produced for purebred Maine Coon kittens from 3-15 months;
- Royal Canin Persian is recommended for young Persians from 4 to 12 months;
- Royal Canin Mother & Babycat for babies from 1 and not older than 4 months.
Note! Veterinarians do not recommend feeding kittens under one year of age with adult food. They do not contain enough vitamins and minerals for normal development. Royal Canin kitten food completely compensates for the deficiency of nutrients.
For kittens, you need to buy species designed for their age.
Renal
The series includes biscuits or canned food, suitable for feeding cats with kidney failure. Animals with this pathology have reduced appetite and increased demands on the taste of food.
The food has a special structure that makes it easy to chew croquettes even in the presence of inflammation in the mucous tissues of the oral cavity. The active ingredients included help fight free radicals, the concentration of which increases as the pet ages.
The treatment line is represented by the following varieties:
- Royal Canin Renal is recommended for chronic renal failure, prevention of recurrence of kidney stones, recurrence of urolithiasis;
- Royal Canin Renal RF23 relieves toxicosis during uremic crises, supports kidney function during chronic renal failure, contains a minimal amount of phosphorus;
- Royal Canin Renal Special Cat RSF 26 is distinguished by a high content of proteins necessary to maintain muscle mass, a special flavor allows you to feed animals with special taste preferences;
- Royal Canin Renal Select RSE 24 is a food that is intended for pets with CRF, contains components that stimulate appetite, reduces the load on the kidneys and is high in calories.
For your information! Treatment with specialized food is carried out for six months. If the diagnosis reveals damage to the nephrons of the kidneys by ¾, then the animal is prescribed a lifelong diet.
Royal Canin Renal is intended for pets with renal failure
Nutrition for illnesses
If we compare the Scottish Fold with the Straight-eared, it turns out that the Scottish Fold is more susceptible to disease. The mutation gene that makes the ears so charming is to blame for this.
Most often, Scottish cats suffer from allergies, arthrosis and urolithiasis. For all diseases, only a veterinarian can prescribe adequate treatment and preventive measures. Don't even think about self-medication! In some cases, a special therapeutic diet may help, which should also be prescribed by a veterinarian.
What food to feed a Scottish cat on a therapeutic diet:
- Hill's Prescription Diet s/d – for the treatment of urolithiasis;
- ROYAL CANIN Skin Young Male – for cats with sensitive skin;
- Hill's Prescription Diet z/d – for the treatment of food allergies;
- Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic + Urinary – obesity, prevention of urolithiasis;
- Hill's Prescription Diet j/d – treatment of joint diseases.
Which food to choose for your pet
Royal Canin for domestic cats is selected in accordance with:
- age criteria;
- body weight;
- concomitant diseases.
Royal Canin for spayed and neutered cats
In case of health problems, preference is given to therapeutic series (Royal Canin Fiber Response Cat FR31 - for acute and chronic constipation), for purebred animals - in accordance with the characteristics of the species. Meat ingredients should predominate in the feed; soy, corn and other plant components are undesirable or allowed in minimal quantities.
It is better to consult a veterinarian before purchasing. The specialist will conduct a routine examination of the pet, determine the lack or excess of certain substances, according to which the diet will be selected.
Note! In the absence of financial problems, experts advise switching to canned varieties (pates) with a small addition in the form of croquettes. The latter help clean plaque and prevent the formation of stones.
Pros and cons of the brand
The advantages of using the Royal Canin series are presented:
- a large number of varieties: from biscuits to liquid feed;
- widespread sale - in almost any hypermarket or special pet store;
- sufficient protein, vitamins and minerals;
- the ability to follow a strict diet for animals with various diseases.
Royal Canin Renal for cats with kidney failure
The disadvantages of the series include:
- presence of wheat, corn and vegetable proteins;
- unknown source of dehydrated protein;
- lack of information about the antioxidants and preservatives used;
- quite high cost.
For your information! The Royal Canin brand has become widespread due to its use by nurseries, since purchasing in large quantities is profitable for them. Most purebred kittens are initially accustomed to this diet, which makes it one of the most popular.
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).
Opinions about Royal Canin food from veterinarians and cat owners
Veterinarians and pet owners leave directly opposite reviews. For some, Royal Canin is the solution to all problems, others complain about deteriorating cat health, allergic reactions and denial of food to animals.
“British” food is not suitable for all animals
Krylov E.V., veterinarian, Samara:
“I don’t consider this variety to be sufficiently balanced due to the presence of vegetable proteins, which are poorly absorbed by the cat’s body. Of all the options, I recommend to my patients treatment series that help with diet and prevent relapses of diseases.”
Sakovets M.V., veterinarian, Orel:
“I believe that Royal Canin fully meets expectations in terms of price and quality. I often prescribe milk for newborn kittens with large litters. Children raised on it do not lag behind in development due to a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. Ruler croquettes help prevent plaque and completely replace natural food.”
Cat owners have mixed opinions about the Royal Canin series.
Sergey, 45 years old, Moscow:
“I buy special types for the Persian breed, there are no complaints about the quality. The animals have thick and shiny fur, and there are no problems with digestion, kidneys or other organs. Inexpensive food meets the stated characteristics.”
Svetlana, 38 years old, St. Petersburg:
“I bought my Muska from a nursery, where she was accustomed to Royal Canin. I didn't like it because of the corn and other herbal additives. Predators do not feed on grass, they are carnivores. Over time, I switched to normal holistic treatments.”
Important! The company does not guarantee that food from a certain series is absolutely suitable for your pet. Each cat has an individual body, and some components can cause allergies.
Nutrient content
| Nutrients | Quantity |
| Proteins (%) | 34.0 |
| Fat (%) | 19.0 |
| Minerals (%) | 6.8 |
| Starch (%) | 22.7 |
| Total fiber (%) | 5.3 |
| Humidity (%) | 5.5 |
| Calcium (%) | 0.8 |
| Phosphorus (%) | 0.73 |
| Vitamin A (IU/kg) | 32,000.0 |
| Taurine (%) | 0.3 |
| L-carnitine (mg/kg) | 200.0 |
| Lutein (mg/kg) | 5.0 |
| Alimentary fiber (%) | 12.0 |
| Linoleic acid (%) | 4.44 |
| Arachidonic acid (%) | 0.08 |
| Glucosamine and chondroitin (mg/kg) | 500.0 |
| Omega 6 fatty acids (%) | 4.65 |
| Omega 3 fatty acids (%) | 0.93 |
| Biotin (mg/kg) | 3.06 |
| Glucosamine chloride (mg/kg) | 495.0 |
| Vitamin C (mg/kg) | 300.0 |
| Vitamin E (mg/kg) | 600.0 |
| Acids EPA + DHA (%) | 0.35 |
| Nitrogen-free extractives (%) | 29.4 |
| Methionine + cystine (%) | 1.5 |
| Metabolic Energy NRC 85 (Atwater) (kcal/kg) | 3,834.0 |
| DL-methionine (%) | 0.95 |
| Metabolic energy (calculated according to NRC 2006) (kcal/kg) | 4,008.0 |
| Minerals | Quantity |
| Magnesium (%) | 0.06 |
| Sodium (%) | 0.5 |
| Iron (mg/kg) | 191.0 |
| Manganese (mg/kg) | 64.0 |
| Zinc (mg/kg) | 191.0 |
| Iodine (mg/kg) | 4.4 |
| Selenium (mg/kg) | 0.27 |
| Potassium (%) | 0.7 |
| Copper (mg/kg) | 15.0 |
| Chlorides (%) | 1.02 |
| Vitamins | Quantity |
| Folic acid (mg/kg) | 13.5 |
| Choline (mg/kg) | 2,500.0 |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) (mg/kg) | 26.8 |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) (mg/kg) | 48.3 |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenate) (mg/kg) | 144.3 |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) (mg/kg) | 480.0 |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) (mg/kg) | 75.3 |
| Vitamin D3 (IU/kg) | 800.0 |
| Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) (mg/kg) | |
| 0.13 | |
| Other substances | Quantity |
| Arginine (%) | 1.57 |
| L-lysine (%) | 1.59 |
Royal Canin or Proplan: comparison
Both types are popular among four-legged owners; they have slight differences in cost and manufacturer. Proplan is imported from Italy and France, Royal Canin is produced by a domestic enterprise. It is difficult to compare their quality, but many breeders advise buying only the French version of the second food, believing that the Russian version is inferior in many respects.
The composition of both is almost identical. Proplan also has a series of veterinary nutrition, but it is inferior to Royal Canin in quality. Veterinarians characterize options for daily use in the opposite direction, believing that the first manufacturer has them better.
Note! You can also feel the difference in price: the cost of Proplan for 3 kg is 1300 rubles, Royal Canina is 1500 rubles. for 4 kg. The latter is cheaper and more profitable.
It is impossible to name the best of the two types, since pets like them both. If you wish, you can try leaving the choice to the cat: initially feed Royal Canin, and then switch to Proplan. The cat himself will choose what he likes, solving this difficult issue for his owner.
The Royal Canin series belongs to the generally available and medium-priced varieties of ready-made cat food. Attempts to downplay the merits are associated with various factors: from paid reviews from competitors to people who “understand everything, but their cat has seen nothing but table scraps.” Owners of four-legged animals should rely on the reaction of their furry pets and their state of health, and not the opinion of outside advisers.
