Is Royal Canin the Right Dog Food Brand for My Pet?

Matt Matasci Matt Matasci · Updated December 23, 2024

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Our pets are our family members, so it’s no surprise that we care a lot about their health and well-being. One of the best ways to ensure your dog lives a happy, healthy and long life is to feed them high-quality food. 

There are many different types of high-quality dog food styles and brands available, making your decision more complicated. Royal Canin is one of the most popular brands, but is it the right dog food brand for your pet?

The image shows the Royal Canin logo in red text with a stylized crown design made of dots above the name, highlighting one of the best dog food brands.

History of Royal Canin Dog Food Brand

Like many companies, Royal Canin has simple roots. The company was founded in France by veterinarian Jean Cathary when he created his “yellow soup” for dogs in 1968.

  • 1972: The company is purchased by Guyomarc’h group, which advises the company on nutritional precision and diet formulation. The parent company also provides R&D resources, financial support and marketing strategies.
  • 1974: Royal Canin expands into Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and The Netherlands, in addition to France.
  • 1980: The brand launches the first-ever food specially formulated for large breed puppies.
  • 1985: With the help of four import companies, Royal Canin expands to the United States.
  • 1990: Paribas Affaires Industrielles buys Guyomarc’h Groupe, resulting in an even more ambitious strategy for Royal Canin.
  • 1994: Royal Canin enters the cat food market, offering a revolutionary dry food that is only available through vets and breeders.
  • 1997: Size-specific nutrition is launched.
  • 1999: Breed-specific nutrition is launched.
  • 2001: Royal Canin is acquired by Mars Incorporated.
  • 2002: The company introduces the first ever breed-specific food for dogs: Mini Yorkshire Terrier YPR 28
  • 2005: A pet obesity clinic is launched by Royal Canin.
  • 2009: Royal Canin begins to offer wet cat food and expands into Asia — meaning it is now distributed and produced in every continent except Antarctica.
  • 2012: Ultamino, a food for dogs with extreme food allergies, is launched.

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What Products Does Royal Canin Offer?

As you can see from the section above, Royal Canin offers a wide range of dog and cat food. One thing that sets the company apart from its competitors is that they offer breed-specific meals. If you have an American Shorthair cat or a Miniature Schnauzer dog, you can find a formula that is created with their needs in mind.

Royal Canin dog and cat food products include formulas for kittens and puppies, adult dogs and cats, and mature dogs and cats.

It’s also important to note that the brand has a line of retail products that you can purchase online or at your local pet store. Unlike most other brands, it also offers a line of prescription dog food that can only be purchased through a vet or with a prescription from a vet.

Veterinary products offered by Royal Canin help address health issues in dogs and cats, including:

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Lack of appetite
  • Heart health
  • Diabetes
  • Food sensitivities
  • Joint issues
  • Renal health
  • Oral hygiene
  • Skin and coat support
  • Urinary issues
  • Weight management

What Pets is Royal Canin Right For?

Royal Canin is a high-end, specialty pet food. It’s right for all dogs and cats, because every animal deserves good nutrition and flavor. However, it does come at a high price point which can be difficult for many, if not most pet owners to afford.

That being said, there are some studies that suggest a higher-quality diet may lead to more positive health outcomes in pets. If your pet is healthier because you pay more for their meals, the extra cost may not be quite as painful when you consider medical issues that are avoidable with good nutrition.

No dog food is a miracle pill for health issues — sometimes problems are simply unavoidable. If you believe that good nutrition leads to a healthier, happier life, then brands like Royal Canin might be right for you.

When it comes to prescription veterinarian pet food, Royal Canin is the gold standard. One reason is that they make high-quality, effective formulas for very specific issues. I can attest to this personally, as my 14-year-old terrier mix lived off of the Renal Formula for the last year of her life. I believe it extended her time with us by six very-happy months.

A Fresh Take on Canine Nutrition

Ensuring your dog receives the highest quality nutrition is essential. Incorporating fresh, human-grade meals can revolutionize their health. Meal subscription services deliver tailored dog food directly to your door, designed to meet your pet’s specific dietary needs. This not only promotes a vibrant, healthy lifestyle but also reduces the risks of diet-related health issues. Start your dog’s journey to better health and vitality today with this innovative approach to pet nutrition.

Golden retriever puppy in a box with text offering 80% off the first box from "The Farmer's Dog," known for the best dog food for allergies.

  • The Farmer’s Dog only uses high-quality ingredients.
  • When you register for The Farmer’s Dog, you create a personalized meal plan.
  • Because The Farmer’s Dog uses a meal plan model, you don’t have to worry about running out of food.
  • All ingredients in The Farmer’s Dog are clearly labeled so you know exactly what your dog is eating.

The only real downside to The Farmer’s Dog is that it’s more expensive than most other types of food. Because you are sent a large amount of food at once, you’ll need the freezer space to store it before serving.

The Secret to Supplementing Your Dog’s Diet

Even with premium dog food, filling nutritional gaps can further enhance your pet’s well-being. Consider adding multivitamins, probiotics, or joint supplements to their diet to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.

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These easy-to-administer options cater to specific health needs and can complement any balanced diet, ensuring your dog thrives at every life stage.

  • Probiotics: promote healthy digestion and improve the absorption of nutrients.
  • Multivitamins: fill nutritional gaps, helping support overall health, improving the shine of your dog’s coat and maintaining its immune system.

Bottom Line

Royal Canin is a groundbreaking dog food company, pioneering the wave of higher-quality products for our canine friends. It has made many breakthroughs and innovations in the industry, and is a solid choice for your dog — especially if they have any special health needs.

However, we feel that brands like The Farmer’s Dog have taken this innovative approach to dog food and improved it further. Their natural, human-grade ingredients, transparent labeling, and personalized meal plans makes it the best choice.

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