Benefits of Royal Canin food for kittens up to 12 months

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.

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.

Dry food

Royal Canin dry kitten food deserves special attention, as it supports the kitten’s natural defense mechanisms and stimulates its activity throughout the day. Like Royal Canin wet food for cats, dry kibble for kittens is distinguished by a carefully selected composition and a balanced set of nutrients.

The food contains beet pulp, poultry, fish oil and other components that promote rapid saturation and easy digestion of food.

It is worth noting that the manufacturer took into account that up to twelve months, small kittens have small jaws and weak teeth, so the size of the kibble in dry food is appropriate. This simplifies the process of eating and improves appetite.

Range

Dry

Dry cat food Royal Canin (Royal Canin) is as follows:

Royal Canin Indoor Appetite Control is a complete product for adult animals who do not leave the walls of the apartment. Age: from 1 year to 7 years. A balanced fiber and protein content will allow your pet, who is prone to overeating, to maintain optimal weight and a healthy urinary system. Easily digestible protein LIP destroys the unpleasant odor of cat excrement, plantain helps fur painlessly and is removed from the stomach in a timely manner.

Ingredients: dehydrated animal proteins (poultry), corn and corn gluten, rice, wheat, vegetable fiber, animal fats, flavorings (hydrolyzed animal proteins), yeast and fermentation by-products, soybean oil, minerals and vitamins, fructo-oligosaccharides, beetroot pulp, fish oil, shells and plantain seeds.

Royal Canin Maine Coon Adult is designed for Maine Coon breeds over 15 months of age. Since these cats weigh many times more than usual and are much larger in build, they are offered food with Omega-3 and DHA fatty acids (they support the cardiovascular system), taurine (for the heart and nervous system). The granules themselves are made in the form of cubes.

Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten - Maine Coon kittens: a unique cubic shape, literally stuffed with vitamins, minerals and easily digestible protein. Protein composition - 36%, fat - 23%.

Royal Canin Sensible 33 is an option for cats over a year old with sensitive digestion. Specially selected proteins make the food easy to digest, and carefully selected flavoring additives attract animals to it. The food is high in calories, which means smaller portions and minimal stress on the digestive system. The components have a beneficial effect on the urinary system. Nutrients: protein - 33%, fat - 22%, fiber - 1.6%, minerals - 7.7%.

Royal Canin Sterilized 37 is food for spayed and neutered dogs not younger than one year and not older than seven years. After castration (sterilization), animals need fewer calories, which was taken into account when creating Sterilized 37. The optimal combination of fats, minerals and proteins will not allow you to gain extra pounds, but will maintain muscle mass in the desired tone and keep the urinary system in working order. The composition contains ammonium chloride, fish oil, and cereal flour.

Royal Canin Ageing 12+. If your pet is over 12 years old. At this age, animals’ sense of taste changes and their sense of smell deteriorates. The food stimulates appetite, the croquettes are easy to chew without damaging the gums. Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants support the body, phosphorus supports the kidneys. The composition is rich: the food contains hydrolysate from cartilage, marigold extract, borage oil, hydrolyzate from crustacean shells and yeast, tomatoes.

Royal Canin Aroma Exigent - for particularly picky mustachioed and furry ones. The special aroma (due to a special combination of fish proteins) attracts predators, but there is no risk that the cat will gain weight by absorbing the food. Calorie content is strictly calculated! Contains borage oil and fish oil.

Royal Canin Bengal Adult - for Bengal cats, strong and active: with y-shaped granules (for cleaning the mouth and massaging the gums). The amount of proteins, fiber and highly digestible proteins is carefully calculated: the food processing process will proceed like clockwork, food will be quickly absorbed, muscle mass will grow, and the coat will shine and shimmer. This food contains an exclusive complex of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Omega-3 fatty acids - 10.1 g, Omega-6 - 43.1 g, dietary fiber - 3.8%, minerals - 7.7%, fat - 18%, protein - 40%.

Royal Canin British Shorthair Kitten - for babies of the British breed (up to one year old). The croquettes themselves are made in the shape of a semicircle, they are small and very comfortable for tiny mouths. Plantain, L-carnitine, hydrolysate of their cartilage, crustacean shells, extracts of beneficial plants have a beneficial effect on the kitten’s immune system and its digestive system. The food is easily digestible.

Royal Canin British Shorthair Adult - for British cats over a year old. It is rich in protein and vitamins, contains L-carnitine (which supports fat metabolism), and Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and taurine support joints, bones and heart muscle.

Royal Canin Norwegian Forest Adult is a food, as the name suggests, for the Norwegian Forest breed. Age: from one year. The crackers are dense, especially for strong jaws. The food helps maintain normal weight, makes joints and bones strong, and the skin and coat beautiful. A large amount of fiber allows wool to pass out of the stomach. Special components in the composition: chicory extract, borage oil, erect marigold extract, fructooligosaccharides.

Royal Canin Digestive Care - suitable for all breeds. This complete food includes easily digestible proteins, probiotics and fiber, which have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, allowing food to be processed faster and nutrients from it to be absorbed to the maximum. Studies have shown that the volume of excrement decreases within 2 weeks after the start of feeding due to better absorption of food.

Royal Canin Fit 32 is an option for energetic cats that are allowed to go outside. A set of nutrients and calories maintains ideal weight, fiber (4.5%) does not allow hairballs to remain in the stomach. The composition includes marigold extract.

Royal CaninHair & Skin Care - should be purchased if your cat has obvious skin or coat problems. Contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, high quality proteins, amino acids. Fiber - 5.3%, fat - 22%, protein - 33%. Easy to digest.

Royal Canin Hairball Care - prevents the formation of hairballs. Recommended for both long-haired and short-haired cats. The complex of insoluble fibers and parts of the plantain prevents the hairs from rolling off and attaching to the walls of the stomach. The food contains soybean oil, fish oil, and yeast.

Royal Canin Indoor 27 is a food for low-active cats no older than seven years. Laziness and lack of energy lead to a slowdown in intestinal function, which results in an increase in the unpleasant “amber” from the tray. Easily digestible LIP proteins and fiber from psyllium seeds help speed up the process of food processing in the digestive system. There is little fat here, so your pet will not gain excess weight.

Indoor 7+ is almost identical in composition to the above. Designed for cats over 7 years old. Added vitamin C, fatty acids and green tea polyphenols. The amount of phosphorus is sufficient for optimal kidney function.

Indoor Appetite Control - for middle-aged cats who tend to overeat. Helps remove hair from the stomach and has a beneficial effect on the genitourinary system. The composition contains fructooligosaccharides, fish oil, seeds and psyllium shells.

Indoor Long Hair - suitable for individuals with long hair who live indoors. Acceptable age is from 1 year to 7 years. Contains: LIP proteins, complex nutrients, borage oil and plantain.

Royal Canin Urinary Care is not a therapeutic food, but a preventative food for maintaining the health of the urinary system. Guarantees optimal urine level (low pH), regulates mineral balance, reduces the risk of struvite stones. Ingredients: processed marigolds, fish oil.

Mother & Babycat is an option for pregnant and lactating cats, but you can also feed them to babies aged from a month to 4. Helps form primary immunity. Contains prebiotics and highly digestible protein. The granules are small, adapted, and easily soaked in broth. DHA fatty acids have beneficial effects on the brain.

Royal Canin Kitten - food in a cute pink package is suitable for kittens from 4 to 12 months. Easily digestible, activates the baby’s defense mechanisms, saturates with a small portion. Contains a good vitamin and mineral complex.

Light Weight Care - prevention of excess weight, maintaining muscle mass within normal limits. L-carnitine helps metabolism. A balanced mineral complex supports the urinary system.

Oral Care - prevention of the formation of tartar and plaque on teeth. Recommended for adult cats. Active ingredients: calcium chelates, psyllium seeds, fructooligosaccharides.

Royal Canin Persian Adult - your Persian will be happy to feast on this food. It is easy to chew, the flavoring and aromatic additives give it an indescribably pleasant aroma, and the composition will please the cat owners themselves: it contains fatty acids, a lot of fiber, prebiotics, and proteins.

Royal Canin Sphynx Adult - for sphinxes, Siamese Adult - for the Siamese breed. The croquettes are made in the shape of a ring (to make them easier to grip), contain a lot of protein and L-carnitine, and are low in fat. Your pet will be strong and strong thanks to this food.

Sphynx Kitten - for sphinx kittens, Persian Kitten - for Persian kittens. Light, high in calories, inexpensive, with a soft texture and an exclusive formula of fatty acids and prebiotics.

Sterilized Ageing 12+ Tasty and optimally composed food for older sterilized and neutered cats. Sterilized 7+ - for cats over 7 and under 12 years old. There is little fat, a lot of fatty acids and protein, the composition is rich.

Wet

Royal Canin wet food:

• Indoor Sterilized 7+ years (in jelly) for cats over seven years old living in the house;
• Sterilized (in sauce) for cats of any age, low-calorie;
• Ageing 12+ (in sauce or jelly) for aging individuals;
• British Shorthair Adult (small granules in sauce) for the British;
• Hairball Care (in sauce) for adults of any breed;
• Instinctive 7+ (in sauce) for individuals over seven years old and for everyone;
• Indoor Sterilized 7+ years and Indoor Sterilized (in sauce);
• Digest Sensitive (in sauce) and Intense Beauty (in jelly) for long-haired breeds;
• Urinary Care (in sauce) to maintain the balance of minerals in the urine and prevent the formation of stones;
• Instinctive (in jelly or paste) for adult cats with a macronutrient profile;
• Mother & Babycat (mousse) for pregnant, lactating cats and kittens 1-4 months;
• Light Weight Care (in jelly or sauce) for individuals who tend to gain excess weight;
• Sterilized (in pate, jelly or sauce) for adult (up to seven years old) sterilized animals, Indoor Sterilized (in jelly) - for older cats, Kitten Sterilised (in jelly) for sterilized kittens;
• Persian - pate for Persians.

Assortment and lines

The modern range of ready-made industrial pet food from Royal Canin is able to satisfy the needs and desires of any owner of a representative of the cat family.

Casual for cats

Ready-made industrial food for adult cats can be classified into three types: Indoor, Outdoor and Special. The first and second groups take into account the peculiarities of keeping pets leading a domestic or, conversely, street lifestyle. Ready-made industrial mixtures included in the Special group are developed taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular breed.

Casual for kittens

Each age of animals has certain characteristics, including in their diet.

A two-month-old kitten that has recently been weaned from its mother needs special nutrition. It is recommended to replace breast milk with Babycat Milk. Kittens 2–4 months old are fed Babycat Instinctive mousse. The diet of small pets from 4 to 12 months consists of wet pate, soft jelly and Kitten Instinctive sauce.

Often, kitten food comes in small sealed bags and cans with a special ring on the lid.

Veterinary diet

During the period of illness and rehabilitation, when the cat needs a diet, you cannot do without special therapeutic nutrition:

• for urolithiasis – “Urinary”;
• for liver diseases – “Hepatic”, kidney diseases – “Renal”;
• dietary food “Calm”, which helps to cope with stressful situations and during the period of adaptation to a new place of residence;
• “Light Weight” is an ideal food for cats prone to obesity;
• for disorders of the musculoskeletal system – “Mobility”;
• for cats with individual intolerance – “Sensitive Control”;
• "Fiber Response" and "Gastro Intestinal" for problems with the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, constipation, intestinal obstruction), "Digestive Comfort" - for a sensitive digestive system.

Please note that Sensitive Control cat food is considered one of the most popular and in demand among owners whose pets suffer from food allergies.

According to experts in the field of modern veterinary medicine, cats and female cats that are going to be castrated and sterilized need a special diet. The best option is ready-made industrial mixtures Neutered Young Male, Neutered Young Female, Skin Young Male and Skin Young Female.

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.

Class and composition

All products for cats of the Royal Canin brand, regardless of whether dry food or wet, belong to the Super-premium class, which means that food from this brand can be a good replacement for natural food.

The Royal Canin product range for cats includes a large number of items. Each type of food, according to its purpose, contains special ingredients. In the vast majority of cases, the following composition of the food is indicated on the packaging of Royal Canin products:

1. Plant protein isolate is a source of protein. It is less digestible than animal protein. Made from unknown raw materials.
2. Dehydrated animal proteins (poultry, beef, fish or rabbit) are a source of protein.
3. Cereals. It is not specified which ones exactly.
4. Rice.
5. Animal fats. It is not specified which ones exactly.
6. Plant fiber. It is not specified which plant or vegetable fibers are used. This does not make it possible to evaluate the usefulness of the ingredient.
7. Hydrolyzed animal origin. Powerful natural flavoring that makes food more attractive.
8. Yeast and fermentation by-products. Added as a source of B vitamins.
9. Fructo-oligosaccharides and mannan-oligosaccharides are prebiotics that serve to maintain beneficial intestinal microflora.
10. Minerals. The exact composition is not specified.
11. Fish fat.
12. Soybean oil.
13. Psyllium husks and seeds are soluble fiber. Improves digestion and shapes stool. But this component can cause intestinal irritation in some pets.
14. Marigold extract is a source of lutein (a pigment beneficial for vision). Contains bioflavonoids (powerful natural antioxidants).
15. Taurine.
16. Folic acid.
17. Vitamins (A, C, E, PP).
18. Preservatives are antioxidants of unknown origin.

A satisfied and healthy pet
The manufacturer does not indicate the percentage of components and the origin of some of them.

The nutritional value:

• proteins – 32%;
• fats – 15%;
• minerals – 7.3%;
• fiber – 4.5%.

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.

Disadvantages of ROYAL CANIN cat food

It's a pity, but the composition of Royal Canin food is not ideal.
Ingredients such as corn and yeast can cause allergic reactions and digestive problems. In addition, the meat ingredients are presented in a dried, moisture-free form. It is not always clear to the buyer what exactly, meat or offal is included in the feed. The benefits of dehydrated foods for cats are also not entirely clear. ROYAL CANIN food contains dyes and preservatives (the manufacturer assures that they are absolutely harmless and approved in European countries), but many owners may justifiably be put off by their presence. Because not a single preservative will bring real benefit to the animal.

Many cat lovers claim that the quality of Royal Canin products has deteriorated greatly recently. Those who have the opportunity to purchase food abroad believe that its quality is much higher than that of food made in our country. It can be argued, looking at the composition, that the quality of ROYAL CANIN products is slightly overestimated by the manufacturer, if we classify the food specifically as a super-premium class.