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Founding (1968)

Royal Canin was founded by Dr Jean Cathary, a veterinarian practising in southern France. During his veterinary work, he observed that many skin conditions in dogs appeared to improve when their diets were changed. This led him to create a cereal-based nutritional formula known informally as the “yellow soup”.

This early success inspired Cathary to establish Royal Canin with a philosophy that still defines the company today:

Nutrition can play a central role in preventing and managing health problems.

The Royal Canin trademark was officially registered in 1968.3

Growth and expansion

Royal Canin expanded rapidly during the 1970s. Major milestones include:

• 1972: Acquired by the Guyomarc’h Group, providing manufacturing expertise and financial support.
• 1974: Products became available in eight European countries.
• 1985: Entered the United States market.
• 1990: Ownership transferred to Paribas Affaires Industrielles.
• 2002: Became part of Mars, Incorporated.

Under Mars, Royal Canin significantly expanded its research capabilities, manufacturing facilities and global distribution network.4

Royal Canin follows a philosophy summarised as:

“Knowledge and respect.”

The company believes that nutrition should be based on:

• Scientific evidence
• Veterinary research
• Animal physiology
• Breed characteristics
• Observable nutritional needs rather than human food trends

Royal Canin states that it formulates diets according to measurable nutritional requirements instead of emphasising marketing terms such as “grain-free”, “natural” or “human-grade”.5

Royal Canin’s products are developed using research into:

• Digestive health
• Immune function
• Skin and coat health
• Urinary health
• Joint support
• Dental health
• Weight management
• Growth and development

Each formula considers variables such as:

• Species
• Breed
• Body size
• Age
• Activity level
• Medical conditions
• Reproductive status

The company emphasises that no single diet is ideal for every pet.6

Breed Health Nutrition

One of Royal Canin’s most distinctive product lines, Breed Health Nutrition includes diets specifically formulated for breeds such as:

• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• French Bulldog
• Poodle
• Persian Cat
• Maine Coon
• British Shorthair
• Rottweiler
• Chihuahua

These formulas may differ in nutrient composition, kibble size, kibble shape, digestibility, coat support and joint support.7

Size Health Nutrition

Dogs receive different formulas according to adult body size:

• X-Small
• Mini
• Medium
• Maxi
• Giant

Each category has puppy, adult and mature versions.

Veterinary Diet

Available through veterinary professionals in many countries, these therapeutic diets help manage conditions such as:

• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Urinary stones
• Liver disease
• Food allergies
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Obesity
• Dental disease
• Recovery after surgery

These diets are intended for use under veterinary guidance.8

Everyday Health Nutrition

General wellness formulas include options for:

• Indoor cats
• Hairball control
• Sterilised cats
• Puppy nutrition
• Senior dogs
• Sensitive digestion
• Skin care

Royal Canin invests heavily in research through collaborations with veterinarians, animal nutritionists, universities, breeders and scientists. Its global campus in Aimargues, France, integrates research, product development and manufacturing. The company also partners with the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, a research organisation within Mars focused on pet nutrition and health.9

Royal Canin manufactures products in company-operated facilities located across multiple regions, including Europe, North America, Asia and South America. The company states that it applies standardised quality and safety processes across its production network.10

Royal Canin products are sold in more than 100 countries through veterinary clinics, pet specialty retailers, online marketplaces and authorised distributors. The brand has a particularly strong presence in Europe, North America, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.11

Royal Canin is widely recognised for its evidence-based approach to pet nutrition. It publishes educational resources for veterinary professionals and has contributed to reference materials such as canine and feline nutrition encyclopaedias. Within veterinary practice, its therapeutic diets are commonly used for the nutritional management of specific medical conditions.12

Royal Canin states that its sustainability initiatives include:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Improving packaging
• Responsible ingredient sourcing
• Water conservation
• Supporting animal welfare
• Reducing manufacturing waste

These efforts are part of the broader sustainability commitments of Mars, Incorporated.

Royal Canin’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of cats and dogs through precise, science-based nutrition. Its guiding principle is that carefully tailored diets can help support health throughout every stage of a pet’s life.

1. Our History | Royal Canin Philippines
2. About Us at Royal Canin
3. About Royal Canin Academy | Royal Canin Academy
4. About Us | Royal Canin Philippines
5. Our History | Royal Canin US
6. Royal Canin | About Us
7. Royal Canin | About Us
8. Our History | Royal Canin MT
9. Nuestra historia | Royal Canin PR
10. Notre histoire | Royal Canin FR
11. 로얄캐닌 반려동물 사료의 역사 – 로얄캐닌의 브랜드 히스토리
12. About Us | Royal Canin Club Philippines