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Kibble Science
Kibble Science
Kibble Science
Fact or Fad?
Fact or Fad?
Fact or Fad?
Our Approach to Nutrition
Our Approach to Nutrition
Our Approach to Nutrition
Objectives of Health Nutrition
Objectives of Health Nutrition
Objectives of Health Nutrition
Values that Shape a Better Product
Values that Shape a Better Product
Values that Shape a Better Product
Science-Based Nutrition
Science-Based Nutrition
Science-Based Nutrition
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Royal Canin Approach

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Science-Based Nutrition

Science-Based Nutrition

NUTRIENTS VS. INGREDIENTS

Formulating the best, premium pet nutrition in the world is no simple task. Each of our diets is made up of nutrients that must be included in precise balance to supply the most effective nutrition for cats and dogs of different sizes, ages, breeds and lifestyles, and with specific needs. 

Key Points

Four Goals for Health Nutrition

Our goal is to provide every cat and dog with the nutrition that is precisely right for their individual needs – needs that vary with the pet’s breed, environment, age, weight, gender, digestion, genetic makeup and lifestyle. 

  1. Body development and maintenance: Amino acids, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids meet the basic nutrition requirements for healthy physical development and maintenance. 
  2. Energy provision: Protein, carbohydrates and fat provide energy to cats and dogs. 
  3. Prevention: Some nutrients are incorporated (antioxidants, prebiotics, fibre, essential fatty acids, etc), to help assist such risks as kidney disease, digestive problems and the effects of ageing.
  4. Special care: Certain nutrients are added and others limited in diets to support the therapeutic or convalescence process, which may help cats and dogs recover from various ailments. .

Kibble Science

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What’s in a dry food kibble (i.e. biscuit)? More than you might think.

Kibble Shape and Size

Royal Canin is a leader in kibble research and development. Extensive development at the Royal Canin campus in France and use of advanced equipment such as the Texturometer – a tool that measures kibble hardness and the amount of force required to chew or break it – allow us to create specifically shaped kibble to meet the needs of different breed's ability to pick-up and chew our product.

persian

We also take size, shape, texture and density into consideration when developing our kibble and adapt it to the specific characteristics of each dog or cat breed's needs. Labrador Retrievers, for example, are known for eating food very quickly, without chewing. Through extensive research, we developed a donut-shaped kibble that is designed to encourage chewing and works to slow down the speed of ingestion.

The Persian cat, on the other hand, is known for its long, beautiful coat and flat (brachycephalic) face. Persians use the lower part of their tongue to pick up kibble, so we created an almond-shaped kibble that is easier for them to eat.

A cat or dog’s size and age is important when it comes to kibble size and texture. For example, the kibble for a giant breed adult dog is much larger and more brittle than the kibble for a miniature breed puppy, which needs smaller, softer pieces.

So why is having specialised kibble shapes so important?

Because kibble's shape and size can impact many things like :

  • Dental health - It is important that the cat or dog’s teeth penetrate the kibble so that a 'brushing effect can be achieved. This may help to reduce plaque, which can lead to tartar and encourages good oral health.
  • Digestion - The more a cat or dog has to chew the kibble, the slower the ingestion speed, which can aid in digestion.
  • Satisfaction - Kibble density can help to alleviate hunger between meals by creating a sense of fullness. This can help cats and dogs feel satisfied and helps maintain a healthy weight.
  • Palatability - Dogs and especially cats are sensitive to how a food feels in their mouths. The right kibble texture can help accentuate a food’s flavour and can help to positively enhance the feeding experience. 

 

We do not develop our foods based on buyer (human) trends, but instead develop every diet according to what we learn from cats and dogs. That is why you'll never find Royal Canin kibble shaped like tiny bones or fish: We make different types of uniquely shaped biscuits specifically designed for the needs of your cat or dog.