We approach research and development with our minds wide open. “Status quo” is not in our vocabulary. “Widely accepted” doesn’t mean that we will.

What have we learned? For starters, protein is not harmful to elderly animals. Weight control is not just about losing pounds. Urinary pH levels are not the only way to prevent urinary stones. Insulin is not the only way to treat diabetes. And for all of those “nots,” we have found nutrition-based solutions.

Sometimes, of course, try as we might, we can’t solve the animal’s unique morphological, physiological or behavioral challenges with diet. Which brings us to the second unique characteristic of Royal Canin research and development:

If we don’t make a difference, we don’t make the food.

It doesn’t matter how many years, people or resources we’ve invested – if we can’t produce a diet that will make a dramatic improvement in the wellbeing of the animal, we won’t take it to market. Inside every Royal Canin bag, you will find only true innovation.

1. Observation. We study the animal, examine the research, interview key influencers – such as international university personnel, research partners and breeders. From there, we devise new nutritional concepts.
2. Development. Each formulation involves a rich and complex nutritional combination. Raw materials are examined closely.
3. Kibble Testing. Royal Canin has a Texturometer, a proprietary laboratory tool that measures the hardness of the kibble and the force needed to crunch it.
4. Palatability Testing. The Royal Canin research facility is home to 120 cats and 130 dogs comprising 35 different breeds. They are the best measure of taste and smell.
5. Breeder Testing. We send small batches out to our network of top breeders to see how the diet performs in real-world conditions.