Collection: Royal Canin

Royal Canin is a French pet food company founded in 1968 by veterinarian Dr Jean Cathary. It is one of the world's leading pet nutrition brands, known for its science-based approach to developing tailored diets for dogs and cats. Royal Canin is recommended by breeders because its breed-specific formulas address the unique nutritional needs, jaw shapes and health predispositions of individual breeds. The company works closely with breeding communities and veterinary professionals to continuously refine its products based on real-world outcomes and scientific research.

Canine & Co stocks the full standard Royal Canin range available in South Africa. This includes the Size Health Nutrition line (Mini, Medium, Maxi and Giant formulas for dogs), Breed Health Nutrition diets for specific breeds like Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, French Bulldog and more, the Canine Care Nutrition range for dogs with specific sensitivities, and the complete Feline Health Nutrition collection for cats including breed-specific, kitten and adult formulas. We carry both dry kibble and wet food options across the range.

Start by considering your dog's breed, size, age and any specific health needs. If Royal Canin makes a breed-specific formula for your dog (such as Labrador Retriever, Boxer, or Dachshund), that is typically the best choice as it is tailored to your breed's unique requirements. If no breed-specific formula exists, choose from the Size Health Nutrition range based on your dog's adult weight - Mini (up to 10 kg), Medium (11-25 kg), Maxi (26-44 kg) or Giant (over 45 kg). Then select the appropriate life stage: puppy, adult or mature. If your dog has a specific concern like skin sensitivity or digestive issues, consider the Canine Care Nutrition range.

Royal Canin offers an extensive range of puppy formulas designed to support healthy growth and development. The Size Health Nutrition puppy range includes Mini Puppy, Medium Puppy, Maxi Puppy and Giant Puppy, each formulated with the right balance of energy, protein and calcium for the growth rate of that size category. There are also breed-specific puppy formulas for popular breeds, plus the Mother and Babydog Starter mousse that supports the transition from milk to solid food. Royal Canin puppy food contains a patented antioxidant complex to support developing immune systems and highly digestible proteins for sensitive young digestive systems.

Royal Canin's key differentiator is its commitment to precise, tailored nutrition rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. While many premium brands focus on ingredient marketing, Royal Canin focuses on nutrient profiles - the specific combination and balance of over 50 nutrients that a particular breed, size or life stage requires. This extends to kibble shape and size, which are designed to suit specific jaw types and encourage proper chewing. Royal Canin also invests heavily in research, operating its own dedicated research campus and conducting ongoing scientific studies to validate the health outcomes of its formulas.

When switching to Royal Canin, a gradual transition over 7 to 10 days is recommended to avoid digestive upset. Start by mixing approximately 25% Royal Canin with 75% of your pet's current food for the first two days. Increase to a 50/50 mix for days three and four, then move to 75% Royal Canin and 25% old food for days five and six. By day seven to ten, you can feed 100% Royal Canin. This gradual approach allows your pet's digestive system to adjust to the new formula. Some pets may need a slightly longer transition period, particularly those with sensitive stomachs.

Yes, Royal Canin has an extensive Feline Health Nutrition range that mirrors the tailored approach of their dog food line. This includes kitten formulas for growing cats, adult and mature cat diets, breed-specific formulas for breeds like Persian, Siamese, British Shorthair and Maine Coon, and specialised diets for cats with specific needs such as indoor cats, sterilised cats, or cats with hairball concerns. Royal Canin cat food is available in both dry kibble and wet food formats, with kibble shapes designed to suit different feline jaw structures and eating behaviours.

You can buy the full Royal Canin range online at Canine & Co (canineandco.co.za) with free delivery on orders over R550 anywhere in South Africa. We offer competitive pricing, fresh stock, and convenient home delivery so you never run out of your pet's preferred formula. Shopping online means you can easily compare products, read detailed nutritional information and feeding guides, and set up regular orders to ensure consistent supply. Royal Canin is also available through selected veterinary practices and pet retailers across the country.

Royal Canin invests significant research into designing breed-specific kibble shapes, sizes and textures. For example, the Labrador Retriever formula features a doughnut-shaped kibble that slows down eating in a breed known for gulping food, while the Dachshund formula has a smaller, elongated kibble suited to the breed's narrow jaw. The Persian cat kibble is almond-shaped to make it easier for flat-faced cats to pick up and chew. These designs are not cosmetic - they encourage proper chewing, aid digestion, and help maintain dental health. Each kibble shape is tested with the target breed before being finalised.

Royal Canin applies over 50 quality checks throughout its manufacturing process, from raw ingredient sourcing to finished product packaging. All ingredients are traced back to approved suppliers, and each batch of raw materials is tested before entering production. During manufacturing, the process is monitored continuously with automated controls. Finished products undergo nutritional analysis to confirm they meet the precise nutrient specifications for that formula. Royal Canin factories are certified to international quality and food safety standards, and the company conducts regular audits of both its own facilities and those of its suppliers to maintain consistently high standards.