The pet food market is expanding as owners increasingly focus on the long-term health of their pets. There is a growing trend of pet owners applying their own dietary and health preferences to their animals, with heightened interest in healthy aging and gut microbiota. Royal Canin warns that this "humanization" of pet feeding can complicate the ability to discern scientifically supported health needs for pets from emerging trends.
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According to Silvia Miret-Catalan, Royal Canin's global VP of R&D, the future of pet nutrition is rooted in nutrient science. She emphasizes the company's commitment to analyzing critical nutrients and their scientific implications, noting that different species may have distinct requirements based on factors such as life stage, breed, size, and activity level. "We make a specific link between each nutrient and the functionality it has," Miret-Catalan states, underscoring Royal Canin’s philosophy of tailoring nutrition to individual pets based on breed, age, and health conditions.
The company’s product development is informed by shifts in pet population and advances in science. Miret-Catalan points out that many pets acquired during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 will soon enter the mature and senior categories, leading to heightened awareness of their changing needs. Royal Canin assesses prevalent conditions and breeds to adjust ingredient offerings and leverage new scientific findings that could benefit these populations.
With a team of 500 staff in R&D and collaborations with veterinarians, nutrition experts, and institutions, Royal Canin aims to formulate effective pet foods. Miret-Catalan explains that this collective expertise allows them to address breed-specific sensitivities, such as dietary needs associated with skin conditions or obesity in Labradors. For example, Royal Canin designs kibble for Labradors that encourages slower eating, enhancing satiety, while including fibers that aid digestion.
An ongoing challenge is balancing pet nutrition with human dietary assumptions. Miret-Catalan cautions against assuming that what is beneficial for humans will likewise suit dogs or cats. For instance, certain human foods, like chocolate or grapes, are toxic to dogs. She stresses the significance of crafting foods that match the unique metabolic and health needs of pets across different life stages.
Royal Canin's products cater to various age groups, including specialized formulas for senior pets with different nutritional requirements. Miret-Catalan advocates for early dietary interventions to promote healthy aging, noting that issues can often go unnoticed until significant deterioration occurs.
Gut health is another focal area for Royal Canin, with emphasis on enhancing digestibility and microbiome health. Miret-Catalan highlights the incorporation of high-quality proteins and specific fibers to support digestive health. Additionally, Royal Canin tailors ingredients for pets with food allergies through hydrolyzed proteins to minimize allergic reactions while including EPA and DHA for coat and skin health.
As an international company, Royal Canin adapts its products to regional demands and varying regulations. Miret-Catalan states that while the physiological needs of cats and dogs are consistent globally, their living conditions vary significantly. The company is actively upgrading its R&D facility in Aimargues, France, with a €100 million (US$115 million) investment aimed at enhancing research capabilities.
Quality control is paramount, with Royal Canin conducting one million checks annually to ensure ingredient safety and consistency, particularly in therapeutic diets. Miret-Catalan underscores the importance of delivering products that meet veterinarians’ expectations and truly benefit pet health.