Royal Canin: A Legacy of Precision Nutrition for Pets

For over 50 years, Royal Canin has been dedicated to crafting precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs, believing that nutrition is a cornerstone of pet health. Founded in 1968, the company has grown into a global leader in pet nutrition, now operating as a division of Mars, Incorporated.

The Origins of a Nutritional Pioneer

Royal Canin’s story began with French veterinarian Jean Cathary, born in May 1927 in Puy-en-Velay, France. Initially working with horses and bulls, Cathary came to believe in the profound impact of food on animal health. In 1968, he developed a cereal-based diet, initially dubbed the ‘yellow soup,’ for dogs, recognizing the need for tailored nutrition. The ROYAL CANIN® brand was officially registered that same year [Royal Canin History].

Growth and Innovation

In 1972, the ROYAL CANIN company was acquired by the Guyomarc’h group, which provided financial support, research and development resources, and strategic guidance while maintaining a decentralized structure. [Royal Canin History]. By 1974, Royal Canin products were available in eight European countries: France, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

The 1980s saw significant innovation, including the launch of AGR, a complete food specifically designed for large breed puppies, which became a benchmark for canine nutrition for over 15 years. Royal Canin similarly established a strong cultural presence with a memorable advertisement featuring music from Ennio Morricone’s film, The Professional. [Royal Canin History]

In 1985, the ROYAL CANIN brand expanded into the United States with four importers. The 1990s brought a change in ownership with the acquisition by Paribas Affaires Industrielles, leading to increased ambition and global development, while maintaining the core philosophy of prioritizing pet health. [Royal Canin History]

Part of the Mars Family

In 2002, Royal Canin became part of Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in pet care and food products. [Royal Canin – Wikipedia]. Today, Royal Canin continues to focus on developing diets tailored to the specific needs of pets, considering factors like age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities. The company emphasizes a commitment to value creation for pets, people, and the planet, focusing on sustainability and responsible business practices. [Royal Canin History]

Mars, Incorporated: A Global Leader

Royal Canin operates under the umbrella of Mars, Incorporated, a family-owned business with a portfolio of well-known brands including PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, M&M’S®, and SNICKERS®. Mars also operates a network of veterinary hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™, and ANICURA™, and a veterinary diagnostics business, ANTECH®. [Mars Incorporated]

Mars is guided by the Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom – and employs over 170,000 associates worldwide. [Mars Incorporated]