Royal Canin Cat Food

Over the years Donegal Cattery has made it a priority of providing the best possible nutrition for our Himalayans (colorpoint Persians) and all other Persians. A few years into breeding and dissatisfaction with Iams dry food having a high quantity of crumbs in the bottom of the bags, I discovered the ROYAL CANIN line.

Information from the Royal Canin web site:
“Veterinarian Jean Cathary founded Royal Canin in France in 1967. Dr. Cathary had the vision of a pet food company grounded in science; a company based on the principles of acquiring knowledge about pets, maintaining respect for them at all times and, most importantly, creating advanced cat and dog food made to satisfy the needs of the pet – not the desires of the pet owner.

Our focus on science puts the animal at the heart of the formulation process, and the ingredients used are always selected to optimize the nutritional content of the food.

Body development and maintenance: Amino acids, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids meet the basic nutrition requirements for healthy physical development and maintenance.

Energy provision: Protein, carbohydrates and fat provide energy to cats and dogs.

Prevention: The best antioxidants, prebiotics, fiber and essential fatty acids help address kidney issues, digestive problems, the effects of aging and other common health issues.

Special care: Very specific nutrients can be limited or added in certain formulations in order to help cats and dogs recover from particular health issues.

”They offered a special formula, ROYAL CANIN PERSIAN, (made just for Persian cats) with a hairball transit system, a kibble designed for the Persian jaw, and ingredients for developing full shiny coats. The adult cats liked it and thrived on it.

That’s when I began using the ROYAL CANIN KITTEN formula for our kittens, which developed nice muscle weight in their early development. A canned kitten food was also provided. Soon after, the company developed a food for kittens from the age of weaning until four months of age, which they call BABYCAT. Donegal kittens receive the BABYCAT and transition to the KITTEN formula at about three and a half months of age until they leave as kittens or reach one year of age. Then they receive the PERSIAN formula.

ROYAL CANIN has been providing truly awesome starter kits which include an educational booklet with color photos throughout and tips on care. Also included is a sample of their dry and canned kitten food.

Breeders became a huge client base for this company with their breed specific formulas. Not long after the introduction of these lines, ROYAL CANIN developed a special formulation for breeding cats called PRO QUEEN (available only to breeders), providing important ingredients for the breeding, whelping and lactating queens. What follows is a list of the ingredients found on the PRO QUEEN bag which contribute to healthier breeding queens and fewer neonatal losses.

“The increased needs for DHA begin in the second half of gestation and continue during lactation. PRO Queen has higher levels of EPA/DHA.

A deficiency in Arachidonic Acid is associated with lower reproductive capacities in female cats. PRO QUEEN has higher levels of Arachidonic Acid.

Beta-Carotene may increase the amount of uterine protein, whose concentration is inversely correlated with the embryonic resorption rate and beta-carotene supplementation may protect an enzyme complex involved in the production of sex hormones. PRO QUEEN has higher levels of beta-carotene.

High energy content (23% fat), L-Carnitine and a wide range of essential fatty acids (EPA/DHA, Arachidonic Acid) contribute to the production of milk.

Cat’s milk contains L-Carnitine, but its reserves decrease near the end of lactation. L-Carnitine is recommended as a dietary supplement in lactating cats. PRO QUEEN has higher levels of L-Carnitine (50mg/kg).

A complex of synergistic antioxidants (vitamins E & C, taurine and lutein) reinforces the queen’s immune defenses while mannan-oligosaccharides stimulate the production of antibodies in the intestinal mucus.”

It has been our experience that the ROYAL CANIN PRO QUEEN formula has conferred these benefits with fewer fetal abnormalities and neonatal losses. Because it is the same food line, they are easily transitioned to the PERSIAN formula when they retire from breeding.

ROYAL CANIN PERSIAN & KITTEN formulas are available in most pet food stores, including the larger chains such as Petsmart and Petco.

Listed as AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Approved.