New Dog Food Formulated for the Tiniest of Man's Best Friends

Royal Canin® introduces a comprehensive line of foods designed specifically for dogs weighing less than eight pounds

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Mar 01, 2012, 08:15 ET

ST. CHARLES, Mo., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the American Kennel Club, toy dog breeds, such as Pekingese, Maltese and Papillons, now make up more than 59 percent of the small breed segment. In fact, Royal Canin® research uncovered the fact that extra-small dogs weighing less than 8 pounds could benefit from more comprehensive nutrition, made specifically with their needs in mind.

Royal Canin, a global leader in canine health nutrition, is launching its Royal Canin® X-SMALL™ canine nutrition line, formulated for the needs of the growing number of very small dogs. The new line, introduced this week at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Fla., includes four formulas – PUPPY, ADULT, MATURE +8 and AGING +12 – that cater to the unique physiological traits inherent in the tiniest of dog breeds.

"As extra-small breeds grow in popularity, more and more pet owners are looking for the best nutrition to help their dogs live long and healthy lives," said Dr. Brent Mayabb, veterinarian and manager of education and development at Royal Canin. "Until now, there hasn't been a product for these tiny companions. The new Royal Canin X-SMALL formulas take into account the dogs' unique physiology, their specific energy needs and even their extra-small jaw size, to provide them with optimal nutrition."

All of the Royal Canin X-SMALL formulas contain premium nutrition to support heart health, highly digestible proteins and fibers to help regulate digestion and prevent constipation and are enriched with EPA and DHA to help maintain a beautiful skin and coat. In addition, the formulas feature a kibble designed to promote dental health, by reducing tartar build-up as the dog chews.

Royal Canin® Treatment Sweepstakes

To celebrate the launch of the Royal Canin X-SMALL line, the company is kicking off a sweepstakes called The Royal Canin Treatment. The nationwide promotion will award one lucky pet parent free dog food and grooming for life, along with an accessory shopping spree to pamper their extra small dog. The Royal Canin Treatment Sweepstakes begins February 24 and runs through June 1, 2012. Owners can learn more and enter for a chance to win at www.RoyalCaninTreatment.com.

In addition to the grand prize, owners also can participate in The Royal Canin Treatment Instant Win Game for a chance to win one of more than 500 prizes for their tiny companion. Instant Win prizes range from gift cards and toys, to travel gear, grooming items and more!

Expansion of the Royal Canin® MINI™ Line for Dogs Weighing 9 to 22 Pounds

Royal Canin continues its commitment to tailored nutrition with the addition of five foods to its existing MINI product line, addressing a variety of needs for these slightly larger dogs, from Boston Terriers and Miniature Pinschers to Jack Russell Terriers. The new foods include:

Royal Canin® MINI Mature +8 and MINI Aging +12 formulas designed to support heart health and increase vitality, since small breeds tend to live longer than larger dogs
Royal Canin® MINI Indoor formulas with highly digestible proteins and an exclusive blend of fibers to reduce stool odor, since more and more dogs are living solely indoors
Royal Canin® MINI Spayed/Neutered is designed to help dogs maintain a healthy weight, due to the hormonal and metabolic changes taking place in spayed and neutered pets

"No matter how large or small your dog, Royal Canin offers the most comprehensive line of optimal nutrition for any size, breed, or life stage," said Harvey Millar, director of Royal Canin's retail business. Our research-based approach focuses on the pet first above all else, and we are proud to bring these innovations to market."

Visit the Royal Canin booth #2715 this week at the Orange County Convention Center. Royal Canin's new X-SMALL and MINI formulas are currently sold at pet specialty retail stores such as PetSmart and PETCO, as well as independent pet stores nationwide.

About Royal Canin USA

Royal Canin's X-SMALL product line and enhanced MINI offerings are the latest innovation in the company's science-based approach to canine nutrition, which helped introduce the concept of size-based feeding for miniature breed puppies more than 20 years ago.

Royal Canin USA is a forerunner of nutritional and technological advancement in dog and cat food. With more than 40 years of experience in the animal health and nutrition industry, the company prides itself on putting knowledge and respect for the animal first. Royal Canin collaborates with nutritionists, breeders and veterinarians from around the world on impartial and relevant research to ensure dogs and cats receive the best nutrition. For more information, find Royal Canin at www.facebook.com/RoyalCanin.us or visit http://www.royalcanin.us/.

For more information, contact
Kim Goedeker: 314.552.6740
[email protected]

SOURCE Royal Canin