Royal Canin launches its first fresh therapeutic diet line for dogs, available only through veterinarians

Royal Canin has launched Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets, a fresh, fully cooked therapeutic diet portfolio for dogs that will be sold in the United States only through veterinary practices and veterinary online pharmacy partners, the company announced July 14, 2026.¹ It is the brand's first fresh therapeutic line.

The portfolio includes 3 canine formulas¹:

• Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets Gastrointestinal Low Fat, described by the company as its lowest-fat fresh formula, intended for dogs requiring fat-restricted nutrition, including those with fat sensitivities and digestive disorders
• Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets Selected Protein Pork, a single-animal-protein formula for dogs with certain food sensitivities and adverse food reactions
• Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets Appetite Stimulation, a nutrient-dense formula for dogs with reduced appetite, those recovering from illness, and those experiencing unintentional weight loss

Royal Canin said the diets are formulated to be complete and balanced and to deliver therapeutic nutrition in a fresh, fully cooked format.¹

"Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have to support dogs managing chronic illnesses," Brent Mayabb, DVM, global chief medical officer at Royal Canin, said in a news release.¹ "When it comes to choosing diets, pet owners want to have options that align with their preferences

Fresh dog food outpaces the broader dog food market

The launch comes as interest in fresh pet food continues to grow. Fresh and frozen dog food posted a 24.5% compound annual growth rate from 2021 through 2025, compared with 5.7% for the overall dog food and treats category, according to a report from Cascadia Pet Industry Insights.^2,3

Fresh and frozen products now account for about 11% of dog food sales, or roughly $1.2 billion. According to the report, much of that growth has come at the expense of shelf-stable wet food and has been driven by the humanization of pets, a growing number of brands, and increasing consumer interest in less-processed diets.²

Still, despite that growth, fresh dog food remains a relatively small segment. In 2025, 10% of households purchased fresh dog food, compared with 61% that purchased dog food of any kind. Fresh and frozen diets can cost more than twice as much per pound as dry food, yet nearly 96% of surveyed consumers said they plan to maintain or increase their spending on fresh pet food.²

Availability

Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets are available now through participating veterinary practices and veterinary online pharmacy partners. The company said educational materials, continuing education, and product information are accessible through its veterinary network and professional platforms.

References

1. Royal Canin launches its first fresh therapeutic diet portfolio available exclusively through veterinarians. News release. Royal Canin. July 14, 2026. Accessed July 15, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royal-canin-launches-its-first-fresh-therapeutic-diet-portfolio-available-exclusively-through-veterinarians-302825457.html?tc=eml_cleartime
2. Cleaver L. Report: Fresh, frozen dog food outpaces category growth. Petfood Industry. July 9, 2026. Accessed July 15, 2026. https://www.petfoodindustry.com/nutrition/pet-food-ingredients/news/15829546/fresh-frozen-dog-food-outpaces-category-growth
3. Pet Industry Report – Summer 2026. News release. Cascadia. July 6, 2026. Accessed July 15, 2026. https://www.cascadiacapital.com/news/pet-industry-summer2026/