Royal Canin vs Ultimates
Royal Canin is made by Royal Canin (owned by Mars, Incorporated), and Ultimates by Sunshine Mills, Inc., and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Royal Canin averages 8.4 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 7.9 for Ultimates. Royal Canin meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while Ultimates does not.
Royal Canin and Ultimates compared
| Attribute | Royal Canin |
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Royal Canin | Sunshine Mills, Inc. |
| Parent company | Mars, Incorporated | Independent |
| Founded | 1968 | 1947 |
| Headquarters | Aimargues, Gard, France | Red Bay, Alabama, USA |
| Products listed | 269 | 14 |
| Serves | Cats & dogs | Cats & dogs |
Price tierA relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost. |
$$$$ | $$$$ |
WSAVA guidelinesThe World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands. |
Yes | No |
PSC accreditedThe Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality. |
No | No |
ScoreThe average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works . |
8.4 (avg of 269) | 7.9 (avg of 14) |
Recalls on recordKibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear. |
None | None |
| Where to buy | Amazon Check prices on Amazon | Amazon Check prices on Amazon |
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Royal Canin vs Ultimates: how they compare
Scores
Royal Canin scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.4 out of 10 across 269 scored foods, compared with 7.9 across 14 for Ultimates. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes them
Royal Canin is made by Royal Canin, owned by Mars, Incorporated, based in Aimargues, Gard, France, founded in 1968. Ultimates is made by Sunshine Mills, Inc., an independent maker, based in Red Bay, Alabama, USA, founded in 1947.
Standards and range
Royal Canin meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while Ultimates does not. KibbleLab lists 269 Royal Canin foods and 14 Ultimates foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Royal Canin or Ultimates?
Royal Canin scores higher: it averages 8.4 out of 10 across 269 scored foods, compared with 7.9 for Ultimates. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Royal Canin and Ultimates?
Royal Canin is made by Royal Canin, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated. Ultimates is made by Sunshine Mills, Inc.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Royal Canin has 269 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 14 for Ultimates.
Where is each brand based?
Royal Canin is based in Aimargues, Gard, France. Ultimates is based in Red Bay, Alabama, USA.
Do Royal Canin and Ultimates meet WSAVA criteria?
Royal Canin meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer; Ultimates does not, based on public information. WSAVA publishes criteria; it does not certify or endorse brands.
Have Royal Canin or Ultimates been recalled?
Neither Royal Canin nor Ultimates has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
See the full profiles: Royal Canin and Ultimates .
More comparisons
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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.
Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.