#United States #St. Louis #Royal Canin #The Seeing Eye #guide dogs

Royal Canin: Official Nutrition Partner of The Seeing Eye

In a significant announcement, Royal Canin® U.S., a well-respected name in pet health nutrition and a prominent brand under Mars, Incorporated, has declared its role as the official nutrition partner of The Seeing Eye. This organization, established in 1929, holds the distinction of being the world's oldest guide dog organization, dedicated to improving the independence and self-confidence of individuals who are blind through the use of guide dogs.

The partnership aims to provide tailored nutrition for Seeing Eye dogs throughout their life stages. With over 18,000 successful matches made between guide dogs and individuals across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, The Seeing Eye has played a crucial part in the guide dog movement. Moreover, it emphasizes genetics and behavioral research that positively influences the health and welfare of all dogs.

Don MacIntosh, vice president of Royal Canin Professional Division, acknowledged the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Royal Canin is honored to play the important role of providing tailored nutrition to all Seeing Eye dogs throughout all of their life stages." He continued that each Seeing Eye dog plays a vital role in someone’s life, and through their work together, Royal Canin’s mission to create a better world for pets extends to enriching the lives of these crucial service animals and their handlers.

Recognizing the individuality of each pet, Royal Canin meticulously develops diets to ensure that nutrition meets the unique needs of each dog based on various factors like age and breed. The Seeing Eye primarily raises three breeds: German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers. Each year, about 500 puppies are born, with a 60% success rate for those deemed suitable for working as guide dogs. Those not selected for guide or breeding programs are often successfully placed with other service organizations or adoptive homes.

Karen Leies, president and CEO of The Seeing Eye, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, "We are thrilled to partner with the pet health nutrition experts at Royal Canin to ensure support for the nutritional needs of Seeing Eye puppies and dogs through all life stages." She emphasized that nutrition forms the foundation for the dogs' development, enabling them to cultivate into confident and capable partners for the blind individuals they assist.

For more information about Royal Canin, interested readers can visit Royal Canin’s website. To learn about The Seeing Eye, visiting their official site is recommended.

About Royal Canin

Founded in 1968 by veterinarian Dr. Jean Cathary, Royal Canin has established itself as a global leader in pet nutrition dedicated to enhancing the health of cats and dogs through scientifically formulated diets. They are committed to meeting the unique dietary needs of pets and, over the years, have collaborated with pet professionals to advance pet nutrition. Each formulation considers factors such as age, lifestyle, size, and breed, ensuring that pets receive the best possible nutritional support.

About The Seeing Eye

Established since 1929, The Seeing Eye has dedicated itself to providing specially bred and trained guide dogs to individuals who are blind. By fostering greater mobility and independence, they allow handlers to maintain active lifestyles. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, they rely on generous contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund their work, as they do not receive government or insurance support.

In conclusion, the partnership between Royal Canin and The Seeing Eye not only emphasizes the importance of nutrition for service animals but also highlights the broader impact that these dogs have on enhancing the independence of their handlers. Through this collaboration, an important stride has been made in the journey towards fostering better health and welfare for these remarkable animals.