Here is our Royal Canin dog food review.
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Proper nutrition is crucial for you and your beloved furry companion. Your dog can live a long, healthy, and happy life with the right food. I’m sure this is what you want, right?
However, picking the right food is not always easy. With so many options available in the market, it can be quite confusing.
So, how do you choose the best amidst this confusion?
Well, we are here to help.
We evaluate and analyze different dog food brands in terms of the quality of ingredients, any recalls, recipes available, and where the food is produced to help you make an informed choice.
In this article, we give you a detailed review of Royal Canin dog food to help you determine if it’s the right for your pup.
Come with us.
About Royal Canin Dog Food
This French-based pet food brand provides tailored nutrition based on your dog’s age, breed, size, and health needs. The brand uses a scientific approach to develop unique formulas offering precise and effective dog nutrition. Royal Canin offers various formulas and recipes, including breed-specific formulas and veterinary diets.
Who Owns Royal Canin Dog Food
Royal Canin was founded in 1968 by Jean Cathary, a French veterinarian. However, it has since been acquired by Mars Petcare Inc. All the brand’s food is produced in the USA in the company’s own manufacturing plants in South Dakota and Missouri. The company is headquartered in St. Charles, Missouri.
Royal Canin Sub Brands
Royal Canin offers a wide range of dog food products to cater to the needs of different dogs. It is divided into the following sub-brands.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition:
This product line is formulated to cater to dogs of different sizes and life stages. Under this line, you’ll find formulations for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. You’ll also find food for extra small, medium, large, and large dogs.
Under this classification, some formulas are crafted to address the specific needs of dogs, such as weight management, sensitive digestion, high energy, and skin and coat health, among many others.
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition:
This product line is designed to handle the specific nutritional requirements of different dog breeds. This is because different breeds are genetically disposed to the conditions this sub-brand seeks to address. It has formulas for German Shepherds, Dalmatians, Golden Retrievers, Frenchies, and Chihuahuas. It has recipes for over 20 purebred breeds, which are also broken down according to the dog’s age.
Veterinary Diets:
This sub-brand consists of products that target specific health conditions. There are formulas for weight control, renal support, joint support, skin support, dental, and gastrointestinal support. These types of diets are available only under a vet’s prescription. Veterinary diets are also classified by age or size, but not always. Additionally, the recipes under this category are crafted based on scientific research.
Treats:
Royal Canin also offers a range of dog treats for different dogs. These are also classified according to age and size. The treats are perfect rewards for dogs during training or as food toppers.
What Is the Nutritional Profile of Royal Canin Dog Foods?
The nutritional profile of dog food is important when looking for the right food for your canine. This is because the information will help determine if the food can meet your dog’s needs. The 3 most important components that give the nutritional profile of dog food are proteins, fats, and proteins.
This is what the nutritional profile of Royal Canin dog food looks like:
Carbohydrate Value of Royal Canin Dog Food
Carbohydrates provide the necessary energy that dogs need to fuel their activities. When carbohydrates are broken down, they release energy which dogs need to remain active. Royal Canin dog food has a near-average carbohydrate level of 49%.
Protein Value of Royal Canin Dog Food
Proteins are essential for healthy muscles and tissues and boosting dogs’ performance. Proteins supply dogs’ amino acids to build, repair, and maintain healthy cells, tissues, ligaments, and muscles. This dog food has an above-average protein level of 27%.
Fat Value of Royal Canin Dog Food
Dogs need fats to keep their skins and coats healthy. Fats are also essential in lowering cholesterol levels, minimizing inflammations, building stronger cell membranes, and improving brain health. Royal Canin dog food has a near-average fat level of 15%.
What are the Best Royal Canin Recipes and Flavors?
Royal Canin has a wide range range of products to choose from. These come in both dry and wet dog food forms. The brand also offers grain-inclusive and grain-free formulations.
The following are the best recipes and flavors for this dog food brand.
- Puppy formulas: These are crafted with the needs of growing puppies in mind. The formulas thus contain higher protein and fat amounts to support puppies’ optimal muscle growth and health during their first years. The puppy formulas are also classified according to the size of the dog. There are thus formulas for extra small, small, medium, and large breed puppies.
- Adult formulas: These are formulated to help adult dogs of different sizes maintain optimal health and performance. Besides being grouped based on the breed sizes, you’ll also find recipes that address specific health issues in adult dogs.
- Senior recipes: These are formulated with the needs of aging dogs in mind. These formulas are added with chondroitin, glucosamine, EPA, DHA, and enhanced fiber to support joint health and promote healthy digestion. They also contain added omega fatty acids and antioxidants to help the weakening immune systems by neutralizing free radicals.
What Makes Royal Canin Dog Food Unique?
Various things make Royal Canin dog food stand out from its competitors. Check out some of these below.
- Scientifically researched formulas: Royal Canin recipes are formulated based on scientific research to meet the unique nutritional needs of different dogs. This guarantees the quality and safety of the food.
- Health-specific diets: This brand offers various veterinary diets that tackle specific health issues like renal issues, coat and skin health, and gastrointestinal and joint issues, among others. These diets are available under a vet’s prescription.
- Wholesome and nutritionally complete meals: All the recipes from this brand are crafted with wholesome ingredients, including proteins, minerals, and vitamins, to provide a completely balanced nutrition with all the necessary dietary components that dogs need to thrive.
- Offers grain-free and grain-inclusive options: This brand has grain-free recipes to cater to dogs with grain sensitivities and allergies, as well as grain-inclusive formulas for pups that don’t mind some grains
- Wide variety of products: Royal Canin dog food offers many products. It offers formulas for puppies, adults, medium, extra small, large, and small breed dogs. It also has wet and dry food options.
- Adherence to AAFCO standards: This dog food is designed to meet or exceed all safety and quality standards set by AAFCO. All the recipes are formulated as per the set requirements for specific uses.
- Rich in omega fatty acids: Royal Canin dog food includes good omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken fat to help keep your dog’s skin and coat in top condition.
What Are the Individual Dog Food Recipes from Royal Canin Dog Food Brand?
The following are some of the best recipes from Royal Canin dog food.
Best for Small Dogs
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dog Dry Food
Besides the size, small dogs have unique dietary needs that must be met via the right diet. They have faster metabolisms and require more calories per pound of body weight compared to large. Recognizing this, Royal Canin offers this recipe to cater to these specific needs.
The formula is crafted for small dogs 10 months to 8 years old, weighing 9-22 lbs. It contains L-carnitine to help metabolize fats and help your dog maintain a healthy weight. It’s also fortified with ideal levels of EPA and DHA to foster healthy skin and a glamorous coat.
- First 5 Ingredients: Corn, Chicken By-product Meal, Brewers Rice, Brown Rice, and Corn Gluten Meal
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 3.4% Max.
- Calories: 359 kcal/ cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Small and extra small breeds
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Balanced diet formulated to meet the needs of small breed dogs
- Type of product: Dry food, With grain
- Life Stage: Adult dogs
- Best for Small adult dogs
- Price: $49.99 for a 14-lb bag
Benefits
- Contains optimal amounts of omega fatty acids like EPA and DHA to support healthy skin and coat
- Includes L-carnitine to promote healthy metabolism
- It comes in small kibble size perfect for tiny mouths making it easy to chew and swallow
- Highly palatable food that appeals even to very picky eaters.
Best for Medium Dog
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Adult Dry Dog Food
Formulated with the specific needs of medium-sized dogs in mind, this recipe is specifically made for dogs 1-7 years old and weighing 23-55 lbs. The meal boasts an exclusive antioxidant complex and other powerful nutrients that support your dog’s natural defenses and allows it to live a healthy lifestyle.
It’s also crafted with high-quality proteins and a perfectly balanced dietary fiber to support optimal digestibility and enhance effective nutrient absorption. The meal is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
- First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Oat Groats, Wheat, and Corn Gluten Meal
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 23% min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 3.2% Max.
- Calories: 340 kcal/ cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Medium breed dogs
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Balanced diet formulated to meet the needs of medium-sized dogs
- Type of product: Dry food with grain
- Life Stage: Adult dogs
- Best for healthy digestion, skin, and coat health
- Price: $84.99 for a 30-lb bag
Benefits
- Contains a blend of prebiotics and antioxidants to support dogs’ natural defenses and promote a healthy lifestyle
- Crafted with easy-to-digest proteins and an optimal supply of fiber to promote digestive health
- Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids to keep your dog’s skin well nourished and its coat glamorous.
- Precise nutrition specifically tailored for medium-sized dogs
Best for Large Dog
Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Large Weight Care Adult Dry Dog Food
With their large bodies, large-breed dogs need a size-specific diet to help them meet their energy needs and maintain strong joints. And this is exactly what this recipe delivers. This meal is designed to offer precise nutrition tailored for large dogs 15 months-5 years old and weighing 56-100 lbs.
The formula is made with an optimal balance of high-quality proteins and fiber to promote optimal energy and healthy digestion. Better still, the kibble is crafted in a special design for large jaws. Omega-3 fatty acids are also included for healthy skin and coat.
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-product Meal, Brewers Rice, Wheat, Brown Rice, and Chicken Fat
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 3.3% Max.
- Calories: 360 kcal/ cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Large breed dogs
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Precise nutrition specifically tailored for the needs of large-breed dogs.
- Type of product: Dry food with grain
- Life Stage: Adult dogs
- Best for Healthy joints, skin, and coat health
- Price: $84.99 for a 30-lb bag
Benefits
- Made with nutrients that support healthy bones and joints in large dogs
- Has EPA and DHA to support skin and coat health
- Crafted with an optimal balance of high-quality proteins and fiber to promote digestive health
- Precisely designed to cater to the needs of large-breed dogs.
Best for Extra Large Dog
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food
Designed with the needs of extra-large dogs in mind, this formula is crafted to support healthy digestion and ensure that your dog lives a healthy, long, and happy life. It’s specifically formulated for extra large dogs 2 years and above that weigh over 100 lbs. It’s made with high-quality proteins plus a good mix of fermentable and non-fermentable fibers to boost digestive health.
The recipe is further enhanced with taurine to support healthy heart functions and L-carnitine to aid fat metabolism. Better still, an exclusive and balanced complex of antioxidants is added to promote cellular health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also included to boost bone and joint health.
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice, and Corn Gluten Meal
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 3.9% Max.
- Calories: 427 kcal/ cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Extra-large dogs
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Precise nutrition specifically tailored for the needs of giant-breed dogs.
- Type of product: Dry food with grain
- Life Stage: Adult dogs
- Best for Healthy joints, skin, and coat health
- Price: $84.99 for a 30-lb bag
Benefits
- Includes heart-friendly ingredients like taurine to support heart health
- Made with high-quality and a blend of fibers to promote digestive health
- Contains an exclusive complex of antioxidants to support cellular health
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bones and joints
- Has omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA to keep your dog’s skin nourished and its coat shiny.
Best for Puppies
Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food
While your puppy is small in size, it has big nutritional requirements and thus requires a specially tailored diet to cater to these unique needs. This recipe is crafted with all the proteins, vitamins, and minerals your puppy needs to support its short growth period and develop immunity.
Besides being tasty, this kibble comes in tiny sizes designed for tiny teeth and pups with picky appetites. It’s made with highly digestible proteins and added with prebiotics to support your puppy’s sensitive digestive system and improve stool quality.
- First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Chicken By-product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten, and Corn Gluten Meal
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 29% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 3.3% Max.
- Calories: 353 kcal/ cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Small and extra small breeds
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Precise nutrition specifically tailored for the needs of small breed puppies
- Type of product: Dry food with grain
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Best for Healthy muscles and digestive system health
- Price: $54.99 for a 30-lb bag
Benefits
- Includes highly digestible proteins and prebiotics to promote healthy digestion
- Formulated in exclusive small kibble size designed for small dogs with tiny jaws and picky appetites
- Contains an exclusive blend of antioxidants and vitamins to support immune health.
Best for Adult
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food
This is designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of giant dogs aged 2 years and above and weighing over 100 lbs. The food is formulated with chondroitin, glucosamine, EPA, and DHA, promoting joint and bone health. It also includes an exclusive vitality complex of antioxidants to promote cellular health.
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice, and Corn Gluten Meal
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 3.9% Max.
- Calories: 427kcal/ cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Large and giant dog breeds
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Precise nutrition specifically tailored for the needs of giant dogs
- Type of product: Dry food with grain
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Joint and bone health, digestive system health
- Price: $84.99 for a 35-lb bag
Benefits
- Has added glucosamine, chondroitin, EPA, and DHA to promote joint and bone health
- Contains taurine, which supports heart health
- Boosts cellular health with an exclusive blend of complex antioxidants
- Supports healthy digestion by including easy-to-digest proteins and a balanced blend of fibers.
Best for Senior
Mini Ageing 12+
Formulated with the nutritional needs of aging small dogs in mind, this food is suitable for small breed dogs over 12 years old that weigh over 10kgs. The formula contains essential omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA to support healthy skin and coat. It also contains an adapted phosphorus content to support and maintain healthy kidney function in your dog as it ages.
- First 5 Ingredients: Rice, Maize, Dehydrated poultry meat, Maize Flour, and Vegetable Protein Isolate.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 2.1% Max.
- Calories: 3974 kcal/ kg
- Suitable for which dogs: Small and extra small breeds
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Precise nutrition designed to support healthy aging in small-breed dogs
- Type of product: Dry food with grain
- Life Stage: Senior
- Best for Renal health, Immune health
- Price: $54.99 for a 30-lb bag
Benefits
- Formulated with a complex of antioxidants to help combat free radicals and support healthy aging
- Crafted with an adapted phosphorus content to support a healthy renal system
- Enriched with omega fatty acids like EPA and DHA to promote healthy skin and glossy fur.
Breed-Specific.
Royal Canin also offers several breed-specific formulas that are designed to take into account the unique nutritional needs of specific breeds. These include
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food
This food is designed to offer tailored nutrition to your purebred French Bulldog. The food comes in curve-shaped kibble suitable for your dog’s short muzzle and underbite, making it easy to pick and chew. It’s formulated with a balanced combination of easily digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources to support healthy digestion, minimize flatulence, and promote odorless stools.
- First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Wheat, Chicken By-product Meal, Chicken Fat, and Wheat Gluten
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 3.4% Max.
- Calories: 330 kcal/ cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Medium breed dogs
- Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level.
- Key Benefit: Precise nutrition specifically tailored to the needs of French Bulldogs.
- Type of product: Dry food with grain
- Life Stage: Adult dogs
- Best for Healthy joints, skin, and coat health
- Price: $69.99 for a 30-lb bag
Benefits
- Comes in a specialized kibble shape to make it easy for Frenchies to pick and chew
- Has precise protein and L-carnitine to support healthy muscle maintenance
- Formulated with highly digestible proteins and precise fiber content to help reduce gas and stool odor
- Helps reinforce the skin barrier with essential nutrients that promote healthy skin and coat.
Other breed-specific foods include:
- Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog food: Being large dogs, German Shepherds need a diet to promote healthy joints, skin, and coats. This recipe contains chondroitin and glucosamine to enhance joint health and EPA and DHA to nourish your dog’s skin and keep its coat glossy.
- Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Adult Dry Dog Food: This is tailored to meet the unique needs of adult Chihuahuas. It has high protein amounts to cater to their faster metabolism and other ingredients that support healthy digestion. The recipe also adds biotin and omega fatty acids to maintain skin and coat healthy.
- Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Boxer Adult Dry Dog Food: Boxers are prone to cardiomyopathy and other heart issues. This formula is formulated with a proper balance of proteins and L-carnitine to help Boxers build lean muscles. It also adds taurine and antioxidants to keep the arteries and heart healthy.
- Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shi Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food: This is crafted with high protein and calorie contents to satisfy the high metabolism of Shi Tzu dogs. It’s also packed with omega fatty acids and biotin to enhance skin and coat health.
- Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food: This food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of Labrador dogs. It comes in donut-shaped kibble to help slow your Lab’s eating speed. It also has precise calories and fats to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
This brand also offers a line of veterinary diets, also referred to as prescription diets. These are formulated specifically for dogs that have chronic medical conditions. The formulas are only available on a vet’s prescription.
The following are some of the vet diets that Royal Canin offers:
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary So Dry Dog Food: This food supports adult dogs’ urinary tract and bladder health. It creates a urinary environment that discourages the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. It also increases the amount of urine a dog produces to help dilute excess minerals that can cause crystals and stones.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support S Dry Dog Food: This is formulated to support kidney health and stimulate the appetite of adult dogs. The recipe is crafted with a precise antioxidant complex, targeted protein levels, fatty acids from fish oil, and low phosphorus levels to help support kidney health.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Satiety Support Weight Management Dry Dog Food: Formulated for overweight and obese dogs, this diet is designed to promote satiety and help these dogs lose weight safely. This weight control diet is crafted with high fiber content to help reduce a dog’s tendency to want to eat throughout the day.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food: This food is designed to offer digestive support for dogs that have difficulties digesting or tolerating fat. It’s made with highly digestible proteins and carbohydrates, plus a blend of dietary fiber to support healthy digestion.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food: This food is formulated for dogs with skin and coat issues resulting from food sensitivities and allergies. The food is made with hydrolyzed protein to bypass the body’s immune response to protein. It also contains optimal B vitamins to reinforce your dog’s skin barrier, plus omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin.
Customer Reviews
Like any other brand, Royal Canin has positive and negative reviews. Check out what some of the brand’s customers had to say about it.
Positive
‘’This particular brand was recommended by my vet. I have a toy breed the one for toy breeds is a small kibble which makes it easier for my dog to eat. This brand also seems to be more palatable to her. I have tried other brands but she doesn’t seem to like them’’.
Customer review
‘’My puppy used to lie down in front of his plate at least 2 hours before he decided to eat his food; since I changed to Royal Canin, he runs from happiness to his plate and eat it so fast. Best purchase I have ever done’’.
Customer review
Negative
‘’My dog keeps throwing it up. She hasn’t done this for any other foods. I bought this product because I couldn’t find the other Royal Canin small-breed puppy food in packets. This was pricey, and my dog can’t eat it – not buying again’’.
Customer review
Royal Canin Recalls
This dog food brand has recorded three recalls in the past. In February 2006, the company recalled its Royal Canin Veterinary Diet dog food due to high amounts of vitamin D3.
In April 2007, the FDA recalled multiple Royal Canin Veterinary diets and Sensible Choice dog foods due to possible melamine contamination.
The most recent recall for Royal Canin was in May 2007, when FDA asked the company to recall various formulas, including Sensible and Kasco Choice, due to possible melamine contamination.
What is the quality of ingredients in Royal Canin dog food?
The ingredients used in Royal Canin dog food are not of high quality compared to other brands with similar prices. The brand does not use real animal protein as the first ingredient in most formulas. It includes many controversial ingredients such as corn, hydrolyzed animal protein, and by-products considered low quality. The quality of this brand’s ingredients does not match its price.
Does Royal Canin dog food products include chicken?
Royal Canin uses chicken by-product meals as the primary source of animal protein in most of its recipes. While this can be a good source of proteins and vitamins, it may also be made from parts such as the beaks, feathers, and intestines, which are considered low in nutrition hence the low quality.
Are Royal Canin dog foods produced from slaughterhouse waste?
Royal Canin uses chicken or pork by-product meals as its source of animal protein. While this is not bad, it may also include slaughterhouse waste such as beaks, skin, feathers, intestines, and other organs considered low in quality and nutrition. The brand claims to use high-quality cuts and not slaughterhouse waste.
Discussion of Most Important Ingredients – Good and Bad
These are some of the great ingredients that Royal Canin includes in its products.
- Chicken by-product: This is a good source of concentrated meat protein. Chicken by-product meal contains up to 300% more protein than fresh chicken. This provides the essential amino acids that dogs need to build and maintain healthy muscles in dogs.
- Brown rice: This is an easy-to-digest carbohydrate that helps provide the energy to keep dogs moving and fuel their activities.
- Oat groats: This gluten-free grain provides a good source of carbohydrates for fueling dogs’ activities.
- Brewer’s rice consists of small fragments that remain after milling whole rice. Besides fiber, brewers’ rice is high in calories which dogs need to fuel their activities.
- Corn gluten meal: This is used to boost the protein level of dog food. However, plant protein is less biologically available for dogs.
- White rice: This is a good source of easily digestible carbohydrates that are packed with calories. It should be fed in moderation.
- Pea fiber: Besides being a good source of fiber, pea fiber is used to boost protein levels.
- Chicken fat: This is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid necessary for healthy skin and the general wellness of dogs.
- Pork meal: This protein-rich meat concentrate is loaded with essential amino acids for healthy muscles, plus other vitamins and minerals that dogs need to thrive.
Controversial ingredients
Royal Canin includes so many ingredients that are considered controversial. These include
- Beet pulp: This is a by-product of sugar beet processing. While is packed with fiber which is beneficial for intestinal health and blood sugar levels, it’s mostly used as a cheap filler in dog food.
- Wheat: Although this has some nutritional benefits, it’s also a major source of sensitivities and allergies in dogs.
- Carrageenan: This filler ingredient thickens dog food and improves the texture of the food.
- Sodium selenite: it’s nutritionally inferior compared to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast
- Menadione: This is a form of vitamin K linked to liver toxicities, allergies, and an abnormal breakdown of the red blood cells.
Royal Canin Dog Food Advantages: What We Like About It
- Complete and Balanced nutrition: This dog food is formulated with all the necessary nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients in the right amounts for balanced nutrition that supports overall health.
- Loaded with essential fatty acids: All recipes include omega-3-rich ingredients like chicken fat which promotes skin/coat health, boosts joint health, and improves cognitive health.
- Adherence to AAFCO standards: Royal Canin formulates all its recipes exceeding AAFCO’s standard for all life stages. You can use this food on puppies, adults, seniors, and lactating or pregnant dogs.
- Offers dry and wet food: This brand provides dry and wet food formulas allowing you to choose what suits your dog best.
- Wide range of products: Royal Canin offers a diverse range of foods to meet the needs of dogs of different sizes, ages, breeds, and lifestyles. The brand has formulas for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. It also has breed-specific recipes and formulas that address specific health issues.
- Veterinary diets: Royal Canin has formulas targeted to specific health issues such as renal issues, gastrointestinal problems, and skin issues, among many others. These recipes are available only under a vet’s prescription.
- Promotes joint health: All Royal Canin’s recipes are enriched with EPA, DHA, chondroitin, and glucosamine, which support bone and joint health.
- Good for the digestive system: Royal Canin includes a healthy balance of prebiotics and fiber to help improve digestion.
Royal Canin Dog Food Disadvantages: What We Don’t Like About It
While there’s a lot to love about this dog food, it isn’t without flaws. These are some of the things we dislike about Royal Canin.
- Controversial ingredients: Royal Canin includes many controversial ingredients, including corn, beet pulp, sodium selenite, carrageenan, and menadione.
- Past recalls: This brand has recorded some recalls in the past, which put a question mark on the quality and safety of its products.
- Real meat is not the first ingredient: Royal Canin does not feature real animal meat as the first ingredient. It uses chicken or pork by-product meals as its primary source of proteins rather than real meat.
- It’s expensive: This brand is not among the cheapest brands available. The food is quite pricey for the quality of ingredients used.
Is Royal Canin good food dog brand?
Royal Canin is a good food brand that provides nutritionally complete and fully balanced meals for dogs of different ages, sizes, breeds, and health conditions. The brand offers a wide variety of formulas to choose from.
Is Royal Canin dog food good for dog skin?
Yes, Royal Canin dog food recipes and formulas are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, from sources like chicken fat which are essential for nourishing the skin and coat of dogs.
Is Royal Canin dog food good for itchy skin?
Royal Canin may not be the best choice for dogs with itchy skin as it includes common allergy triggers like corn and wheat, which contribute significantly to itchy skin. However, it has some formulas formulated for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.
Is Royal Canin dog food good for puppies?
Yes, Halo dog food is good for puppies. The brand offers puppy-specific recipes to cater to puppies of different sizes and breeds. These recipes contain all the necessary nutrients to support optimal growth in puppies.
Is Royal Canin dog food good for older dogs?
Yes, the brand offers some formulas specially designed to cater to the needs of aging dogs. These formulas include supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health and lots of fiber and probiotics to aid digestion.
Is Royal Canin dog food healthy for dog growth?
This dog food contains the right amounts of proteins and other important nutrients to support healthy muscles and optimize growth.
Is Royal Canin dog food expensive?
Yes, Royal Canin is among the most highly-priced dog foods available. However, the general quality of the ingredients used in making this dog food does not match the price.
Is Royal Canin dog food AAFCO approved?
Yes, all Royal Canin’s dog food recipes are formulated to meet or exceed all AAFCO set standards regarding the quality and safety of dog food.
Is Royal Canin dog food grain free?
Most Royal Canin dog food recipes and formulas include grains like wheat, soy, or corn. However, the brand also has grain-free options to cater to the needs of dogs with allergies.
Is Royal Canin dog food high-energy for dog food?
No, Royal Canin dog food is not considered a high-energy food as it has an average protein content of about 27% and a near-average fat level of 15%. It may thus not be appropriate for highly energetic dogs.
Is Royal Canin dog food produced in the USA?
Royal Canin dog food is produced in the USA. all the brand’s recipes are produced in company-owned manufacturing plants in South Dakota and Missouri.
Where to buy Royal Canin dog food products in the USA?
You can buy Royal Canin dog food from various pet food stores worldwide. You can also purchase it from online stores like Chewy, Petco, Walmart, and Amazon.
How is the Royal Canin dog food shipment speed?
While shipping terms and conditions differ from retailer to retailer, you can expect delivery within 1-3 days after making your order.
Comparable Brands
Royal Canin dog food is a good food brand. However, it may not be suitable for all dogs for different reasons. In this case, you can check out the following brands comparable to this dog food.
American Journey
American Journey is a new dog food producer founded in 2017 and owned by Chewy.com. This dog food brand offers various recipes for dogs at different life stages. These include grain-free, grain-inclusive, dry, and wet dog food. American Journey has formulations for puppies, adults, and senior dogs and breed-specific options for large and small breeds.
The American Journey dog food products are exclusively sold on Chewy’s website and are fairly affordable compared to other premium brands.
Pros
- Uses real meat sources as the primary ingredients in all formulas
- Wide variety of options for all life stages
- Includes both grain-free and grain-inclusive options
- All formulas are made in adherence to AAFCO standards
- Formulated with higher protein levels
Cons
- It’s a relatively new brand
- It’s not available in other stores and can only be purchased at Chewy.com
Annamaet
Annamaet is a family owned and operated dog food pet that focuses on providing holistic nutrition for dogs. This dog food brand includes all the healthy nutrients dogs need and does away with everything they don’t need.
Annamaet uses high-quality animal proteins, whole grains, plus fresh fruits and vegetables for complete and balanced nutrition in every recipe. It does not include artificial ingredients, fillers, or low-quality ingredients.
Pro
- Contains probiotics to aid digestion
- Does not include controversial ingredients
- Includes organic minerals to improve nutrient absorption
- Fully balanced nutrition
Cons
- Has a high carbohydrate content
- Includes ingredients like soy, corn, and wheat are common food allergens
- It’s expensive
AvoDerm
This high-quality dog food brand was founded in 1947 and headquartered in Irwindale, California. The brand utilizes California avocados as a key ingredient in all its formulas to help with the dog’s skin and coat. The brand offers various products for dogs in all life stages and a range of specialty formulas that cater to specific health problems.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of products to choose from
- Free from grain fillers and meat by-products
- Great for allergies and sensitivities
Cons
- It’s pricey
- Food not readily available in local retail shops
Is Royal Canin Dog Food Worth It? Our Verdict
Based on our review, Royal Canin is worth trying out. The brand offers a wide range of dog food tailored to dogs of all shapes, ages, and sizes. With this variety, you will surely find something personalized to your dog’s nutritional needs.
Royal Canin also has veterinary formulas crafted to address different health conditions, making it a great choice for dogs with underlying issues. However, this dog food is also quite pricey and uses sub-standard ingredients.
Try out this dog food brand and see if it works for your pooch.
