The best dog food for your canine balances a taste and quality nutrition to support their health, well-being, and vitality. But as we all know, no two dogs are the same and so you also need to take your pet’s specific needs into account. This can all make finding the best product for your dog’s food bowl a bit of a challenge.
Royal Canin is a well-known pet food brand that offers a wide range of dry and wet food formulas to cater to all life stages as well as a range of dog breeds and health-related needs. So far, so good. However, despite the versatility of the Royal Canin range, not all its ingredients are of premium quality and most of their dry dog foods contain grains and gluten which can be an issue for many pets.
We lift the lid on Royal Canin and its dry dog food range to help you decide if this is the best brand for your precious pooch.
Key Takeaways:
- In business for over 50 years, the Royal Canin dog food range comes in three formulas – size, breed, and veterinary diet
- The breed range focuses on tailoring nutrition to the specific health and physical needs of different pure breeds
- Many formulas in the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet range will require a vet prescription
- Many of the Royal Canin recipes only use by-product meals and not whole meat
- They also include corn in many formulas as well as wheat gluten
- The company has had three product recalls in the US in recent years
A Quick Overview of the Royal Canin Dog Foods
10 Popular Royal Canin Dog Food Recipes
1 Royal Canin Small/Petit Adult Formula
- Allergens: Gluten
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brewers rice, brown rice, corn, corn gluten meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 359 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Dry Food
- Life Stage: Adult
Royal Canin’s Small Adult formula has been specifically created for smaller breeds, with kibble sized for smaller mouths. A quick look at the nutritional value and the protein percentage is within the recommended range, and there’s a decent hit of vitamins and minerals, including L-carnitine to help with weight maintenance and essential fatty acids. But what is a little concerning is that meat is not the first ingredient listed but corn, which can be an irritant for some dogs. As with many of the Royal Canin formulas, this dry dog food also contains chicken by-product meal. While meal is a concentrated form of protein, using meat by-products does reduce the overall ingredient quality. However, a plus for this small breed formula is the use of chicken fat which enhances the taste. And it does contain the higher level of calories that small breeds require for their daily energy needs.
Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Brown Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Wheat Gluten, Fish Oil, Vegetable Oil, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Fructooligosaccharides, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Monocalcium Phosphate, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Magnesium Oxide, L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.
- Calories are well balanced for smaller dogs
- Contains L-carnitine for weight maintenance
- Contains several forms of gluten so may irritate less diet-tolerant dogs
- Uses chicken by-product meal instead of whole meat
2 Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Allergens: Gluten
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brewers rice, chicken fat, corn, corn gluten meal
- Primary Proteins:
- Calories: 354kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Dry food
- Life Stage: Puppy
For the growth and energy needs of a young pup, you need a calorie and protein-rich formula to support their healthy development. And while this Royal Canin Puppy Food for small breeds has the calories, the quality protein is a little lacking. In fact, the first ingredient is not protein but brewers rice. As a highly digestible carb, brewers rice does support the energy needs of a pup. But what lets this puppy formula down is the use of chicken by-products instead of quality whole meat. The recipe also contains wheat and corn gluten in the first five ingredients, which can be an issue for puppies and their young digestion. However, there are added prebiotics, and the recipe overall is easily digestible to help balance out their tummies. There is also an added blend of vitamins and antioxidants, as well as omega fatty acids and the kibble is nicely sized for hungry little mouths.
Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten, Corn Gluten Meal, Corn, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavors, Fish Oil, Vegetable Oil, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Hydrolyzed Yeast (Source Of Betaglucans), Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Yucca Schidigera Extract, DL-Methionine, Vitamins [DL-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), L-Carnitine, Carotene, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.
- The kibble is ta good size for small puppy mouths
- Contains by-product meal as well as gluten
- This is an expensive product compared to many of its competitors
3 Royal Canin Medium Adult Dry Dog Food
- Allergens: gluten
- First 5 ingredients: brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, corn gluten meal, oat groats
- Primary Proteins: chicken
- Calories: 334 kcal/cup
- Flavor: chicken
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult
Medium-sized adult dogs have their own nutritional needs to support both their health and energy levels. So, in line with Royal Canin’s ‘tailored nutrition’ approach, this dry dog food is geared towards pooches weighing between 23 and 55 pounds. Look at the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and you get the essentials, including omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, as well as digestible fiber. And the protein percentage is within the recommended range. As with other products in the Royal Canin range, the main protein source is, however, by-product meal which is not the premium protein you would expect. And, while easily digestible oat groats are a good grain, other ingredients do include wheat and corn gluten, which can be an issue for some pets.
Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Oat Groats, Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Fish Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Vegetable Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Monocalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid], L-Lysine, Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Magnesium Oxide, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.
- Kibble designed to also sweep plaque away from teeth
- Includes DHA and EPA fatty acids for coat and skin health
- Includes corn gluten which can be difficult for dogs to digest
4 Royal Canin Health Nutrition Small Adult 8+ Dog Food
- Allergens: gluten
- First 5 ingredients: brewers rice, corn, chicken meal, corn gluten meal, chicken fat
- Primary Proteins: chicken
- Calories: 360 kcal/cup
- Flavor: chicken
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult
As they age, the energy levels of small, senior dogs will reduce but they still require nutrient-rich food to support their health. And they can also be prone to weight gain, which is where Royal Canin pitches their small adult dog food for pooches over the age of eight. With smaller kibble, this dry dog food is easy for little mouths and helps to encourage chewing in older pets. And it also features L-carnitine for weight management and a prebiotic and antioxidant blend for immune support. So far, so good. But there are some ingredients that could be a cause for concern for some pet owners, including corn – this is the number one ingredient, with the main protein, chicken by-product meal – as well as corn and wheat gluten.
Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice Flour, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Wheat Gluten, Fish Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Salt, Magnesium Oxide, Taurine, Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Gla Safflower Oil, Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Green Tea Extract, L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.
- Specifically targets older small breeds as they age
- Includes easy-to-digest proteins and fiber
- The kibble could be a little hard for older dogs with dental issues
- Includes ingredients that may be an issue for senior dogs
5 Royal Canin Bulldog Adult Formula Dog Food
- Allergens: gluten, egg
- First 5 ingredients: brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, brown rice, wheat gluten, chicken fat
- Primary Proteins: chicken
- Calories: 277 kcal/cup
- Flavor: chicken
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult
Some breeds are more prone to gut health issues than others, and bulldogs are known for gas problems and smelly stools. So, Royal Canin aims to balance out these issues with their adult bulldog formula. The kibble shape works to encourage bulldogs to chew their food properly and so aid digestion, while digestible proteins and fiber can help to reduce gas and stinky poop. However, some users feel the kibble is a little large for their bulldog’s jaw shape. While not grain-free, this recipe doesn’t contain corn, which is a staple of many other Royal Canin formulas, and there are essential nutrients to support bone, skin, and coat health. However, it is a shame that by-product meal instead of whole chicken is the number one protein source.
You may also like our review of the Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs.
Brewers Rice, Oat Groats, Chicken By-Product Meal, Brown Rice, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Fat, Pork Meal, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Fish Oil, Vegetable Oil, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Calcium Carbonate, Powdered Cellulose, Salt, Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Acetate, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Hydrolyzed Yeast, Potassium Citrate, L-Lysine, L-Tyrosine, Choline Chloride, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Taurine, Magnesium Oxide, Green Tea Extract, Chondroitin Sulfate, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.
- Balanced to help manage the breed’s digestive issues
- The kibble could be a little large for smaller bulldogs
6 Royal Canin Health Nutrition Small Weight Care Food
- Allergens: gluten, pea
- First 5 ingredients: chicken meal, corn gluten meal, corn, pearl barley, wheat
- Primary Proteins: chicken
- Calories: 311 kcal/cup
- Flavor: chicken
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult
Small dogs can also be prone to weight gain, especially as they get older, so a calorie-managed nutritious diet is essential. But it also needs to be tasty enough to entice even fussy eaters to their bowl. With added chicken fat, this is a flavorsome dry dog food with east-to-chew kibble that works well with older, smaller mouths. And for weight maintenance, you have L-carnitine which supports a healthy metabolism. Another plus is the fiber blend which helps little pooches feel fuller for longer, so less prone to over-eat. But if your little dog has digestive issues, there are some ingredients in this formula that may not be ideal. And the recipe features corn as its first ingredient, instead of protein, which is listed second as chicken by-product meal. You also get wheat gluten which can be an irritant and upset their digestion and stool formation if they are more sensitive.
Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat Gluten, Corn Gluten Meal, Pea Fiber, Barley, Brewers Rice, Natural Flavors, Chicken Fat, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Powdered Cellulose, Powdered Psyllium Seed Husk, Fish Oil, Vegetable Oil, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Fructooligosaccharides, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Vitamins[Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], L-Lysine, Dl-Methionine, Trace Minerals[Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Magnesium Oxide, Gla Safflower Oil, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), L-Carnitine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.
- L-carnitine and soluble fiber to boost metabolism and manage appetite
- A bigger sized bag would represent more value as it is on the more expensive side
7 Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food
- Allergens: gluten
- First 5 ingredients: brewers rice, brown rice, chicken by-product meal, chicken fat, oat groats
- Primary Proteins: chicken
- Calories: 355 kcal/cup
- Flavor: chicken
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult
With a short muzzle, underbite, and long coat, the Shih Tzu responds best to targeted nutrition to keep them feeling, eating, and looking their best. And it is here that Royal Canin has focused this breed-specific dry food recipe. For shih tzus over 10 months, the kibble is small and has a texture that works well with the breed’s mouth shape. And this should encourage eating, as will the chicken flavor. Unfortunately, the chicken meat is a little lacking, only featuring third as chicken by-product meal in the ingredient list. But in the recipe’s favor, the digestibility of this protein, along with fiber such as oat groats can help reduce stool volume in your mini pet. Add in the core nutrients such as vitamin A, omega 3&6 plus biotin, and you have dry dog food for toy breeds that could be further boosted by a wet food topper.
Brewers Rice, Brown Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Oat Groats, Wheat Gluten, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Powdered Cellulose, Fish Oil, Vegetable Oil, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, L-Tyrosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Salt, Taurine, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Inositol, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Acetate, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Choline Chloride, L-Lysine, Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Monocalcium Phosphate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Tea, L-Carnitine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Rosemary Extract, Reserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid.
- Omega oil formula to boost the silky shih tzu coat
- Kibble is specifically designed to suit the breed’s small size and underbite
- The recipe does contain gluten so may be an irritant to more sensitive dogs
8 Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Large Adult Dry Dog Food
- Allergens: gluten
- First 5 ingredients: chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, wheat, brown rice, chicken fat
- Primary Proteins: chicken
- Calories: 360 kcal/cup
- Flavor: chicken
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult
Ensuring your large breed pooch gets the calories he needs as well as nutrients are essential for a happy dog. And matching those calories to their activity levels will help to keep him lean and healthy. The calorie balance in Royal Canin’s large adult dog food is good, as is the protein percentage, which is within the recommended range. But as with other Royal Canin dry dog foods, the protein source is not as premium as it could be and is listed as chicken by-product instead of whole meat. The flavor is boosted by chicken fat and the recipe also includes a mixed bag of carbs and grains, including brown rice and wheat. So not grain-free, but there’s sufficient fiber to make this a digestible formula, as long as your large breed is not grain sensitive.
Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Wheat, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Corn Gluten Meal, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Fish Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid], Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Dl-Methionine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.
- Well-balanced calories to support the active life of large dogs
- Contains wheat and corn which can be allergens for some dogs
9 Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Dog Food
- Allergens: gluten
- First 5 ingredients: chicken by-product meal, brown rice, oat groats, brewer’s rice, corn gluten meal
- Primary Proteins: chicken
- Calories: 276 kcals/cup
- Flavor: chicken
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult
Known for their activity levels, labs need a diet that works to protect their mobility as well as their energy for a happy, on-the-go life throughout their adult life stages. This Labrador retriever formula includes glucosamine, as well as fatty acids, EPA and DHA that help to keep those joints and bones in good health. The kibble is also shaped to help slow the fast-eating lab slow down and enjoy their chowtime. The calories for this formula are on the lower side, so you will need to measure portions carefully to suit your dog’s age, size, and activity levels. And it can be mixed with some wet food for a tasty treat. However, many users do highlight that whole chicken is not used in this recipe, and corn features in the first five ingredients. Which, when you consider the price compared to other products of a similar standard, is a shame.
Read here our detailed review of the Best Dog Food for Labs.
Chicken By-Product Meal, Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Corn Gluten Meal, Brewers Rice, Natural Flavors, Chicken Fat, Pork Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Powdered Cellulose, Wheat Gluten, Fish Oil, Vegetable Oil, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Psyllium Seed Husk, Fructooligosaccharides, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Salt, Taurine, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Biotin, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex], Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate], Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Choline Chloride, Gla Safflower Oil, Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), L-Carnitine, Green Tea Extract, Monocalcium Phosphate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.
- Kibble shaped to help if your lab is a fast eater
- Fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin to protect joints
- Contains corn and by-product meal rather than whole meat
10 Royal Canin HP Hypoallergenic Dog Food
- Allergens: none noted
- First 5 ingredients: brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp
- Primary Proteins: soy
- Calories: 332 kcal/cup
- Flavor: natural
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult & puppy
Having a pooch with food sensitivities can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding what to feed them. But following a specialist protein and carb diet can work wonders. This hypoallergenic formula is part of the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet range and can help to reduce skin and digestive flare-ups caused by many of the common proteins found in dog food. This dry dog food is nicely palatable and suited to both puppies and adult dogs. The Royal Canin dog food recipe is also fortified with essential nutrients to support your dog’s general health as well as reinforce the skin barrier for reduced irritation. Add in a nutritious blend of fiber and probiotics and you should experience a calmer tum too.
Brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, monocalcium phosphate, vegetable oil, sodium silico aluminate, fish oil, calcium carbonate, fructooligosaccharides, potassium chloride, salt, DL-methionine, L-tyrosine, taurine, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), niacin supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement], choline chloride, trace minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, copper sulfate, ferrous sulfate, sodium selenite, copper proteinate, calcium iodate], marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L.), magnesium oxide, rosemary extract, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid.
- Can be used long-term with both adult dogs and puppies
- Highly digestible dog food that can reduce skin and digestion reactions or sensitivities
- You will need a vet prescription for this dog food
- The main protein source is not meat
Is Royal Canin a Good Dog Food?
A familiar brand on the pet food scene for almost 50 years, Royal Canin offers plenty of choice to the dog owner, especially for specific breeds or health issues. However, some of the ingredients they use may not be suited to every pet. And when it comes to protein, they don’t use whole meat but prefer to include by-product meal, which may not always be the best option for your pet. We dig a little deeper into the Royal Canin dog food brand and its approach to its ingredients so you can decide whether it is a good fit for your pet.
The Short History of Royal Canin Company
Royal Canin was founded by French veterinarian Jean Cathary back in 1968 who wanted to create pet food products grounded in nutritional science, leading to the company’s first range of specialist formulations. These included tailored nutrition based on a dog’s age, size, breed, and health.
Royal Canin Pet Foods gradually expanded around the globe and launched in the US in 1985. It was bought out by Mars Chocolat France in 2001, whose parent company Mars, Inc. now owns the brand. Today, Royal Canin Pet Foods retains its global headquarters in Southern France but has manufacturing facilities in the US.
Where is Royal Canin Dog Food Made?
For US distribution, Royal Canin has manufacturing plants in South Dakota and Missouri. They also have their US headquarters in St. Charles, Missouri. All Royal Canin dog food products are made in their own manufacturing plants.
Where Do Royal Canin Source Their Ingredients From?
While it is believed that most of their ingredients are sourced from farms local to their two US manufacturing plants, Royal Canin does not explicitly state where all their ingredients come from. And they are known to use international suppliers.
Product Lines – Differences and Which One You Should Choose
Royal Canin dog food has several product lines in both wet and dry formulas to cater for the various life stages as well as different breeds, sizes, and certain health conditions. The main Royal Canin dog food ranges to select from include:
Size Formulas
Royal Canin’s size formulas are categorized by age, nutritional need, and pet size. For example, there are dog food products for newborns, puppies up to one year, adults aged one to seven, and over seven seniors. These ages are broken down by size, so you can get ‘small dogs’, ‘small breed puppies’, or ‘large breed senior’ formulas. You also get formulas for dogs with nutritional special needs, including pregnancy and growth.
Breed-Specific
Royal Canin dog food also offers recipes to support the specific nutritional needs of a given breed type. Within this range, you currently have 25 recipes for different purebreds, which include some of the most popular pure breed pets, including beagle, German shepherd, pug, and Labrador.
Veterinary Diet
As well the two main retail ranges, Royal Canin also has its own Veterinary Diet range, many of which will require a prescription due to active ingredients. This range has been formulated in conjunction with veterinary experts and includes both wet and dry formulas. Health conditions included in the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet prescription dog food range include kidney and urinary health, weight management, digestive problems, and an elimination diet.
Let’s Take a Closer Look at the Ingredients
As we have already seen, Royal Canin tends to include gluten (mainly wheat and corn) in most of its dog foods, which can be an issue for some pet owners and their dogs. In many recipes, they also have a non-protein such as corn or brewers rice listed first in the main ingredients. And it is worth noting that the protein is not always of the quality you would expect for a dog food brand in this price range, with by-product meal rather than whole meat used.
To assess the overall quality of Royal Canin dog food ingredients used and the associated nutritional value, we take a closer look at one of their best-selling dry dog food products, its Medium Adult Dry Dog Food.
Protein
This dry dog food is aimed at healthy medium-sized adult dogs that require sufficient protein and the associated amino acids to support their day-to-day energy needs. And as such, it offers a minimum of 23% of crude protein, which is within the 20-30% recommended amount. However, the protein listed for this product is dehydrated chicken by-product meal and not whole chicken, so you don’t know which parts of the chicken are actually used. And what is even more puzzling that the protein doesn’t even make number one in the top five ingredients, coming second in this recipe to brewers rice.
Carbs
Certain fruit and vegetables are used as needed in all of Royal Canin’s dog foods and, with the medium adult formula, they are limited. In fact, beet pulp is the most obvious one listed, which, while a good source of digestible fiber, can also be used as a filler. Other slow energy-releasing carbs listed include brewers rice, and oat groats which are more easily digested.
Grains
Grains feature significantly in most of Royal Canin’s dog foods, and their medium adult dog recipe is no exception. And this can be a red flag for pet owners if their dog has food sensitivities or allergies. In this particular formula, both two of the key grains which can be problematic – wheat and corn gluten meal – are within the top five ingredients. While protein makes up 23% of the formula, it does seem to leave the bulk of the recipe to be taken by grains and carbs.
Good Fats
The right types of fat are essential for your dog’s good health, and these include omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This Royal Canin recipe has a minimum of 12% crude fat and features vegetable oil as well as fish oil, which is a good source of omegas to support your dog’s eye, heart, and joint health as well as supporting their skin and coat. This percentage is OK for healthy dogs not needing weight management, although vegetable oil is a less expensive alternative to olive or sunflower oil.
Fiber
With a maximum of 3.2% of crude fiber, the medium adult dog formula is within the optimum range. It is also a good source of digestible fibers, which are good for your pet’s healthy digestion and keeps it in good working order.
Vitamins and Minerals
Looking at the ingredient list for Royal Canin’s medium adult dry dog food, there are the basic vitamins and minerals you would expect to see. This recipe also includes a blend of probiotics and antioxidants for immune and digestive system support. But as it is not a targeted formula, there are no added extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin which can help maintain joint health.
Ingredients to Be Aware of
Especially if your furry friend has food sensitivities, skin allergies, or digestive issues, then there are certainly some ingredients that feature heavily in this recipe – and many other Royal Canin dog food products – that you should be aware of. As well as the aforementioned wheat and corn, royal Canin medium adult dog food also includes dried beet pulp, which can be used as a filler. And whole meat is much more preferrable for your dog than by-product as you can be sure of what parts of the animal is being used.
Recall History
Royal Canin has experienced three US-based recalls in recent years. The most recent was in April and May 2007 when the company was asked to recall several dog food formulas due to possible contamination of melamine. Prior to that, in February 2006, the Food and Drug Administration Agency (FDA) recalled six products from the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet range due to suspected high levels of vitamin D3.
Price
Royal Canin is not the cheapest dog food on the market. And the prices do vary so you can expect to pay more of a premium for the specialist products included in the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet prescription dog foods range.
What is also notable when it comes to price is that it doesn’t always reflect the quality of the ingredients. And when compared to similar dog food brands, it’s premium price cannot necessarily be justified. Here’s a product list so you can see what you could expect to pay:
Dry Dog Food Product Lines
| Product | Weight | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small/Petit Adult Formula | 14lbs | $49.99 |
| Small Puppy Dry Dog Food | 17lbs | $61.99 |
| Medium Adult Dry Dog Food | 17lbs | $56.99 |
| Small Adult 8+ Dog Food | 13lbs | $48.99 |
| Bulldog Adult Formula Dry Dog Food | 17lbs | $69.99 |
| Small Weight Care | 17lbs | $60.44 |
| Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food | 10lbs | $56.99 |
| Large Adult Dry Dog Food | 17lbs | $56.99 |
| Labrador Retriever Adult Dog Food | 17lbs | $69.99 |
| HP Hypoallergenic Dog Food | 17.6lbs | $94.99 |
Canned Dog Food Product Lines
| Product | Weight | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Canned | 12 x 13.5oz | $41.88 |
| Puppy Canned | 12 x 13.5oz | $41.88 |
| Mature Adult Canned | 12 x 13.5oz | $41.88 |
| Small Ageing 12+ | 12 x 3oz | $28.68 |
| Poodle Loaf | 12 x 3oz | $32.28 |
| Adult Weight Management | 24 x 13.5oz | $105.26 |
| Shih Tzu Loaf | 24 x 3oz | $54.49 |
| Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf | 24 x 13.7oz | $136.56 |
| Labrador Retriever Chunks in Gravy | 12 x 13.5oz | $40.68 |
| Digestive Care Loaf | 24 x 3oz can | $50.16 |
What We Like About Royal Canin
Having looked closely at Royal Canin and its dog foods, there are qualities about the brand and its ranges we like:
- They offer a choice of dog food products that are tailored towards a range of specifics such as age, size, breed, activity, and health.
- The recipes are not over-complicated
- A highlight of the brand is the health-related wet and dry dog food products in their Veterinary Diet range.
- They give thought to your dog’s eating experience and tailor their kibble shape and size to the eating habits and mouth shape of specific ages and breeds.
What We Don’t Like About Royal Canin
However, the Royal Canin brand is not the right fit for every pooch. Here are the main negative points to highlight:
- The ingredients in Royal Canin dog foods are not necessarily highest quality. They use, for example, by-product meal instead of whole animal as their main protein source in many of their products.
- Their recipes include wheat and corn gluten, which can not only be potential irritants in your dog’s diet but can also be seen as natural fillers.
- In some recipes, they tend to prioritize brewers rice and other carbs/fiber sources in the top five Royal Canin ingredients list.
- Despite the lower quality of some of their ingredients, many of Royal Canin’s products are on the expensive side, compared to other pet foods
Where Can I Buy Royal Canin Dog Food?
Royal Canin can be bought in a wide range of places, both online and in physical stores. Online you can easily purchase most or all of the Royal Canin pet foods range on both Amazon and Chewy. PetSmart and PetCo are also stockists. Physical stores and supermarket chains that also stock the Royal Canin food brand include Walmart as well as many independent pet store retailers. To find a stockist near you, check out Royal Canin’s stockist finder.
In a Nutshell, Is Royal Canin a Good Choice?
Generally recommended by vets or breeders, Royal Canin is a highly marketable brand, underpinned by its 50-year history. However, the reality of the product doesn’t always hit the mark for every pet owner. Yes, you get a diverse choice of dry dog food products that take into account age, health, size and even specific breed. But not all the recipes offer the highest level of nutrition. And there are other non-breed specific products on the market can still provide the necessary nutrients and supplements your pooch needs. The formulas are also grain and carb heavy and when it comes to the main source of animal protein, it’s by-product meal rather than whole meat.
The health range comes out the best and can be beneficial for specific health conditions or for use for a period of time. And the Royal Canin prescription range is very varied and tailored so can offer the pet owner a wider choice than other brands. But when it comes down to it, Royal Canin overall sets its price within a more premium bracket, which the products and ingredients themselves may not always live up to.
