Ol’ Roy Dog Food Review (Brand) – Complete Buyer’s Guide

Petful is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on this page.
ol' roy dog food image

Ol’ Roy Dog Food Key Information

This comprehensive Ol’ Roy dog food review is brought to you by Petful, the leading source for pet food recalls for over a decade. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you make an informed purchase. 

Rating: Is Ol’ Roy Dog Food Good?

  • Petful Review Not recommended
  • Dog Food Advisor Ol’ Roy Dog Food (Dry): (1/5)
  • ConsumerAffairs Ol' Roy (Brand): (1.3/5)
  • Amazon Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition: (4.1/5)

Highest rating as of May 3, 2024, follow the links to see updated ratings.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Widely available at Walmart
  • Variety of flavors and product types
  • Large packaging options

Cons

  • Use of low-quality fillers like corn and soybean meal
  • Contains artificial colors and preservatives like BHA/BHT
  • Non-specific meat sources (meat and bone meal, poultry by-product)
  • Questionable ingredient quality leading to potential health risks

Ol’ Roy Dog Food Recalls

Recall disclaimerRecalls don’t necessarily reflect a brand’s overall quality. They are often precautionary, aimed at ensuring pet safety. Consider the specifics of each recall when choosing products.

Complaints, Issues, and Controversies

Products and Ingredients

Product LineProduct Name AAFCO
Dry Dog Food Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken and Rice Flavor U
Dry Dog Food Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition T-Bone and Bacon Flavor U
Dry Dog Food Ol’ Roy High Protein with Beef and Lamb Flavor U
Dry Dog Food Ol Roy Complete Nutrition Adult U

Controversial Ingredients and Additives

  • Ground yellow corn:
    Often viewed as a cheap filler with little nutritional value for pets.
  • Soybean meal:
    Can cause allergies in some pets and is often used as a less nutritious protein substitute.
    Check out American Kennel Club’s: “Soy in Dog Food: What You Need to Know”
  • Meat and bone meal:
    A low-quality protein source, often from unspecified sources, which can include diseased livestock and expired meat.
  • Poultry by-product meal:
    Made from rendering parts of poultry not fit for human consumption; it’s a less digestible protein source.
    Check out DogFoodAdvisor’s: “The Truth About Animal By-Products in Dog Food”
  • Animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid):
    BHA is a chemical preservative linked to potential health risks like cancer.
  • Corn gluten meal:
    Another cheap filler that can cause allergies and provides little nutritional value.
  • Menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity):
    A synthetic version of vitamin K, linked to liver toxicity and other health issues in high doses.

The presence of certain ingredients doesn’t alone determine a dog food’s quality. It depends on the overall recipe, ingredient quality, and the dog’s unique needs. Opinions on these ingredients vary among experts, and research is ongoing.

Ol’ Roy Dog Food Overview

Ol’ Roy positions itself as a brand deeply rooted in the traditions and memories of Bentonville, Arkansas, where its story began with Mr. Sam and his beloved dog, Ol’ Roy. Launched in 1981, the brand aims to embody dependability and a commitment to quality, reflecting Mr. Sam’s love for his dog in every product it offers. Ol’ Roy claims to provide peace of mind to dog owners by assuring that they are giving their pets food that contributes to a happy and healthy life.

Additionally, the brand ensures customer satisfaction by offering replacements or refunds if the product does not meet the expectations of the owner or their pet. For further assistance, Ol’ Roy encourages customers to contact their support or visit their website.

Petful’s Ol’ Roy Dog Food Review

Ol’ Roy Dog Food, despite its wide availability and budget-friendly price point, garners mixed reviews primarily for its quality and ingredient safety. Ol’ Roy dog food is often noted for using inexpensive fillers like corn and soy and low-quality meat sources such as meat and bone meal, which contribute to its protein content but are considered less digestible and nutritious. The brand has faced criticism for the use of controversial ingredients like BHA preserved animal fats and anonymous meat sources that could potentially include less desirable parts of animals.

Consumers have reported instances of health issues in pets, including digestive upset and allergic reactions, linked to the consumption of Ol’ Roy products. While the brand aims to provide economical pet food options, the frequent reports of adverse effects suggest a compromise on ingredient quality, leading to a less favorable perception among pet owners seeking healthier, more transparent options for their dogs.

Petful logo

Conclusion

Based on the detailed analysis of ingredient quality and manufacturing practices, the brand is not recommended due to its frequent use of low-quality fillers and controversial ingredients that may compromise the health benefits for pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Ol Roy dog food being recalled?

Yes, Ol’ Roy dog food has been recalled in the past. The most recent recall was in February 2018 due to potential contamination with a low level of pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug.

Does Ol Roy dog food still exist?

Yes, Ol’ Roy dog food still exists and is available for purchase, primarily at Walmart stores.

Explore More Options for Dog Food

A Final Word (Disclaimer)

At Petful, our review integrity is paramount; we never exchange special treatment in our reviews for monetary or material rewards. 

Nonetheless, when our readers click through to online merchants (including Chewy or Amazon), we receive a referral commission. This supports the running of our free blog, and we appreciate your backing.

For additional information, kindly refer to our Disclaimer and Discourse Section.