Royal Canin Dog Food Review (Brand) – Complete Buyer’s Guide

Comprehensive Royal Canin Dog Food review. Expert insights, red flags, & essential tips to keep your pet healthy. Read before you buy.

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Royal Canin Dog Food Key Information

  • Company: Royal Canin USA Inc.
  • Country: USA
  • Age: Since 1968
  • Price: Check for updated pricing here
  • Recalls: There have been a few notable U.S. Royal Canin recalls over the years.

This comprehensive Royal Canin 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 Royal Canin Dog Food Good?

  • Petful Review Recommended
  • Dog Food Advisor The brand: (4.6/5)
  • Amazon Large Breed Adult: (4.6/5)

Highest rating as of March 28, 2024, follow the links to see updated ratings.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Breed-specific formulas​​​​.
  • Tailored for specific health needs​​​​.
  • Formulated by veterinarians​​.
  • Wide range of options for different life stages​​​​.
  • High-quality ingredients​​.

Cons

  • Some products are expensive​​​​.
  • Contains by-products and grains, which might not suit all dogs​​.
  • Not all recipes are AAFCO certified​​​​.

Royal Canin 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 Details
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Formulated for adult dogs with gastrointestinal issues, includes probiotics and a blend of dietary fibers.
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy Tailored for Labrador Retriever puppies, supports healthy growth with DHA for brain development.
Royal Canin Glycobalance Royal Canin Glycobalance Dog Food Designed to manage glycemic response, ideal for dogs requiring blood sugar support.
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food Specially formulated for adult Yorkshire Terriers, focuses on coat health and contains targeted nutrients.

Controversial Ingredients and Additives

  • By-products (such as organs):
    Viewed skeptically due to varying quality and perceptions of being less desirable animal parts.
    Check out North Hill Animal Hospital’s “Let’s Talk About By-Products, Shall We?”
  • Rice, Wheat, Corn, Barley, and Oats:
    Controversial due to potential allergies and the debate over grains in carnivorous diets.
    Check out Petful’s: Can Dogs Eat Brown Rice? An All-Inclusive Guide and Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs? A Comprehensive Guide
  • Pea Fiber, Beetroot, and Wheat:
    Pea fiber and wheat can be seen as fillers or allergens, potentially causing digestive issues.
  • Fish Oil, Vegetable Oils (Soy Oil, Sunflower Oil), Animal Fats (Chicken Fat):
    Quality and sustainability concerns, and debates over nutritional appropriateness, particularly regarding omega ratios and GMOs.

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.

Royal Canin Dog Food Overview

Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian Jean Cathary, Royal Canin positions itself as a science-based pet food brand that aims to meet the nutritional needs of pets rather than catering to the preferences of pet owners. With its worldwide headquarters nestled in southern France, the brand ensures that its U.S. offerings are produced within its own manufacturing facilities located in Missouri, South Dakota, and Canada.

Royal Canin claims to be a pioneer in the pet food industry, drawing on its rich history that began with Cathary’s innovative approach to addressing skin and coat issues in animals through diet. Acquired by Mars Inc. in 2001, Royal Canin has since expanded its global presence, including significant investments in North America and Asia, aiming to maintain a commanding position in the pet food market worldwide.

Petful’s Royal Canin Dog Food Review

Royal Canin dog food is renowned for its scientific approach to pet nutrition, prioritizing the health needs of pets with specially formulated diets. This commitment is exemplified in their popular Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Adult range, which offers tailored nutrition for a variety of dog breeds, underscoring the brand’s dedication to customized pet care.

Within this range, the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Adult lineup features 30 distinct recipes, each crafted to meet the specific requirements of different breeds. A closer look at the Labrador Retriever formula showcases a thoughtful blend of high-quality ingredients like chicken by-product meals and wholesome grains, designed to provide a balanced and nutritious diet. While the inclusion of by-product meals and grains like corn and rice is carefully considered to ensure high protein content and digestibility, Royal Canin also integrates key fibers and minerals to support overall pet wellness.

Feedback from pet owners highlights the positive impact of Royal Canin on their pets’ health, from improved coat condition to enhanced vitality, reflecting the brand’s success in delivering on its nutritional promises. While opinions on pet food can vary, the consensus among many satisfied customers is that Royal Canin’s breed-specific formulas offer a valuable option for those looking to support their pet’s health and well-being. As with any pet food choice, it’s recommended to consider individual pet needs and consult with a veterinarian to ensure the best dietary selection for your furry friend.

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Conclusion

Based on its commitment to health benefits through quality ingredients and meticulous manufacturing practices, Royal Canin dog food comes highly recommended for discerning pet owners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Royal Canin so good for dogs?

Royal Canin is highly regarded not just by pet owners but also by professionals in the veterinary field. Among the 13 veterinarians consulted, ten prefer Royal Canin for both their personal pets and the ones they care for professionally. Dr. Gregory Gstrein, a veterinarian from California, emphasizes the importance of selecting dog foods that are supported by scientific research and actual feeding trials, a standard Royal Canin meets.

Do vets recommend Royal Canin dog food?

Royal Canin comes highly recommended by experts for the brand’s commitment to peer-reviewed research and its ownership of production facilities. Its esteemed reputation is well-recognized among both pet parents and veterinarians.

What’s so special about Royal Canin?

Royal Canin stands out due to its focus on premium, top-tier ingredients that are easily digestible. Key components include protein-rich sources such as real poultry and fish, which are fundamental in providing the necessary amino acids for building and sustaining robust muscle health.

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