About Royal Canin

Royal Canin is a highly popular dog food that’s owned and produced by the Mars company, alongside global best-sellers Pedigree and Whiskas.

Like most big-brand names, they offer a huge variety of formulas, with 50 wet foods and over 80 dry kibbles to choose from. Unfortunately, however, there’s not much diversity in their ingredients, with the majority of products containing the same low-quality mix of meat by-products, meat meals, and processed corn.

Founded in the late 60s in France, Royal Canin’s first formulas were developed by a veterinary surgeon who noticed the positive effects of feeding dogs limited ingredient or allergen-free diets. From there, Royal Canin grew to become a European leader, before being sold to Mars in the 90s.

Today, Royal Canin maintains an interest in the science behind animal nutrition. They produce the scientific quarterly Veterinary Focus and have published around 1500 papers from their  Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition.

This creates a strange conflict in Royal Canin’s brand. On the one hand, they advocate for better nutrition and produce a Veterinary product line that’s tailored to specific canine conditions. But on the other, their regular formulas make use of ingredients that only a small minority of animal healthcare practitioners would ever consider healthy.

Unlike many other brands, Royal Canin doesn’t have a ‘made in the USA’ guarantee. The company does operate several US-based plants, but they also use facilities in South Africa, Brazil, Russia, and China.

Best Dry Dog Food

from Royal Canin

Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

First 5 ingredients:
  1. Corn
  2. Chicken by-product meal
  3. Brewers rice
  4. Brown rice
  5. Corn gluten meal
What we like:
  • Specially formulated for small breeds
See on Amazon

The top-selling dry dog food for Royal Canin is specially formulated for small breeds. It is suitable for dogs between 10 months to 8 years old, and between 9 and 22 lbs. It does cover the nutritional needs of small breed dogs. However, the quality of ingredients leaves something to be desired. The ingredients that we don’t like in this recipe are Chicken by-product meal and corn gluten meal. By-product meal is a mix of the most unsavory parts of chickens, and a corn gluten meal can be upsetting on a dog’s stomach. 

The guaranteed analysis of this product shows that it is around the industry average with 25% protein, 14% fat. It does have a slightly higher fiber %. We however recommended checking out our best dog foods, to find a better alternative.


Customer reviews:

“We use this kibble for treats. The dogs love them and it encourages them to come when called.”

“Diarrhea always when my dog eats this. Corn is one of the major ingredients which is hard to digest. My vet recommended it but I finally just bought another brand and found instantly that his poops became solid.”


Guaranteed analysis:

  • Protein (min): 25.0%
  • Fat (min): 14.0%
  • Fiber (max): 3.4%
  • Moisture (max): 10.0%

Nutritional Info
Ingredients: 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.


Caloric Content

3744 kcal/kg, 359 kcal/cup

Best Wet Dog Food

from Royal Canin

Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Breed Specific Wet Dog Food

First 5 ingredients:
  1. Water sufficient for processing
  2. Pork by-products
  3. Chicken by-products
  4. Pork liver
  5. Brewers rice flour
What we like:
  • Nothing
See on Amazon

Royal Canin’s top seller for wet dog foods is a formula made specifically for Golden Retrievers. However, upon inspection, this product seems to fall flat. It has low amounts of protein and fats, that aren’t even competitive with industry averages. While different breeds of dogs may require different nutritional needs, the research on this is not thorough enough. Essentially they are using this recipe as more a marketing gimmick.

In the first 5 ingredients you have two types of by-products, which makes this product have a less than ideal source of protein and fats, made from the worst bits of chicken and pork. We suggest finding a better wet dog food for your Golden Retriever, and steering clever of the Royal Canin product. Most of the positive reviews from this product are in regard to taste/texture, which is not good enough in our opinion.


Customer reviews:

“My dog normally eats RCGR dry kibble. This was an easy transition and he likes it. Shipping was extremely fast.”

“My golden retriever loves the mixture with both dry and wet and I give it as a treat. He loves it!” 


Guaranteed analysis: 

  • Protein (min): 6.3%
  • Fat (min): 1.7%
  • Fiber (max): 2.7%
  • Moisture (max): 81.0%

Nutritional Info
Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, pork by-products, chicken by-products, pork liver, brewers rice flour, corn flour, powdered cellulose, wheat gluten, vegetable oil, fish oil, carrageenan, sodium silico aluminate, natural flavors, potassium chloride, tomato pomace, taurine, carob bean gum, guar gum, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), biotin, niacin supplement, D-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement], calcium carbonate, L-carnitine, citric acid, glucosamine hydrochloride, sodium carbonate, trace minerals [zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, zinc proteinate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate], magnesium oxide, choline chloride, marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L.), chondroitin sulfate.


Caloric Content

780 kcal/kg, 300 kcal/can

How does Royal Canin stack up as a brand?

Royal Canin DRY Food

There are far too many Royal Canin dry foods to consider individually, but checking levels of protein, fat, and fiber across the range shows that dogs eating these formulas do receive a nutritional intake similar to industry average numbers.

What concerns about Royal Canin kibble are not the levels of nutrients, however, but where those nutrients are coming from. Several formulas contain no whole meat at all, and often use a non-meat food, like corn, as the primary ingredient.

Also concerning is the presence of chicken by-product meal, which is a low-quality animal product made from rendered, non-meat parts carcasses. By-product meal has a non-specific ingredient list but can contain bones, organs, undeveloped eggs, and even a small amount of feathers.

Royal Canin Dry Food (avg) %

Industry Average %

Protein

25.1

26.5

Fat

14.7

14.1

Fibre

4.2

4.7

Royal Canin WET Food

On average, Royal Canin’s wet food doesn’t provide as many proteins or fats as other popular brands. Often, slightly lower nutritional levels can actually be a good sign, as it suggests a lack of processed or concentrated ingredients, in favor of moisture-rich whole meats.

This isn’t the case with Royal Canin’s formulas, which are low on nutrients despite being made with named meat by-products, grains, and a heavy dose of flavorings and preservatives.

Some Royal Canin wet food recipes use a significant amount of wheat gluten, which contains high amounts of protein. This can give a false impression that formulas contain more nutritious meat than they actually do.

Royal Canin Wet Food (avg) %

Industry Average %

Protein

7.1

8.6

Fat

4

4.7

Fiber

2.3

1.5

Brand Recalls

Royal Canin was involved in the FDA’s 2007 Melamine recall, in which several dogs and cats died from contaminated formulas. The recall was alarmingly widespread and involved most large corporate manufacturing plants.

Since then, the FDA and AVMA’s recall databases don’t show any record of Royal Canin, and a few different Google searches of the brand suggest that the brand’s recipes and production have stayed controversy-free from the last decade.

Where to buy Royal Canin Online

Amazon
Chewy

Complete List of Royal Canin Dry Food

Product Protein Fat Fibre
Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 32 12 3.4
Royal Canin Poodle Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 31 17 3.5
Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 31 12 3.6
Royal Canin Jack Russell Terrier Puppy Dry Dog Food, 3-lb bag 30 16 3.4
Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 30 18 3.6
Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food, 13-lb bag 29 18 3.3
Royal Canin X-Small Puppy Dry Dog Food, 3-lb bag 29 18 3.4
Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 29 14 3.4
Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 28 11 5.4
Royal Canin Poodle Adult Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag 28 17 4.1
Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 28 15 4
Royal Canin Boxer Puppy Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 28 16 3.7
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother & Babydog Dry Dog Food, 15-lb bag 28 20 3.4
Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 28 14 3.8
Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food, 3-lb bag 28 18 3.3
Royal Canin Coat Care Small Dog Food, 17-lb bag 28 14 4.5
Royal Canin Jack Russell Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag 28 14 3.4
Royal Canin Chihuahua Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 28 18 4
Royal Canin Cavalier King Charles Puppy Dry Dog Food, 3-lb bag 28 16 3.7
Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 28 14 3.7
Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 28 12 3.7
Royal Canin Small Digestive Care Dry Dog Food, 17-lb bag 28 20 3.6
Royal Canin Small Weight Care Dry Dog Food, 13 lb. bag 28 9 10
Royal Canin Large Puppy Dry Dog Food, 35-lb bag 28 14 3.5
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 27 14 5.9
Royal Canin Pug Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 27 16 3.5
Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult 8+ Senior Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 27 16 4.9
Royal Canin Bichon Frise Adult Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag 27 13 3.6
Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 27 18 3.5
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food, 35-lb bag 26 18 3.9
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Poodle Caniche 8+ Adult Dry Dog Food, 3-lb bag 26 17 3.8
Royal Canin Sporting Life Trail 4300 Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 26 19 4.1
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Dachshund Teckel 8+ Adult Dry Dog Food, 3-lb bag 26 12 3.9
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 26 16 3.6
Royal Canin Large Digestive Care Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 26 16 3.8
Royal Canin Chihuahua Adult Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag 26 14 3.5
Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag 26 12 4.1
Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag 26 16 5
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Large Aging 8+ Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 25 15 4.3
Royal Canin Medium Weight Care Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 25 9 12.5
Royal Canin Indoor Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 25 16 3.4
Royal Canin Setter Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 25 18 3.9
Royal Canin Beagle Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 25 10 5.3
Royal Canin Large Breed Weight Care Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 25 13 11.7
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult +8 Dry Dog Food, 13-lb bag 25 14 3.5
Royal Canin Cavalier King Charles Adult Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag 25 12 4.5
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dog Dry Food, 14-lb bag 25 14 3.4
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua 8+ Adult Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 24 14 3.3
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Aging +12 Dry Dog Food, 12-lb bag 24 12 3.5
Royal Canin Weight Care X-Small Dry Dog Food, 2.2-lb bag 24 10 7.8
Royal Canin Pomeranian Adult Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 24 14 3.6
Royal Canin Mini Sensitive Skin Care Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, 3-lb bag 24 15 3.2
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Large Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 24 15 3.5
Royal Canin Rottweiler Puppy Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 24 18 3.9
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Aging 10+ Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 24 12 3.6
Royal Canin Rottweiler Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 24 18 3.9
Royal Canin Large Joint Care Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 24 13 7.6
Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food, 17-lb bag 24 16 3.4
Royal Canin Boxer Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 24 18 4.5
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Large Adult Dry Dog Food, 35-lb bag 24 15 3.3
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 23 10 5.7
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 23 12 3.2
Royal Canin Pug Adult Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag 23 14 3.3
Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag 23 17 5.4
Royal Canin Comfort Care Medium Dog Food, 30-lb bag 23 12 4.5
Royal Canin Comfort Care Large Breed Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 23 12 4.5
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 23 12 3.5
Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel Adult Dry Dog Food, 25-lb bag 23 12 3.3
Royal Canin Maxi Sensitive Skin Care Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 23 14 3.4
Royal Canin Medium Digestive Care Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 23 16 3.7
Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Adult Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag 23 10 3.5
Royal Canin Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 22 12 4.1
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Aging +12 Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 22 14 3.6
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Mature +8 Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 22 16 3.5
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Indoor Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 22 12 3.3
Royal Canin Medium Sensitive Skin Care Adult Medium Breed Dry Dog Food, 17-lb bag 22 15 3.2
Royal Canin Maltese Adult Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag 22 16 3.3
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Adult Dry Dog Food, 14-lb bag 22 16 3.5
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag 22 18 4.3
Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 22 17 5.5
Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 21 23 4.2
Royal Canin Dental Care Large Dog Food, 30-lb bag 21 14 4.4
Royal Canin Dental Care Medium Dog Food, 28-lb bag 21 14 4.2
Royal Canin Dental Care Small Dog Food, 3-lb bag 21 14 4
Royal Canin Dalmatian Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag 20 16 3.5
Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag 19 14 3.3
Royal Canin Comfort Care Small Dog Food, 3-lb bag 19 13 4.6
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Indoor Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag 19 12 3.7

Complete List of Royal Canin Wet Food

Product Protein Fat Fibre
Royal Canin Starter Mousse Mother & Babydog Birth Program Dog Food Trays, 3.5-oz, case of 24 8.5 4.5 1.9
Royal Canin Starter Mousse Mother & Babydog Canned Dog Food, 5.8-oz, case of 24 8.5 4.5 2.1
Royal Canin Healthy Development Small Breed Puppy Dog Food Trays, 3.5-oz, case of 24 8 4.5 2
Royal Canin Puppy Appetite Stimulation Canned Dog Food, 5.8-oz, case of 24 8 4.5 2
Royal Canin Puppy Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz, case of 12 7.5 4 2
Royal Canin Toy & Miniature Poodle Adult Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food, 3-oz, pack of 4 7.5 4.3 1.8
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Poodle Adult Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 7.5 4.3 2.3
Royal Canin Large Joint Care Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz can, case of 12 7.5 4.5 3.1
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Poodle Adult Canned Dog Food, 3-oz, case of 24 7.5 4.3 2
Royal Canin Coat Care Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz can, 12 count 7.5 5 2.5
Royal Canin Weight Care Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz, case of 12 7.5 3.9 3.2
Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz, case of 12 7.5 2 2.6
Royal Canin Beauty Healthy Skin Adult Canned Dog Food, 5.8-oz, case of 24 7.5 4 1.5
Royal Canin Mature 8+ Canned Dog Food, 5.8-oz, case of 24 7.5 3 1.5
Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz, case of 12 7.3 1.7 2.7
Royal Canin Sensitive Skin Care Loaf in Sauce Dog Food, 13.5-oz can, 12 count 7.3 5 2.7
Royal Canin Comfort Care Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz, case of 12 7.2 4.5 2.6
Royal Canin Weight Care Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 7.2 1.2 2.7
Royal Canin Digestive Care Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 7.1 4.2 2.3
Royal Canin Sensitive Skin Care Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 7.1 5.1 2.2
Royal Canin Digestive Care Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz can, case of 12 7.1 4.5 2.5
Royal Canin Weight Care Adult Canned Dog Food, 5.8-oz, case of 24 7 1.5 2.5
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Dachshund Adult Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 7 4.4 2.2
Royal Canin Coat Care Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 7 5 2.3
Royal Canin Pomeranian Adult Loaf in Sauce Pate Canned Wet Dog Food, 3-oz, 4 count 7 4 2
Royal Canin Pomeranian Adult Loaf in Gravy Pouch Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 7 4 2
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Dachshund Adult Canned Dog Food, 3-oz, case of 24 7 4.4 2.1
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Canned Dog Food, 3-oz, case of 24 7 4.5 2.5
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Adult Canned Dog Food, 3-oz, case of 24 7 4.1 2.3
Royal Canin Boxer Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz, case of 12 7 4.5 2.7
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 7 4.5 2.6
Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Canned Dog Food, 3-oz, pack of 4 7 4.4 1.9
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Adult Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 7 4.1 2.4
Royal Canin Chihuahua Adult Canned Dog Food, 3-oz, pack of 4 7 4.1 2
Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult Canned Dog Food, 3-oz, pack of 4 7 4.5 2.2
Royal Canin Comfort Care Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 6.9 4 2.3
Royal Canin Large Puppy Wet Dog Food, 4.9-oz pouch, case of 10 6.8 3.5 2.5
Royal Canin Medium Puppy Wet Dog Food, 4.9-oz pouch, case of 10 6.8 4.5 2.2
Royal Canin Large Aging Wet Dog Food, 4.9-oz pouch, case of 10 6.5 4 2.4
Royal Canin Medium Aging Wet Dog Food, 4.9-oz pouch, case of 10 6.5 4 1.9
Royal Canin Adult Shih Tzu Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 6.5 4.5 2.4
Royal Canin Small Aging Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 6.5 4 2.1
Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 6.5 4.5 2
Royal Canin German Shepherd Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz, case of 12 6.5 4 2.7
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Loaf in Sauce Wet Dog Food, 3-oz, case of 4 6.5 4.6 2.3
Royal Canin Adult Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz, case of 12 6.5 3 2
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food, 13.5-oz, case of 12 6.3 1.7 2.7
Royal Canin Large Adult Wet Dog Food, 4.9-oz pouch, case of 10 6 4 2.4
Royal Canin Medium Adult Wet Dog Food, 4.9-oz pouch, case of 10 6 4 2.1
Royal Canin Small Adult Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12 6 4 2.1