Royal Canin Dog Food Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: August 23, 2022
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For pet parents of dogs with chronic health issues, finding the right food can be challenging. Between testing out new varieties, scouring ingredient lists for potential allergens, and paying a lot for pricey prescriptions, taking care of your dog’s health can take up a lot of time, money, and energy. Royal Canin is a dog food brand that caters to your dog’s specific health needs. Many dog owners like that there are so many varieties that offer the nutrition that will help their dog deal with chronic health issues and prevent future problems from arising.

We’ll go over everything you want to know before making the decision to switch your dog to Royal Canin food, including the benefits of this brand, where you can find it, recalls, and what reviewers had to say about their experience. Royal Canin has been in business for more than 50 years and is recognized as one of the top dog food companies in the industry that provides affordable nutrition that is developed for dogs’ health.

If finding affordable nutrition to address existing health issues like weight loss or diabetes is a priority for you, Royal Canin should be at the top of your list. For dog owners that want to take a more preventative approach, the kitten formula, adult formulas, mature dog formulas, and aging dog formulas can ensure quality nutrition in your dog’s bowl for a lifetime.

The most popular varieties of Royal Canin dog food are the adult kibble formulas, which is no surprise given that they are made for dogs ages 10 months to 8 years. There are options for all dogs based on their weight (small, medium, large, and giant) as well as breed-specific foods. If your dog has existing health concerns that you want to address such as urinary health or weight loss, opting for one of the kibble foods that was developed to help might be the way to go.

Here are some of the top-selling Royal Canin dog food varieties.

Key Features

  • Formulas developed by veterinarians
  • Breed-specific options
  • Food for all stages of a dog’s life
  • Wet and dry food options
  • Easy to find at most retailers

What type of animals/breeds is Royal Canin dog food best suited for?

Royal Canin makes food for dogs and cats. Let’s look more at the factors that can help you determine which Royal Canin food is right for your dog.

Food by Size

The nutritional needs of an Irish Wolfhound are going to be different than those of a Pomeranian, but many dog food manufacturers with just one adult formula option market the same food to both dogs. Royal Canin divides their puppy, adult dog, and senior dog food lines by size. This means that you can find puppy food specifically tailored for a large dog if you just adopted that Wolfhound or a can of soft food for your senior Pomeranian.

The dry kibble for smaller dogs is designed for their jaws and mouths to chew easily. For medium, large, and giant dogs, the shape and design of the kibble itself change based on their different structure. The nutritional needs of small and medium dogs are also different than their larger pup friends. Small dogs have smaller stomachs and may need to eat more often or have higher protein food in order to keep up with their energy needs.

Within each type of food come recommended feeding amounts. So even if your dog is on the smaller side of a medium or large breed, you can find the perfect amount of food to feed them based on their weight.

Breed-Specific Foods

Royal Canin does a lot of research into what dogs need and knows the ideal nutrition components for different breeds. You can find breed-specific dry kibble for many breeds of dogs. If you aren’t sure or your dog is a mix of two or more breeds, you can also dive into Royal Canin’s resource list on their website to find just the right option for your pup.

Breeds that have specialty formulas include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds, Poodles, and many others. They also have puppy formulas specific to breed so that your dog can begin their life with the most customized nutrition possible to meet their needs. Some of the ways that this specialty food works for specific breeds is to include the recipes and nutrients to target health needs that often come up with that breed, such as joint health for breeds with long legs or easy-to-chew kibble for breeds with pronounced jaws. The Royal Canin website is a great resource to learn more about how to care for your dog and keep them healthy no matter what food you decide to feed them.

Food for Health

One of the values that Royal Canin was founded on is that your pet’s food can be an integral part of keeping them healthy and addressing any concerns that do come up in their lives. Many Royal Canin food options are specifically formulated for things like healthy skin, gastrointestinal health, or sensitive stomachs. Because there are so many options, it is easy to transition from one Royal Canin food to another as needed to address health concerns as they come up.

Many of the wet food formulas are designed to address health concerns, such as skin health or weight management. If your dog prefers a dry kibble or you want to mix the two, you can opt for a Royal Canin dry dog food that is made for your dog’s size, age, and breed and add the wet food on top. Many dogs like to eat this richer food as a treat or sprinkled it over their regular food. Some dogs do like it as their primary food, especially those who have issues chewing.

Royal Canin Dog Food: Where to Buy

You might think that a special formula dog food like Royal Canin is only available through expensive retailers or at the vet’s office. But Royal Canin is one of the most widely available dog foods, with retailers like Chewy and Amazon carrying many options in stock. You can also find it at mainstream stores, such as:

  • Petsmart
  • Petco
  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Royal Canin website
  1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal
    • Contains probiotics
    • A blend of dietary fiber supports healthy digestion
    • Contains omega-3 fatty acids and EPA and DHA from fish oil
    • Added antioxidants support his immune system
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy
    • High-quality food specifically for Labs
    • Contains DHA omega-3 fatty acids
    • No harmful chemical preservatives
    • Support correct weight with balanced energy component
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Royal Canin Glycobalance Dog Food
    • Specifically designed formula includes fat and fiber
    • Complex carbs control glycemic response
    • Prescription-required food is top-notch
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food
    • A breed-specific diet that is uniquely formulated for your Yorkie
    • Contains biotin, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids that help maintain your dog’s skin and hair
    • Includes vitamin C, EPA, and DHA help support your toy dog’s vitality
    • The kibble shape and texture helps reduce tartar formation
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

Royal Canin Dog Food Recalls & Controversies

As of March 23, 2022, none of the food featured here has been recalled according to the FDA recall database. Dog parents can rest assured that this brand has a long history of food safety and quality.

Amazon Reviews

Many reviewers switched to Royal Canin because their dog had digestive problems or other health concerns. It is also recommended by many veterinarians, which is how many pet owners first hear about Royal Canin. “This is what my vet (and other vets I’ve had through the years) recommends over all other brands,” said one reviewer. “My three dogs have thrived on it and have lived long healthy lives.” 

A few pet parents started their dog on Royal Canin as a puppy. For these owners, having a dog food brand that their dog liked and that would keep them healthy throughout their life was important. One owner tried it with a small sample and stuck with Royal Canin through the puppy and adult dog years. “Royal Canin is the only dog food my Bichon has ever eaten. He came home from the breeder/seller with a sample, enough for a few days, and I’ve never changed his food. This was due to the fact that our vet agreed that it was a very good food,” they said.

Royal Canin wet food is also popular, especially for senior dogs who may have trouble chewing dry kibble. One reviewer said that it is the only food that they feed their dog. “It has moisture in it…good for her. Easy to get out of the can and chop into bite-size pieces. Stores well. Great nutrition. We buy it by the case.”

Products For This Review

Bottom Line

Royal Canin dog food is a vet-approved nutritional dog food that has options for all life stages and breeds. It also works to address health concerns that you might have and prevent common issues like urinary problems or skin conditions from happening in the first place. If you want affordable pet food that is easy to find at an in-person or online retailer that keeps your dog’s health as the top priority, Royal Canin is the one to try.

You can find Royal Canin at most major retailers as well as directly through the Royal Canin website. One of the best ways to save money is to subscribe to a periodic delivery. You can enjoy a discount and make sure that you always have your dog’s favorite Royal Canin variety on hand.

About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

Royal Canin Dog Food Guide: Everything You Need to Know FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is Royal Canin good for dogs?

Yes, Royal Canin has great healthy options in both dry kibble and wet food for dogs of all sizes and breeds. It also has specialty formulas to address common health concerns and prevent health problems from coming up.

Has Royal Canin ever had a recall?

No, as of March 23, 2022, none of the food featured here has been recalled according to the FDA recall database.

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