Royal Canin is one of the most respected names in the pet food industry. A brand that made its name right in the vet’s office, Royal Canin has earned the trust of countless pet parents.
They are known for making highly specialized food for different life stages, dietary requirements, and even breeds.
To help you find the right food for your pup, we have created this 2025 Royal Canin dog food reviews of their best-selling products.
In 1968, French veterinary surgeon Jean Cathary developed a cereal-based recipe to help pets who were suffering from various health conditions. Many of them had itchy, flaky skin and were losing their fur. The cereal-based recipe was found to be effective in alleviating the pet’s symptoms
Royal Canin has a different approach compared to many pet foods in the market. Their core policies dictate that the following:
That the physiology and biology of pets should be studied to increase their knowledge.
That all products must be able to address a pet’s specific needs. This comes with mandatory instructions saying, “no veterinarian or university should be able to refute any of Royal Canin's nutritional arguments”.
That animals and their nutritional needs are to be treated with “knowledge and respect”, and not be humanized.
Royal Canin dog food products are divided into two main product lines: Veterinary Diet and Retail Range. Both product lines have sub-categories according to age, health requirements, or breed/ size of the dog.
Below is a review of Royal Canin’s top-rated wet and dry dog food products available at Chewy.com.
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PRODUCT
Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult
Crafted for German Shepherds aged 15 months and older
Specially formulated for the nutritional needs of purebred German Shepherds aged 15 months and older, this dry dog food has highly digestible proteins and specific fibers to aid digestion as German Shepherds tend to have poor stool quality.
It is enriched with EPA and DHA from fish oil to support skin health and their double layered coat.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are added for this large breed’s joint health. Even the kibble shape is designed for the breed’s long muzzle and to encourage chewing.
The first five ingredients of this breed-specific dry dog food are brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, brown rice, oat groats, and chicken fat.
Pros
Gentle on GSD tummies. Many German Shepherds have sensitive stomachs and digestion issues. A lot of dogs who were fed with it have had significant improvement in their digestion. They are able to keep this food down without upsetting their stomachs. No more vomiting or loose stools.
Doggies love it! This breed-specific dry dog food is quite popular among German Shepherds. They love the chicken flavor and enjoy having this for meals.
Thick, shiny coats. German Shepherds are known for their beautiful, thick double-layered coats. But food sensitivities and other allergies affect a lot of German Shepherds’ coats. With this product, their skin conditions improve, thus helping their fur to grow healthier. They are able to grow thick and shiny coats that make German Shepherds such magnificent-looking dogs.
Cons
Kibbles are too large. According to some reviews, the kibbles of this dry dog food are too large for their pups. Their dogs prefer smaller-sized kibbles.
Conclusion
It has received a lot of good food reviews from owners of GSDs, especially those who have sensitive tummies. They are able to keep this food down, and digestive problems such as loose stools have been reduced or resolved.
The dogs have also had significant improvement on their skin and coat quality. Their coats are thicker and shinier. German Shepherds really are a sight to behold, especially when they have healthy coats.
However, some dogs turn away from the food because of the kibble size. According to their owners, the kibbles are too large.
This recipe is made from hydrolyzed protein which reduces the risk of triggering an immune reaction. This dry dog food is highly suitable for pets who have sensitivities or allergies.
Specially developed with hydrolyzed proteins composed of low molecular weight peptides which can be absorbed in the digestive tract with a decreased chance of causing an immune reaction.
This formula helps dogs suffering from itching, hair loss, and digestive problems by using smaller proteins.
Optimum amounts of B vitamins and amino acids are included to help reinforce your dog’s skin barrier. Digestion is also improved by an exclusive blend of fibers specially formulated for dogs prone to upset stomachs and diarrhea. Royal Canin applies strict manufacturing procedures to avoid cross-contamination.
The first five ingredients of this formula are brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat, natural flavors, and dried plain beet pulp.
Pros
Helps with allergies. Numerous dogs who have food allergies have found relief with this kibble. Various issues such as ear discharges, itchy skin, inflamed paws, and others have been either significantly reduced or resolved. It has saved many dog parents from more expensive vet bills. The pups are much healthier and happier with this food.
No more upset tummies. This dry dog food has been great for the sensitive stomachs of dogs who have food allergies. It has helped relieve them of stomach aches, diarrhea, and vomiting. This food has been credited for giving their dogs a better quality of life.
Cons
Strong odor. According to a few reviews, the odor of this one is quite strong. An airtight container may be required.
Conclusion
Many dogs and their owners are quite grateful for this. The smaller proteins in this food helps prevent allergy triggers. It has given numerous sensitive dogs the relief they need from allergy-related issues such as ear infections, itchy skin, inflamed paws, among others.
Dogs with sensitive digestive systems are also thriving on this one. No more vomiting, diarrhea, or tummy aches. The smell of the kibbles has been less than pleasant for some dog parents. You may need an airtight container for this product.
This dog food is a veterinary-exclusive dry food specially formulated for dogs with sensitive guts. A mixture of dietary fibers supports healthy digestion for optimal stool quality.
This is a veterinary-exclusive dry food specially formulated for dogs with long or short-term digestive sensitivities. This palatable, highly-digestible dog food is developed for dogs that may have trouble digesting or tolerating fat.
Prebiotics help keep healthy bacteria alive in the stomach. A mixture of dietary fibers supports healthy digestion for optimum stool quality. A blend of antioxidants is added for a strong immune system. Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA that help soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
The first five ingredients of this formula are brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, barley, and natural flavors.
Pros
Great for dogs with GI issues. Owners of dogs who were suffering from digestive issues, pancreatitis, and other conditions have been raving about it. This food does not upset their sensitive dogs’ tummies.
Loose stools have either been reduced or completely resolved. A lot of senior doggies who have very sensitive digestive systems are thriving on this dry food.
Healthy weight. According to dog parents, this product has been great at keeping their pups’ weights at an optimum level. This low-fat formula has also helped some overweight dogs shed excess pounds.
Cons
Grains. This is one of the products from the brand that gets feedback regarding the amount of grains that go into it. Some find it too expensive for a product that is made of mostly grains.
Conclusion
This kibble has given good results for dogs who need help managing their weights. Even overweight senior pups were able to shed excess weight. This formula has also helped a lot of dogs suffering from pancreatitis, diarrhea and other GI issues.
However, it has been criticized by some dog parents for its grain content and price. It is worth mentioning that the foundation of Royal Canin is built on a cereal-based recipe that has been proven to improve the health conditions of pets back in 1968.
This is specially formulated to support the bladder and urinary health of dogs with urinary issues. It is developed to help dissolve struvite stones and dilute excess minerals that causes crystals and stones.
This is specially formulated to support the urinary and bladder health of dogs with urinary issues. It is developed to help dissolve struvite stones and prevent recurrence through its low level of magnesium.
Relative Super Saturation (RSS) methodology helps reduce the chance of crystal formation. This formula creates a urinary environment unfavorable to the formation of both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.
The first five ingredients of Urinary SO are brewers rice, corn, chicken fat, chicken by-product meal, and brewers rice flour.
Pros
Helped dissolve crystals and bladder stones.Dogs who have been suffering from urinary tract crystals and bladder stones have shown a good amount of improvement since switching to this dry dog food. The dogs get clear urine test results, and x-rays for those who have bladder stones show a significant reduction in the size of the stones. This has been a lifesaver for these dogs.
More energy. According to reviews, after being switched to this food, the dogs are feeling much better. As a result, they have shown an increase in energy levels. Even senior pups have become more energetic.
Cons
Expensive. This prescription dry dog food from Royal Canin is sold at a much higher price point than the average urinary care dog food.
Conclusion
While this food costs more than the usual dog foods, many owners swear by Urinary SO and its effectivity in resolving various urinary conditions. It is vet prescribed, and dog owners appreciate that they are able to save on vet bills by feeding their dogs this product.
This low fat, canned food is developed for dogs with long or short-term digestive sensitivities. This specific formula is made for dogs who have difficulty digesting fat.
Prebiotics are included to help maintain proper balance of good bacteria in your dog’s gut. Fish oil gives much needed omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA that help soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
This wet dog food also has the exclusive S/O Index which supports urinary health by creating an environment unfavorable to crystal formation in the bladder.
The first five ingredients of this Gastrointestinal Low Fat canned dog food are water sufficient for processing, pork by-products, pork liver, brewers rice flour, and corn grits.
Helped improve GI issues. This is another product from the brand that has been receiving good reviews from dog parents. Dogs who were suffering from pancreatitis, colitis, and other gastrointestinal conditions have shown significant improvement since being fed this prescription food. Their symptoms have been lessened or completely resolved. This has definitely been a lifesaver, especially for senior pups.
Healthy skin and coat. Some dogs have had noticeable improvements in their skin and coat. Their coats are softer and shinier, and shedding has been greatly reduced.
Cons
Ingredients. While this dog food has helped numerous dogs with GI issues, a few pet owners find the ingredients not up to par. Pork by-products and grains are deemed by some to be inferior quality ingredients.
Conclusion
This is another product from them hat has been called a lifesaver by many dog parents. It has helped relive dogs of discomforts from gastrointestinal problems.
The omega fatty acids and other nutrients have contributed to the overall health of these dogs. As a result, their coats are thicker and shinier than before. Despite these health benefits, some feel that this product is made of inferior quality ingredients due to its pork by-product and grain content.
In a nutshell
This is one of the most respected dog food brands available globally. It is quite common to find their products at the vet’s office, or at pet specialty stores. Often, they are recommended by vets. In the case for the Veterinary Diet range, prescription form the vet is required to purchase them.
Known to offer highly specialized products that target the specific needs of dogs with medical conditions, or even those of specific breeds, it is quite easy to find a suitable product with the nutrients your dog requires.
One of the company’s core policies come with mandatory instructions saying, “no veterinarian or university should be able to refute any of Royal Canin's nutritional arguments”.
However, they are sometimes criticized for their products’ ingredients. Having grains as the main ingredients and the use of by-products as protein sources are not exactly ideal in the eyes of some dog parents.
Of all the products we reviewed, none of them have protein as the first ingredient. The products contain ingredients such as brewer’s rice and corn grits.
Looking at the reviews received from dog parents as well as the recommendations from numerous vets, it is hard to deny that Royal Canin has indeed helped sick pets improve their health and quality of life.
Many credit the success of treating their dogs’ various urinary, skin and coat, and digestive issues to feeding them with specific Royal Canin products. After all, the brand was built on the effectivity of a cereal-based food in treating existing health issues.
Have Royal Canin dog foods ever been recalled?
In May 2007, the FDA issued a recall for Royal Canin dog food products including several Sensible Choice and Kasco recipes due to potential melamine contamination. No recalls have been issued since.
In April 2007 the FDA issued a recall for several Royal Canin Veterinary Diet and Sensible Choice dog food products due to potential melamine contamination.
In February 2006, the FDA issued a recall for several Royal Canin Veterinary Diet dog foods and cat foods due to high levels of Vitamin D3.
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For an impressive duration of four years, Elaine has been embarked on a voyage as a freelance writer within the domain of dog care. The profound fondness she nurtured for animals, ignited by the cherished companionship of her family's treasured pets during her developmental years, has flourished into a genuinely satisfying vocation focused on everything related to dogs.
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