Are Science Diet and Royal Canin good pet foods, or are they junk?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Female | spayed | 6 years and 3 months old | 17 lbs
If a company such as natural balance has veterinary nutritionalists on staff is that the same as brands like science diet and royal canin? Also I've always though brands like science diet and royal canin are junk can you explain why this is or isn't true?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 10th, 2018
Hello. First, Hill's Science Diet & Royal Canin are two of the most respected dog nutritional companies in the world. They have the veterinary scientists & research dollars to innovate, create & stand behind their products that are used to help fight disease & metabolic problems in our pets. If all you are interested in is basic nutrition, then all the other pet food manufacturers are more than adequate, as long as they have the AAFCO statement on their label. But if you have a pet with liver disease, kidney failure, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems or any other number of health defining issues, be very glad we have these companies looking & innovating ways to keep our pets as healthy as possible. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on September 12th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, Royal canin and Hills are far superior to the boutique brands like Orijen which market to the pet owner and not the dog. Royal canine and Hill's have veterinary nutritionists that formulate their diets unlike the boutique brands that use cookie cutter recipes. The dog food label has to be written a certain way based on the dry vs wet weights of ingredients. It is a huge misconception out there regarding pet food labels. An example of consumer misconception is the grain free fad has now resulted in dogs eating taurine deficient foods that have cause dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure due to the legumes used to replace grain. You can continue to feed your preferred diet and supplement with glucosamines and Omega 3 if you feel more comfortable. Have a good day!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Hello . Please select the best dog dry food brand . Which is the best ??? Please select the best Proplan/ N&D/ Belcando/ Royal canin/ Bosch ??
What is high quality premium diet, means?
Can someone please explain why foods like Science Diet and Royal Canin are considered better as aposed to foods like Acana and Fromm? I always thought wheat, corn, soy, etc. wasn't quality sources of nutrition for dogs. Isn't sweet potato, potato, br
Is Royal Canin a bad pet food brand? If not, then why many people said it's one of the bad pet food there is available? But, i still see most gives dogs/cats Royal Canin when i watch a certain S.Korean TV animal program. I'm thinking of changing my
Is there another dog food option that’s cheaper or better than Royal Canin ? What about hills science
Hello Melanie, what are your most recommended dog food/cat food brands and why? Chloe is currently on royal canin breed specific. Thank you!
what is not present in kibble brands like pedigree that are in SO CALLED GOOD brands like Royal canin? what makes royal canin so expensive and pedigree so cheap
MELANIE: thank you for your helpful answers!! In your opinion what is a better option for a balanced diet; a fresh food commercial diet that contains rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes and various meats and vegetables. Or a commercial kibble such as roya
Which dog food brands do you recommend that are super healthy regardless of price????
Hi! Bianca has severe hip dysplasia and was recommended Royal Canin Mobility JS. She currently eats raw and I was always against kibble, especially RC ones because the ingredients makes no sense compared to something like Orijen. Is Royal Canin reall
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
