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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?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

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.

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