What is the difference between Royal Canin and Purina

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Purina vs. Royal Canin dog food: Which one should you pick?

When it comes to Purina vs. Royal Canin dog food, trying to decide which one to go for is a common dilemma amongst pet parents. Both are firm favorites with our canine companions when it comes to flavor and, thankfully, theyre also right up there when it comes to delivering high-quality nutrition too.

Purina and Royal Canin have each had a consistently solid reputation over the years for producing the best dog food that money can buy. And while its great to have two stellar brands offering up a range of delicious and nutritious options, it can make trying to choose between the two more than a little challenging.

To help you out, weve examined the dog food ingredients contained in the Purina and Royal Canin lines and explored the advantages and disadvantages of each brand. Below, youll find everything you need to know to help you make the right decision about which of these two heavyweights is worthy of a spot in your foodie fur babys bowl.

About Purina

Purina have been at the forefront of pet nutrition since they first came into existence over 90 years ago, and since then, they've gone from strength to strength, forming a range of collaborative partnerships and creating innovative recipes that have led them to become leaders in the pet food industry.

When shopping the Purina range, you'll notice there are eight different brands that come under their umbrella, each one of which has been designed to meet a range of different health needs and household budgets. As well as catering to adult dogs, they have a great range of products targeted at puppies and seniors, so there's something to suit every age and stage.

Whats good about Purina?

First up, we love the range of products produced by Purina, with a variety of different brands spread across the price spectrum, ensuring theres something for every taste bud and bank balance. The affordable Alpo range for example features an abundance of extra gravy in its wet food dishes, perfect for pups that love a rich, meaty and moisture-rich meal.

Take a step up from Alpro and you'll be greeted by the ever-popular Purina Beyond range, which is a real favorite amongst pet parents who have a doggy suffering from allergy issues or a sensitive stomach. Grain-free and made from natural ingredients, both the kibble and wet food dishes contain nourishing proteins and vegetables that are incredibly gentle on the digestive system.

At the top of the range sits the creme de la creme of canine nutrition, the stellar Purina ONE and Purina Pro Plan lines which feature real meat as the first ingredient and do away with a lot of the fillers and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives that you'll find in the more inexpensive formulas.

Pro Plan is the most expensive of the two and its one of the go-to choices for specialized nutrition. Whether your dog is struggling with their weight or needs a sport and performance blend for their increased activity levels, Purina Pro Plan has got you covered.

Whats not so good about Purina?

(Image credit: Getty Images)

There's no denying Purina's solid reputation, which is incredibly well deserved and the sheer array of products across their eight lines is nothing short of impressive. That being said, we do feel that the quality isn't always as good as we'd expect from a brand of this standing, particularly across their cheaper lines.

Some of the ingredients they choose to use are highly controversial, particularly things like meat and poultry by-products and artificial colors and dyes, all of which provide no nutritional value for your dog. We understand that these are used to keep prices down, but it does substantially affect the quality of the end product.

An overuse of soybean, corn, and wheat meal as fillers has also caused us to raise an eyebrow as there are brands on the market these days that are proving that these ingredients are unnecessary. If you have a dog with allergies or sensitivities, we recommend you read the ingredient list carefully before purchasing to ensure its suitable for your pup.

Purina: The verdict

While some of Purina's products do have some drawbacks that are well worth considering, overall we feel that this brand is doing a great job of trying to offer a range of wet and dry formulas that is both highly nutritious and delicious.

They've also really considered the financial side of things, offering eight different ranges to suit every budget. This means that even if you can't stretch to the Purina ONE or Pro Plan lines, you can still serve your dog up a quality meal without having to make any sacrifices where their health is concerned.

While they do compromise somewhat on ingredient choice in order to keep their prices down, their blends still provide plenty of flavor and all the necessary vitamins and minerals your hound needs to stay healthy. All in all, Purina's dishes are complete and balanced and get the paws up from most pups, ticking all the important boxes you'd want a pet food to tick.

About Royal Canin

Since they first burst onto the scene more than 50 years ago, Royal Canin have continually proven that they're a force to be reckoned with, positioning themselves at the top of the pet food chain and maintaining a consistently high level of quality that has seen them become one of the most trusted brands in the world.

Partnering with leading scientific, veterinary, and behavioral experts, Royal Canin collaborates extensively with those in the know to create targeted nutrition to suit every breed and health need. They may not offer as big a range as some other brands, but what they slightly lack in quantity they more than make up for in quality.

Royal Canin is the front runner when it comes to creating innovative blends and their recognition of how the smallest nutritional differences can affect a dogs health has earned them a stellar and well-deserved reputation.

Whats good about Royal Canin?

Royal Canin may not have as many lines as Purina does, but there's no denying that when it comes to quality, they're hard to beat. Offering both retail and vet products, their dishes have been created using extensive scientific research to ensure each wet and dry dish delivers the precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, prebiotics and minerals that your dog needs to thrive.

Many of their formulas are also crafted to be breed-specific, which means that dogs that are known to have sensitive stomachs, such as German Shepherds, only consume meals with highly digestible proteins and specific soothing fibers. This is one of the things that sets Royal Canin apart and makes them well worth considering if you're looking for a dish that has been tailored to specifically suit your breed of dog.

And its not just at the nutritional level that their recipes are formulated, their dry kibble has also been shaped and structured to suit the uniquely shaped jaws and eating behavior of each breed. This is important as smaller dogs do best with smaller kibble that's easier for their tiny teeth to manage, while bigger breeds enjoy crunching on something a little more substantial.

As we mentioned earlier, youll find two kinds of products in the Royal Canin range - those that they call their retail products and those they label as vet products. As youve probably guessed, their retail products are widely available and this is where youll find breed-specific recipes, with both wet and dry ranges.

Their vet products offer more targeted nutritional support for dogs with health conditions, such as gastrointestinal problems and diabetes. While some online retailers do stock some of these products, theyve been designed to help with very specific health issues, so we recommend you consult with a vet first who will be able to let you know if the dish you're considering is suitable for your dog.

Whats not so good about Royal Canin?

(Image credit: Getty)

While Royal Canin has a lot going for it, there are a few disadvantages that are worth considering before you decide whether this is the brand for you. The most glaring of these is the price - Royal Canin are one of the most expensive brands on the block, and although it's definitely a case of getting what you pay for, if you're on a tight budget, we recommend shopping around for a more affordable option.

There are some additional issues, namely the use of animal by-products and the high carbohydrate content in a lot of their products, which is the result of the addition of grain-based fillers, such as rice. This won't be a problem if your dog is super active, but if you have a sedentary or overweight pup, it would be worth taking a look at some lower carb options.

Royal Canin: The verdict

Pet parents rate Royal Canin highly and its not unusual for this brand to come close to reaching the coveted 5-stars across major online retailers. And for good reason - this is a solid science-backed company that puts a lot of research into their recipes and the breadth of their range is impressive.

Yes, there are some issues with the carbohydrate content and with the higher price tag we feel the ingredient quality could be better at times, but all-in-all Royal Canin offers nutritionally complete dishes that have been well formulated and are sure to keep most hounds happy and healthy.

For more content like this, check out our guide to Pedigree vs Purina dog food, where we put another two popular brands to the test.

Purina Pro Plan vs. Royal Canin: Dog Food Comparison

Are you trying to choose between Purina Pro Plan and Royal Canin for your pups next meal? Whether youre confused about the world of doggy nutrition or stuck on which one is better, youve come to the right place.

We put these two popular food brands against one another, including which one uses the highest quality ingredients in their formulas. Finding the best nutrition for your pup is one of the most important decisions youll make. Not only does finding the best option please his taste buds, but it also keeps him as healthy as possible.

So, lets dig deep into the details for Purina Pro and Royal Canin to discover which is the best option for your pooch.

Note: Clicking the above links take you to Chewy.com or Amazon.com, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Comparing Brand Histories

Getting to know a brands history helps you make a more informed decision.

Both Purina Pro and Royal Canin are leading brands in the pet food industry. Looking at a brands history can tell you a lot about what they stand for and why. Both of these guys are well-established the world over and are very similar in their ethos. But there are a few key details that might persuade some consumers to pick one brand over the other, so lets take a closer look.

Purina Pro Plan History

Purina has various ranges, and Purina Pro Plan is one of their most popular and higher-end lines. Purina, initially named Purina Mills, was founded in 1894 by a man named William H. Danforth. He established an animal feed company that eventually specialized in domestic pet food. Over the years, after being renamed and passing hands, Purina was bought by Nestl in 2001 for a whopping $10.3 billion.

Purina is known worldwide and sold in most countries, making them one of the leading pet food brands. They have multiple sites for research and production, including a dedicated animal health research center. What they learn there is implemented into their recipes. Purinas ethos is to provide specialized nutrition for all dogs and their differing dietary, size, and age needs, always based on scientific research.

Royal Canin History

Safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when feeding your pup. And just because a brand is well-known does not automatically mean they are safe. So, when looking at a brand and how safe they are for your pup, the recall history is one of the best places to look. A food recall is when the brand has taken action to remove a product from the market for safety reasons.

Food recalls are governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Recalls are typically made in three ways: by the brand themself, by FDA request, or by FDA order under statutory authority. It is important to understand how many times a brands food has been recalled and how they dealt with it. Lets take a look at their recall history and see how they compare.

Recalls

Safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when feeding your pup. And just because a brand is well-known does not automatically mean they are safe. So, when looking at a brand and how safe they are for your pup, the recall history is one of the best places to look. A food recall is where the brand has taken action to remove a product from the market for safety reasons.

Purina Pro Plan

Sources show that Purina Pro has had just one recall. This was for their wet dog food. Back in March 2016, Purina voluntarily recalled a few batches of its Beneful and Purina Pro Plan wet dog food. They discovered that they might not have contained the correct vitamin and mineral levels suggested on the labels. This is an impressive recall history, considering that they have been around for over 120 years.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin has been around for less than half the time Purina has. But unfortunately, they have had more recalls than Purina. The most notable was in 2007 when twice they had to recall their products due to melamine contamination. This was a country-wide issue that affected many pet food brands, and it concerned ingredient sourcing from China.

There was another recall in 2006, and this affected Royal Canin alone. They voluntarily recalled select batches of canned food sold exclusively at vet clinics because it was suspected that there were elevated vitamin D levels. A vet from Canada told VIN News that all companies should learn from Royal Canin and their exemplary, textbook example of how a company should handle a recall. Accidents happen, and Royal Canin proved that they take the safety of our pups seriously.

Food Ingredients

Both brands use high-quality ingredients.

Purina Pro Plan and Royal Canin both claim that they use the best quality ingredients. But unfortunately, many pet food brands use misleading labels to fool customers who dont have any prior canine nutrition knowledge. But rather than take this claim at face value, lets take a closer look into what ingredients they actually use.

Purina Pro Plan

Purina Pros is a science-led brand that hires over 500 scientists and canine nutritionists. They have several research centers, and they spend millions on finding the best recipes for our dogs. Their mission is to use only good nutrition as it has the power to improve and extend the lives of our four-legged besties.

Many canine nutritionists and critics claim that real meat should always be the first ingredient in any high-quality kibble. Purina Pro nearly always lists real meat as the first ingredient, but not always. Some formulas list grains or other ingredients first. Still, Purina Pro claims that this is only when science dictates grains are more important for the target doggy audience. Some of their recipes also use corn, wheat, and soy, which other brands claim is too harsh on doggy digestive systems. But again, science shows that this is not the case for every pup.

Purina Pro is also criticized for using meat by-products and by-product meals in some of their formulas in addition to real meats. Some nutritionists say that this is a lower-quality protein ingredient compared to real meats and meat meals. There are differing opinions on this matter. But Purina states that they do not use feathers, hide, or hair in their meat by-products, only the nutritionally beneficial animal parts such as organs and blood. Overall, if you want to feed your pooch real meats and meat meals only, Purina Pro isnt the best pick for you.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin is similar in its ingredient usage to Purina Pro. They are also led by science rather than being focused on all-natural formulas such as Blue Buffalo or Taste of the Wild. Like Purina, if this is what you are seeking, Royal Canin is not the best choice for you. But if you are comfortable trusting what science says, Royal Canin uses good quality ingredients.

Royal Canin uses meat by-products and by-product meals too. But unlike Purina, they use more meat by-products than they do real meat. Royal Canin also does not specify what they use and do not use in their by-product ingredients. They could use animal parts like feathers and beaks, which are not nutritionally beneficial. Its not entirely clear, but what is clear is that Royal Canin is not as transparent as Purina.

Like Purina, many of their recipes use corn, wheat, and soy. Royal Canin is nutrient-led rather than ingredient-led. Some of their ingredients arent natural or always agreeable with critics. But their worldwide popularity and success show that their formulas are successful and highly rated. Overall, its difficult to find many differences in the ingredients that Royal Canin and Purina Pro use.

Range Of Formulas

Like us humans, all dogs are different and have various dietary needs. This is why brands should create a wide range of formulas to cater to the different needs of their entire four-legged audience. Another important aspect for many consumers is finding a brand that offers formulas for all three doggy life stages: puppyhood, adulthood, and senior years. Lets take a closer look at how Purina Pro and Royal Canins formula ranges compare.

Puppy Formulas

Royal Canin Puppy

Made for dogs up to 12 months of age.
Made specifically for certain reeds.
Antioxidants for immune system health.
Wave-shaped kibble is easier to pick up.
Calcium boost for bones and joints.
338 calories per cup.
28% Protein, 15% Fat, 4% Fiber.

Most experts agree that the puppy life stage is the most important. This is because it lays the foundations for the rest of their lives and ensures they develop healthily. So, its important to feed your pup a formula designed for puppies. It provides growing pups with the fuel they need, thanks to extra energy and protein and supplies them with plenty of healthy omega fatty acids for best development.

But it doesnt just stop there. Small puppies need extra small pieces of kibble because the average size kibble is too large to eat. And large puppies need optimized and controlled levels of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals to prevent their bones from growing too quickly. So, brands also need a variety of puppy kibbles. Lets see how these guys compare in the puppy formula range.

Purina Pro

Purina Pro has 10 puppy products. These formulas include options for different size pups (small, medium, and large), as well as different dietary requirements and health issues such as sensitive skin and stomach. Each option lists ingredients rich in omega fatty acids, which are crucial for vision and cognitive development.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin offers a total of 23 puppy products. Many of these options are breed-specific. If you have a common breed such as a Poodle, Chihuahua, Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, or Labrador (plus many more), there are tailored breed options. There is an option for every size, including toy and giant breeds. Plus, there is a veterinary option for pups struggling with their digestive health.

Winner

The winner of the puppy formula round is Royal Canin. They have a much wider range of puppy options, and they have options for extra small pups all the way up to our giant besties. There are also breed-specific kibbles too. Some of these breed-specific options have unique kibble shapes tailored to the particular mouth shape of the dog, such as the flat muzzle of the Bulldog.

Adult Formulas

Royal Canin Adult

Tailor-made for specific breeds.
Reinforces skin barrier with nutrients.
Improves gut health and stool odor.
Supports skin and coat health.
Easy to eat for brachycephalic breeds.
277 Calories per cup.
22% Protein, 12% Fat, 4.1% Fiber.

Adulthood is the longest stage of a dogs life. Depending on the dog breed, adulthood starts between one and two years old and finishes at around seven or eight years old. Adult dogs have different dietary requirements and lifestyles, so there should be more variety than in puppyhood. Lets see how Purina Pro and Royal Canin compare.

Purina Pro

Purina Pro has 23 kibble options for adult dogs. These cover a wide range of sizes, including giant and toy pups and different dietary needs and flavors. For adults with an active lifestyle, there are also higher protein diets for working or performing dogs. Weight management kibble is available for adults needing assistance to manage their weight. Ailment-specific kibbles are available for those with sensitive skin and stomachs. There are three main proteins in the adult range: chicken, salmon, and lamb, all in a mixture of grain-free and grain-inclusive choices.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin has a huge variety of 96 kibble choices for adult dogs. Every sized pooch is covered here, with options for extra small and toy, all the way up to giant doggos. Chicken, fish, and beef are the three main protein options, with one option for other flavors, including duck, kangaroo, rabbit, veggie, and venison.

There are 40 veterinary options, so its easy to see why Royal Canin is a top choice for veterinary practices worldwide. Limited ingredient diets, pea-free, chicken-free, sensitive digestion, high-protein, and low-protein kibbles are also available for the varying needs of all adult dogs.

Winner

The award for best adult formula range goes to Royal Canin. They have over four times as many options for adults. There are lots of choices, and kibble picks for small pups up to gentle giants as well as breed-specific options that are hugely popular with dog owners. However, its worth noting that almost half of the adult options require a veterinary prescription, so they arent available for every dog.

Senior Formulas

Royal Canin Senior

Precise nutrition is specifically made for older dogs.
Supports natural defenses for immune support with a blend of antioxidants and prebiotics.
Maintains healthy skin and coat health with optimal levels of EPA and DHA.
Promotes healthy digestion with easy-to-digest proteins and a balanced supply of fiber.
Exclusive kibble design encourages chewing and has a palatability dogs love.

Senior dogs need less energy and more supplements than adult dogs to keep them feeling their best. To prevent weight gain, senior kibbles should have higher glucosamine levels to support joint health and less energy and fats. Lets take a look at Purina Pro and Royal Canins senior picks.

Purina Pro

There are four senior-specific Purina Pro kibble options. There is a generic kibble for most senior dogs that is called complete essentials. There is one option for small pups and one for large breeds. And the last option is called brighter minds, a kibble infused with botanical oils to keep cognitive function sharp. Its worth noting that Purina Pro is averagely higher in fats and energy than other brands and their senior offerings. This means that if you have an inactive senior, Purina Pro might not be the best pick for this reason alone.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin has a total of 11 senior-specific kibbles. Again, all sizes are covered except for giant breeds this time. There are two veterinary prescription diets and two breed-specific kibbles. There are also options for senior dogs aged 8+, 10+, and 12+, with each pick, gradually becoming less rich for aging digestive systems.

Winner

Again, Royal Canin wins the senior formula round. They have more options and cover more sizes. Plus, there are different kibble picks depending on age, making it slightly more tailored than Purina Pro.

Canned Food

Royal Canin Canned Food

Every nutrient included in this diet has a specific purpose that contributes to helping your dog maintain optimal health and wellness.
Vitamins, amino acids, and powerful antioxidants work together to nourish your dogs skin and coat, as well as support healthy nervous system function.
Highly palatable loaf-style meal in sauce provides supreme taste and texture.

Dried kibble is not always the best choice for some dogs. Some dogs need a mixture of both, either because they cannot crunch the biscuits due to poor dental health or age. Or because it helps with dehydration. And some dogs are just a little bit fussy and prefer wet food. Whatever the reason, lets see what each brand offers in terms of wet food.

Purina Pro

Purina Pro offers 46 canned food options. There is a wide selection of proteins to choose from, including beef, chicken, turkey, and fish. Their wet food ensures that puppies, adults, and seniors are catered for.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin offers 73 wet food options that complement their wide range of dried kibbles. 24 of these options require a veterinary prescription. But puppies, adults, and seniors are catered for, as well as breed-specific options as before. The main wet food options are chicken, pork, and beef.

Winner

Once again, Royal Canin winsthe wet food round thanks to their wider selection.

Final Thoughts

Purina Pro Plan and Royal Canin are both high-quality brands that are very popular with dog owners worldwide. Royal Canin seemingly won the rounds relating to their range of formulas. Still, its worth noting that Purina Pro is just one line of Purinas. Purina Pro is a generally higher protein range that uses more real meats than Royal Canin. However, Royal Canin has more health-specific options and caters to more sizes and dog breeds than Purina.

Ultimately, picking between these brands all comes down to what your pup needs. They are both a great choice for those who prefer to rely on science rather than an all-natural doggy diet. But overall, both of these brands are highly rated by consumers and canine nutritionists alike.