Which food is better than Royal Canin

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated May 15, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Royal Canin vs. Hills: Battle of Pet Food Giants

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Royal Canin vs. Hills: Battle of Pet Food Giants

In this article, I will compare Royal Canin vs. Hills Science Diet in several categories so that you can find which brand is better for you and your beastfriend. Although there are hundreds of pet food swamping the market, these two brands remain the top contenders.

After reading this face to face comparison between Royal Canin vs. Hills Science Diet, you will attain a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each brand. The goal of this article is to provide you as much information you need before you make changes to your pets diet.

Quick Summary

Royal Canin vs. Hills Science Diet: Main Differences

Protein Content

The majority of

Royal Canin products offer more protein than Hills Science Diet

. However, the latter does lead when it comes to dry cat foods.

My only gripe is that Royal Canin mostly uses chicken meal and meat by-product meals on their recipes. Chicken meal is believed to be a rendered product from a combination of chicken flesh and bone. Although chicken meals offer 4x the amount of protein than lean chicken meat, many owners are suspicious of this ingredient.

On the other hand, Hills Science Diet uses lean meat as much as possible for their products.

Variety

As Royal Canin and Hills grew, so are their food selections.

Royal Canin

has developed a total of

273 flavors

through the years, which is

more than twice compared to what Hills

have made.

Apparently, some of these formulas have already been phased out. Nevertheless, you can still find plenty of choices that will deliver optimum nutrition tailored to your pets health regardless of its breed, age, or lifestyle. Bear in mind that some diets need a vets prescription.

Number of Recalls

Hills Science Diet has been recalled once, whereas Royal Canin had three different recalls.

Price Point

Although the prices of Royal Canins and Hills pet food products vary, both brands are still considered fairly expensive in general. But between the two, you can expect a little more change if you buy Hills Science Diet products.

Comparing Brand Histories

When you decide to make a long-term change of your dogs diet, it pays to look at the background of the brand. Getting a deeper look into the history of a brand can tell us many things about their manufacturing processes and what potential benefits (or risks) it provides our four-legged friends.

Hills Science Diet

The history of Hills Corporation all started with Morris Frank and his companion, Buddy. Frank was visually impaired and needed the assistance of Buddy.

Unfortunately, his canine buddy suffered kidney failure, and so, he sought help from a vet named Dr. Mark Morris. The said vet had already researched the impact of poor diet on dogs and tailored a specific diet for Buddy.

Fortunately, Dr. Morris theory is right, and he had helped Buddy to live a longer life. Consequently, his recipe became in-demand since dog owners used it as a health supplement to ease and remedy certain conditions.

Dr. Morris partnered with the Hill Company to manufacture and package his foods.

Overtime, Dr. Morris successor turned renamed the company Hills Science Diet. The Colgate-Palmolive group currently owns the company.

Royal Canin vs. Hills Dry Cat Food

Comparisson Table

Weight	Special Diet	Main ingredient	Recommended For	Price
15.0 pounds	Indoor	Chicken meal	Adult	Check Price
14.0 pounds	High-Protein, Indoor, Weight Control, Pea-Free	Chicken meal	Adult	Check Price
15.5 pounds	Sensitive Digestion, Pea-Free	Chicken meat	Adult	Check Price
15.5 pounds	Indoor	Chicken meat	Adult	Check Price

Anyone living with indoor cats is often greeted with a terrible mess in the morning juicy hairballs and poop smells galore. Unless your vet recommends your kitty a special diet, the Royal Canin Indoor Adult dry cat food would be an excellent staple food. This kibble is designed exclusively

for indoor adult cats that are seven years old or younger

Since the formula only has a moderate fat content, it is best served for cats with low activity levels. Likewise, the fiber-rich formula helps control hairball formation in the gut since it encourages peristaltic movement and speeds up elimination. Many cat owners have also attested that this premium cat food is effective in reducing stool odor.

The Royal Canin Indoor Adult cat food also aims to nourish the skin and improve your cats fur. Since house cats are sheltered from temperature and daylight variations, it helps to feed your pet a diet enriched with essential fatty acids.

PROS:

Promotes digestion, preventing diarrhea and constipation
Reduces stool odor and quantity
Helps control hairball formation in the stomach
Features a moderate fat content to avoid unhealthy weight gain
Suitable for indoor adult cats age 1 7 years old
Triangular-shaped kibbles help remove tartar

CONS:

May not be suitable for cats with allergies or food intolerance to grains
Chicken meal is the main protein source, not real meat

Tabbies with a body condition score of 6/9 are already veering to the chubby side. By switching to the Royal Canin Weight Care dry cat food for at least two months, you can prevent your cat from becoming obese.

This tasty kibble delivers complete and balanced nutrition, and given that this recipe is delicious, your cat will love it to bits! Still, you can rest assured your cat will lose weight.

The formula features a fiber blend to help your whiskered friend full for long. Likewise, it includes L-carnitine, which promotes fat metabolism.

Moreover, this cat food has less fat per portion and a high ratio of proteins that support lean muscle mass. Each cup of this kibble only provides 255 kCal. Once your cat has reached its ideal weight using this food, you can switch to its regular diet.

PROS:

Offers complete and balanced nutrition, but fewer calories
Includes L-carnitine for its positive metabolic effects
Contains a fiber blend to make cats feel full longer and lessen food cravings
Features an adapted protein content to maintain muscle mass
A fantastic option for overweight cats that need to lose weight

CONS:

Contains grains that may trigger an allergic reaction to some cats
The kibbles main source of protein is chicken meal, not real meat

As the name suggests, this formula

focuses on improving digestive health

. It likewise conditions the skin and coat of our feline companions. The Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin features an exclusive blend of

omega-6 fatty acids

and other nutrients to help mitigate a variety of skin problems.

This delicious recipe is likewise highly digestible to benefit adult cats with sensitive stomachs. It contains prebiotic fiber to fuel gut-friendly bacteria, strengthen gut integrity, and promote better nutrient absorption.

Compared to Royal Canin, it uses chicken meat as the key source of protein, instead of chicken meal. Although the latter is a concentrated form of protein, Hills suggests that finicky eaters would prefer the taste of real, whole meat.

PROS:

Chicken meat is the #1 ingredient
Does not contain chicken by-product meals
Features an exclusive blend of essential fatty acids for nourishing the skin and coat
Fiber-rich recipe improves digestive health
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
100% free of artificial ingredients, additives, and colors
Proudly made in America

CONS:

Contains grains and gluten that some cat owners are leery of
Some owners complained that it causes weight gain

If you are a strong follower of Hills, you are probably aware that this recipe has made quite a few changes in the past. This time, the protein content boosted from 29.5% to 31%, and likewise, the fat content has been lowered to 13% from 16%. Hills has also kept the calorie count low at

319 kCal

per cup, making it suitable for

less active cats

that prefer the confines of their home.

The Hills Science Diet Indoor Adult dry cat food features chicken meat as its main ingredient. Its formula includes fish oil to provide cats an adequate amount of essential fatty acids. Although Hills has always refrained from artificial ingredients, colors, and preservatives, this recipe still includes grains and gluten meals.

Nevertheless, this formula should provide well-balanced nutrition to cats that dont have grain-related sensitivities. Many cat owners find this formula particularly effective at reducing hairball formation. The reviewers also noted how this food provided positive effects on digestion and bowel movements.

Furthermore, this chicken and rice recipe comes with a variant suitable for senior cats.

PROS:

Chicken meat is the #1 ingredient
Fish oil is added for its omega-3 fatty acids
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
Promotes proper digestion and bowel movements
Reduces hairball formation
Suitable for less active cats and those prone to weight gain
Does not include chicken by-product meals
100% free of artificial ingredients, additives, and colors
Proudly made in America

CONS:

Contains controversial ingredients, such as corn and gluten

Royal Canin vs. Hills Dog Food

Comparisson Table

Weight	Special Diet	Main ingredient	Recommended For	Price
28.6 pounds	Sensitive Digestion, Weight Control, Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet	Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal	Adult	Check Price
30.0 pounds	N/A	Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal	Adult	Check Price
35.0 pounds	N/A	Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice	Adult	Check Price
30.0 pounds	Sensitive Digestion	Chicken, brewers rice	Adult	Check Price
25.0 pounds	Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet	Cereals, meat and derivatives animals	Adult	Check Price
28.5 pounds	Weight Control, N/A	Chicken	Adult	Check Price

The Gastrointestinal product line of Royal Canin includes five dry dog foods, each of which is designed for

canines with digestive issues

. As for this review, I will focus on the Low-Fat formula to represent other products in the line.

Vets often recommend the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low-Fat dry for dogs that have either been sick or have had surgery because it is easy on the stomach.

Although the formula is low in fat, it supplies just the right amount of calories to keep your pooch going. Likewise, it has a rich aroma and flavor to encourage a dog to eat.

Moreover, this formula includes prebiotics to improve the gut flora and enhance the overall health of your pet. A blend of dietary fibers also supports digestion and proper bowel movement.

PROS:

Has a low-fat content, which is ideal for dogs that struggle digesting fat
Features a mix of digestible proteins and fibers
Fortified with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil
Supplies vitamin E and ascorbic acid

CONS:

Uses chicken by-product meal

Royal Canin has tailored this recipe for the best interest of German Shepherds that are

over 15 months old

. Since GSDs tend to have sensitive tummies, Royal Canin

used highly digestible LIP proteins and a fiber blend

to limit intestinal acidity and help maintain the gut flora.

This dog food also aims to keep the quality of the skin and coat in tiptop condition with its exclusive complex of nutrients.

Likewise, it contains EPA and DHA that promotes cardiovascular health and mobility.

Royal Canin also made sure that the shape and texture of the kibble are suitable for the long, strong muzzle and equally strong teeth of the German Shepherd.

PROS:

Formulated for the needs of a 15-month-old German Shepherd or older
Supports digestive health, skin and coat, hip and joints
Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids to support a healthy cardiovascular system and joints
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
Made with digestible proteins and specific fibers for easy digestion
The kibble size and shape is designed for easy pickup and to encourage chewing

CONS:

Meat is not the #1 ingredient
Uses chicken by-product meal instead of lean meat as its source of protein
Not suitable for GSDs that are sensitive to grains

While there isnt a breed that is superior to the rest, there are many reasons why humans seem to love big dogs more. However, large breeds also have bigger needs than their smaller counterparts.

Our powerful, big-hearted canines tend to fall victim to digestive issues, joint pain, and cardiac problems, among others. Royal Canin intends to prevent these problems by suggesting owners to feed their dogs the Health Nutrition Formula for Large Adults.

Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids combined with glucosamine, it effectively limits inflammation of the joints. At the same time, it provides bone and joint support to delay the onset of arthritis.

However, this dog food seems to have a high amount of carbohydrates compared to its protein and fat content. Hence, it is best served for active dogs.

PROS:

Contains dietary fiber to promote proper digestion and bowel movement
Fortified with EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) for joint support, heart health, and nice-looking coat
Provides hip and joint support
Ideal for large breeds over 15 months weighing between 56 and 99 pounds

CONS:

Contains grains and gluten meal that some owners are wary of
Chicken by-product meal is the main protein source, not lean meat
Has a high carb to protein and fat ratio

As the name hints, this kibble is formulated for dogs that struggle to digest food or their skin is affected by certain ingredients from their current diet.

This formula contains prebiotic fiber to restore the gut flora, which in turn, improves digestion, nutrient absorbency, and bowel movement. Likewise, this recipe supplies vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids in generous amounts to nourish the skin and give your pooch a lovelier coat.

You can guarantee that the flavor is just as rich as the benefits this kibble provides. Made with real chicken, it delivers a rich protein source to promote strong, lean muscles.

But at 382 kcal per cup, this product has a somewhat high amount of calories. Therefore, you must feed your canine buddy the right amount to prevent weight gain.

PROS:

Chicken is the #1 ingredient
Does not contain meat by-products
Made with fibrous fruits and vegetables to encourage proper digestion and bowel movement
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
Not artificially flavored, colored, or preserved
Made in strictly regulated USA facilities

CONS:

High in calories
Not suitable for dogs that are intolerant of grains

Food sensitivities can result in many skin, coat, and ear conditions.

Intolerance to certain food ingredients can also lead to stomach upset. That is why Hills nutritionists and veterinarians developed this formula for dogs that often suffer these issues.

This kibble is clinically proven to help avoid adverse reactions to certain ingredients. Moreover, it comes with the S+OXSHIELD seal of confidence, and thus, it meets specific nutrient standards shown to promote a urinary environment that minimizes struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.

PROS:

Improves digestive health and normalizes stool
Contains high levels of vitamin E and essential fatty acids
Eliminates food-related skin problems
Contains highly hydrolyzed animal protein and a single purified carbohydrate source
Rich in fiber and antioxidants
Does not contain pea proteins
Offers the same delicious taste that dogs love
Made in strictly regulated USA facilities

CONS:

Requires a vets prescription when buying in-store or online
Supplies less proteins

Putting our dogs in a calorie-restricted diet is a challenge for every owner. That is why Hills crafted a delicious recipe that provides

optimum nutrition for adult dogs

that need to be mindful of their weight.

Each cup of this kibble provides 291 kCal per calories. Results are achieved within just 10 weeks of feeding your pooch this breakthrough weight management nutrition. Made with real chicken meat and fortified with amino acids, it supports muscle maintenance just as well.

PROS:

Chicken meat is the #1 ingredient
Formulated to help dogs lose excess weight
Fortified with vitamins and minerals for brain health and immune support
Does not include chicken by-product meals
100% free of artificial ingredients, additives, and colors
Made in strictly regulated USA facilities

CONS:

Not suitable for dogs that are intolerant of grains

Royal Canin vs. Hills Science Diet: Face to Face Comparison

Nutritional Value

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) mandated pet food companies to disclose the guaranteed analysis of the nutritional content of their products.

The guaranteed analysis provides percentages of crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber.

Royal Canin Dog Food	Royal Canin Cat Food	Hills Science Diet Dog Food	Hills Science Diet Cat Food
Protein (Dry Food)	26.5%	33.4%	24.5%	35.2%
Protein (Wet Food)	29.8%	45.4%	25.8%	38.5%
Fat (Dry Food)	15.4%	14.8%	14.8%	18.3%
Fat (Wet Food)	15.7%	14.1%	17.1%	22.0%
Fiber (Dry Food)	5.3%	7.2%	4.3%	5.8%
Fiber (Wet Food)	3.3%	4.4%	10.5%	10.7%

Our canine and feline companions need amino acids. Also known as the building blocks of the body, they build muscles, regenerate damaged tissues, as well as keep hair, skin, and ligaments in optimum condition. Unlike carbohydrates, amino acids sustain our pets with energy throughout the day without causing unhealthy weight gain.

The best way to satisfy this requirement is to feed your pet a high-protein diet obtained from whole meat, such as lamb and chicken. Keep in mind that the amount of protein required by our pets depends on their breed, life stage, and activity level. Felines, which are obligate carnivores, need more protein because their metabolism is different compared to omnivorous canines.

As seen in the table above, Royal Canin comes out on top for protein content.

Fat

According to PetMD, fat is a macronutrient that serves as a concentrated source of energy, and it plays many intricate roles in the body. Fat is required for the proper development and performance of cells, tissues, nerves, and muscles. Additionally, fat helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K.

There are various types of fats present in pet food, and they are either obtained from meat and plant sources, such as oils, seeds, and nuts. Fats add structure to pet food, and they are partly responsible for its taste and aroma.

Although fat is essential, your pets diet should have a higher protein to fat ratio. Otherwise, your pet will absorb the calories rather than the nutrients, which could lead to weight gain. When it comes to the fat content, Royal Canin and Hills provide almost the same percentage of fat in their products.

You want to take note of the current weight and activity level of your pet, as these factors influence his fat intake. If you have an overweight cat or dog, the amount considered normal for healthy, active pets may be too much for your pet.

Fiber

Fiber is a form of indigestible carbohydrate that benefits indoor pets in many ways. Dietary fiber bulks up the stool by absorbing water.

By solidifying watery stools and speeding up elimination, it prevents diarrhea and constipation.

A fibrous diet also lowers the risk of obesity since it keeps cats and dogs feeling full for a long period.

We can see in the table above that Hills has almost 0.5% more fiber than Royal Canin.

Flavors and Ingredients

Royal Canin and Hills have developed a wide variety of pet food flavors over the years, but it seems both companies strived to offer more variants of dog food.

Category	Royal Canin	Hills Science Diet
Dry Dog Food	129 recipes	52 recipes
Wet Dog Food	37 recipes	30 recipes
Dog Treats	5 treats	15 treats
Dry Cat Food	52 recipes	18 recipes
Wet Cat Food	45 recipes	19 recipes
Treats	5 treats	-

Variety is the spice of life, and this holds true for pet food. Our feline and canine companions also want their taste buds tickled, and some pets are allergic to common proteins, such as chicken and beef. Given the preferences of a finicky eater, they would eat novel meats.

Both brands also offer grain-free recipes.

Although Royal Canin and Hills both use premium-quality ingredients, both companies added certain ingredients to their formulas that are controversial for some pet owners. Both brands use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:

Caramel
Corn flour
Pea protein
Pork plasma
Brewers rice
Wheat gluten
Tomato pomace
Corn gluten meal
Pork by-products
Powdered cellulose
Dried tomato pomace
Soybean protein isolate

The following are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Hills:

Liver
Iron oxide
Poultry fat
Animal liver
Caramel color
Beef by-products
Whole grain corn
Whole grain wheat
Pea protein concentrate

Regardless, Royal Canin and Hills insist that these ingredients are safe. What do you think?

Product Safety and Recalls

Recalls can still happen even for pet food giants, such as Royal Canin and Hills Science Diet. Generally, companies make scheduled recalls on their products that may have safety issues. The importance of a recall is to perform further tests to ensure that a certain product is safe for consumption.

In 2007, Royal Canin had two recalls for melamine contamination, and these products are:

KASCO Foods
Royal Canin Veterinary Dry Dog Food
Sensible Choice Dry Dog Food

Hills had several recalls involving their products. In 2019, Hills had three recalls due to the following products:

Prescription Diet
Science Diet Puppy
Science Diet Adult

Additionally, 62 bags of food shipped to Hawaii, California, and Nevada were suspected of Salmonella poisoning back in 2014.

Cost

Royal Canin and Hills Science Diet are top-of-the-line pet food brands. But if you want more change in your pocket for toys and treats, you may want to consider Hills Science Diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Royal Canin so expensive?

Royal Canin is considerably higher-priced compared to other brands, although many of its products have similar ingredient lists with its cheaper counterparts.

Royal Canin remains on the expensive side because the company is high-quality in terms of research, employing multiple nutritionists and veterinarians to create different lines of pet food. To put it simply, you are also paying for the brand status of the food your pet is eating.

What dog food is comparable to Royal Canin?

Dog owners and amateur experts are always comparing Royal Canin vs. Hills Science Diet not only because the two have similar price points, but also because these are the only brands that vets recommend when your pet needs a specialized diet.

Why do veterinarians recommend Science Diet?

Veterinarians also promote Hills Science Diet because the company produces pet foods that went through extensive research and testing to ensure the safety and quality of their products.

Is Hills Science Diet a good brand?

Hills Science Diet is a well-respected brand that has continued to cement its place in veterinarian offices worldwide.

Conclusion

Both Royal Canin and Hills Science Diet have well-respected histories and share similar manufacturing processes.

Overall, I am giving Royal Canin and Hills Science Diet high marks, particularly for their prescription diets that receive vet recognition worldwide.

However, keeping up with the costs can be a struggle for the average pet owner. So unless your pooch has been diagnosed with a specific illness that needs a prescription diet, you might want to consider other options at a lower price.

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