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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?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 10th, 2018
2Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
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