Royal Canin
Maltese Adult
Rating
Is Royal Canin Maltese Adult dry dog food good?
Royal Canin Maltese Adult is a dry dog food rated 1.5 stars, with moderate ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. Real muscle meat appears as a primary protein source, supported by whole-food ingredients. However, animal by-products make up a significant share of the protein. This recipe is free from Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Shellfish but contains Gluten grains, Poultry, Red meat, Fish, Unknown Poultry Meal.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies heavily on animal by-products, which can vary in quality.
- Uses more animal by-products than muscle meat as protein sources.
- Some non-animal ingredients are not clearly identified, which reduces formula transparency.
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Protein 24%
- Fat 18%
- Est. Carbs 46%
- Fiber 4%
- Ash 8%
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 22%
- Fat 16%
- Est. Carbs 42%
- Fiber 3%
- Moisture 10%
- Ash 7%
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Low (24% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. Some lower-activity adult dogs may do fine on lower-protein complete foods, but growth, pregnancy, nursing, and medical needs change the answer.
- Fat is High (18% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.
Ingredients Analysis
51 of 51 matched
-
1 Brewers Rice
CarbsDescription
Small milled fragments (5/164 of an inch) of rice kernels that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. “Dust” and “floor sweepings” from rice.
Why Concerned?
A common filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
-
2 Corn
CarbsDescription
A grain that is often referred as "cheap filler" in pet foods, mainly due to its high carbs content and low to moderate nutrition profile.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Allergen Concern
One of the most reported ingredients to be the likely cause of allergies. This could be due to the undiscovered contaminants within corns. Contrary to the real situation, studies show that the chance of getting corn allergy is 14% and only accounts for 3% of allergies.
Digestion Concern
It is high in cellulose, which is an insoluble fiber that is hard to digest.
-
3 Chicken By-product Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A meat meal made of chicken parts leftover after muscle meat is removed in the slaughterhouse. It could include anything from necks, undeveloped eggs, feet, and internal organs.
Why Notice?
An inexpensive, low-quality animal protein source with low digestibility compared to normal muscle meats. By-products are often seen in inferior grade pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Could be made from any animals, including "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter). Contaminated meats can lead to severe illnesses.
-
4 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
-
5 Wheat Gluten
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Protein concentrate made by removing the starch of wheat flour, it contains around 70% plant protein.
Why Notice?
High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.
Allergen Concern
Contains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
Digestion Concern
Gluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach. A high level of plant-based protein is not easily digestible.
-
6 Pork Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of pork, a meat concentrate that could contain 400% more protein than fresh pork. It is an excellent amount of vitamin B1. Compared to beef and chicken, pork has the highest fat content.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
7 Natural Flavors
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
-
8 Dried Chicory Root
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
-
9 Vegetable Oil
FatDescription
Could be oil extracted from any type of vegetables, usually refer to less appealing oils like grapeseed or corn oil, as a substitute for more expensive and nutritious like animal fats.
Why Concerned?
Unspecified plant products made of unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Without specifying the source, by-products and contaminated plant parts could be used to produce unnamed plant products.
-
10 Fish Oil
FatDescription
Oil derived from fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA.
Why Concerned?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
-
11 Grain Distillers Dried Yeast
SupplementDescription
A yeast by-product from grain distillation, a source of B vitamins and protein.
-
12 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
-
13 Sodium Silicoaluminate
(Detected): sodium silico aluminate
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic ingredient with low bulk density and high water absorption, used as an anticaking agent or free-flowing agent in food.
-
14 Dl-alpha Tocopherol Acetate
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
-
15 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
-
16 L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
-
17 D-calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
18 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
-
19 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
-
20 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
-
21 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
-
22 Vitamin A Acetate
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
-
23 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
-
24 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
-
25 Vitamin D3 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
-
26 Salt
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
-
27 Fructo-oligo-saccharides
(Detected): fructooligosaccharides
PrebioticsDescription
Known as FOS, a type of fiber derived from chicory roots, beets, or cane. It is added as prebiotics for good bacteria growth in the colon, which aids digestion.
-
28 Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Food AdditiveDescription
A chemical compound used as a food preservative by maintaining moisture in pet foods, making them remain fresher for longer times.
Why Notice?
A food additive that might cause health issues.
Uncertain/Risky
US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has listed it as a possible neurotoxin and irritant to skin.
-
29 Monocalcium Phosphate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of phosphate, has 5 - 15% less absorption rate compared to the organic form. Phosphorus is essential for various body functions, especially critical to maintain normal metabolism.
-
30 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
-
31 Dl-methionine
SupplementDescription
Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.
Why Concerned?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.
-
32 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
-
33 Calcium Carbonate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
34 Marigold Extract
CarbsDescription
Known as calendula, a flowering plant often used to make tea or herbal medicine. It is packed with antioxidants, and research shows that it reduces oxidative stress from the consumption of MSG (flavor enhancer found in many pet foods).
-
35 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
36 Zinc Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
37 Ferrous Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
38 Manganese Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
-
39 Manganese Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
-
40 Copper Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
41 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
42 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
-
43 Copper Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
44 Manganese Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
-
45 L-lysine
SupplementDescription
One of the essential amino acids that dogs and cats cannot produce by themselves therefore must be obtained from the diet. Usually, pet foods with a high amount of meat and legumes do not require this supplement as they are high in lysine naturally.
-
46 Glucosamine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
The most common joint supplement for reducing the level of pain and inflammation.
-
47 Green Tea Extract
OthersDescription
One of the most healthy tea in the world. It contains catechins, which are natural antioxidants that help prevent radical damages to the body and offer many health benefits.
-
48 Chondroitin Sulfate
SupplementDescription
Derived from animal parts containing cartilage, as a supplement to support joint health.
-
49 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
-
50 Mixed Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
-
51 Citric Acid
Food AdditiveDescription
A common additive used for fat preservation. It is commonly found in citrus fruit like lemons and limes.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that might cause health issues.
Digestion Concern
Research suggests that dogs consumed dry foods containing citric acid as a preservative have a 200% increased risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloating). However, more research is required to make a solid conclusion.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Chicken By-product Meal appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein signal: Wheat Gluten may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Chicken By-product Meal, Wheat Gluten, Sodium Tripolyphosphate.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Chicken By-product Meal, Vegetable Oil, Sodium Tripolyphosphate have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible allergy triggers: Corn, Wheat Gluten have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
Low- Named 33%
- By-products 67%
Low clarity: only 33% of Royal Canin Maltese Adult's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named. 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 67% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and spot allergens; vague ones don't.
Contributing ingredients
Named
By-products
Animal Protein
Moderate- Animal 60%
- Plant concentrate 40%
Mixed protein sources in Royal Canin Maltese Adult: 60% animal, 0% whole plants, and 40% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant concentrate
Royal Canin Maltese Adult dry dog food Review
Royal Canin Maltese Adult scores 1.5 stars on this analysis, with moderate ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. There are several concerns in this label that may make it a poor fit.
Avoid if
- Your pet has a grain or gluten sensitivity
- You need to know the exact animal source of every protein
- Ingredient transparency is non-negotiable
Key takeaways
- Animal by-products account for 67% of the protein, which can vary in quality.
- Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Wheat Gluten.
- Contains common allergens: Gluten grains, Poultry, Red meat, Fish, Unknown Poultry Meal.
- On a dry-matter basis: 24% protein, 18% fat, 46% estimated carbohydrates.
- 60% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
Frequently asked questions
Is Royal Canin Maltese Adult good for dogs?
This recipe scored 1.5 stars, with moderate ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. Worth understanding the concerns before choosing it for your dog.
Does Royal Canin Maltese Adult contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Royal Canin Maltese Adult doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Royal Canin Maltese Adult contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, Royal Canin Maltese Adult doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Royal Canin Maltese Adult contain Legumes?
No — based on the ingredient list, Royal Canin Maltese Adult doesn't include Legumes or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Royal Canin Maltese Adult contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Royal Canin Maltese Adult doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Royal Canin Maltese Adult grain-free?
No — the recipe contains Gluten grains.
What are the main protein sources in Royal Canin Maltese Adult?
The top animal proteins are Pork Meal — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
