Royal Canin
Medium Puppy
Rating
Is Royal Canin Medium Puppy dry dog food good?
Royal Canin Medium Puppy is a dry dog food rated 0.5 stars, with low ingredient transparency and limited animal protein content. However, several animal ingredients are described in generic terms, which reduces sourcing transparency. This recipe is free from Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Gluten grains, Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Contains several unnamed animal ingredients, which reduces ingredient transparency.
- 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 36%
- Fat 22%
- Est. Carbs 31%
- Fiber 2%
- Ash 9%
Moisture (11%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 32%
- Fat 20%
- Est. Carbs 28%
- Fiber 2%
- Moisture 11%
- Ash 8%
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (36% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. For many healthy dogs, this can support muscle maintenance, though dogs with kidney disease or other medical conditions should follow vet-guided diet targets.
- Fat is Super High (22% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is very energy-dense and may fit some working or underweight dogs, while dogs with pancreatitis history need veterinary guidance.
Ingredients Analysis
31 of 31 matched
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1 Dehydrated Poultry Protein
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of unnamed poultry products, a meat concentrate that could contain 400% more protein than fresh form. Poultry is a generic name that could include any domestic fowl like chicken, turkey, or duck of any condition.
Why Notice?
Often times generic name like poultry is used to cover the inferior meat quality from unknown sources, commonly found in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed poultry products could be made of "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), turkey, chicken, roadkill, birds, which are not safe for consumption.
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2 Animal Fat
FatDescription
Leftover fat during the production of unknown animal meat meal.
Why Notice?
Unspecified animal products from unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality 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.
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3 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.
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4 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.
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5 Beet Pulp
CarbsDescription
The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
Why Concerned?
Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
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6 Wheat Bran Flour
CarbsDescription
Flour from wheat bran, a source of fiber with gluten.
Why Concerned?
A common filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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7 Corn Gluten
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Produced during wet milling of corn by separating protein from the starch. It contains 60% of protein, a relatively inexpensive source to boost up the protein level of pet foods.
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
Made with corn, which is 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
A high dose of plant-based protein is hard for digestion and offers much less biological value (less absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.
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8 Rice
CarbsDescription
Without its bran and germ (the main source of nutrients), white rice is considered as "empty carbs".
Why Concerned?
A common filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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9 Wheat
CarbsDescription
The most common inexpensive filler in lower-grade pet foods. Other than carbs and fiber, it does not contain important nutrients for dogs / cats.
Why Concerned?
A common filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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.
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10 Hydrolyzed Poultry Protein
Animal ProteinDescription
Hydrolyzed protein from poultry sources, broken down for improved digestibility.
Why Concerned?
Unnamed poultry source makes it difficult to identify specific protein origin.
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11 Minerals
SupplementDescription
A general term for mineral supplementation, specific sources not identified.
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12 Corn Flour
CarbsDescription
Finely ground corn, used as a carbohydrate source and binder.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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13 Soybean Oil
FatDescription
The oil extracted from soybeans, an inferior option as it contains more saturated fats than the majority of vegetable oils.
Why Concerned?
A controversial, less optimal choice of fat.
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14 Yeast Products
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
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15 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.
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16 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.
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17 Hydrolyzed Yeast
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
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18 Schizochytrium Oil
FatDescription
Oil from Schizochytrium algae, a plant-based source of DHA omega-3 fatty acids.
Why Prefer?
A quality plant-based source of DHA omega-3 fatty acids.
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19 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).
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20 Yucca Juice
Food AdditiveDescription
Juice extracted from yucca plant, used to reduce stool odor.
Why Prefer?
Yucca is known for reducing stool and urine odor in pets.
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21 Vitamin A
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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22 Vitamin D3
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).
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23 Iron
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.
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24 Iodine
SupplementDescription
Supplement for iodine, a rare mineral essential for healthy thyroid function, usually found in seaweed.
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25 Copper
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.
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26 Manganese
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.
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27 Zinc
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.
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28 Selenium
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of selenium, has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential to protect the body from oxidative damage by free radicals.
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29 Zeolite Powder
Food AdditiveDescription
A natural mineral powder used as a toxin binder and digestive aid.
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30 Preservative
(Detected): Preservatives
Food AdditiveDescription
A food preservative to extend shelf life.
Why Concerned?
An unnamed preservative - the specific compound is not disclosed.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed preservatives may include controversial compounds.
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31 Anti-oxidants
(Detected): Antioxidants
SupplementDescription
Helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals caused by oxidative stress.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Dehydrated Poultry Protein, Hydrolyzed Poultry Protein appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein signal: Wheat Gluten, Corn Gluten may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Dehydrated Poultry Protein, Animal Fat, Wheat Gluten.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Dehydrated Poultry Protein, Animal Fat, Preservative have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible allergy triggers: Wheat Gluten, Corn, Corn Gluten, and 1 more have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
Low- Unnamed 100%
Low clarity: only 0% of Royal Canin Medium Puppy's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named. 100% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and spot allergens; vague ones don't.
Contributing ingredients
Unnamed
Animal Protein
Low- Animal 44%
- Plant concentrate 55%
- Auxiliary 1%
Protein in Royal Canin Medium Puppy leans on plant signals: only 44% comes from animal sources, while plant-protein concentrates make up 55% and whole plant proteins 0%. Plant concentrates like pea or soy isolate are cheap protein boosters but lack the amino-acid profile pets need from meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant concentrate
Auxiliary
Royal Canin Medium Puppy dry dog food Review
Royal Canin Medium Puppy scores 0.5 stars on this analysis, with low ingredient transparency and limited 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're avoiding legumes
- Ingredient transparency is non-negotiable
Key takeaways
- Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Wheat Gluten, Corn Gluten.
- Contains common allergens: Gluten grains, Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 36% protein, 22% fat, 31% estimated carbohydrates.
- Free from Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
- Overall rating: 0.5 stars, based on transparency, protein source, and macro balance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Royal Canin Medium Puppy good for dogs?
This recipe scored 0.5 stars, with low ingredient transparency and limited animal protein content. Worth understanding the concerns before choosing it for your dog.
Does Royal Canin Medium Puppy contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Royal Canin Medium Puppy doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Royal Canin Medium Puppy contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, Royal Canin Medium Puppy doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Royal Canin Medium Puppy contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Royal Canin Medium Puppy contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Royal Canin Medium Puppy contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Royal Canin Medium Puppy doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Royal Canin Medium Puppy grain-free?
No — the recipe contains Gluten grains.
What are the main protein sources in Royal Canin Medium Puppy?
Animal proteins include Dehydrated Poultry Protein, Hydrolyzed Poultry Protein, though some are listed in generic terms rather than by species.
