Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult 5+ Review

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Review of Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult 5+

According to our data, this Royal Canin recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult 5+ is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult 5+, we'll examine all 53 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.

  2. Corn is a carbohydrate source that provides energy to your dog. It also contains essential antioxidants, fiber, and B vitamins.

  3. Wheat gluten is a highly digestible protein source that helps to maintain your dog's muscle mass and support a healthy immune system. It's also low in fat and high in amino acids.

  4. Chicken by-product meal is a concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids for your dog's growth, maintenance, and immune system support. It's made from the clean parts of the chicken, such as the neck, feet, and viscera, which are rich in nutrients.

  5. Chicken fat is a highly palatable source of energy, providing essential fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting your dog's immune system.

  6. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  7. Powdered cellulose is a natural source of dietary fiber that promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain your dog's weight by providing a feeling of fullness without adding extra calories.

  8. Dried plain beet pulp is a source of dietary fiber that can help support your dog's digestive health, promote regular bowel movements, and aid in nutrient absorption.

  9. Vegetable oil is a source of essential fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat, brain function, and overall wellbeing in your dog.

  10. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.

  11. Coconut Oil is a source of healthy fats which can support your dog's skin and coat health, and it also possesses some antimicrobial properties.

  12. Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.

  13. Sodium Silico Aluminate is an anti-caking agent that prevents the food from clumping together, ensuring a smooth texture.

  14. Pork digest is a palatability enhancer derived from pork, providing additional flavors to the food.

  15. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  16. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

  17. L-tyrosine is an essential amino acid that supports healthy brain function and helps regulate mood and stress response in dogs.

  18. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  19. L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.

  20. Sodium tripolyphosphate is a food additive used in dog food to help maintain freshness and extend shelf life. It also acts as a binding agent, helping the dog food maintain its shape and texture.

  21. DL-alpha tocopherol acetate, also known as Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect your dog's cells from damage.

  22. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  23. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

  24. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  25. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  26. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  27. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  28. Vitamin A acetate is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog's overall health. It supports healthy vision, immune function, and proper growth and development. Vitamin A acetate also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels its best.

  29. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  30. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  31. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  32. Hydrolyzed yeast is used as a flavor enhancer in dog food. It can also support a healthy immune system and aid digestion due to the presence of beta-glucans.

  33. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  34. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  35. Monocalcium phosphate is a source of calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals that help support your dog's healthy bones, teeth, and overall growth. It also aids in proper nerve function and energy metabolism.

  36. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

  37. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  38. Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.

  39. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  40. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  41. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

  42. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  43. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  44. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  45. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  46. Marigold extract is derived from the flowers of the marigold plant and is a natural source of antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals and support overall immune function. Additionally, marigold extract can support your dog's eye health, promoting good vision and reducing the risk of age-related eye issues.

  47. Magnesium oxide is a source of magnesium, which is necessary for many processes in your dog's body, including muscle function and nerve transmission.

  48. Green tea extract contains antioxidants that help protect your dog's cells from damage and support overall health.

  49. Chondroitin sulfate is a vital component in maintaining healthy joints and cartilage in dogs. It helps to reduce joint inflammation, support joint mobility, and slow down the progression of arthritis.

  50. Carotene is a natural pigment found in many fruits and vegetables, which acts as a powerful antioxidant. In dogs, it can help support eye health, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of certain diseases.

  51. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

  52. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  53. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 23.00%: The protein content is primarily derived from animal-based ingredients such as chicken by-product meal and wheat gluten. The chicken by-product meal is a concentrated source of animal protein, while wheat gluten is a plant-based protein that can also contribute significantly to the overall protein content. Additionally, hydrolyzed yeast may contribute to the protein content as well.

Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The fat content is likely coming from chicken fat, vegetable oil, fish oil, and coconut oil. Chicken fat is a common source of animal fat in pet foods, providing essential fatty acids. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, which are easily metabolized for energy.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.40%: The fiber in this dog food is likely coming from ingredients such as powdered cellulose, dried plain beet pulp, and dried tomato pomace. Beet pulp is a common fiber source in pet foods, offering both soluble and insoluble fiber. Powdered cellulose adds bulk and can help with digestion and stool quality. Tomato pomace also provides fiber and may contribute to the antioxidant content of the food.

Calories of 3782.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food and is derived from the combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. Brewers rice and corn are carbohydrate sources that contribute to the caloric content, along with the fats and proteins mentioned earlier. The caloric density of the food is important for maintaining the energy requirements of adult German Shepherds, which are typically active dogs.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult 5+ costs approximately $4.29 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $24.28
10 lbs $40.83
15 lbs $55.34
20 lbs $68.66
30 lbs $93.06
40 lbs $115.47
50 lbs $136.51
60 lbs $156.51
70 lbs $175.70
80 lbs $194.20
90 lbs $212.14
100 lbs $229.58

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally appreciate the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult 5+ formula for their dogs. Many have noted that their German Shepherds show a preference for the kibble, with one owner mentioning that their dog, Dolph, not only enjoys the food but also benefits from its health-oriented formulation. The cost is acknowledged as slightly higher, but owners feel it's worth it for their pet's wellbeing.

Several reviews highlight improvements in their dogs' health since switching to this food. One dog owner reported that their German Shepherd's itching ceased and stool consistency improved after transitioning to Royal Canin from grain-free options. Another customer shared that their aging dog, Riley, has maintained good joint and hip health, which they attribute to the Royal Canin diet along with joint supplements.

Despite some reports of dogs not being fond of the new kibble shape, other reviews contradict this by detailing how even picky eaters eagerly consume the Royal Canin kibble, sometimes even preferring it over other varieties. One owner's dog, who is described as a "super picky eater," consistently selects the Royal Canin kibble first when offered a mix, indicating a strong preference for the product. This suggests that while some dogs may be selective, the food is still highly palatable to many German Shepherds.