Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother & Babydog Review

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Review of Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother & Babydog

According to our data, this Royal Canin recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother & Babydog is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother & Babydog, we'll examine all 50 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. 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.

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

  3. 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.

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

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  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. Sodium aluminosilicate is an anti-caking agent that is sometimes added to commercial dog food to prevent clumping and maintain a consistent texture. While it is considered safe for use in small amounts, it does not provide any significant nutritional benefits to your dog's diet.

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

  12. 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.

  13. Pea fiber is a natural source of dietary fiber for dogs that helps support digestive health and overall well-being. It also aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, making it a valuable addition to dog food formulas.

  14. 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.

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

  16. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of prebiotic fiber that can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in your dog. They may help support your dog's digestive and immune health.

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

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. Rice flour is a gluten-free carbohydrate source for dogs, providing energy and promoting healthy digestion. It is suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies to common grains like wheat and corn.

  21. Marine microalgae oil is a sustainable and nutrient-rich ingredient used in dog food. It is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, which support healthy skin, coat, brain function, and joint health in dogs. Marine microalgae oil is also a great alternative to fish oil for dogs with fish sensitivities or allergies.

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

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

  24. 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.

  25. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  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. 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.

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

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

  33. 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.

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

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. L-threonine is an essential amino acid that supports the immune system, muscle growth, and the production of collagen in dogs, contributing to a healthy skin, coat, and joints.

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

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

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

  41. 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.

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

  43. 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.

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

  45. 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.

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

  47. 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.

  48. 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.

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

  50. 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

The Crude Protein minimum of 28.00% is likely contributed by the chicken by-product meal and wheat gluten. These are high in protein and are the main sources in this pet food. The wheat gluten, in particular, is a concentrated protein source.

The Crude Fat minimum of 20.00% is likely due to the chicken fat, vegetable oil, and fish oil. These ingredients are high in fats, which are essential for energy and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.60% is likely contributed by the beet pulp, pea fiber, and brewers rice. Fiber is important for digestive health, and these ingredients are common sources of dietary fiber in pet foods.

The Calories of 3949.00 per kg are derived from the combination of all the ingredients, but primarily from the protein and fat sources such as the chicken by-product meal, chicken fat, and vegetable oil. These ingredients are high in energy, hence contributing to the caloric content of the food.

The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, biotin, etc., are often added as supplements to ensure that the pet food meets the nutritional needs of the pet. They do not contribute significantly to the crude protein, fat, or fiber values, but they are essential for overall health.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother & Babydog costs approximately $12.74 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $44.25
10 lbs $74.42
15 lbs $100.87
20 lbs $125.16
30 lbs $169.65

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers love how much their puppies enjoy Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother & Babydog. The small size of the kibble is highly appreciated for their little pets, especially for toothless breeds and very young puppies. It is mentioned that this product is often recommended by breeders and vets, and it aids in their natural milk production.

Several reviews mention that this food is excellent for weaning puppies. The product is praised for its nutritional value and the fact that puppies can eat it either moist or dry. The food is also credited for keeping puppies healthy and fat, which is a testament to its nutritional value.

Despite some concerns about the primary ingredient being "chicken byproducts", many customers are satisfied with the quality of the product. They have noticed positive changes in their pets' health and vitality upon switching to this food. Some customers have even found alternative options, such as Purina Pro Plan Toy Breed Puppy, when this product was out of stock, indicating their preference for small-sized kibble.

Some customers, especially breeders, have expressed a desire for larger bag sizes. They love the product and want to be able to purchase it in bulk for convenience and to ensure they don't run out. The product is also praised for being great for small breeds and their babies, especially for Yorkies.

In conclusion, Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother & Babydog is highly praised by customers for its small kibble size, nutritional value, and the positive impact it has on their puppies' health. Despite some concerns about the primary ingredient and bag size, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.