Royal Canin Veterinary Care Nutrition Canine Weight Control Small Dog Review

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Review of Royal Canin Veterinary Care Nutrition Canine Weight Control Small Dog

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 Veterinary Care Nutrition Canine Weight Control Small Dog 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 Veterinary Care Nutrition Canine Weight Control Small Dog, we'll examine all 52 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. Corn is a carbohydrate source that provides energy to your dog. It also contains essential antioxidants, fiber, and B vitamins.

  2. 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.

  3. Wheat is a wholesome grain that provides essential nutrients, fiber, and energy to support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  4. Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing that serves as an alternative protein source for dogs. It is rich in essential amino acids, and it can also provide energy and support healthy skin and coat for your pet.

  5. Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

  6. 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.

  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. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. Dried chicory root is a natural prebiotic fiber that can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support your dog's digestive health. It also contains inulin, which can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support overall immune system function.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

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

  15. Calcium sulfate is a natural source of calcium, an essential mineral that helps maintain strong bones and teeth in your dog. Calcium is also important for nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.

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

  17. Powdered psyllium seed husk is a natural source of soluble fiber that can help maintain healthy digestion and bowel regularity in your dog.

  18. Potassium citrate is an essential mineral that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance, supports muscle function, and aids in the proper functioning of the nervous system. Additionally, it can help to prevent the formation of certain urinary stones in dogs.

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

  20. 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.

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

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

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

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

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

  29. 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.

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

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

  32. 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.

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

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

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

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

  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. 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.

  48. 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.

  49. L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.

  50. 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.

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

  52. 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 guaranteed analysis of the Royal Canin Veterinary Care Nutrition Canine Weight Control Small Dog food indicates a minimum crude protein content of 28.00%. This high level of protein is likely provided by the chicken by-product meal, wheat gluten, and corn gluten meal listed among the ingredients. These are all protein-rich ingredients, with chicken by-product meal being a concentrated form of animal protein.

The crude fat minimum of 9.00% is probably contributed by the chicken fat, fish oil, and vegetable oil present in the food. Chicken fat is a common source of animal fat in pet foods, while fish oil provides essential fatty acids and contributes to the overall fat content.

The maximum crude fiber content of 8.50% is quite high, reflecting the food's design for weight control. Ingredients such as powdered cellulose, pea fiber, dried chicory root, and powdered psyllium seed husk are all high in fiber. These ingredients help in managing the dog's weight by providing bulk and aiding in satiety without adding excessive calories.

Speaking of calories, the food contains 3284.00 kcal/kg. The caloric content is influenced by all macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—but the controlled fat content and high fiber are indicative of a formula that is lower in calories compared to a regular maintenance diet, which is suitable for weight control purposes. The carbohydrates that contribute to the caloric content, such as corn, wheat, and barley, are also likely balanced to support weight management without excess energy provision.