What is better Purina or Royal Canin

Purina vs Royal Canin

If you have had a cat for a while, you probably know about two of the biggest names in the cat food industry: Purina and Royal Canin. Both of them are equally competitive, have food that cats usually enjoy, and do not have a lot of differences in their food compositions. But nevertheless, one of them has some advantages over the other.

In this article we will be doing a detailed analysis of pros and cons of both Purina vs Royal Canin. This will help you choose the best option for your feline friend and its dietary needs.

Pros of Purina Cat food

Based on our research, the pros of Purina cat food across all its categories are fewer than Royal Canin.

It is important to keep in mind that Purina has many other brands like Friskies, Purina Pro, Purina One, but only some of them may fulfill your cats nutritional needs.

Lets take a deeper look into the benefits first.

Uses natural ingredients

Purina uses a lot of ingredients that are organic in nature. If you are not aware, organic products are the best for your cats health.

Processed meat and other similar ingredients only cause long-term issues in your cat, so from this perspective Purina has been doing well.

Moreover, Purina is also very transparent about every ingredient it uses in its cat food, so you know exactly what you are feeding your cat, which is a good thing.

Has budget cat foods

Friskies is a very famous budget cat food brand for cats. Most of you may know it in comparison to fancy feast, which is a competitor to it within Purinas umbrella.

But the good thing about it is that Purina caters to a much wider audience with these price ranges.

You will find all price ranges from low to high in the cat foods category. And even in these you will see that there is a wide variety of flavors.

Purina will always have a plus point in this aspect.

Cons of Purina Cat food

The pros are all good, but the cons can not be ignored. It is important to evaluate both sides so we can give you a clear picture.

Can have low quality ingredients

The biggest problem with Purina is the low quality of ingredients.

Yes, we said above that they use organic ingredients, but the quality of those organic ingredients is quite low.

The upper tier Purina brands are still better, but Friskies is well-known for its bad ingredients.

Some ingredients like meat by-products, corn and gluten are quite commonly used in most of its flavors. This is why they are not really recommended if your cat already has diseases.

Has a lesser variety of flavors and products than Royal Canin

Purina does have a lot of yummy flavors that your cat will surely like, but since we are comparing it with royal canin cat food right now, they are not as much.

You will find a wide range of flavors that have different proteins for your cat for a change like fish, turkey, chicken, beef, and even mixed seafood.

There are also some flavors intended for hairfall and other things, but can be bought with a vets prescription.

Below are some of the good Purina foods that are good for cats.

Purina cat foods that may be suitable for your cat

Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food

This dry cat food includes a good amount of protein from the chicken and a moderate amount of carbs from the addition of rice.

It does contain some gluten and processed corn ingredients like other Purina brand foods, but not as much as Friskies, another purina brand.

There are also other forms of protein like beef and liver in this food, so this is good cat food for your cat, in terms of the purina brand.

Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food

This flavor of Purina Pro has some good ingredients incorporated into it. It also works really well for indoor cats, and the salmon gives your cat ample amounts of protein as well.

Other aspects of this meal are also quite balanced, and it has many cats favorite flavors as compared to other purina brands.

Do make sure you contact a vet before completely switching your cat to this meal.

Pros Royal Canin Cat Food

Next up, we have Royal canin cat food. This is a famous brand for cat food and is known for its good cat food.

Lets look at some pros and cons of this brand of cat food.

Well-loved cat food brand

As important it is to make sure your cat gets all its nutritional requirements from food, it is equally important that your cat actually likes the food.

If it does not like the food, it will not eat it no matter what you do. There are many things that will get a cat to like a certain cat food, and well, royal canin has got it!

Both cats and cat owners are mostly satisfied with this brand.

Has special foods for cats with diseases

One of the best things about royal canin is that it makes the food tailored to a specific disease in cats.

This works great because 1) you do not have to scramble through the ingredients in different foods to find a suitable one, and 2) you know that the food is perfect for your cats condition with no doubt.

Each food intended for this use is vet-certified, so that is of course, a bonus.

Some cat foods for specific diseases are gastrointestinal disease, Renal support cat food etc. All these are known to work really well with cats.

Does not use low quality ingredients

Unlike Purina, Royal Canin uses some good quality ingredients in its cat food. You can read everything on the label and see what your cat is eating exactly.

Ingredients are organic and the food goes through a quality check to ensure everything is up to the standard.

The quality of ingredients is justified by the price, royal canin has a high price so you would naturally expect them to serve your cat good food.

Cons of Royal Canin Cat food

Considering all the benefits we stated above, there are still some drawbacks to Royal Canin. It is up to you to see if they will be a deal-breaker in your hunt for good cat food.

High in carbohydrates

While the quality of ingredients is good, the amount of carbs present can nullify the long term benefit.

Royal canin cat food contains a lot of carbs in the form of grains and rice too. Not in all the foods, but you need to be careful in what you pick.

Ideally, a cat food should have 10% of carbs only, depending on what food you pick (eg. medicated cat food).

Price is quite high

Its not a surprise at this point as we have mentioned it above, but royal canin is more towards the expensive side.

They do not market themselves as a low budget cat food, so of course that is expected.

However, they provide the quality of ingredients that you would want in a cat food. If you get all that you need, but at a bit of a higher price, its a win-win situation right?

Hence, if budget is not the issue for your feline friends dietary needs, you should go for Royal Canin.

Royal canin cat foods suitable for your cat

Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Weight Care Dry Cat Food

We mentioned that one of the drawbacks of Royal Canin is having way too many carbs which causes obesity in cats.

This cat food is made specially to combat this issue, overweight cats. If your vet recommends that you feed your adult cat a low calorie diet, then this royal canin food is just perfect for it.

It deters diseases like skin problems, gut diseases and even renal and liver problems.

Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Indoor Adult dry cat food

Specifically intended for indoor cats, this cat food is good for your cat because it has a balanced composition.

Quality of ingredients is quite good as well, and the amount of carbs is also lower than other royal canin cat food.

Hence, chances of obesity are also low.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if it were Purina vs. Royal canin, which should you choose?

The answer is simple, Royal Canin. Purina and its brands are all great, buy Royal Canin simply has a better reputation for most things in the market.

Quality of ingredients, dietary composition, and the taste appeal is what makes royal canin better than most of the brands out there.

It also has the different types of medicated cat food options available, so you do not have to look through different foods if your cat has a specific condition.

Rest assured, it is best that you consult the vet for any dietary changes in your cat. He or she will recommend the most suitable food, be it purina or royal canin, which will encompass all your cats dietary requirements.

Purina Pro Plan vs. Royal Canin: Dog Food Comparison

Are you trying to choose between Purina Pro Plan and Royal Canin for your pups next meal? Whether youre confused about the world of doggy nutrition or stuck on which one is better, youve come to the right place.

We put these two popular food brands against one another, including which one uses the highest quality ingredients in their formulas. Finding the best nutrition for your pup is one of the most important decisions youll make. Not only does finding the best option please his taste buds, but it also keeps him as healthy as possible.

So, lets dig deep into the details for Purina Pro and Royal Canin to discover which is the best option for your pooch.

Note: Clicking the above links take you to Chewy.com or Amazon.com, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Comparing Brand Histories

Both Purina Pro and Royal Canin are leading brands in the pet food industry. Looking at a brands history can tell you a lot about what they stand for and why. Both of these guys are well-established the world over and are very similar in their ethos. But there are a few key details that might persuade some consumers to pick one brand over the other, so lets take a closer look.

Purina Pro Plan History

Purina has various ranges, and Purina Pro Plan is one of their most popular and higher-end lines. Purina, initially named Purina Mills, was founded in 1894 by a man named William H. Danforth. He established an animal feed company that eventually specialized in domestic pet food. Over the years, after being renamed and passing hands, Purina was bought by Nestl in 2001 for a whopping $10.3 billion.

Purina is known worldwide and sold in most countries, making them one of the leading pet food brands. They have multiple sites for research and production, including a dedicated animal health research center. What they learn there is implemented into their recipes. Purinas ethos is to provide specialized nutrition for all dogs and their differing dietary, size, and age needs, always based on scientific research.

Royal Canin History

Safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when feeding your pup. And just because a brand is well-known does not automatically mean they are safe. So, when looking at a brand and how safe they are for your pup, the recall history is one of the best places to look. A food recall is when the brand has taken action to remove a product from the market for safety reasons.

Food recalls are governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Recalls are typically made in three ways: by the brand themself, by FDA request, or by FDA order under statutory authority. It is important to understand how many times a brands food has been recalled and how they dealt with it. Lets take a look at their recall history and see how they compare.

Recalls

Safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when feeding your pup. And just because a brand is well-known does not automatically mean they are safe. So, when looking at a brand and how safe they are for your pup, the recall history is one of the best places to look. A food recall is where the brand has taken action to remove a product from the market for safety reasons.

Food recalls are governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Recalls are typically made in three ways: by the brand themself, by FDA request, or by FDA order under statutory authority. It is important to understand how many times a brands food has been recalled and how they dealt with it. Lets take a look at their recall history and see how they compare.

Purina Pro Plan

Sources show that Purina Pro has had just one recall. This was for their wet dog food. Back in March 2016, Purina voluntarily recalled a few batches of its Beneful and Purina Pro Plan wet dog food. They discovered that they might not have contained the correct vitamin and mineral levels suggested on the labels. This is an impressive recall history, considering that they have been around for over 120 years.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin has been around for less than half the time Purina has. But unfortunately, they have had more recalls than Purina. The most notable was in 2007 when twice they had to recall their products due to melamine contamination. This was a country-wide issue that affected many pet food brands, and it concerned ingredient sourcing from China.

There was another recall in 2006, and this affected Royal Canin alone. They voluntarily recalled select batches of canned food sold exclusively at vet clinics because it was suspected that there were elevated vitamin D levels. A vet from Canada told VIN News that all companies should learn from Royal Canin and their exemplary, textbook example of how a company should handle a recall. Accidents happen, and Royal Canin proved that they take the safety of our pups seriously.

Food Ingredients

Purina Pro Plan and Royal Canin both claim that they use the best quality ingredients. But unfortunately, many pet food brands use misleading labels to fool customers who dont have any prior canine nutrition knowledge. But rather than take this claim at face value, lets take a closer look into what ingredients they actually use.

Purina Pro Plan

Purina Pros is a science-led brand that hires over 500 scientists and canine nutritionists. They have several research centers, and they spend millions on finding the best recipes for our dogs. Their mission is to use only good nutrition as it has the power to improve and extend the lives of our four-legged besties.

Many canine nutritionists and critics claim that real meat should always be the first ingredient in any high-quality kibble. Purina Pro nearly always lists real meat as the first ingredient, but not always. Some formulas list grains or other ingredients first. Still, Purina Pro claims that this is only when science dictates grains are more important for the target doggy audience. Some of their recipes also use corn, wheat, and soy, which other brands claim is too harsh on doggy digestive systems. But again, science shows that this is not the case for every pup.

Purina Pro is also criticized for using meat by-products and by-product meals in some of their formulas in addition to real meats. Some nutritionists say that this is a lower-quality protein ingredient compared to real meats and meat meals. There are differing opinions on this matter. But Purina states that they do not use feathers, hide, or hair in their meat by-products, only the nutritionally beneficial animal parts such as organs and blood. Overall, if you want to feed your pooch real meats and meat meals only, Purina Pro isnt the best pick for you.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin is similar in its ingredient usage to Purina Pro. They are also led by science rather than being focused on all-natural formulas such as Blue Buffalo or Taste of the Wild. Like Purina, if this is what you are seeking, Royal Canin is not the best choice for you. But if you are comfortable trusting what science says, Royal Canin uses good quality ingredients.

Royal Canin uses meat by-products and by-product meals too. But unlike Purina, they use more meat by-products than they do real meat. Royal Canin also does not specify what they use and do not use in their by-product ingredients. They could use animal parts like feathers and beaks, which are not nutritionally beneficial. Its not entirely clear, but what is clear is that Royal Canin is not as transparent as Purina.

Like Purina, many of their recipes use corn, wheat, and soy. Royal Canin is nutrient-led rather than ingredient-led. Some of their ingredients arent natural or always agreeable with critics. But their worldwide popularity and success show that their formulas are successful and highly rated. Overall, its difficult to find many differences in the ingredients that Royal Canin and Purina Pro use.

Range Of Formulas

Like us humans, all dogs are different and have various dietary needs. This is why brands should create a wide range of formulas to cater to the different needs of their entire four-legged audience. Another important aspect for many consumers is finding a brand that offers formulas for all three doggy life stages: puppyhood, adulthood, and senior years. Lets take a closer look at how Purina Pro and Royal Canins formula ranges compare.

Puppy Formulas

Royal Canin Puppy

• Made for dogs up to 12 months of age.
• Made specifically for certain reeds.
• Antioxidants for immune system health.
• Wave-shaped kibble is easier to pick up.
• Calcium boost for bones and joints.
• 338 calories per cup.
• 28% Protein, 15% Fat, 4% Fiber.

Most experts agree that the puppy life stage is the most important. This is because it lays the foundations for the rest of their lives and ensures they develop healthily. So, its important to feed your pup a formula designed for puppies. It provides growing pups with the fuel they need, thanks to extra energy and protein and supplies them with plenty of healthy omega fatty acids for best development.

But it doesnt just stop there. Small puppies need extra small pieces of kibble because the average size kibble is too large to eat. And large puppies need optimized and controlled levels of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals to prevent their bones from growing too quickly. So, brands also need a variety of puppy kibbles. Lets see how these guys compare in the puppy formula range.

Purina Pro

Purina Pro has 10 puppy products. These formulas include options for different size pups (small, medium, and large), as well as different dietary requirements and health issues such as sensitive skin and stomach. Each option lists ingredients rich in omega fatty acids, which are crucial for vision and cognitive development.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin offers a total of 23 puppy products. Many of these options are breed-specific. If you have a common breed such as a Poodle, Chihuahua, Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, or Labrador (plus many more), there are tailored breed options. There is an option for every size, including toy and giant breeds. Plus, there is a veterinary option for pups struggling with their digestive health.

Winner

The winner of the puppy formula round is Royal Canin. They have a much wider range of puppy options, and they have options for extra small pups all the way up to our giant besties. There are also breed-specific kibbles too. Some of these breed-specific options have unique kibble shapes tailored to the particular mouth shape of the dog, such as the flat muzzle of the Bulldog.

Adult Formulas

Royal Canin Adult

• Tailor-made for specific breeds.
• Reinforces skin barrier with nutrients.
• Improves gut health and stool odor.
• Supports skin and coat health.
• Easy to eat for brachycephalic breeds.
• 277 Calories per cup.
• 22% Protein, 12% Fat, 4.1% Fiber.

Adulthood is the longest stage of a dogs life. Depending on the dog breed, adulthood starts between one and two years old and finishes at around seven or eight years old. Adult dogs have different dietary requirements and lifestyles, so there should be more variety than in puppyhood. Lets see how Purina Pro and Royal Canin compare.

Purina Pro

Purina Pro has 23 kibble options for adult dogs. These cover a wide range of sizes, including giant and toy pups and different dietary needs and flavors. For adults with an active lifestyle, there are also higher protein diets for working or performing dogs. Weight management kibble is available for adults needing assistance to manage their weight. Ailment-specific kibbles are available for those with sensitive skin and stomachs. There are three main proteins in the adult range: chicken, salmon, and lamb, all in a mixture of grain-free and grain-inclusive choices.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin has a huge variety of 96 kibble choices for adult dogs. Every sized pooch is covered here, with options for extra small and toy, all the way up to giant doggos. Chicken, fish, and beef are the three main protein options, with one option for other flavors, including duck, kangaroo, rabbit, veggie, and venison.

There are 40 veterinary options, so its easy to see why Royal Canin is a top choice for veterinary practices worldwide. Limited ingredient diets, pea-free, chicken-free, sensitive digestion, high-protein, and low-protein kibbles are also available for the varying needs of all adult dogs.

Winner

The award for best adult formula range goes to Royal Canin. They have over four times as many options for adults. There are lots of choices, and kibble picks for small pups up to gentle giants as well as breed-specific options that are hugely popular with dog owners. However, its worth noting that almost half of the adult options require a veterinary prescription, so they arent available for every dog.

Senior Formulas

Royal Canin Senior

• Precise nutrition is specifically made for older dogs.
• Supports natural defenses for immune support with a blend of antioxidants and prebiotics.
• Maintains healthy skin and coat health with optimal levels of EPA and DHA.
• Promotes healthy digestion with easy-to-digest proteins and a balanced supply of fiber.
• Exclusive kibble design encourages chewing and has a palatability dogs love.

Senior dogs need less energy and more supplements than adult dogs to keep them feeling their best. To prevent weight gain, senior kibbles should have higher glucosamine levels to support joint health and less energy and fats. Lets take a look at Purina Pro and Royal Canins senior picks.

Purina Pro

There are four senior-specific Purina Pro kibble options. There is a generic kibble for most senior dogs that is called complete essentials. There is one option for small pups and one for large breeds. And the last option is called brighter minds, a kibble infused with botanical oils to keep cognitive function sharp. Its worth noting that Purina Pro is averagely higher in fats and energy than other brands and their senior offerings. This means that if you have an inactive senior, Purina Pro might not be the best pick for this reason alone.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin has a total of 11 senior-specific kibbles. Again, all sizes are covered except for giant breeds this time. There are two veterinary prescription diets and two breed-specific kibbles. There are also options for senior dogs aged 8+, 10+, and 12+, with each pick, gradually becoming less rich for aging digestive systems.

Winner

Again, Royal Canin wins the senior formula round. They have more options and cover more sizes. Plus, there are different kibble picks depending on age, making it slightly more tailored than Purina Pro.

Canned Food

Royal Canin Canned Food

• Every nutrient included in this diet has a specific purpose that contributes to helping your dog maintain optimal health and wellness.
• Vitamins, amino acids, and powerful antioxidants work together to nourish your dogs skin and coat, as well as support healthy nervous system function.
• Highly palatable loaf-style meal in sauce provides supreme taste and texture.

Dried kibble is not always the best choice for some dogs. Some dogs need a mixture of both, either because they cannot crunch the biscuits due to poor dental health or age. Or because it helps with dehydration. And some dogs are just a little bit fussy and prefer wet food. Whatever the reason, lets see what each brand offers in terms of wet food.

Purina Pro

Purina Pro offers 46 canned food options. There is a wide selection of proteins to choose from, including beef, chicken, turkey, and fish. Their wet food ensures that puppies, adults, and seniors are catered for.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin offers 73 wet food options that complement their wide range of dried kibbles. 24 of these options require a veterinary prescription. But puppies, adults, and seniors are catered for, as well as breed-specific options as before. The main wet food options are chicken, pork, and beef.

Winner

Once again, Royal Canin winsthe wet food round thanks to their wider selection.

Final Thoughts

Purina Pro Plan and Royal Canin are both high-quality brands that are very popular with dog owners worldwide. Royal Canin seemingly won the rounds relating to their range of formulas. Still, its worth noting that Purina Pro is just one line of Purinas. Purina Pro is a generally higher protein range that uses more real meats than Royal Canin. However, Royal Canin has more health-specific options and caters to more sizes and dog breeds than Purina.

Ultimately, picking between these brands all comes down to what your pup needs. They are both a great choice for those who prefer to rely on science rather than an all-natural doggy diet. But overall, both of these brands are highly rated by consumers and canine nutritionists alike.