Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Aging 12+ Review

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Review of Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Aging 12+

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 Size Health Nutrition X-Small Aging 12+ 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 Size Health Nutrition X-Small Aging 12+, we'll examine all 55 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. 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. 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.

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

  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. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

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

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

  13. Psyllium seed husk is a natural source of soluble fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and maintain regular bowel movements. It can also help with weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, preventing overeating.

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

  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. L-arginine is an essential amino acid that promotes healthy blood flow, immune function, and overall vitality in dogs.

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

  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. 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.

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

  26. 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.

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

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

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

  32. 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.

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

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

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

  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. 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.

  38. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps to support your dog's mood and stress levels.

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

  40. 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.

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

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

  43. 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.

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

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

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

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

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

  50. GLA safflower oil is a great source of beneficial fatty acids that can help maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin in dogs.

  51. 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.

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

  53. 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.

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

  55. 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

1. Crude Protein (min) of 22.00%: The crude protein value of 22% is a measure of the total protein content in the pet food. This is likely contributed by the chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, and wheat gluten. These are all high-protein ingredients.

2. Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The crude fat content of 14% is a measure of the total fat content in the pet food. This is likely contributed by the chicken fat, fish oil, vegetable oil, and GLA safflower oil. These are all high-fat ingredients.

3. Crude Fiber (max) of 3.60%: The crude fiber content of 3.6% is a measure of the total fiber content in the pet food. This is likely contributed by the brewers rice, brown rice, dried chicory root, and psyllium seed husk. These ingredients are known for their fiber content.

4. Calories of 3768.00 per kg: The caloric content of the pet food is likely contributed by all the ingredients, but the main contributors are likely the high-energy ingredients such as the grains (brewers rice, corn, brown rice), chicken by-product meal, and fats (chicken fat, fish oil, vegetable oil). These ingredients contain a high amount of calories.

The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients (such as DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), niacin supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), etc.) do not contribute to the protein, fat or fiber content, but they are essential for the overall health of the pet. They support various functions such as immune system, skin and coat health, digestion, and more.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Aging 12+ costs approximately $9.60 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $54.56
10 lbs $91.76
15 lbs $124.37

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers with small, aging dogs have found the Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Aging 12+ to be a great product. Many reviewers mentioned that their dogs, some of which are picky eaters or have few teeth left, love the taste of this food and can easily consume the small kibble size. One customer with a senior Chihuahua and another with a toy poodle reported their pets' preference for this food over other brands.

However, there were a few concerns raised by some customers. One customer mentioned the food being out of stock frequently, causing inconvenience and forcing them to look for alternatives. Another customer raised concerns about the quality of the ingredients used in the product, citing rice as the main ingredient and the use of leftover chicken parts.

Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment towards the product was positive. Many customers have been using this brand for their pets since they were young and believe it's worth the price. One customer even mentioned that their 12-year-old toy poodle, who had lost weight due to picky eating habits, started eating again after being introduced to this product.

A few customers noted that their dogs didn't like the food, but these cases seemed to be more the exception than the norm. One customer mentioned that their dog didn't eat it initially, but they were hopeful that mixing it with the wet version of the same product would help. Another customer was pleased to find a specialized food for their aging Teacup Schnauzer.