Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Adult 8+ Review
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Review of Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Adult 8+
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 Adult 8+ 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 Adult 8+, we'll examine all 54 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.
Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.
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.
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.
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.
Corn is a carbohydrate source that provides energy to your dog. It also contains essential antioxidants, fiber, and B vitamins.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vegetable oil is a source of essential fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat, brain function, and overall wellbeing in your dog.
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.
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.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
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.
L-arginine is an essential amino acid that promotes healthy blood flow, immune function, and overall vitality in dogs.
L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.
L-tyrosine is an essential amino acid that supports healthy brain function and helps regulate mood and stress response in dogs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
DL-alpha tocopherol acetate, also known as Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect your dog's cells from damage.
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.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
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.
Magnesium oxide is a source of magnesium, which is necessary for many processes in your dog's body, including muscle function and nerve transmission.
Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.
Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.
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.
Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.
Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.
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.
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.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
GLA safflower oil is a great source of beneficial fatty acids that can help maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin in dogs.
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.
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.
Green tea extract contains antioxidants that help protect your dog's cells from damage and support overall health.
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.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
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 Size Health Nutrition X-Small Adult 8+ shows the minimum or maximum amount of certain nutrients in the pet food.
1. Crude Protein (min) 22.00%: This value indicates the minimum amount of protein in the pet food. The primary ingredients contributing to this protein content are chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, and wheat gluten. The amino acids like L-arginine, L-lysine, and DL-methionine also contribute to the protein value.
2. Crude Fat (min) 16.00%: This value indicates the minimum amount of fat in the pet food. The primary contributors to this fat content are chicken fat, vegetable oil, and fish oil. The GLA safflower oil also contributes to the fat content.
3. Crude Fiber (max) 3.60%: This value indicates the maximum amount of fiber in the pet food. The primary contributors to this fiber content are brewers rice, corn, brown rice, dried chicory root, and psyllium seed husk.
4. Calories 3854.00 per kg: This value indicates the caloric content per kilogram of the pet food. All ingredients contribute to the caloric value, but the main contributors are likely the primary ingredients like brewers rice, chicken fat, chicken by-product meal, and corn gluten meal, which are high in either carbohydrates, fats, or proteins, all of which provide calories.
It's also worth noting that the product contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, likely contributed by the various supplements listed in the ingredients. For example, DL-alpha tocopherol acetate is a source of vitamin E, and L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a source of vitamin C. Trace minerals like zinc, copper, and manganese are also included. These nutrients are important for a dog's overall health, supporting functions such as immune response, metabolism, and bone health.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Adult 8+ 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 Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $53.34 |
| 10 lbs | $89.71 |
| 15 lbs | $121.60 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have reported that their dogs, including small and older ones, love the Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Adult 8+ dog food. Even picky eaters and dogs with specific dietary needs due to health conditions have been seen to enjoy this product. The food has also been praised for its low sodium content, which is beneficial for dogs with heart conditions.
However, some customers have noticed a change in the size of the kibbles in recent months, with some pieces being double or triple the usual size. This has caused concerns for owners of small or older dogs who may struggle to eat larger pieces. Despite this, many customers remain satisfied with the product, stating that their dogs can still chew the food without any problems.
There were some complaints about the bag size and value for money, with one customer noting that the bag was smaller than usual and only half full. Despite this, many customers find the convenience of home delivery, especially during the pandemic, to be a significant advantage.
The food has also been successful with dogs who are particularly selective about their food. A 12-year-old Chihuahua who had stopped eating his old food reportedly took well to the Royal Canin product. Similarly, a Pomeranian who had previously rejected a different brand of food was said to love the Royal Canin brand. This suggests that the product is well-liked by a range of different breeds and ages.
