Why Veterinarians Do Not Recommend Ol’ Roy Dog Food
Choosing the right dog food is crucial to maintaining your pet’s health and longevity. While the market is flooded with numerous brands, one that frequently comes under scrutiny is Ol’ Roy. Sold exclusively at Walmart, Ol’ Roy is known for its low price point, but pet nutritionists and veterinarians often question its ingredient quality, nutritional value, and safety standards.
1. Ingredient Quality
- Primary ingredients include ground yellow corn, soybean meal, meat and bone meal, and poultry by-product meal — considered low-quality protein sources compared to whole meats.
- Animal fat in the formula is not from a specified source and is preserved with BHA, a chemical additive linked to potential health risks.
- Dry versions lack chelated minerals and probiotics, reducing nutrient absorption and digestive health.
- Artificial preservatives such as BHA and BHT, and artificial colorings, are commonly used.
2. Nutritional Profile and Digestibility
- Ol’ Roy recipes are typically high in carbohydrates and low in high-quality fat and protein.
- This formulation may make it difficult for dogs to achieve optimal nutrition without consuming large portions.
- Owners commonly report digestive issues, excessive stool volume, and increased flatulence.
3. Health Concerns and Adverse Effects
- Some dogs consuming Ol’ Roy experience vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and skin problems.
- More severe reports include illness and even death, though these are often isolated and linked to specific batches.
- Certain formulations have included menadione, a synthetic vitamin K additive linked to toxicity in high doses.
4. Safety and Quality Control Issues
- Ol’ Roy has been subject to multiple recalls over the years due to contamination concerns.
- Some batches tested positive for pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug, indicating serious lapses in ingredient sourcing and manufacturing controls.
- Consumer complaints include foreign objects, mold, and larvae in dry food and treats.
5. Comparative Cost vs. Value
- Although Ol’ Roy is marketed as a budget-friendly choice, larger feeding volumes are often necessary to meet nutritional needs.
- This reduces cost-effectiveness and possibly leads to increased veterinary bills due to nutrition-related health issues.
6. Who Might Consider Ol’ Roy?
- Some owners opt for Ol’ Roy out of financial necessity and report no issues in healthy adult dogs.
- However, it is not recommended for puppies, seniors, or dogs with medical conditions such as allergies, pancreatitis, or arthritis.
- In such cases, higher-quality commercial or veterinary diets are the preferred option.
7. What Vets Typically Recommend
While preferences vary, brands like Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, and Eukanuba are more commonly recommended by veterinary professionals. These brands offer well-researched, balanced nutrition and have stringent quality control processes in place.
Conclusion
Ol’ Roy may be widely available and affordable, but it falls short in several critical areas: ingredient integrity, nutritional balance, and safety standards. A dog’s diet significantly affects their health, comfort, and longevity. While some dogs may tolerate Ol’ Roy without overt issues, most veterinarians advise transitioning to a nutritionally superior and more digestible option for optimal well-being.
