What's Going on with Ol’ Roy Dog Food?
Ol’ Roy dog food, a private-label brand sold exclusively at Walmart, has long attracted consumers due to its low price point and wide availability. However, veterinary professionals and pet owners have voiced serious concerns regarding the quality, nutritional adequacy, and safety of the brand. In this article, we explore the specifics of Ol’ Roy's formulations, the issues reported by dog owners, and expert opinions about its use.
Ingredient Quality and Nutrition Concerns
Ol’ Roy is available in both dry kibble and canned form. Unfortunately, both types are formulated with a variety of low-cost and low-quality ingredients that fall short of nutritional standards expected in today’s pet food market.
- Dry recipes frequently list ground yellow corn as the first ingredient, followed by soybean meal, meat and bone meal, and poultry by-product meal. These are not as nutritionally sound or digestible as named whole meats.
- Animal fat is used without clear specification of its origin and is often preserved using BHA, a chemical linked to potential health risks.
- Other ingredients include corn gluten meal, which lacks high-quality protein, and non-chelated minerals, which are harder for dogs to absorb.
- Notably, there is a lack of probiotics and beneficial fiber sources, which can lead to poor stool quality and digestive issues.
Compared to premium dog foods, Ol’ Roy tends to have a higher carbohydrate content, lower fat-to-protein ratio, and less bioavailable nutrients. These deficiencies may mean dogs need to eat more to acquire sufficient nutrients, often leading to increased feeding costs over time.
Canned Food Ingredients
Ol’ Roy canned products don't fare much better. Ingredients include:
- Water, chicken, meat by-products (from unspecified sources), wheat flour, beef, liver.
- Thickening agents like corn starch and colors such as titanium dioxide and iron oxide.
- Vegetable oil preserved with BHA/BHT, and additives like garlic or onion extract, which are questionable for canine health.
Safety Issues and Product Recalls
Ol’ Roy has experienced ongoing issues with product safety, including multiple recalls. One of the most alarming incidents involved traces of pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug, found in certain batches. Additionally, consumers have reported receiving bags of food containing mold, larvae, or foreign substances, indicating lapses in quality assurance.
Common Health Issues Reported
Dog owners have reported numerous adverse side effects that may be associated with Ol’ Roy, including:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Skin and coat problems, including persistent itching and scratching
- Need for larger feeding portions due to low nutrient density
- In extreme cases, serious illnesses or deaths possibly linked to poor formulation or contamination
Who Should Avoid Ol’ Roy?
Experts recommend avoiding Ol’ Roy in certain situations:
- Dogs with allergies, pancreatitis, arthritis, or other chronic conditions
- Puppies, senior dogs, and large-breed dogs requiring specialist nutrition
- Owners who prioritize digestibility and ingredient transparency
Expert Opinions and Consumer Testimonials
Independent pet food reviewers consistently rank Ol’ Roy among the lowest due to its inconsistent quality, lack of premium ingredients, and controversial additives. Veterinary nutritionists caution that despite its affordability, Ol’ Roy may impose hidden costs through necessary vet treatment and excessive feeding amounts, thus negating price benefits.
Better Alternatives in the Same Price Range
While budget constraints are real for many pet owners, there are affordable alternatives that use named meat sources, avoid harmful preservatives, and improve digestibility. Brands offering better nutrition and ingredient transparency should be strongly considered.
Conclusion
Though inexpensive and easy to find, Ol’ Roy dog food is fraught with risks that may have significant implications for your pet’s health. Persistent concerns about ingredient quality, safety, and efficacy lead many experts to recommend steering clear unless absolutely no other option is financially viable.
Pet owners are encouraged to read ingredient labels carefully, monitor their dog’s health and condition, and seek higher-quality diets whenever possible. Where budget is an issue, consult a veterinarian for safe, cost-effective options that won’t compromise your dog’s well-being.
