Understanding the Concerns Around Ol' Roy Dog Food
Ol' Roy is Walmart's exclusive line of dog food products, known for its affordability and wide availability. Manufactured by Mars Petcare US, the brand offers both dry and canned dog food options. However, despite its popularity, Ol' Roy has garnered significant scrutiny from veterinarians, pet owners, and nutrition analysts due to its questionable ingredient quality and nutritional profile.
Ingredients in Ol' Roy Dry Dog Food
The primary concern surrounding Ol' Roy dry dog food centers on the makeup of its ingredients. Common components found in these recipes include:
- Ground yellow corn
- Soybean meal
- Meat and bone meal (not species-specific)
- Poultry by-product meal (includes non-muscle parts like feet or organs)
- Animal fat preserved with BHA and citric acid
- Corn gluten meal
These fillers and unspecified meat sources contribute to lower manufacturing costs but may compromise the overall digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients.
Nutritional Profile
On a dry matter basis, Ol' Roy kibble averages:
- 24.5% Protein
- 12% Fat
- 50–57% Carbohydrates
The bulk of the protein comes from plant-based or low-quality by-product sources, rather than whole animal proteins. This can affect the dog's ability to absorb nutrients efficiently.
Ol' Roy Canned Food Composition
Ol' Roy canned formulas show slight nutritional improvements, with a dry matter basis of:
- 44% Protein
- 17% Fat
- 31% Carbohydrates
Main ingredients include:
- Water, chicken, and meat by-products
- Wheat flour and corn starch
- Beef, liver, and chicken meal
Nevertheless, the presence of generic meat sources, wheat, and additives like BHA/BHT and artificial colorings continue to raise red flags. Some formulas contain small amounts of onion and garlic extracts, which could be harmful to sensitive dogs over time.
Reported Health Issues
Numerous dog owners and some veterinarians have linked Ol' Roy to various health issues, including:
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Allergic skin reactions like itching and hair loss
- Hotspots and gastrointestinal upset
- Reactions to allergens such as corn, wheat, or soy
In rare cases, pet owners have reported more severe symptoms, including bloody stool and lasting illness. These concerns underline the importance of careful ingredient assessment and observing your dog’s reactions to food.
History of Recalls
Ol' Roy has had multiple recalls in the past, particularly for some treats and canned dog food products. These events were usually due to safety issues or contamination concerns, reinforcing hesitations among critics and pet experts.
Dog Food Ratings and Reviews
Third-party ratings of Ol' Roy paint a bleak picture:
- Dry food typically earns a mere 1 star (not recommended)
- Canned food usually garners 2–3 stars (somewhat recommended)
- Average overall rating is around 1.5 stars
Common reviewer concerns mention poor quality ingredients, adverse dog reactions, and lack of nutritional transparency. However, Ol' Roy continues to be favored for its affordable price point, particularly for owners with tight budgets.
Some Dogs Thrive—Others Do Not
Interestingly, some dog owners report that their pets have enjoyed long and healthy lives while consuming Ol' Roy. This indicates that not all dogs react poorly to the food. Yet, others see immediate improvement in their pet's condition after switching to a higher quality brand.
Tips for Choosing Quality Dog Food
When evaluating dog food brands, consider the following:
- Animal proteins should be listed as the first ingredients
- Minimal use of fillers like corn, wheat, and soy
- Look for clearly identified meat sources, not generic by-products
- Avoid artificial preservatives like BHA or artificial colors
- Check for chelated minerals, which are more easily absorbed
Transitioning and Supplementing
If switching foods, do so gradually over 5–7 days to prevent digestive upset. Pet owners on a budget sometimes improve nutrition by supplementing affordable kibble with fresh meat and vegetables, though that doesn't fix underlying ingredient issues in low-cost foods like Ol' Roy.
Final Thoughts
Ol' Roy may be economical and easy to find, but its ingredient transparency, nutritional quality, and history of reported health issues make it a less-than-ideal option for many dogs. Always monitor your pet’s health closely and consult your vet with any concerns or if symptoms arise. Ultimately, investing in higher-quality food may help avoid costly health problems and improve your dog’s overall well-being.
