Is Ol' Roy Dog Food Good for Dogs?
When you're shopping for dog food on a budget, Ol' Roy is one of the most recognizable brands on Walmart shelves. Its low price tag and wide availability attract many pet owners, but is it actually good for your dog? Let's dig into the facts about Ol' Roy's ingredients, nutritional value, safety record, and what pet owners and experts have to say.
Ingredient Quality: What's in Ol' Roy?
The first thing you'll notice when reading an Ol' Roy ingredient label is that it leans heavily on low-cost fillers. The dry recipes usually list ground yellow corn as their main ingredient. This is followed by plant-based proteins like soybean meal, then meat and bone meal or poultry by-product meal. These are all considered lower quality compared to whole meats or named animal proteins found in premium foods.
- Primary ingredients: Ground yellow corn, soybean meal, meat and bone meal, poultry by-product meal
- Fats: Animal fat of unspecified origin (preserved with BHA)
- Additives: Corn gluten meal, natural flavor, salt, vitamins and minerals (not chelated), artificial preservatives
The minerals in Ol' Roy aren't chelated—meaning your dog may not absorb them as efficiently. There are also very few probiotics or high-quality fiber sources present. This can affect stool quality and overall digestive health.
Nutritional Value: How Does It Stack Up?
Ol' Roy's recipes tend to be high in carbohydrates, with a lower fat-to-protein ratio than premium brands. Many of the protein sources come from plants or rendered animal products rather than whole meats. This results in lower biological value—your dog's body can't use these proteins as effectively.
- Larger portions may be needed to meet nutritional needs
- This can lead to higher stool volume (and more cleanup!)
The lack of bioavailable nutrients means some dogs may not thrive on this food long-term. Owners often report needing to feed more cups per day than with other brands, which can offset any cost savings.
Additives and Controversial Ingredients
A closer look at the label reveals several controversial additives:
- BHA/BHT: Chemical preservatives linked to health concerns
- Menadione: Synthetic vitamin K associated with adverse effects
- Titanium dioxide/iron oxide: Artificial colorings found in canned formulas
Some canned varieties even contain garlic or onion extract—both problematic for dogs if consumed regularly.
Safety Record and Recalls
Ol' Roy has faced multiple recalls over the years due to contamination and quality control failures. In rare but serious cases, pentobarbital (a euthanasia drug) was detected in some batches—raising major red flags about supply chain oversight.
- Mold, larvae, foreign substances reported by consumers in some bags/treats
This history makes many pet owners wary of trusting Ol' Roy with their dog's nutrition.
Common Owner Experiences
If you read owner reviews or talk to veterinarians about Ol' Roy, several patterns emerge:
- Digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Poor skin/coat quality; increased itching/scratching
- Larger feeding volumes required to maintain weight
A number of testimonials claim more severe adverse effects—including illness or death—sometimes tied to specific product batches.
Who Should Avoid Ol' Roy?
- Puppies (especially large breeds)
- Seniors or dogs with chronic illnesses (allergies, pancreatitis, arthritis)
If your dog has special dietary needs or sensitivities, most experts recommend steering clear of this brand entirely. Even healthy adult dogs may do better on a diet with higher-quality ingredients and more consistent nutrient profiles.
Canned vs. Dry Formulas
The canned version isn't much better—it uses water as a main ingredient along with chicken, meat by-products from unspecified sources, wheat flour, beef/liver (sometimes), thickeners like corn starch, artificial coloring agents (titanium dioxide/iron oxide), generic vegetable oil preserved with BHA/BHT, and sometimes garlic/onion extract. Ingredient quality remains low compared to other options at similar price points.
The Bottom Line: Is It Ever Okay?
- If you have no other affordable option and your healthy adult dog tolerates it well—some dogs do—you might use Ol' Roy temporarily.
But if you want optimal health for your pet—and fewer digestive issues or vet visits—most independent reviewers suggest transitioning to a better-quality commercial or veterinary diet when possible. Even within the same price range as Ol' Roy, there are often alternatives that offer improved ingredient transparency and digestibility without as many safety concerns.
