Is Ol' Roy Dog Food Safe? Ingredient Quality, Nutrition, and Health Concerns
Ol' Roy is Walmart's signature store brand for dog food, offering both dry and canned options. Manufactured by Mars Petcare US, it's known for its low price and broad availability. But when it comes to your dog's health, safety isn't just about avoiding immediate harm—it's also about long-term nutrition and ingredient quality. Let's break down what you need to know before filling your pup's bowl with Ol' Roy.
Ingredients: What's Inside Ol' Roy?
Ol' Roy's dry dog food recipes often list the following as their main ingredients:
- Ground yellow corn
- Soybean meal
- Meat and bone meal (not always species-specific)
- Poultry by-product meal (can include organs, feet, beaks)
- Animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid)
- Corn gluten meal
The use of generic animal by-products and non-specific meat sources means you don't always know exactly what your dog is eating. The inclusion of BHA—a controversial preservative—raises additional questions for some pet owners.
Canned formulas contain water, chicken, meat by-products, wheat flour, beef, liver, corn starch, and chicken meal. While protein levels are higher in the canned varieties (about 44% on a dry matter basis), they still rely on generic meat by-products and include additives like BHA/BHT and artificial coloring.
Nutritional Profile: How Does It Stack Up?
The average nutrient breakdown for Ol' Roy dry food is:
- Protein: ~24.5%
- Fat: ~12%
- Carbohydrates: ~50–57%
The main protein sources are plant-based or animal by-products rather than high-quality animal proteins. Fillers like corn and soy make up a significant portion of the recipe. This keeps costs low but reduces the digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients compared to premium brands that use clearer protein sources.
Canned recipes offer higher protein (44%), moderate fat (17%), and lower carbs (31%). However, the presence of generic by-products and controversial additives tempers this advantage.
Potential Health Issues: Reports from Owners & Vets
A number of pet owners—and some professionals—have reported digestive problems after feeding Ol' Roy products. Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Skin allergies (itching or hair loss)
- Hotspots or gastrointestinal symptoms
If your dog has sensitivities to corn, wheat, or soy—common allergens in dogs—these ingredients may trigger reactions. Rarely, onion or garlic extracts found in some recipes can also be problematic for certain dogs.
If you notice persistent issues such as bloody stool or signs of serious illness after switching to Ol' Roy, it's best to stop feeding it immediately and consult your vet.
Recalls & Safety Record
Food recalls have occurred in the past, affecting various Ol' Roy treats and some canned products. While not every product has been recalled or shown to be dangerous outright, the history underscores why ingredient transparency matters.
User Reviews & Expert Ratings
- Dry food ratings: Frequently receive only one star (not recommended).
- Canned lines: Sometimes earn two to three stars (somewhat recommended), averaging around 1.5 stars overall.
The most common complaints involve health concerns or poor ingredient quality. Still, some owners report their dogs have lived long lives on Ol' Roy—suggesting that not every dog will react poorly. If you notice improvements after switching away from Ol' Roy to a higher-quality brand, that's a strong sign your dog was sensitive to something in the original formula.
How to Choose Safer Dog Food
- Check ingredient lists carefully.
- Avoid foods where animal proteins aren't among the first ingredients.
- Avoid excessive fillers like corn or soy if possible.
- Select foods with clearly identified protein sources over generic "meat" or "animal" meals.
- Avoid unnecessary additives such as artificial colors or preservatives like BHA/BHT if you're concerned about long-term effects.
If cost is an issue but you want better nutrition for your dog, some owners add real meat or vegetables to low-cost kibble—but this doesn't fully address underlying quality concerns with the base food itself.
The Bottom Line: Is Ol' Roy Safe?
The safety of Ol' Roy depends on your individual dog's health status and sensitivities. Many dogs eat it without obvious problems; others experience digestive upset or allergic reactions due to its high filler content and use of generic by-products. The brand's history of recalls and low expert ratings suggest there are better options if ingredient quality is important to you.
If you do choose Ol' Roy because of budget constraints or convenience:
- Transition slowly over several days from your old food to avoid stomach upset.
- Watch closely for any new symptoms—especially digestive issues or skin changes—and consult a veterinarian if problems persist.
