Why Ol' Roy May Be the Most Unhealthy Dog Food
Choosing the right dog food is crucial for your pet's health and happiness. However, not all dog foods are created equal. Ol' Roy, Walmart’s store-brand dog food, is frequently cited as one of the least healthy options available on the market. This article explores the reasons why many veterinarians and pet nutrition experts caution against feeding your dog Ol' Roy.
Questionable Ingredient Quality
One of the primary concerns with Ol' Roy dog food is the low quality of its ingredients. Common components include:
- Ground yellow corn and soybean meal – inexpensive fillers with low nutritional value.
- Meat and bone meal – rendered from unspecified mammal tissues, lacking species specificity.
- Poultry by-product meal – may include parts like organs, feet, and beaks rather than quality muscle meat.
- Animal fat preserved with BHA – a controversial chemical preservative linked to health risks.
Such ingredients contribute to low bioavailability and digestibility, making it harder for dogs to absorb essential nutrients.
Nutritional Profile and Fillers
Ol' Roy’s average nutrient profile doesn't fare well compared to premium brands. For dry variants:
- Protein: Around 24.5% – mostly from plant sources and low-grade animal by-products.
- Fat: Approximately 12% – offers energy but the source and quality are inconsistent.
- Carbohydrates: Up to 57% – primarily from corn and soy, used as cheap fillers.
The canned food is somewhat better in protein content, averaging around 44% on a dry matter basis, but shares the same concerns with questionable ingredients.
Use of Controversial Additives
Ol' Roy dog foods often contain BHA, BHT, and artificial coloring. These are artificial preservatives and dyes suspected to have harmful health effects:
- BHA/BHT: Potentially harmful chemicals used to preserve fats.
- Artificial coloring: Offers no nutritional benefit and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.
Additionally, certain recipes include onion and garlic extracts, which can be toxic to dogs, even in small quantities, depending on individual sensitivity.
Health Issues Reported
Numerous dog owners and professionals have reported adverse health effects associated with Ol' Roy, including:
- Digestive upset: Diarrhea, vomiting, and gas.
- Skin allergies: Itching, excessive scratching, and hair loss.
- Hotspots: Inflammatory skin lesions that require veterinary intervention.
These reactions are especially common when switching to Ol' Roy abruptly or when dogs have existing allergies to corn, wheat, or soy.
History of Recalls and Low Ratings
Over the years, several recalls have affected Ol' Roy treat and canned products due to potential contamination and labeling issues. Reviewers regularly assign low ratings:
- Ol' Roy Dry Food: Often rated 1 star – deemed “not recommended.”
- Canned Food: Typically rated 2 to 3 stars – “somewhat recommended.”
Customer sentiment corroborates expert opinion, with many negative reviews highlighting health and quality concerns.
Alternatives and Recommendations
When selecting food for your dog, prioritize options that include:
- Named animal proteins (e.g., chicken, beef) as the first ingredients.
- No by-products or fillers, minimizing corn, soy, and wheat.
- No artificial preservatives like BHA/BHT and artificial colors.
If budget is a constraint, some pet owners supplement affordable kibble with real meat and vegetables, but poor base quality cannot be completely offset. Transition to new food should be gradual over several days to avoid digestive issues.
Conclusion: Proceed With Caution
While some dogs may tolerate Ol' Roy without obvious issues and even live long lives, widespread reports and analysis suggest it's among the least healthy dog food options. A better quality food with clear ingredients and wholesome nutrition is a safer, and ultimately more cost-effective, investment in your dog’s long-term health.
