Ol' Roy: The Most Recalled Dog Food Brand?
When it comes to choosing the right food for your furry companion, safety and nutrition are top priorities. Yet, not all pet food brands are created equal. One brand that frequently garners attention — often for the wrong reasons — is Ol’ Roy, Walmart’s store brand of dog food. Manufactured by Mars Petcare US, this brand is known for its affordability and availability, but less favorably for its history of product recalls and controversial ingredients.
Overview of Ol’ Roy Dog Food
Ol' Roy offers both dry and canned dog food options. While attractive due to cost and convenience, the recipes often rely on low-quality ingredients and fillers.
- Main ingredients include ground yellow corn, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, and poultry by-product meal.
- Preservatives like BHA and BHT are used, both of which are under scrutiny for potential health risks.
- Protein sources are usually non-specific and plant-based, reducing overall digestibility and bioavailability.
Why Has Ol’ Roy Been Recalled Multiple Times?
The brand has faced several recalls over the years. These recalls were often due to concerns such as contamination with potentially harmful ingredients or the presence of substances unsafe for consumption.
- Recalls in the past have affected both canned and dry products.
- Issues include contamination, mislabeling, and the inclusion of unauthorized or unsafe additives.
Multiple dog owners have reported adverse health effects after feeding Ol’ Roy to their pets, including:
- Digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea
- Persistent skin allergies and itching
- More serious symptoms like bloody stool and vomiting
Such symptoms, particularly when tied to specific lots of food, have led to increased scrutiny over the brand’s safety and quality control measures.
Nutritional Analysis: What’s in the Bowl?
An evaluation of Ol’ Roy’s nutritional composition helps explain some of the underlying concerns:
- Dry Food: Around 24.5% protein, 12% fat, and 50–57% carbohydrates (dry matter basis).
- Canned Food: Higher protein content (~44%) with about 17% fat and 31% carbohydrates (dry matter basis).
Despite the protein levels, the quality of the protein is often low due to the use of meat by-products and plant-based sources like soy.
Controversial Ingredients
Several ingredients used in Ol’ Roy dog food have raised red flags among veterinarians and pet nutrition experts:
- Meat and bone meal: Generic, low-grade source of animal protein, sometimes unspecified in origin.
- Poultry by-product meal: Often includes organs, feet, and beaks instead of muscle meat.
- Artificial preservatives: Such as BHA and BHT, linked to possible health risks.
- Wheat and soy fillers: Common allergens that provide minimal nutritional benefit.
Veterinarian and Consumer Concerns
Surveys and reviews show that professional and consumer ratings for Ol’ Roy are generally unfavorable:
- Dry food lines: Often receive 1 star (not recommended).
- Canned food lines: Average between 2 and 3 stars depending on the formula.
Although a few pet owners report no issues, the majority of feedback highlights health concerns directly correlated with the brand’s low ingredient quality. Recalls have only amplified these worries.
How to Choose a Safer Dog Food
If your dog has experienced health issues after consuming Ol’ Roy or you're concerned about recall history, consider the following tips when selecting a safer alternative:
- Choose products with clearly named animal proteins (e.g., chicken, beef) as the first ingredients.
- Look for minimal fillers and by-products.
- Avoid foods with artificial additives like BHA, BHT, or artificial dyes.
- Select brands that use human-grade ingredients and provide transparent nutritional labeling.
Conclusion: Should You Avoid Ol’ Roy?
The brand’s history of recalls, low ratings, and inclusion of questionable ingredients suggest that Ol’ Roy is best avoided, especially for dogs with dietary sensitivities or medical conditions. While some dogs may tolerate the brand without noticeable issues, the risks outweigh the benefits for many pet owners.
Prioritize your dog’s long-term health by choosing a food that offers balanced nutrition, digestibility, and a strong safety record. If cost is a constraint, consider supplementing a lower-cost base food with real meats and vegetables — but remember, the foundation of your dog’s diet should still be high-quality products backed by veterinary approval.
