Who Manufactures Ol’ Roy Dog Food for Walmart?
Ol’ Roy is Walmart’s exclusive, store-brand dog food and one of the best-selling budget dog foods in America. Marketed toward cost-conscious pet owners, Ol’ Roy is available in dry and canned formulas and is distinguished by its affordability and wide reach. However, pet owners often wonder who actually makes Ol’ Roy dog food and whether it's a safe, healthy choice for their dogs.
The Manufacturer Behind Ol’ Roy
Ol’ Roy dog food is primarily manufactured by Doane Pet Care, which operates under the larger umbrella of Mars, Inc.—one of the world’s leading pet food companies. Doane Pet Care was acquired by Mars and has since played a role in producing numerous private-label products, including Walmart's Ol’ Roy brand.
Understanding Ol’ Roy’s Ingredient Profile
Ol’ Roy dog food is frequently criticized for its low-cost ingredients and potential health effects. A close look at the ingredient list reveals several concerning elements:
- Main ingredients such as ground yellow corn, soybean meal, and meat and bone meal—ingredients considered less nutritious compared to whole meats
- Animal fats preserved with BHA or BHT, both controversial chemical preservatives
- Minimal inclusion of high-quality protein sources
- No added probiotics or highly digestible fibers, resulting in digestive health challenges for some dogs
This combination results in higher carbohydrate content, lower nutrient bioavailability, and often, the need for dogs to eat more food to satisfy their nutritional needs.
Canned vs. Dry Ol’ Roy Formulas
Ol’ Roy canned dog food exhibits similar cost-saving strategies. It uses ingredients like:
- Water, chicken, and meat by-products from unspecified sources
- Beef, liver, and wheat flour
- Thickeners like corn starch
- Coloring agents including titanium dioxide and iron oxide
- Unspecific vegetable oils preserved with BHA or BHT
Some formulations even include traces of garlic or onion extract, both of which pose toxicity risks to dogs when consumed in high amounts.
Reported Health Concerns and Safety Issues
Ol’ Roy has been associated with various health and safety concerns over the years, including:
- Low digestibility, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and poor coat condition
- Potential contamination, including past findings of pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug, in certain samples
- Management and quality control inconsistencies
- Recalls stemming from mold, foreign objects, and harmful substances
Owners of sensitive or sick dogs are generally advised to avoid Ol’ Roy in favor of more reputable brands, especially those that use transparent and responsibly-sourced ingredients.
Who Should Avoid Ol’ Roy?
Veterinarians, pet nutritionists, and experienced dog owners frequently caution against Ol’ Roy, particularly for dogs with:
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Chronic diseases such as pancreatitis, arthritis, or kidney disease
- Immune disorders or digestive sensitivity
- Aged, very young, or large-breed-specific dietary needs
While some healthy adult dogs can tolerate Ol’ Roy without immediate issues, long-term health outcomes remain uncertain due to the inconsistent ingredient quality and poor nutritional profile.
Are There Better Alternatives?
If budget is a primary concern, there are other affordable dog food brands that may offer better nutritional profiles without significantly increasing cost. Some options to consider include:
- Brands that use meat as the first ingredient
- Products with clear transparency about fat sources and preservation methods
- Foods containing chelates for improved mineral absorption
- Brands that add probiotics and quality fiber sources
Summary
Ol’ Roy is manufactured by Doane Pet Care, a Mars, Inc. company, and while it serves a purpose in the market by offering extremely low-cost dog food, it raises several red flags in ingredient quality, digestibility, and safety. For dog owners focused on long-term health, even minor upgrades in food quality can result in noticeable improvements to a pet’s quality of life. Ultimately, informed decisions about dog food start with an understanding of ingredient sourcing, processing, and health impact.
