Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food – 13 lb. Bag Review & Comparison
Final Rating: 4.5/5 (Ideal for breed-specific care, but loses points for cost/grains.)
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Royal Canin Small Puppy is a breed-specific dry kibble formulated for small-breed puppies (up to 10 months old, under 20 lbs adult weight). It’s designed to meet the high-energy needs of tiny pups while supporting digestive health, bone development, and immunity.
Key Features
✅ Tailored for Small Breeds – Tiny, easy-to-chew kibble (7mm).
✅ High Energy (3,900 kcal/kg) – Supports rapid growth phases.
✅ DHA + EPA (Fish Oil) – Brain & vision development.
✅ Prebiotics + Digestive Enzymes – Gentle on sensitive puppy stomachs.
✅ Antioxidant Complex – Boosts immune system.
Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Wheat (primary protein + carbs)
Chicken Fat, Fish Oil (omega-3s for brain/coat)
Dried Plain Beet Pulp (prebiotic fiber)
FOS (Fructooligosaccharides), Vitamins E/C (immune support)
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Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) 28%
Crude Fat (min) 18%
Crude Fiber (max) 3.4%
Moisture (max) 10%
Pros
✔️ Vet-Recommended – Trusted by breeders and veterinarians.
✔️ Highly Digestible – Reduces stool volume and gas.
✔️ Optimal Calcium/Phosphorus – Supports bone growth without overloading.
✔️ Small Kibble Size – Prevents choking in toy breeds.
Cons
❌ Contains by-products and grains (not for grain-free diets).
❌ Expensive (~4.00/lb).
❌ Lower protein (28%) vs. premium grain-free brands.
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Comparison to Similar Small-Puppy Foods
| Feature | Royal Canin Small Puppy | Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites | Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein % (min) | 28% | 28% | 30% | 28% |
| Kibble Size | ⭐ 7mm (smallest) | 8mm | 9mm | 8mm |
| Grain-Free? | ❌ No (wheat, rice) | ❌ No (corn, wheat) | ❌ No (corn, wheat) | ✅ Yes |
| DHA for Brain Health? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Best For | Breed-specific precision | Balanced nutrition | High protein | Natural/grain-free preference |
| Price (per lb) | ~4.00 | ~3.50 | ~3.00 | ~3.50 |
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Verdict
Royal Canin Small Puppy is the gold standard for precision nutrition in toy/small breeds, but its price and grain-inclusive formula may not suit all budgets or dietary preferences.
Best Alternatives Based on Need:
Higher Protein: Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy (30% protein, shredded blend).
Grain-Free: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy (no wheat/corn).
Budget-Friendly: Iams ProActive Health Puppy Small Breed (similar nutrition, ~$1.50/lb).