Royal Canin vs Purina
Royal Canin against Purina, measured across 85 and 98 kibble recipes: 28.1% vs 30.8% protein on a dry matter basis, 40% vs 35% starch, and 0 vs 0 FDA recalls in the last five years.
How They Differ
- Purina runs higher in protein: 30.8% against 28.1% on a dry matter basis, averaged across the kibble we review from each.
- Purina is lower in starch, about 35% of the food as fed against 40%.
- Purina is more calorie dense, 408 kcal per cup on average against 340, so its portions run smaller for the same dog.
- Purina more often leads with meat, fish or egg as the first ingredient (89% of recipes against 42%).
Side by Side
| Measure | Royal Canin | Purina | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 85 | 98 | 1,540 in total |
| Protein, dry matter | 28.1%21.1% to 35.8% | 30.8%20.5% to 38.6% | 30.4% |
| Fat, dry matter | 16.2%10.0% to 25.6% | 16.5%9.1% to 22.7% | 16.0% |
| Starch, as fedEstimated, not measured. It is what is left of the guaranteed analysis once protein, fat, fiber and moisture are taken out, with ash assumed at 6%. That leftover is mostly starch but also carries sugars and the fiber a crude-fiber test misses, so read it as a close estimate rather than an exact figure. Measured as fed, the same basis as the bag. | 40%32% to 49% | 35%18% to 50% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 340256 to 485 | 408330 to 534 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 42% | 89% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 0% | 5% | |
| Most used proteins | Chicken 95%, Pork 12%, Egg 4% | Chicken 76%, Egg 52%, Fish 51% | |
| Recipes with corn, wheat, soy | Corn 93%, Wheat 95%, Soy 1% | Corn 79%, Wheat 65%, Soy 70% | |
| By-products | 95% | 69% | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | None | None | |
| Made by | Mars | Nestlé Purina |
Brand figures are averages over every kibble recipe we review from that brand, with the lowest and highest recipe underneath. Freeze-dried, frozen, wet food and toppers are left out so the numbers compare like with like, and so are prescription diets, which are fed for a medical condition on a vet's advice. Protein and fat are on a dry matter basis, starch and calories as fed.
The Closest Matching Recipes
Brand averages hide the recipe you would actually buy. These are the pairs that come closest on protein, fat and starch, preferring recipes built on the same main protein, which is where a like-for-like choice gets made.
Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food
Protein 31%
Fat 10%
Starch 41%
Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Protein 31%
Fat 10%
Starch 41%
Compare these two in full
Which Fits Your Dog
- For an active or working dog, or one that needs to hold muscle, Purina puts more protein in each bowl.
- For a dog that gains weight easily, Royal Canin is less calorie dense, so a normal-looking portion carries fewer calories.
- If you are cutting back on starch, Purina starts lower.
- The brands overlap more than the averages suggest: Royal Canin runs from 21% to 36% protein and Purina from 21% to 39%, so the right recipe matters more than the name on the bag.
Recall History
FDA recall notices from the last five years that name the brand or its maker. Older notices sit in each brand's archive below: still on the record, but not counted, since a recall that old says more about how a company used to run than how it runs now.
Royal Canin
No FDA recalls for Royal Canin in the last five years.
Purina
No FDA recalls for Purina in the last five years.
About the Brands
Royal Canin
Royal Canin is a pet food brand owned by Mars, Incorporated, and Royal Canin USA operates as a Mars subsidiary. It is known for breed-specific, size-specific and veterinary therapeutic diets, and the company says it focuses on science-based health nutrition for cats and dogs.
Based in St. Louis, MO, since 1968. Every Royal Canin food we review
Purina
Purina is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, the pet food business of Nestlé, which is based in St. Louis, Missouri. Its dog food brands include Pro Plan, Purina ONE, Dog Chow, Beneful and Alpo.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, since 1894. Every Purina food we review
More Brand Comparisons
How we compare: every figure comes from the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list of recipes we review, not from the brands' own claims. Starch is our estimate, since no manufacturer prints it. Figures refreshed September 29, 2026.