Rating: 
Royal Canin Giant Adult Dog Food receives the Advisor’s mid-tier rating of three stars.
Royal Canin Giant Adult 28 Dog Food has been specifically designed for dogs weighing over 100 pounds and greater than 18 months of age.
Royal Canin Giant Adult 28
Dry Dog Food
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, rice, chicken fat, corn gluten meal, natural chicken flavor, oatmeal, dried beet pulp, dried brewers yeast, anchovy oil (source of DHA), calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, soya oil, sodium tripolyphosphate, salt, dried egg powder, choline chloride, vitamins [dl-alpha tocopherol (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A acetate, niacin, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2), folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], glucosamine hydrochloride, taurine, trace minerals [zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], chondroitin sulfate, L-carnitine, rosemary extract, preserved with natural mixed tocopherols and citric acid
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3.5%
Red items when present indicate controversial ingredients
The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains almost 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
The second ingredient is brown rice… a nutritious grain ingredient. Once cooked, this complex carbohydrate is fairly easy to digest.
The third ingredient is another rice component. But since the word “rice” doesn’t really tell us much, it’s difficult to judge the quality of this particular item.
The fourth item is chicken fat… a product obtained from rendering chicken. Rendering is a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Chicken fat is naturally high in linoleic acid… an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. This is a quality ingredient.
The fifth item is corn gluten meal. Gluten is the rubbery residue remaining once corn has had most of its starchy carbohydrate (the nutritious stuff) washed out of it.
Compared to meat, glutens are inferior grain-based proteins lacking many of the essential amino acids dogs need to sustain life.
This inexpensive plant-based ingredient can noticeably boost the protein content reported in this dog food.
After “natural chicken flavor” (whatever that is), the next ingredient lists oatmeal… a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats.
Oatmeal is naturally rich in fiber, B-vitamins and (unlike many other grains) is entirely gluten-free.
Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient… a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.
Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others point to its outstanding intestinal health benefits.
We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is completely acceptable.
This dog food also contains chelated minerals… minerals that have been chemically attached to proteins. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are generally found in better dog foods.
Royal Canin Giant Adult… the Bottom Line
The three basic ingredients in just about every Royal Canin product we’ve reviewed (so far) are chicken meal, rice and gluten.
Similar? Sure. But these products do differ in their proportions.
A look at this Royal Canin Giant Adult nutrient profile reveals some useful information…
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 31%, a fat level of 20% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 41%.
Ample protein. Moderate fat. And below-average carbohydrates (when compared to a typical dry dog food).
Nice numbers, actually.
Yet it’s difficult hard to ignore the low biological value of the protein supplied by the corn gluten meal.
All things considered, Royal Canin Giant Adult 28 Dog Food earns a respectable three stars and certainly deserves a serious look.
Recommended.
Some Final Thoughts
Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult your veterinarian for help.
Have an opinion about this dog food brand… or maybe the review itself?
Please feel free to share your comments below.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello again, I just check ingredients on same dry food Royal Canin Giant and I have written there Propyl Gallate, Butilated hydroxyanisole (BHA), but I can not see them here in your ingredients. Same for Mini Royal Canin for Jack Russel? Thanks Sara
Hi Sara… I contacted Royal Canin and (also re-checked the company’s website). I’ve confirmed our published data is correct and up-to-date. If you see those preservatives listed on your package, it’s possible you’re using an older (out-of-date) version of the product. By the way, feeding expired products can be hazardous to your pets. So, be sure to verify the dates on the packages.
Royal Canin has upgraded and improved many of their recipes. If you have any concerns, I’d suggest you contact the company on their customer service phone number at (800) 592-6687.
Hope this helps.
Thanks a lot it helps. I ordered Royal Canin one month ago from internet and I just now check date and there is best before 18.11.2010 it means they are selling older version of that dry food, it is same think with mini Royal Canin. Sara
Hi Sara… Are you outside of the United States? If so, you should be aware that manufacturers frequently use different ingredients for many of their products. My best recommendation… check with Royal Canin. Send them an email or give them a call.
Hi I try to call tham on that number, but it is not working from here. I am living in australia QLD in Cairns.