Rating: 
Royal Canin Maxi Dog Food receives the Advisor’s mid-tier rating of three stars.
Currently, the Royal Canin Maxi line includes six dry kibbles… each designed for large-size dogs (pets weighing 56 to 100 pounds at adulthood).
- Royal Canin Maxi Baby Dog 30 (weaning to 5 months)
- Royal Canin Maxi Large Breed Puppy 32 (5 to 15 months)
- Royal Canin Maxi Joint and Coat Care 28 (15 months to 5 years)
- Royal Canin Maxi Weight Care 27 (15 months to 5 years)
- Royal Canin Maxi Large Breed Adult (15 months to 5 years)
- Royal Canin Maxi Aging Care 26 (over 5 years)
It’s important to acknowledge that there are (of course) differences between these six products.
But there are also notable similarities, too. All the recipes feature some combination of chicken, rice and corn gluten meal… and vary mainly in their proportions.
Royal Canin Maxi Large Breed Adult was selected to represent the others in the line for this review.
Royal Canin Maxi Large Breed Adult
Dry Dog Food
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Ingredients: Chicken meal, rice, brown rice, corn gluten meal, oatmeal, chicken fat, natural chicken flavor, dried beet pulp, anchovy oil (source of EPA/DHA), rice hulls, salt, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, choline chloride, dried egg product, dried brewers yeast, glucosamine hydrochloride, Vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A acetate, niacin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2) supplement, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], trace minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, copper sulfate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate], chondroitin sulfate, preserved with natural mixed tocopherols (source of Vitamin E) and citric acid, rosemary extract
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 2%
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 rice… which (by itself) doesn’t tell us very much. This could even include by-products of rice milling. So, it’s difficult to accurately judge the quality of this particular item.
The third ingredient is notably better… brown rice. Brown rice is a quality ingredient. It’s a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) is fairly easy to digest.
The fourth 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 significantly boost the protein content reported in this dog food.
The fifth ingredient is oatmeal… a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground raw oats. Oatmeal is rich in natural fiber, B-vitamins and (unlike many other grains) is completely gluten-free.
The sixth item includes chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken… 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. A quality ingredient.
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 cite 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 entirely 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 Maxi Dog Food… the Bottom Line
On the surface, each of these six Royal Canin Maxi products exhibit relatively high quality formulas.
But what about the line’s protein-fat-carb proportions? How much protein is present? And where does it most likely come from?
To answer these questions, we’ll consult the nutrient gauges of our Royal Canin Maxi Large Breed Adult “example”…
The dashboard reports a dry matter protein reading of 28%, a fat level of 18% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 47%.
An average-to-above-average nutrient profile… sure.
But it’s hard to ignore the protein-enhancing influence and the low biological value of the inferior corn gluten meal.
All things considered, Royal Canin’s Maxi Dog Food product line earns a respectable three stars and 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.
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