Ol’ Roy Dog Food Review (2024)

Ol’ Roy Dog Food Review

Ol’ Roy Dog Food, positioned as an economical choice for pet owners, operates under the Walmart brand umbrella, offering a cost-effective solution for dog nutrition. Primarily utilizing cornmeal as its foundational ingredient, the brand supplements its formula with meat and bone meal, along with chicken byproduct, to serve as sources of animal protein. This composition, while not aligning with the premium standards set by higher-end dog food brands, has not deterred Ol’ Roy from becoming one of the nation’s top-selling dog food lines.

The appeal of Ol’ Roy Dog Food largely hinges on its affordability. It presents a significantly lower price point compared to its premium counterparts, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. However, the economic advantage offered by Ol’ Roy comes with the necessity for pet owners to scrutinize its ingredients list. The reliance on cornmeal as a primary ingredient, alongside meat and bone meal and chicken byproduct for protein, may raise questions regarding the nutritional completeness and quality of the food, especially when compared to foods that list real meat as their primary ingredient.

Despite these considerations, Ol’ Roy Dog Food has managed to carve out a substantial market share, attributed to its accessibility and Walmart’s extensive distribution network. This has made it a go-to option for many dog owners across the country looking for an affordable feeding solution.

For those contemplating Ol’ Roy for their pet’s dietary needs, it’s important to weigh the cost savings against the potential nutritional benefits and drawbacks. While it can serve as a basic diet, pet owners might consider supplementing it with higher-quality foods or adding fresh, wholesome ingredients to ensure their dogs receive a well-rounded diet. Additionally, consulting with a veterinarian can provide valuable insights into whether Ol’ Roy Dog Food meets the specific nutritional requirements of your pet, taking into account factors such as age, breed, and health status.

Ol’ Roy Dog Food offers a budget-friendly option for dog owners, backed by the convenience and reach of Walmart. However, its cost-effectiveness should be balanced with careful consideration of its nutritional value and how it fits into the overall health and dietary regimen of one’s pet.

Most Popular Ol’ Roy Dog Foods Current Online Prices 

Ol’ Roy Company Overview

Founded in 1983 and named after Sam Walton’s beloved hunting dog, Ol’ Roy has become a household name in budget-friendly pet food. While Ol’ Roy is currently Walmart’s exclusive brand, the true story behind its production is surprisingly complex.

Despite its familiar presence on Walmart shelves, Ol’ Roy dog food doesn’t even have its own website. It’s manufactured by Doane Pet Food, a company that has been part of the Mars pet food empire since 2006. Mars, headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, is one of the world’s biggest pet food producers, responsible for numerous popular brands.

Although Ol’ Roy is synonymous with Walmart, the retail giant has never possessed its own manufacturing plants for the dog food. Before its acquisition by Mars, Doane Pet Food maintained independence as a separate pet food manufacturer.

Despite being cited as the top-selling dog food in the United States, Ol’ Roy consistently receives low ratings, typically earning only a one-star rating. Additionally, the brand has a concerning history, facing a series of recalls over its 35-year lifespan.

Ol’ Roy’s tale highlights the intricate relationships within the pet food industry. Its dominance in sales underscores the appeal of affordability but also raises questions about quality and long-term pet health.

Ol’ Roy Recall History

Unfortunately, there’s a common misconception about Ol’ Roy being particularly prone to recalls. Here’s what you need to know:

Limited Recent Recalls:

Ol’ Roy itself has not had any direct recalls within the past 10 years. This makes sense considering it’s just a brand name, not a manufacturer. Recalls are usually based on manufacturing issues.

Misattribution of Recalls:

Many large pet food manufacturers produce store-brand lines alongside their own name-brand products. In Ol’ Roy’s case, its manufacturer, Doane Pet Food, also made other brands recalled in the past. Here are two examples often misattributed to Ol’ Roy:

• 2018 Gravy Train Recall: A massive recall affected certain canned varieties of Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘n Bits, Skippy, and Ol’ Roy due to potentially containing pentobarbital (a euthanasia drug).
• 2007 Melamine Recall: While Ol’ Roy was impacted, this far-reaching recall involved melamine contamination in pet food ingredients and affected many brands manufactured by various companies.

Ingredients Found in Ol’ Roy Dog Food

The main ingredients in Ol’ Roy Dog Food raise several concerns for pet owners who prioritize the quality of their dog’s nutrition. Among these ingredients are corn, meat and bone meal, chicken by-product, soybean meal, animal fat, corn gluten, brewer’s rice, BHA and citric acid as preservatives, and artificial colors.

One primary concern is that corn, while providing some carbohydrates, is a less bioavailable source of protein for dogs. Canines thrive on a diet with significantly higher levels of animal protein for optimal digestion and health. Additionally, the inclusion of “meat and bone meal” and “chicken by-product” signifies the use of lower-quality animal protein sources rather than whole, recognizable meat ingredients. Both meat and bone meal and chicken by-product often include less desirable parts of the animal, offering diminished nutritional value.

Ol’ Roy also includes artificial colors and preservatives like BHA, which some pet health experts suggest can be detrimental to a dog’s health over prolonged periods. These additions create further doubt about the long-term benefits of Ol’ Roy dog food.

While Ol’ Roy’s affordability is undeniably a factor for many pet owners, the compromises made in ingredient quality are clear. Before relying on Ol’ Roy as a primary food source, seeking your veterinarian’s advice regarding your dog’s specific nutritional needs is wise. This will help ensure choices that promote their long-term health and well-being.

Ol’ Roy Dog Food Product Line

Ol’ Roy’s product line offers a range of wet and dry dog food options, easily found both online and in major retail stores. Their selection caters to various needs and preferences, whether you’re looking for basic kibble or something with added moisture like wet food varieties. The brand’s wide availability through online platforms and in physical stores adds to its convenience factor.

10 Varieties of Ol’ Roy Dry Dog Food

• View Ol’ Roy Dry Dog Food Product Line

17 Varieties of Ol’ Roy Wet Dog Food

• View Ol’ Roy Wet Dog Food Product Line