By
Mike Sagman
Mike Sagman
Founder
Dr Mike Sagman is the creator of the Dog Food Advisor. He founded the website in 2008, after his unquestioning trust in commercial dog food led to the tragic death of his dog Penny.
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& Julia Ogden
Julia Ogden
Content Director
Julia is the content director at the Dog Food Advisor and responsible for the overall strategy of the website.
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Updated: September 15, 2025
Verified by Laura Ward
Laura Ward
Pet Nutritionist
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
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Choosing the right nutrition for a growing puppy is one of the most important decisions a pet parent can make. With countless options available, finding a formula that supports healthy development and appeals to your puppy’s palate can be a challenge. In this detailed Royal Canin Wet Puppy Food Review, we delve into the Royal Canin range of canned and pouched foods specifically designed for puppies. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive analysis of their ingredients, nutrient profiles, and overall suitability, helping you determine if Royal Canin wet puppy food is the ideal choice for your furry companion. From aiding hydration to supporting delicate digestive systems, wet food can offer unique advantages during the critical early stages of a puppy’s life.
Our Verdict
Rating:
The Royal Canin Wet Puppy Food product range, featuring various formulas tailored for different breed sizes and developmental stages, generally receives a rating of 3.5 stars. This places it in the “Recommended with Reservations” category, indicating a good but not exceptional choice for puppy nutrition. The brand’s focus on precise nutrition for specific needs is commendable, though certain aspects of its ingredient choices warrant a closer look.
The table below provides a hypothetical overview of Royal Canin’s wet puppy food recipes, including our estimated rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile, all formulated for Growth (G).
| Product Line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Canin Puppy Instinctive Loaf in Sauce | 3.5 | G |
| Royal Canin Small Puppy Loaf in Sauce | 3.5 | G |
| Royal Canin Medium Puppy Chunks in Gravy | 3.5 | G |
| Royal Canin Large Puppy Chunks in Gravy | 3.5 | G |
| Royal Canin Starter Mousse for Puppies & Birthing Bitches | 4 | G |
| Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog Puppy Wet | 3 | G |
| Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Puppy Wet | 3 | G |
Recipe and Label Analysis
For a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis, we’ve selected Royal Canin Puppy Instinctive Loaf in Sauce as a representative product for the Royal Canin wet puppy food range. This formula is commonly chosen for its broad applicability to various puppy sizes and its digestible texture.
Royal Canin puppy food packaging
Royal Canin Puppy Instinctive Loaf in Sauce
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
| Nutrient | Percentage (Dry Matter Basis) |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40% |
| Fat | 25% |
| Carbs | 25% |
Typical Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, chicken by-products, pork by-products, chicken, pork liver, brewers rice flour, gelatin, powdered cellulose, vegetable oil, fish oil, natural flavors, modified corn starch, carrageenan, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, sodium tripolyphosphate, taurine, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), niacin supplement, biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement], trace minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate], marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L.), L-carnitine.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 6.5%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Estimated Nutrient Content |
|---|
| Method |
| Guaranteed Analysis (As-Fed) |
| Dry Matter Basis |
| Calorie Weighted Basis |
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient listed in this Royal Canin wet puppy food is water sufficient for processing. This is standard for wet foods and ensures the desired texture and hydration.
The next ingredient is chicken by-products. Similar to dry food, by-products in wet food are derived from slaughtered chickens after the prime cuts have been removed. While often controversial due to their source from slaughterhouse waste, chicken by-products are highly concentrated sources of protein and various nutrients, typically containing around 300% more protein than fresh chicken when considered on a dry matter basis. The quality can vary based on the raw materials.
Following this, we find pork by-products and chicken, serving as additional protein sources. Pork by-products share similar characteristics with chicken by-products, offering significant nutritional value. The inclusion of whole chicken suggests a focus on quality animal protein, complementing the by-product meals.
The fifth ingredient is pork liver. Liver is a highly nutritious organ meat, packed with vitamins (especially Vitamin A and B vitamins), iron, and other essential minerals. It’s a beneficial addition for growing puppies.
Next is brewers rice flour, a cereal grain by-product consisting of small fragments from rice milling. While it offers caloric energy, its nutritional value beyond that is modest for dogs. It often serves as a binder or thickener in wet foods.
Gelatin is included for texture and consistency, helping to form the loaf or chunks. Powdered cellulose is a non-digestible plant fiber, often derived from vegetable processing by-products. It contributes to fiber content, which supports digestive health, but provides no other direct nutritional value.
Further down the list, we note vegetable oil. As discussed in reviews for dry foods, a generic vegetable oil is vaguely described, making it difficult to assess the precise ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which is crucial for canine health. While it provides essential fats, a named animal fat or specific plant-based oil (e.g., flaxseed oil) would be preferred for transparency. For further insights into high-quality dog food options, you might explore detailed evaluations like those found in fromm classic dog food reviews.
Fish oil is a valuable addition, naturally rich in EPA and DHA, critical omega-3 fatty acids highly bioavailable to dogs. These contribute to brain development, vision, and anti-inflammatory support, which are especially important for puppies.
Carrageenan is a controversial ingredient. Derived from red seaweed, it’s used as a thickener and stabilizer in many wet pet foods. While approved for use, some studies suggest certain forms of carrageenan (degraded) might be inflammatory or linked to gastrointestinal issues, leading some pet owners to prefer formulas without it.
We also observe the presence of sodium tripolyphosphate, a commonly used ingredient to improve food texture and act as a preservative.
Another important inclusion is taurine, an essential amino acid for heart muscle function. Although generally not considered essential for canines as they can synthesize it, some breeds or individual dogs may benefit from dietary supplementation. Its presence is a positive for supporting cardiac health.
Finally, like many quality dog foods, this formula includes chelated minerals. These minerals are chemically bound to protein, which significantly enhances their absorption and utilization within a puppy’s body, reflecting a higher standard of nutritional supplementation. Considering comprehensive puppy nutrition, it’s worth noting how other premium brands approach their formulations; for example, detailed wellness complete puppy food reviews often highlight their choice of highly digestible ingredients and balanced nutrient profiles for optimal growth.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients and typical composition for wet puppy food, the Royal Canin Puppy Instinctive Loaf in Sauce formula demonstrates a robust nutritional profile when analyzed on a dry matter basis. This method accounts for the high moisture content of wet food, allowing for a fair comparison with dry kibble.
The estimated dry matter protein reading for this specific wet puppy food is approximately 40%. The fat level is around 25%, and estimated carbohydrates make up about 25%. When considering the entire Royal Canin wet puppy food line, the average protein content sits at roughly 38-42%, with a mean fat level of 22-28%. These figures suggest an average carbohydrate content of about 20-30% across the product range.
The resulting fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 60-70%. This profile indicates a relatively high protein and fat content, which is crucial for the intense growth and energy demands of puppies, with a moderate carbohydrate level. Even accounting for protein-boosting ingredients like chicken and pork by-products, the overall nutritional profile suggests a significant inclusion of animal-derived components, providing vital amino acids and fatty acids for development. When comparing across different brands, analyzing nutrient density on a dry matter basis is key for making informed choices, much like examining specific products in diamond brand dog food reviews to understand their overall nutritional value.
Benefits of Royal Canin Wet Puppy Food
Royal Canin wet puppy food offers several distinct advantages for growing dogs:
- Enhanced Hydration: The high moisture content (typically 75-82%) significantly contributes to a puppy’s daily water intake, which is vital for organ function and overall health. This is particularly beneficial for puppies who may not drink enough water from their bowl or for those in warmer climates.
- Increased Palatability: Wet foods often have a richer aroma and softer texture, making them highly appealing to puppies, especially picky eaters or those transitioning from mother’s milk. The variety of textures, from loafs to chunks in gravy, can also stimulate appetite.
- Digestive Support: Many Royal Canin wet puppy formulas are designed with highly digestible proteins and prebiotics to support a puppy’s developing digestive system. The softer consistency can also be easier to chew and swallow for puppies with sensitive mouths or dental issues.
- Precise Nutrition: Royal Canin is known for its “health nutrition” approach, developing formulas based on breed size, age, and specific health needs. This allows pet owners to choose a wet food that targets the unique requirements of their puppy, such as specific energy levels for different growth rates.
Potential Concerns & Considerations
While Royal Canin wet puppy food offers many benefits, there are a few points for consideration:
- Ingredient Quality and Transparency: The reliance on “by-products” as primary protein sources, while nutritionally dense, is often a point of contention for some pet owners who prefer whole meat sources. Similarly, the use of “vegetable oil” lacks the transparency of a named oil source.
- Carbohydrate Sources: Ingredients like brewers rice flour contribute to the carbohydrate content. While not inherently bad, some owners prefer grain-free options or lower carbohydrate diets for their puppies.
- Additives: The inclusion of carrageenan, a common thickener, can be a concern for some pet owners due to potential inflammatory properties, although it is an FDA-approved food additive.
- Cost: Generally, wet dog food can be more expensive per serving than dry kibble, especially for larger breeds, which may impact budget considerations for long-term feeding.
Royal Canin Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Royal Canin through October 2025.
No recalls noted.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Our Rating of Royal Canin Wet Puppy Food
Royal Canin Wet Puppy Food is a grain-inclusive canned/pouched dog food that utilizes a notable amount of named by-products and whole animal protein as its main sources of animal protein. Its strength lies in its tailored nutritional approach and palatability for puppies. However, the presence of some controversial ingredients like carrageenan and generic vegetable oil leads us to award it 3.5 stars.
Recommended with Reservations
Compare Royal Canin Wet Puppy Food
How does Royal Canin Wet Puppy Food compare with The Dog Food Advisor’s most recommended brands?
A Final Word
Selecting the best food for your puppy is a complex decision, weighing nutritional needs, palatability, and budget. Royal Canin wet puppy food offers a strong option with its focus on breed-specific and age-specific nutrition, enhanced hydration, and high digestibility. While the ingredient list includes some items that might raise questions for certain pet parents, the overall nutrient profile is designed to support healthy growth and development in puppies.
As with any dietary change or choice, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to ensure the food meets your puppy’s individual health requirements. They can provide personalized advice based on your puppy’s breed, size, activity level, and any specific sensitivities.
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