Fromm Vs Royal Canin Dog Food: My Hands-On Review

I’ve spent years testing different dog foods on my three dogs—a high-energy Labrador mix who needs fuel for endless zoomies, a picky senior Beagle with a sensitive stomach, and a growing German Shepherd puppy who seemed to outgrow every bag overnight. Fromm and Royal Canin kept surfacing as strong contenders in owner forums and vet conversations, so I ran a months-long side-by-side trial to see which one truly delivered for real-life dogs like mine.

Fromm brings that family-owned, wholesome-ingredient vibe while Royal Canin focuses on precise, science-driven formulas tailored to breeds and life stages. In this review I share exactly what happened when I fed both brands, including the good, the not-so-good, and practical tips from daily use, so you can decide which might suit your own dog best. My goal is to give you clear, honest insights drawn from actual bowls emptied and vet visits passed.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Experience With Fromm

When the first Fromm Gold Adult bag arrived I poured some into my Lab mix’s bowl and he practically inhaled it before I could blink.

The duck recipe gave off a rich, natural meaty smell that had him circling my legs begging for seconds even though dinner was already served.

Within ten days his coat developed that deep, healthy shine I usually only see after fish-oil supplements.

Brushing sessions went from leaving handfuls of fur on the floor to barely anything noticeable, which was a huge win during shedding season.

The senior Beagle, who normally sorts through kibble like she’s panning for gold, ate every piece of the Four-Star Shredded Entrée without leaving a single shred behind. No more meal-time standoffs or added wet food bribery.

Her stools firmed up noticeably after the probiotic-heavy formula kicked in—no more surprise soft spots in the yard that used to make walks embarrassing. Gas disappeared almost completely, something no other food had fully accomplished.

The growing Shepherd puppy devoured the Gold Puppy formula and put on steady, even weight without any bloating or loose stools during the transition. His energy stayed high but not frantic, and he slept soundly after play sessions.

Kibble size varied across lines but felt consistent within each bag—small enough for the Beagle’s smaller mouth yet substantial enough that the Lab didn’t just swallow without chewing. No gulping incidents like I’d seen with some rounder kibbles.

I appreciated the lack of artificial colors or flavors; the bags smelled clean and fresh rather than chemically perfumed. Even on hot summer days the food didn’t turn them off like some stronger-scented brands do.

After three months the puppy’s vet noted excellent muscle development and perfect body-condition score—no rapid growth concerns that sometimes come with mismatched puppy food. Bloodwork looked textbook.

The Lab mix maintained lean muscle through longer hikes without dropping weight or looking hollow. He seemed genuinely content between meals instead of constantly scavenging.

Looking back, Fromm felt like the “comfort food” choice—reliable, enjoyable, and visibly beneficial for coat, digestion, and overall happiness without needing constant tweaks or toppers.

Also read: My Thoughts On Taste of the Wild Dog Food

My Experience With Royal Canin

I started Royal Canin with the Large Breed Puppy formula for the Shepherd because the vet strongly recommended it for controlled calcium and growth.

The kibble shape—flat, oblong pieces designed for big jaws—slowed him down noticeably so he chewed instead of inhaling.

He grew steadily without the awkward lanky phase some large-breed puppies go through on generic food.

Joints looked solid during play and no limping after roughhousing, which gave me real peace of mind.

The senior Beagle switched to Small Breed Mature and the tiny kibble suited her perfectly—no more struggling with oversized pieces.

She ate more consistently and maintained her weight without creeping up like she did on richer foods.

Her occasional tummy grumbles quieted down; the highly digestible proteins and precise fiber blend seemed to agree with her sensitive system better than many “gentle” formulas I’d tried. Stools stayed small, firm, and low-odor.

The Lab mix went on Adult Maintenance and while he ate it without complaint the enthusiasm wasn’t the same wild tail-wagging I saw with Fromm. He finished every meal but didn’t beg for more afterward.

Kibble texture felt drier and denser than Fromm, which made sense for dental benefits but sometimes left bits stuck in the Beagle’s teeth that needed extra brushing. No major issues, just a small grooming difference.

Availability was effortless—my vet clinic always had it in stock and I could grab a bag during routine check-ups without extra trips. That convenience mattered a lot during busy months.

After six weeks the puppy’s vet was pleased with proportional growth and normal blood markers; the formula’s research backing felt reassuring when dealing with a breed prone to orthopedic problems.

The senior Beagle’s energy stayed even for her age—no hyperactivity spikes or afternoon crashes. She seemed comfortable rather than merely “okay” on it.

In the end Royal Canin delivered dependable, predictable results—especially for growth and breed-specific needs—but it never created that “my dog loves this” excitement I got from Fromm. It felt more like medicine that works than food they crave.

Pros Of Fromm

• High-quality fresh meat & meat meals as primary ingredients : Recipes frequently lead with fresh chicken, duck, salmon, lamb or turkey followed by concentrated meat meals, delivering highly digestible, bioavailable protein that supports lean muscle maintenance, steady sustained energy for active dogs, improved recovery after exercise, noticeably better body composition over months, and a natural amino-acid profile that contributes to overall vitality without relying heavily on plant-based fillers or by-products that some dogs process less efficiently.
• Family-owned small-batch production philosophy : As a fifth-generation family business that owns its own cooking facilities Fromm maintains tighter control over sourcing cooking times and quality checks compared to many large corporations, resulting in fresher-feeling kibble upon opening, greater batch-to-batch consistency that owners notice in palatability and stool quality, fewer unexpected supply interruptions during peak seasons, and an overall transparency that builds long-term trust even when occasional recalls occur elsewhere in the industry.
• Added probiotics prebiotics & chelated minerals : Multiple lines incorporate beneficial bacteria prebiotic fibers and minerals in chelated forms that enhance gut flora balance improve nutrient uptake lead to consistently firmer smaller-volume stools with reduced odor even after rich protein meals strengthen immune response during seasonal allergen exposure or travel stress and often result in visibly healthier skin barrier function and coat luster within four to six weeks of continuous feeding.
• Diverse product lines for different preferences : The Gold line offers grain-inclusive holistic nutrition the Four-Star Gourmet provides shredded blends and canned pairings while specialized formulas target puppies seniors or weight management allowing owners to fine-tune nutrition to life stage activity level or picky eating habits without needing to change brands entirely and simplifying long-term meal planning for multi-dog households.
• No artificial colors flavors or preservatives : Fromm relies on natural mixed tocopherols rosemary extract and other plant-derived stabilizers instead of synthetic additives which appeals to owners seeking cleaner ingredient panels frequently correlates with fewer skin flare-ups or ear issues in allergy-prone dogs and gives the food a fresher less chemical-like aroma that many picky eaters find more appealing over extended periods.
• Exceptional palatability for finicky eaters : The natural meat-forward aromas and flavors combined with thoughtful texture combinations make Fromm highly enticing even for selective seniors or recovering dogs who previously refused meals encouraging complete consumption without wet toppers or hand-feeding coaxing which helps maintain stable weight prevents nutrient gaps from partial eating and turns mealtimes into positive predictable routines rather than daily negotiations.
• Noticeable benefits for coat skin & shedding control : Balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids sourced from salmon oil flaxseed and other quality fats promote reduced seasonal dryness and itching produce a softer glossier coat that stands out during grooming sessions significantly decrease excessive shedding that clogs furniture and vacuums year-round and strengthen the skin barrier against environmental irritants leading to fewer dermatology-related vet appointments and a more comfortable dog overall.

Cons Of Fromm

• Premium pricing that adds up quickly : Bags typically cost more than mainstream or even some mid-tier competitors especially for larger 30–40 lb sizes or specialty Four-Star lines which can strain monthly budgets in multi-dog households or when feeding large breeds requiring substantial daily volumes often forcing owners to hunt sales subscribe online or occasionally mix with a more economical brand to keep expenses manageable long-term.
• Occasional product recalls raise caution : Incidents involving excess vitamin D in 2021 foreign material complaints in 2023–2024 and earlier isolated issues create a record that makes some owners hesitant despite the brand’s overall strong safety history compared to many competitors prompting extra vigilance label-checking and sometimes preference for brands with fewer reported events when feeding dogs with compromised immune systems.
• Limited mainstream retail availability : Fromm is primarily sold through independent pet specialty stores and select online retailers rather than grocery chains or big-box stores so restocking often requires dedicated trips or waiting for delivery which adds inconvenience during last-minute needs bad weather or when traveling and can incur shipping fees that increase the effective cost per bag.
• Grain-free options carry ongoing DCM association concerns : Several Four-Star and other grain-free recipes fall into the category linked to past FDA investigations regarding dilated cardiomyopathy in certain breeds leading cautious owners to favor the grain-inclusive Gold line or seek veterinary guidance especially for breeds like Golden Retrievers or Dobermans already considered higher-risk even though causation remains unproven and Fromm’s formulas include taurine.
• Kibble size & texture inconsistencies across lines : Piece dimensions and hardness vary noticeably between Gold Four-Star and other sub-lines sometimes resulting in kibble too small for large aggressive chewers who swallow pieces whole too large for tiny seniors with dental wear or too hard for puppies transitioning from softer starter food requiring occasional soaking crushing or mixing to ensure comfortable complete eating.
• Lack of breed- or health-condition-specific tailoring : Unlike brands offering formulas engineered for particular breed jaw structures predispositions or medical conditions Fromm takes a more general holistic approach which works well for many dogs but may leave owners of breeds with known orthopedic urinary or digestive vulnerabilities needing additional supplements or a secondary brand to address those targeted requirements fully.
• Potential richness overwhelming low-activity or senior dogs : Higher protein and fat levels in many recipes designed to support active lifestyles or muscle tone can occasionally cause soft stools gradual weight gain or mild digestive sensitivity in sedentary apartment dogs older pets with slower metabolisms or breeds prone to pancreatitis necessitating careful portion reductions lighter formula switches or close monitoring to maintain ideal body condition without discomfort.

Maintenance Tips For Fromm

• Store bags in consistently cool dry locations : Place unopened and partially used bags in a pantry closet or dedicated cabinet away from stoves windows with direct sunlight heat vents or humid basements to slow oxidation of natural fats preserve vitamin potency and prevent rancidity that degrades taste nutritional value and safety over time ensuring the food remains fresh and appealing through the recommended post-opening window.
• Transfer kibble to airtight pest-proof containers immediately after opening : Pour contents into heavy-duty plastic metal or glass vessels with secure gasket lids or gamma seals while optionally folding the original bag inside for lot information which greatly reduces exposure to household moisture oxygen odors and common pantry pests such as moths beetles or rodents that can contaminate or spoil kibble even in short periods.
• Measure portions accurately using a digital scale : Follow the on-bag feeding chart as a starting point but adjust precisely according to your dog’s current weight activity level age-related metabolism changes and seasonal energy needs weighing food every few weeks to prevent chronic overfeeding that leads to obesity or underfeeding that causes energy deficits poor coat quality and muscle loss.
• Implement a gradual 10–14 day transition protocol : Begin by blending approximately 25 % Fromm with 75 % previous food for the first few days then incrementally increase to 50/50 75/25 and finally 100 % while carefully observing stool consistency appetite energy and behavior slowing the process further if loose stools gas or refusal appear to allow the digestive tract and microbiome to adapt smoothly to the new probiotic and ingredient profile.
• Monitor stool quality coat condition & energy levels daily : Make a habit of checking bowel movement frequency firmness volume color and odor each day along with coat shine shedding amount and overall alertness as these serve as primary real-time indicators of how well the formula matches your individual dog enabling quick portion tweaks fiber additions or veterinary consultation before small issues become larger problems.
• Practice first-in-first-out inventory rotation : Clearly mark opening or purchase dates on containers and always feed the oldest stock first to minimize risks of subtle nutrient degradation in fats vitamins or probiotic viability that occurs naturally even under ideal storage conditions particularly important with higher-fat recipes where oils can oxidize over extended periods.
• Wash feeding bowls & surrounding areas thoroughly every day : Clean food and water dishes with hot soapy water followed by complete rinsing and air-drying after each meal and wipe storage zones and mats regularly to eliminate residual kibble particles saliva buildup or bacterial films that could harbor pathogens potentially causing secondary digestive upset reduced appetite or oral health concerns.

Pros Of Royal Canin

• Breed-size- & life-stage-specific formulas : Royal Canin develops distinct recipes that account for unique anatomical differences energy demands jaw structures and common predispositions of specific breeds or size categories leading to better kibble acceptance more precise nutrient delivery reduced risk of growth-related orthopedic issues in large breeds improved dental mechanics through shaped pieces and often more targeted support for seniors small breeds or working dogs over extended periods.
• Extensive scientific research & feeding-trial validation : Many formulas undergo rigorous AAFCO feeding trials and are formulated in collaboration with veterinary nutritionists and research teams providing documented evidence of nutritional adequacy digestibility and specific health outcomes which gives owners and vets greater confidence when selecting food for dogs with known sensitivities controlled growth requirements or long-term wellness goals.
• Precisely calibrated calorie & nutrient levels : Each formula’s energy density macronutrient ratios and micronutrient profile are fine-tuned to match the intended breed size activity level or life stage making weight management significantly easier preventing unintended gain in low-energy pets supporting steady proportional growth in puppies and minimizing digestive workload in sensitive dogs through highly digestible ingredients.
• Convenient availability through veterinary channels : The brand is widely stocked at vet clinics major pet retailers and online platforms often with professional guidance included allowing owners to purchase during routine appointments receive tailored recommendations and avoid stock-out frustrations that occur with more niche brands especially useful when immediate dietary changes are recommended.
• Kibble shapes designed for breed-specific chewing : Pieces are intentionally formed to match the muzzle shape jaw angle and biting pattern of targeted breeds promoting slower more thorough chewing mechanical dental benefits reduced gulping risks in deep-chested dogs and better overall acceptance particularly in brachycephalic or toy breeds that struggle with standard round kibble.
• Targeted health-support formulas available : Dedicated lines address common concerns such as urinary tract health digestive sensitivities mobility joint support or food sensitivities offering non-prescription yet focused nutrition that can help manage mild-to-moderate conditions without always escalating to full prescription diets saving owners both money and complexity in many cases.
• Consistent large-scale quality assurance : Royal Canin’s global manufacturing standards strict supplier protocols and routine testing help ensure batch-to-batch uniformity even across millions of bags which reduces the variability sometimes seen in smaller production runs and provides reliable performance that owners and vets can count on over years of continuous feeding.

Read more: My Thoughts On Merrick Dog Food

Cons Of Royal Canin

• Higher price especially for breed-specific lines : The specialized formulas command premium pricing often $80–$120+ for 30-lb bags depending on the line which creates substantial monthly expense for larger breeds multiple dogs or owners feeding long-term frequently requiring careful budgeting subscription plans or occasional mixing with more economical options to remain sustainable.
• Inclusion of by-products & lower-tier ingredients in some recipes : Certain non-premium or older lines list poultry by-product meal or corn gluten meal higher on the ingredient list which disappoints owners pursuing whole-meat-first philosophies raises questions about protein quality for some dogs and can contribute to perceptions of a more “processed” feel compared to brands emphasizing fresh meats throughout.
• Historical recall record creates lingering caution : High-profile past events including the 2007 melamine contamination and sporadic later incidents leave some owners wary despite subsequent safety improvements and industry-wide context prompting extra label scrutiny lot-number tracking or preference for brands with cleaner recent records when feeding dogs with fragile health histories.
• Less emphasis on “natural” or whole-food appeal : The brand prioritizes precise synthetic vitamin/mineral fortification and digestibility over abundant superfoods fresh produce or probiotics in every formula which can feel less wholesome to owners seeking cleaner more ancestral-style nutrition and sometimes results in lower palatability scores from dogs who prefer stronger natural aromas.
• Variable enthusiasm from picky eaters : While many dogs accept Royal Canin readily some finicky eaters consume it without excitement requiring wet toppers broths or mixing to maintain full intake which adds extra preparation time cost and complexity compared to brands that dogs devour eagerly on their own.
• Limited inclusion of probiotics & superfoods : Unlike holistic competitors that add beneficial bacteria fruits vegetables or antioxidants across most lines Royal Canin focuses more on macronutrient precision and digestibility meaning owners wanting broad microbiome or antioxidant support may need separate supplements increasing overall regimen complexity and expense.
• Over-specialization can feel restrictive : If a dog does not perfectly match an available breed size or health formula the tailored approach sometimes feels less optimal forcing owners to choose the closest fit add extras or switch brands entirely rather than benefiting from a more universally applicable holistic recipe.

Maintenance Tips For Royal Canin

• Keep bags stored in cool dry stable environments : Position unopened and rolled-closed bags in a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight heat sources humidity fluctuations or strong odors to protect sensitive nutrients prevent fat oxidation and maintain palatability and nutritional integrity throughout the shelf life printed on the package.
• Transfer opened kibble into airtight containers promptly : Immediately pour contents into sealed plastic metal or glass bins with gasket lids while retaining the original bag inside for reference information which effectively limits air moisture exposure household contaminants and insect or rodent access preserving freshness for 30–45 days or longer under good conditions.
• Measure portions using the provided guidelines & a scale : Start with the breed- and life-stage-specific feeding chart on the bag then fine-tune monthly based on current weight body-condition scoring activity changes and veterinary feedback using a digital kitchen scale to ensure precise calorie delivery and prevent gradual weight drift in either direction.
• Conduct slow gradual transitions over 7–14 days : Mix increasing proportions of Royal Canin with the previous food in stages (25/75 → 50/50 → 75/25 → 100 %) while closely watching for appetite changes stool consistency or energy shifts extending the timeline if digestive upset appears to allow the gut to adjust to the formula’s unique fiber protein and digestibility profile.
• Perform weekly body-condition & weight checks : Regularly feel for rib coverage assess waist definition from above and weigh your dog to catch subtle changes early allowing small portion adjustments that maintain ideal shape prevent obesity in less active phases or unintended thinness during growth high-stress periods or senior slowdowns.
• Rotate stock using first-in-first-out method : Label containers with opening dates and consume older inventory before newer bags to avoid nutrient degradation in fats vitamins or palatability that occurs gradually even with proper storage especially relevant for formulas containing higher levels of animal fats.
• Sanitize bowls mats & feeding zones daily : Wash food and water dishes thoroughly with hot soapy water rinse completely and air-dry after every meal while wiping surrounding floors and mats to remove residue saliva or bacteria that could foster pathogen growth potentially leading to aversion behaviors or secondary gastrointestinal issues.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Versus Hill’s Science Diet : Royal Canin usually leads in breed-specific tailoring and kibble-shape customization while Hill’s excels in therapeutic clinical lines for chronic conditions such as kidney liver or weight management with slightly more extensive peer-reviewed studies backing certain formulas.
• Versus Purina Pro Plan : Both brands share strong research foundations and veterinary endorsement but Pro Plan frequently offers better value per pound with comparable performance nutrition and live probiotics in many lines making it a more budget-friendly alternative for active or sporting dogs.
• Versus Orijen / Acana : Fromm aligns more closely with Orijen/Acana in whole-meat emphasis and limited processing but those brands push significantly higher fresh-meat inclusion and protein percentages whereas Royal Canin prioritizes digestibility precision over raw meat volume.
• Versus Wellness Core : Fromm and Wellness share a holistic natural-ingredient philosophy with probiotics and superfoods but Fromm often edges out in palatability and family-owned transparency while Wellness sometimes includes more exotic proteins or grain-free variety at similar price points.
• Versus Blue Buffalo Wilderness : Fromm generally provides cleaner ingredient lists fewer controversial fillers and better owner-reported coat results whereas Blue Buffalo leans on heavy marketing and LifeSource Bits that appeal to some dogs but receive mixed feedback on consistency and value.
• Versus Taste of the Wild : Both Fromm and Taste of the Wild offer grain-free and grain-inclusive options with probiotics but Fromm’s family-controlled production and smaller-batch approach tend to inspire greater trust compared to Taste of the Wild’s Diamond-owned larger-scale manufacturing.
• Overall value positioning : Royal Canin dominates when precision breed-specific or health-targeted nutrition is the priority while Fromm carves a strong middle-ground position for owners seeking wholesome approachable premium food with excellent everyday results and fewer “engineered” elements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

I’ve fed both Fromm and Royal Canin to my own dogs over the years and they’ve each earned their spot depending on the season of life. Fromm brings the joy factor—shiny coats happy eaters and that wholesome feel that makes you confident you’re doing right by them. Royal Canin brings the security—knowing the nutrition is engineered for their exact build breed quirks and growth stage so you can relax a little more. You know your dog better than anyone: watch their energy coat stools weight and enthusiasm closely try a bag pay attention to how they respond and lean on your vet when health specifics come into play. Your pup deserves food that lets them thrive every single day and either of these can be part of that winning recipe when it lines up with who they are.