When it comes to feeding our furry friends, we want to provide them with the very best nutrition possible. Two popular dog food brands on the market are TLC and Royal Canin, but which one is better for your pup?
This comprehensive guide will compare tlc dog food and royal canin by looking at the key features, pros and cons of each brand.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | TLC Dog Food | Royal Canin |
| First Ingredient | Whole meat protein like chicken | Meat by-product meal |
| Main Protein Source | Chicken, lamb, salmon | Chicken, pork, egg |
| Carb Sources | Brown rice, oatmeal | Brewer’s rice, corn, wheat |
| Grain-Free Options | Yes | Limited |
| Tailored Recipes | No | Yes, by breed and age |
| Price Per Pound | $1.50-$2.50 | $2.50-$4.50 |
| Country of Manufacturing | USA | USA, Europe |
| Feeding Trials | In-house | AAFCO |
| Veterinarian Recommended | Sometimes | Often |
| Allergies | Less common | More potential |
| artificial additives | No | Yes |
Overview Of TLC Dog Food
TLC dog food is produced by The Nutro Company, a pet food company founded in 1926. Their dog foods contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. TLC aims to provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs in all life stages.
Some of the key features of TLC dog food include:
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Contains omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Proprietary probiotic strains for digestive and immune health
- Balanced calcium and phosphorus levels for bone health
- Antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium
- Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
TLC offers dry and wet dog food options in specialized formulas tailored to puppy, adult and senior dogs. Their most popular recipes include TLC Whole Grain Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Recipe and TLC Grain Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe.
Also Read: Comaprison Between MedalSeries and FreeStyle
Overview Of Royal Canin Dog Food
Royal Canin is a pet food company founded in 1968 in France. They manufacture diets tailored to the specific nutritional needs of dogs and cats of all ages and breeds.
Here are some key features of Royal Canin dog food:
- Formulas designed for a dog’s age, size, breed and health condition
- Uses exclusive proteins to limit food sensitivities
- Breed-specific kibble shape and texture
- Supports skin health with essential fatty acids
- Probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health
- Antioxidants like vitamin E to strengthen the immune system
- Enhanced palatability for picky eaters
Some of Royal Canin’s most popular recipes include Royal Canin Mini Puppy, Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult and Royal Canin Senior Consult.
Comparing Ingredients
When analyzing pet foods, looking at the first 5 ingredients can tell you a lot about the nutritional value.
TLC Dog Food
A sample TLC recipe includes:
- Chicken
- Chicken meal
- Brown rice
- Brewers rice
- Chicken fat
Royal Canin Dog Food
A sample Royal Canin recipe includes:
- Chicken by-product meal
- Brewer’s rice
- Wheat
- Corn
- Chicken fat
TLC uses whole chicken meat as its first ingredient which provides high quality protein. Royal Canin’s first ingredient is chicken by-product meal which may contain organs and bones but has less meat protein.
TLC also includes more complex carbs like brown rice further down the list while Royal Canin primarily uses brewer’s rice and corn which are less nutritious fillers.
Key Differences Between TLC And Royal Canin
Now that we’ve looked at the ingredients, let’s summarize the main differences between these two pet food brands:
Meat Quality – TLC uses higher quality real meat ingredients compared to Royal Canin’s meat by-products.
Carbohydrate Sources – TLC utilizes more complex carbs like brown rice while Royal Canin relies on fillers like corn.
Specialized Formulas – Royal Canin offers tailored recipes based on a dog’s breed and age, whereas TLC’s formulas are more generalized.
Price – TLC dog food is more affordable than the premium-priced Royal Canin brand.
Ingredient Sourcing – TLC uses all USA-sourced ingredients while some Royal Canin ingredients are imported.
Pros And Cons Of TLC Dog Food
Pros
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes available
- More affordable price point
- All American-sourced ingredients
- No artificial additives
Cons
- Limited specialized recipes
- Not all dogs do well on grain-free diets long-term
- Quality control issues in some production facilities
Pros And Cons Of Royal Canin
Pros
- Specialized formulas for age, breed and health needs
- Veterinarian recommended brand
- Extensively researched and tested recipes
- AAFCO feeding tests on all recipes
- Kibble is designed to appeal to a dog’s taste preferences
Cons
- Contains corn, wheat and soybean ingredients
- Uses by-product meals instead of whole meats
- Imported ingredients from outside the US
- Much more expensive than many brands
Also Read: Comparison Between TLC Dog Food And Blue Buffalo.
Pitting TLC Vs. Royal Canin: Which Dog Food Is Better?
When it comes to TLC Vs. Royal Canin, there are good reasons why each brand has its ardent fans and critics.
TLC Dog Food offers high quality meat proteins and complex carbohydrates at a more affordable price point. But the recipes aren’t tailored to specific breed needs and have faced some production issues.
Royal Canin features breed-specific formulas thoroughly tested and made to appeal to dogs. But the recipes do contain many grain fillers that are less species-appropriate.
For the average dog owner looking for a good quality kibble containing recognizable meat ingredients, TLC Dog Food is likely the better overall option offering excellent nutrition without the premium cost.
However, for owners willing to pay more for customized recipes backed by science and testing, Royal Canin may be the superior choice to specifically meet a dog’s needs.
As with all pet foods, work closely with your veterinarian to select the right brand and formulas for your dog’s lifestyle and health. Monitor your dog closely when transitioning between foods.
Watch this video of Royal Canin!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, TLC dog food is a good quality option for most dogs. Their recipes feature high-protein meat meals as the first ingredients and digestible grain-free carbohydrates.
Royal Canin isn’t necessarily better than all other brands across the board. Their recipes are backed by research and specially formulated. But other brands may use better quality ingredients.
Royal Canin spends heavily on veterinarian education and partnerships. Their formulas also meet stringent feeding standards. So, vets often suggest Royal Canin, especially for therapeutic needs.
No other brand is exactly the same as Royal Canin since their formulas are proprietary. But some comparison brands with specialized recipes include Purina Pro Plan and Hill’s Science Diet.
Also Read: Comparison Between Royal Canin And Nutro.
The Bottom Line
When comparing TLC and Royal Canin dog foods, both brands offer quality nutrition albeit with different philosophies and price points.
TLC Dog Food is a good choice for budget-conscious owners looking for an affordable kibble using recognizable meat ingredients.
Royal Canin costs more but provides breed-specific formulas containing highly bioavailable nutrients to precisely meet a dog’s needs.
Work with your vet and consult your dog to find the right diet. Every pup has unique nutritional requirements based on their age, size, activity level and health. By understanding the pros and cons of different dog foods, including TLC and Royal Canin, you can make the optimal choice for your furry friend.
