Cheaper alternatives to Royal Canin dog food
The closest cheaper match for Royal Canin Medium Adult is Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe: about $25 a month instead of $50 for a 40 lb dog. For 63 of the 73 Royal Canin dry dog foods we could price on Amazon today, another brand makes a food with nearly the same protein, fat and carbs, for the same size and age of dog, that costs at least 20% less per calorie. The typical saving is 49%.
Prices checked October 18, 2026If you buy Small Adult
Royal Canin Small Adult
$28 a month for a 15 lb dog
Closest cheaper match:
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula
$16 a month
Save about $12 a month (44%)
Protein 28% vs 28%, fat 17% vs 16% (dry matter). Full label
Diamond Naturals answers yes to 2 of 5 WSAVA questions (Royal Canin: 4). FDA recall records: 2012.
See it on Amazon →If you buy Medium Adult
Royal Canin Medium Adult
$50 a month for a 40 lb dog
Closest cheaper match:
Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe
$25 a month
Save about $25 a month (50%)
Protein 26% vs 26%, fat 14% vs 13% (dry matter). Full label
Rachael Ray Nutrish answers yes to 1 of 5 WSAVA questions (Royal Canin: 4). FDA recall records: 2015.
See it on Amazon →If you buy Large Adult
Royal Canin Large Adult
$93 a month for a 75 lb dog
Closest cheaper match:
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dog Chicken & Rice Formula
$33 a month
Save about $60 a month (65%)
Protein 26% vs 27%, fat 14% vs 17% (dry matter). Full label
Diamond Naturals answers yes to 2 of 5 WSAVA questions (Royal Canin: 4). FDA recall records: 2012.
See it on Amazon →Amazon prices as of 2026-10-18. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Cost a month = the dog's daily calories x the food's Amazon cost per 1,000 calories x 30 days, for the largest bag we price. We earn a commission if you buy; it does not change which food is the match.
Find your Royal Canin
All 73 Royal Canin dry foods we priced, and the closest cheaper match
Open your Royal Canin line to find your food. Cost is per 1,000 calories, so bag sizes compare fairly. Protein, fat and carbs are on a dry-matter basis (water removed). Tap a match to see its full label.
Size Health Nutrition (by dog size) 13 foods, 10 with a match
| Royal Canin food | Cost per 1,000 cal | Closest cheaper match | Protein / fat / carbs | Cost per 1,000 cal | You save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Puppy | $2.29 | Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Formula Chicken & Rice Formula | 32% / 15% / 39% Royal Canin 36% / 13% / 38% | $1.14 | 50% |
| Large Adult | $1.96 | Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dog Chicken & Rice Formula | 26% / 14% / 47% Royal Canin 27% / 17% / 44% | $0.69 | 65% |
| Large Puppy | $2.22 | Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Formula Chicken & Rice Formula | 32% / 15% / 39% Royal Canin 31% / 16% / 40% | $1.14 | 49% |
| Medium Adult | $1.68 | Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe | 26% / 14% / 47% Royal Canin 26% / 13% / 48% | $0.85 | 50% |
| Medium Puppy | $2.09 | Diamond Puppy | 34% / 22% / 31% Royal Canin 33% / 20% / 33% | $0.62 | 70% |
| Small Adult | $1.96 | Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula | 28% / 17% / 43% Royal Canin 28% / 16% / 44% | $1.11 | 44% |
| Small Puppy | $2.11 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe | 32% / 19% / 34% Royal Canin 32% / 20% / 34% | $1.56 | 26% |
| Small Starter Mother & Babydog | $5.13 | Canidae All Life Stages High Protein Multi Protein Recipe | 33% / 22% / 31% Royal Canin 31% / 22% / 34% | $1.25 | 76% |
| X-Small Adult | $2.46 | Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Bites Dog Food, Salmon & Brown Rice · also Mars | 27% / 16% / 45% Royal Canin 24% / 18% / 45% | $1.60 | 35% |
| X-Small Puppy | $2.72 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe | 32% / 19% / 34% Royal Canin 32% / 20% / 34% | $1.56 | 43% |
| Giant Adult | $1.86 | No match at least 20% cheaper that fits the same size, age and purpose. | |||
| Small Indoor Adult | $4.88 | No match at least 20% cheaper that fits the same size, age and purpose. | |||
| Small Indoor Puppy | $5.19 | No match at least 20% cheaper that fits the same size, age and purpose. | |||
Breed Health Nutrition (by breed) 44 foods, 40 with a match
| Royal Canin food | Cost per 1,000 cal | Closest cheaper match | Protein / fat / carbs | Cost per 1,000 cal | You save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beagle Adult | $2.12 | Canidae All Life Stages Chicken & Potato Recipe | 28% / 11% / 47% Royal Canin 28% / 11% / 47% | $1.38 | 35% |
| Bichon Frise Adult | $3.74 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Dog Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe | 29% / 17% / 41% Royal Canin 30% / 15% / 42% | $2.03 | 46% |
| Boxer Adult | $1.89 | Victor Professional | 29% / 20% / 39% Royal Canin 27% / 20% / 39% | $0.85 | 55% |
| Boxer Puppy | $2.05 | Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Formula Chicken & Rice Formula | 32% / 15% / 39% Royal Canin 31% / 18% / 38% | $1.14 | 44% |
| Bulldog Adult | $2.05 | Wellness Whitefish & Sweet Potato | 24% / 13% / 48% Royal Canin 24% / 13% / 49% | $1.47 | 28% |
| Bulldog Puppy | $2.08 | Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe | 30% / 17% / 39% Royal Canin 31% / 17% / 39% | $1.31 | 37% |
| Cavalier King Charles Adult | $3.79 | Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Bites Dog Food, Salmon & Brown Rice · also Mars | 27% / 16% / 45% Royal Canin 28% / 13% / 45% | $1.60 | 58% |
| Cavalier King Charles Puppy | $5.28 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe | 32% / 19% / 34% Royal Canin 31% / 18% / 37% | $1.56 | 70% |
| Chihuahua Adult | $3.64 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Dog Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe | 29% / 17% / 41% Royal Canin 29% / 16% / 43% | $2.03 | 44% |
| Chihuahua Adult 8+ | $6.33 | Wellness Small Breed Senior Turkey & Peas | 28% / 12% / 46% Royal Canin 27% / 16% / 45% | $3.13 | 51% |
| Chihuahua Puppy | $6.19 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe | 32% / 19% / 34% Royal Canin 31% / 20% / 36% | $1.56 | 75% |
| Cocker Spaniel Adult | $2.65 | Fromm Classic Adult Whitefish & Rice Recipe | 26% / 13% / 48% Royal Canin 26% / 13% / 49% | $1.44 | 46% |
| Corgi Adult | $3.30 | Canidae All Life Stages Chicken & Potato Recipe | 28% / 11% / 47% Royal Canin 28% / 10% / 47% | $1.38 | 58% |
| Corgi Puppy | $3.86 | Canidae Pure Goodness Puppy Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe | 33% / 16% / 38% Royal Canin 32% / 15% / 40% | $2.07 | 46% |
| Dachshund 8+ Adult | $5.49 | Wellness Small Breed Senior Turkey & Peas | 28% / 12% / 46% Royal Canin 29% / 13% / 45% | $3.13 | 43% |
| Dachshund Adult | $6.17 | Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula | 28% / 17% / 43% Royal Canin 29% / 13% / 44% | $1.11 | 82% |
| Dachshund Puppy | $6.52 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe | 32% / 19% / 34% Royal Canin 31% / 16% / 40% | $1.56 | 76% |
| Dalmatian Adult | $1.92 | Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Chicken · also Mars | 22% / 16% / 49% Royal Canin 22% / 18% / 47% | $1.08 | 44% |
| French Bulldog Adult | $1.91 | Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula | 28% / 17% / 43% Royal Canin 27% / 18% / 43% | $1.11 | 42% |
| French Bulldog Puppy | $3.78 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe | 32% / 19% / 34% Royal Canin 31% / 20% / 36% | $1.56 | 59% |
| German Shepherd Adult | $2.73 | Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Chicken · also Mars | 22% / 16% / 49% Royal Canin 25% / 19% / 42% | $1.08 | 61% |
| Golden Retriever Adult | $3.76 | Fromm Gold Large Breed Adult | 26% / 13% / 49% Royal Canin 26% / 12% / 48% | $1.28 | 66% |
| Golden Retriever Puppy | $6.60 | Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula | 30% / 17% / 41% Royal Canin 30% / 16% / 39% | $1.81 | 73% |
| Jack Russell Terrier Adult | $3.66 | Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food, Small Breed Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe | 31% / 17% / 39% Royal Canin 31% / 16% / 41% | $2.21 | 39% |
| Labrador Retriever Adult | $2.11 | IAMS ADVANCED HEALTH HEALTHY DIGESTION · also Mars | 29% / 16% / 42% Royal Canin 31% / 12% / 42% | $1.04 | 51% |
| Maltese Adult | $3.60 | Blue Buffalo BLUE Basics Small Breed Adult Dog Turkey and Potato Recipe | 24% / 17% / 44% Royal Canin 24% / 18% / 45% | $2.46 | 32% |
| Miniature Schnauzer Adult | $3.93 | Fromm Four-Star Whitefish & Potato Recipe | 26% / 12% / 49% Royal Canin 26% / 11% / 50% | $1.77 | 55% |
| Miniature Schnauzer Puppy | $6.70 | Fromm Classic Puppy | 31% / 16% / 41% Royal Canin 31% / 13% / 42% | $2.39 | 64% |
| Pomeranian Adult | $3.97 | Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Bites Dog Food, Salmon & Brown Rice · also Mars | 27% / 16% / 45% Royal Canin 27% / 16% / 45% | $1.60 | 60% |
| Poodle Adult | $3.52 | Fromm Four-Star Hasen Duckenpfeffer | 31% / 19% / 35% Royal Canin 31% / 19% / 37% | $2.41 | 32% |
| Poodle Puppy | $6.25 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe | 32% / 19% / 34% Royal Canin 35% / 19% / 33% | $1.56 | 75% |
| Pug Adult | $3.64 | Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Bites Dog Food, Salmon & Brown Rice · also Mars | 27% / 16% / 45% Royal Canin 26% / 16% / 46% | $1.60 | 56% |
| Pug Puppy | $6.33 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe | 32% / 19% / 34% Royal Canin 30% / 18% / 39% | $1.56 | 75% |
| Rottweiler Adult | $1.89 | Victor Professional | 29% / 20% / 39% Royal Canin 27% / 20% / 40% | $0.85 | 55% |
| Rottweiler Puppy | $2.11 | Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Formula Chicken & Rice Formula | 32% / 15% / 39% Royal Canin 32% / 16% / 39% | $1.14 | 46% |
| Shih Tzu Adult | $3.51 | Blue Buffalo BLUE Basics Small Breed Adult Dog Turkey and Potato Recipe | 24% / 17% / 44% Royal Canin 24% / 20% / 41% | $2.46 | 30% |
| Shih Tzu Puppy | $6.33 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe | 32% / 19% / 34% Royal Canin 29% / 18% / 40% | $1.56 | 75% |
| West Highland White Terrier Adult | $3.66 | Blue Buffalo BLUE Basics Small Breed Adult Dog Turkey and Potato Recipe | 24% / 17% / 44% Royal Canin 21% / 16% / 51% | $2.46 | 33% |
| Yorkshire Terrier Adult | $3.62 | Fromm Gold Small Breed Adult | 29% / 19% / 40% Royal Canin 28% / 18% / 39% | $1.72 | 52% |
| Yorkshire Terrier Puppy | $6.15 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe | 32% / 19% / 34% Royal Canin 30% / 20% / 37% | $1.56 | 75% |
| German Shepherd Adult 5+ | $2.50 | No match at least 20% cheaper that fits the same size, age and purpose. | |||
| Great Dane Adult | $1.77 | No match at least 20% cheaper that fits the same size, age and purpose. | |||
| Labrador Retriever Adult 5+ | $2.79 | No match at least 20% cheaper that fits the same size, age and purpose. | |||
| Yorkshire Terrier Adult 8+ | $6.28 | No match at least 20% cheaper that fits the same size, age and purpose. | |||
Canine Care Nutrition (weight, digestion, skin, joints, dental) 16 foods, 13 with a match
| Royal Canin food | Cost per 1,000 cal | Closest cheaper match | Protein / fat / carbs | Cost per 1,000 cal | You save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Comfort Care | $2.25 | Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed Salmon & Rice Formula | 30% / 14% / 43% Royal Canin 26% / 13% / 47% | $1.78 | 21% |
| Large Digestive Care | $2.13 | Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Adult | 30% / 18% / 39% Royal Canin 29% / 18% / 39% | $1.34 | 37% |
| Large Joint Care | $2.29 | Blue Buffalo BLUE True Solutions Adult Dog Mobility Care Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe | 29% / 17% / 38% Royal Canin 27% / 14% / 42% | $1.73 | 24% |
| Large Sensitive Skin Care | $2.13 | IAMS ADVANCED HEALTH SKIN & COAT · also Mars | 28% / 15% / 44% Royal Canin 26% / 17% / 45% | $0.97 | 54% |
| Large Weight Care | $2.54 | Blue Buffalo BLUE Wilderness Large Breed Adult Dog Healthy Weight Chicken with Wholesome Grains Recipe | 31% / 10% / 39% Royal Canin 28% / 10% / 39% | $1.94 | 24% |
| Medium Comfort Care | $2.25 | Blue Buffalo BLUE True Solutions Adult Dog Skin & Coat Care Salmon & Oatmeal Recipe | 27% / 16% / 43% Royal Canin 26% / 13% / 47% | $1.75 | 22% |
| Medium Digestive Care | $2.11 | Blue Buffalo BLUE True Solutions Adult Dog Digestive Care Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe | 27% / 14% / 43% Royal Canin 26% / 18% / 44% | $1.66 | 21% |
| Medium Sensitive Skin Care | $2.73 | Blue Buffalo BLUE True Solutions Adult Dog Skin & Coat Care Salmon & Oatmeal Recipe | 27% / 16% / 43% Royal Canin 25% / 17% / 46% | $1.75 | 36% |
| Medium Weight Care | $2.53 | Purina Pro Plan Weight Management Chicken & Rice Formula | 31% / 10% / 44% Royal Canin 28% / 10% / 39% | $1.90 | 25% |
| Small Digestive Care | $2.56 | Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Adult | 30% / 18% / 39% Royal Canin 31% / 22% / 34% | $1.34 | 48% |
| Small Sensitive Skin Care | $5.35 | Blue Buffalo BLUE True Solutions Adult Dog Skin & Coat Care Salmon & Oatmeal Recipe | 27% / 16% / 43% Royal Canin 27% / 17% / 44% | $1.75 | 67% |
| Small Weight Care | $3.21 | Purina Pro Plan Weight Management Chicken & Rice Formula | 31% / 10% / 44% Royal Canin 31% / 10% / 39% | $1.90 | 41% |
| X-Small Weight Care | $7.35 | Fromm Gold Coast Weight Management | 28% / 11% / 45% Royal Canin 27% / 11% / 45% | $3.34 | 55% |
| Large Dental Care | $2.18 | No match at least 20% cheaper that fits the same size, age and purpose. | |||
| Medium Dental Care | $2.33 | No match at least 20% cheaper that fits the same size, age and purpose. | |||
| Small Dental Care | $2.81 | No match at least 20% cheaper that fits the same size, age and purpose. | |||
12 more Royal Canin dry foods in our data have no Amazon price today, so they are not listed. Prescription veterinary diets are not included.
What you give up
What changes when you switch
- Kibble shape. Royal Canin shapes each breed formula's kibble for that breed. The matches use the other maker's usual kibble, or its small- or large-breed kibble when we found one.
- Feeding trials. Of the 63 Royal Canin foods here, 0 show a feeding trial, 60 say "formulated to meet" AAFCO levels and 3 we could not read. Of their matches, 10 show a feeding trial, 42 say "formulated to meet" AAFCO levels and 11 we could not read. What that means.
- WSAVA answers. Royal Canin answers yes to 4 of WSAVA's five questions for a pet food company in public sources. 33 of the 63 matches come from a brand with fewer yes answers. Every brand's answers.
- Recalls. Brands among the matches with FDA recall records: Nutro (2 in 2007 and 2009), Fromm (3 in 2021, 2025 and 2026), Blue Buffalo (1 in 2017), Diamond Naturals (1 in 2012), Victor (2 in 2023), Purina Pro Plan (3 in 2022 and 2023), Wellness (2 in 2012 and 2017), Canidae (1 in 2012), Iams (8 in 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2013), Taste of the Wild (1 in 2012), Rachael Ray Nutrish (1 in 2015) and Diamond (7 in 2005 and 2012). Our records cover 2019 to now plus some older recalls we added by hand, so they are not a full history for any brand, Royal Canin included. See all recalls by brand.
- Same company. 8 of the 63 matches are made by Mars Petcare, the company that also owns Royal Canin (Iams and Nutro).
How we matched
The rules every match passed
- Dry dog food from a different brand, with an Amazon price we checked today.
- Protein within 4 points, fat within 4 points and carbs within 8 points of the Royal Canin food, on a dry-matter basis. Same main protein when both labels name one. We pick the closest.
- At least 20% cheaper per 1,000 calories.
- Same size of dog: a small-breed formula gets a small-breed or all-size food, and we pick a small-breed one when it qualifies. Large-breed puppy formulas get only foods whose AAFCO statement covers growth of large dogs.
- Same age: puppy formulas get puppy or all-life-stage foods; adult formulas never get a puppy food; 5+, 8+ and aging formulas get a senior food.
- Same purpose: a Weight, Digestive, Skin, Joint, Dental or Indoor Care formula gets a food sold for the same thing.
- A food with grains gets a food with grains. FDA has studied grain-free, legume-heavy diets and a heart disease in dogs (DCM), so we do not swap you into grain-free to save money.
10 Royal Canin foods have no match under these rules: Great Dane Adult, Small Indoor Puppy, Labrador Retriever Adult 5+, Yorkshire Terrier Adult 8+, German Shepherd Adult 5+, Small Dental Care, Medium Dental Care, Large Dental Care, Giant Adult and Small Indoor Adult. A match is a label match, not a vet's advice. Full method.
Questions owners ask
What is a cheaper alternative to Royal Canin dog food?
It depends on which Royal Canin you buy. For Small Adult the closest cheaper match is Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula; for Medium Adult, Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe; for Large Adult, Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dog Chicken & Rice Formula. The table on this page names a match for 63 of the 73 Royal Canin dry foods we priced, each with nearly the same protein, fat and carbs.
Is there a dog food comparable to Royal Canin Small Adult that costs less?
Yes. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula has 28% protein and 17% fat on a dry-matter basis, against 28% and 16% for Royal Canin Small Adult. It costs $1.11 per 1,000 calories against $1.96, about $12 a month less for a 15 lb dog.
Is Iams made by the same company as Royal Canin?
Yes. Royal Canin, Iams and Nutro are all owned by Mars Petcare. 8 of the 63 matches on this page are Mars brands.
Are Royal Canin breed formulas worth the extra cost?
Royal Canin shapes each breed formula's kibble for that breed's jaw. The matches here use the other maker's usual kibble, or its small-breed kibble when we found one. On the label, the nutrients line up closely. The typical breed formula costs about 2.2 times as much per calorie as its match. Whether kibble shape is worth that is your call.
Does this cover Royal Canin veterinary diets?
No. Prescription diets are not in this list. If your vet prescribed a Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, ask your vet before changing it.
How should I switch foods?
Mix the new food into the old over about a week, adding a little more each day. Feed by calories, not cups: the two foods can carry different calories per cup, so check the new bag's feeding guide.
More: Pro Plan vs Royal Canin vs Hill's vs Blue Buffalo · Royal Canin scorecard · cost per day for every dog food.
Sources
- Protein, fat, calories, AAFCO statements and ingredients: each food's official label in our data (linked from each food's page).
- Prices: the Amazon listing matched to each food, re-checked 2026-10-18.
- WSAVA answers: our WSAVA brand page, with the quote and link for each answer.
- Company ownership and recalls: our brand records (FDA animal and veterinary recalls, 2019 to now, plus older recalls added by hand).
- Daily calories: 70 x weight in kg to the 0.75 power, x 1.6 for an adult dog. Example dogs: 15 lb (small), 40 lb (medium), 75 lb (large).