Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a complete dry kibble formulated specifically for medium-breed puppies, including those that will grow into larger adult dogs. It uses chicken by-product meal as the main protein source, with rice, corn, and wheat providing carbohydrates, and includes added DHA, omega-3s, and antioxidants to support growth, brain development, and immune function. Prebiotics and highly digestible proteins are included to help support a healthy digestive system during the rapid growth phase.
This is a well-balanced, purpose-designed diet for growing medium-breed puppies and is also suitable for puppies that will reach large adult sizes. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for growth, and the use of chicken by-product meal provides concentrated, highly usable nutrients. It’s a good option for many puppies without specific food allergies, especially when you want a diet carefully formulated to support energy needs, brain development, and immune health during growth.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth, including large-breed growth, which is important for puppies expected to reach 70 lb or more as adults.
- Appropriate growth-focused macronutrient profile with 30% protein and 18.4% fat on an as-fed basis, supporting healthy development and higher energy needs.
- Uses chicken by-product meal as the primary protein, which is a nutrient-dense, highly usable animal protein source for puppies.
- Includes DHA and fish oil for brain and vision development, plus added antioxidants (vitamins E and C) and prebiotics to support immune and digestive health.
Considerations
- Contains chicken, fish oil, wheat, corn, and wheat gluten, so it is not a good fit for puppies with known allergies or sensitivities to these common ingredients.
- Calorie density is fairly high at about 410 kcal per cup, so portion control is important to help prevent excessive weight gain during growth.
- Not a grain-free formula; while grains are nutritious for most dogs, owners specifically seeking grain-free due to individual preference or prior veterinary recommendation would need a different option.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Chicken By-Product
Chicken by-product is a common protein ingredient in pet foods made from edible parts of the bird not typically consumed by people—such as organs (liver, heart), necks and other tissues—and is used to add protein, flavor and nutrient density. It can provide concentrated protein, essential amino acids, B vitamins and minerals (and may contribute taurine when organ meats are included), but composition and quality vary by source, so pet parents concerned about sourcing, higher ash/fat content or chicken allergies should check the manufacturer’s labeling and quality standards.
02
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
03
Brewer's Rice
Brewer’s rice is a milling byproduct of rice processing made up of small broken white rice kernels commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible carbohydrate source, filler and binder that provides readily available energy for dogs and cats while contributing little protein, fat or fiber. It is generally gentle on the stomach and cost‑effective, but diets using it must supply other ingredients for essential nutrients; pet owners should note its relatively high glycemic load (relevant for weight or diabetic pets), the potential for trace environmental contaminants associated with rice, and not confuse it with brewer’s yeast.
04
Corn
Corn is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates and calories, and it also provides some plant protein, fiber, B vitamins and minerals while helping with kibble structure and palatability. While generally safe and economical, corn is relatively high in starch and has an incomplete amino acid profile for obligate carnivores (cats), can be a source of mycotoxin contamination if poorly stored, and although true corn allergies are uncommon, some pets may be sensitive, so quality and proper formulation with animal proteins are important.
05
Wheat
Wheat is a common cereal grain used in pet foods as a source of digestible carbohydrates, some plant-based protein, B vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and it also helps with kibble texture and binding. It provides energy and fiber for many dogs but can cause food allergies or gluten sensitivities in a minority of pets and is generally less ideal as a primary ingredient for obligate carnivores like cats, so pets with known grain or wheat sensitivities should avoid it and calorie intake should be monitored to prevent weight gain.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Royal Canin is a premium pet food brand offering highly specific diets tailored to different breeds, life stages, sizes, and health conditions of dogs and cats. The brand is known for its science-driven approach and collaboration with veterinarians and pet professionals.
Visit Royal CaninWSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.
Manufacturer
Royal Canin operates manufacturing facilities globally with strict quality control processes and adheres to ISO certification standards. The company maintains full traceability of ingredients, follows HACCP principles, and complies with local and international pet food safety regulations including EU and FDA requirements.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Royal Canin ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Royal Canin. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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