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Canine Hepatic Loaf Wet Dog Food
Royal Canin

Canine Hepatic Loaf Wet Dog Food

Verified Jun 6, 2026

Dog · Wet Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a veterinary therapeutic canned food designed to help support liver function in adult dogs. It uses moderate amounts of highly digestible protein from chicken liver, pork by-products, and chicken, with rice and corn as primary carbohydrate sources and controlled copper levels. The formula also includes added omega-3s, antioxidants, and L-carnitine to support overall metabolic and liver health under veterinary supervision.

Prescription Meets WSAVA criteria AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.4 out of 10

This is a thoughtfully formulated hepatic diet intended for dogs with liver disease and is meant to be used under the guidance of a veterinarian. The controlled copper, adapted protein level, and relatively high energy density help reduce the workload on the liver while still meeting core nutritional needs. It’s not a general-purpose food, but for dogs that truly need a hepatic diet, this is a solid, evidence-based option.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

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At a Glance

Health Benefits
Liver Care Digestive Health
Diet & Compliance
Meets WSAVA criteria Prescription
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Formulated specifically for liver support, with controlled copper (max 2.21 mg/kg as-fed) and adapted protein from high-quality animal sources like chicken liver, pork by-products, and chicken.
  • Wet loaf format with modest protein and fat and higher moisture can be easier to eat and may be gentler on dogs with reduced appetite or digestive compromise.
  • Includes fish oil (source of EPA and DHA), taurine, L-carnitine, and antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, which can help support overall metabolic and liver health.
  • Uses well-established carbohydrate sources (brewers rice, corn flour, corn grits) that are generally well tolerated and provide consistent energy.

Considerations

  • This food is labeled for intermittent or supplemental feeding only, so it is not intended as a stand-alone, long-term maintenance diet unless your veterinarian has specifically planned its use and monitoring.
  • Protein and fat levels are intentionally on the lower side for hepatic support; healthy adult dogs without liver disease generally do better on a more typical maintenance diet.
  • Contains common protein allergens such as chicken and pork, so it may not be suitable for dogs with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
  • As a therapeutic diet, it should only be used under veterinary direction, particularly in dogs with complex or advanced liver disease where individual needs can vary.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Water sufficient for processing, brewers rice, corn flour, chicken liver, pork by-products, chicken, corn grits, powdered cellulose, fish oil, hydrolyzed chicken liver, vegetable oil, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, tricalcium phosphate, carob bean gum, carrageenan, vitamins[DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), niacin supplement, biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex], choline chloride, sodium tripolyphosphate, hydrolyzed yeast, guar gum, trace minerals[zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate], glycine, citric acid, sodium carbonate, taurine, L-carnitine, magnesium oxide, marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L.).

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
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
02
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.
03
Corn Flour
Corn flour is a finely milled cereal ingredient used in pet foods primarily as a source of digestible carbohydrates, a binder or thickener and to improve kibble texture and palatability, providing readily available energy and some fiber while offering relatively low-quality protein with limited essential amino acids. It is generally safe for dogs and is sometimes included in cat diets as an energy source, but high levels can contribute to excess calories and weight gain, may rarely trigger food sensitivities, and requires good quality control to minimize risks from contaminants such as mycotoxins or pesticide residues.
04
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
05
Pork By-Product
Pork by-product is a common protein and flavoring ingredient in pet foods made from non-rendered portions of the pig such as organs, connective tissue and trimmings, supplying animal protein, fat, B vitamins, iron and other trace minerals that help support energy, muscle maintenance and overall nutrition for dogs and cats. Because composition and fat content can vary by source, owners should be aware of potential pork sensitivities, higher caloric density, and sourcing/quality differences; ensure the complete diet meets species-specific requirements (for example, cats need adequate taurine) and consult the manufacturer or your veterinarian if you have concerns.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
4.50%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
2.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
2.80%
Low High
Moisture (max)
66.30%
Low High
1366
kcal / Kg
533
kcal / Can
High
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Loaf
Processing method Canned
Food type Wet

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced No
ROYAL CANIN(R) Canine HEPATIC loaf is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Brand

Royal Canin

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.

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Price tier $$$$
WSAVA Meets criteria

WSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.

Manufacturer

Company name Royal Canin
Parent company Mars, Incorporated
Founded 1968
Headquarters Aimargues, Gard, France
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country France
Manufacturing region Gard
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

Royal Canin Canine Hepatic Loaf Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.4 /10 Grade A
Canine Hepatic Loaf Wet Dog Food
Royal Canin · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.