Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult KO

A Full review of Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult KO by Royal Canin

Nutritional Analysis

The ideal nutrition for a dog is entirely dependant on their unique circumstances. However, a high proportion of protein and fat combined with a lower proportion of carbohydrates is most appropriate nutrition profile for the vast majority of dogs. Dog’s are very capable of consuming a high proportion of carbohydrates, but a diet high in protein and fat is more appropriate and a better reflection of their natural ancestral diet.

Carbohydrate Content Analysis

Dogs use carbohydrates as a simple energy source. Dogs do not require significant carbohydrates in their diet, and they are commonly added to reduce cost and increase shelf life. As the chart above displays, a maximum of 52% of Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult KO calories are derived from carbohydrates.  Please note that this is the maximum amount of carbohydrates as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of carbohydrates is likely to be a lot lower. This is above average for a Dry Dog Food.

This carbohydrate content appears to be from the grain and plant matter of this dog food. Examples include Oat Groats and Canola Meal. These will be discussed in more detail later on. This is considerably above what we would consider the ideal proportion of carbohydrates and should be lower to better reflect a dog’s natural diet. However, this a veterinary recipe to treat severe allergies so ideal nutrition comes second to its primary purpose which explains the high proportion.

Protein Content Analysis

Dogs use Protein for growth, development, and maintenance. Excess protein can be burned as calories. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 20% of Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult KO calories are derived from protein. Please note that this is the minimum amount of protein as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of protein is likely to be higher. This is below average for a Dry Dog Food.

This is an unsatisfactory level of protein and will not suffice for dogs who are active but may suffice for those who are not active. It appears to be sourced from the Kangaroo ingredients. Meat such as Kangaroo is considered a high-quality source of protein and provides the full range of needed amino acids. It’s clear how much of this proportion is from plant matter.

Fat Content Analysis

Dogs use fat as a concentrated energy source. In addition, fats also play a role in development and maintenance. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 28% of Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult KO calories are derived from fat. Please note that this is the minimum amount of fat as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of fat is likely to be a lot higher. This is below average for a Dry Dog Food.

The fat present in this dog food appears to be sourced from the Kangaroo ingredients which are a high-quality source. Kangaroo meat is lower in fat than other similar meats which may explain this low proportion. This estimate of the fat content is sufficient to fulfill the needs of a dog’s bodily functions but may not be sufficient to be used as a concentrated energy source for active dogs.

Calorie Density

Overall Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult KO contains an average of 3567 kcal/kg or 335 kcal/cup

Disclaimer

Once again please note that the values in this section are calculated using the products guaranteed analysis. The guaranteed analysis only lists the minimum and maximum values, and as a consequence, these can sometimes be an inaccurate representation. As a rule of thumb, most dog foods will contain slightly more protein and considerably more fat than their guaranteed analysis. This will have the knock-on effect of reducing the relative amount of carbohydrates present. However also note that every dog food is different and some will be considerably closer to the guaranteed analysis than others.

Guaranteed Analysis – Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult KO

Pet foods in the United States are legally required by the AAFCO to have a guaranteed analysis on their packaging. A guaranteed analysis must display certain nutritional information. This is similar to how nutritional values are now commonly displayed on food for human consumption. The information that must be displayed includes Crude Protein, Crude Fat, Crude Fiber, and Moisture. Some guaranteed analysis will contain additional information. The guaranteed analysis for this product is listed below.

• Crude Protein (Min) – 19.00%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 12.00%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 5.20%
• Moisture (Max) – 10.00%

Ingredient Analysis

The ingredients of pet food are disclosed on the packaging of the product as a list in descending order. Therefore the ingredients at the start of the list make up the bulk of the pet foods content. As a consequence, the quality of these primary ingredients is the most significant factor in determining the quality of pet food.

However, ingredients listed further down the ingredient list should not be ignored, especially if they could have adverse or harmful effects on a pet.

High-Quality Ingredients

• Kangaroo

Low-Quality Ingredients

• Canola Meal

Dangerous / Harmful Ingredients

• N/A

In-Depth Meat/Fish Ingredient Review

The meat and fish ingredients of dog food are without a doubt the most important. They are critical as they provide the majority of the protein and fat that dogs desperately need. Also, these ingredients would have made up the bulk of dogs ancestors diet. Therefore, the quality of a dog food formulas meat and fish ingredients is crucial. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult KO contains a single source of Kangaroo.

The primary meat source present is Kangaroo. Kangaroo is considered a high-quality source of protein.  Kangaroo meat is often praised for being very low in fat, particularly saturated fat. Also, it contains high levels of Iron and Vitamin B12. Unfortunately, just like other meats, Kangaroo meat includes a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Kangaroo. However given that Kangaroo is the first listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

In-Depth None-Meat Ingredient Review

Salt, when added in moderation, is considered a beneficial ingredient. It enhances flavor, helps preserve the food and is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and other bodily functions. However, some dogs, particularly those with cardiovascular problems may need to limit their consumption of Salt to avoid aggravating their health problems.

Full Ingredient List – Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein Adult KO

Oat groats, kangaroo, canola meal, chicken fat, dried plain beet pulp, calcium carbonate, monocalcium phosphate, fish oil, salt, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), inositol, niacin supplement, D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], fructooligosaccharides, sodium tripolyphosphate, taurine, choline chloride, potassium chloride, DL-methionine, trace minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, manganese proteinate, ferrous sulfate, manganous oxide, copper sulfate, sodium selenite, copper proteinate, calcium iodate], rosemary extract, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid.