Both Royal Canin and Ollie are premium dog food brands that offer tailored nutrition. Royal Canin excels in breed-specific formulations and veterinarian recommendations, while Ollie focuses on human-grade ingredients and customizable meal plans with good customer support. The choice depends on individual needs and preferences, such as breed-specific requirements, ingredient preferences, and budget.
| Attribute | Royal Canin | Ollie |
|---|---|---|
| Life Stage Suitability | Offers tailored nutrition for every life stage, from puppy to senior. | Suitable for all life stages, including puppies and senior dogs. Meets AAFCO standards for all life stages. |
| Specific Breed Formulations | Known for breed-specific formulas catering to the distinct health requirements, facial and jaw structures, and nutritional needs of each breed. Examples include formulas for Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Rottweilers. | Tailors meal plans according to the dog's size and breed. |
| Main Protein Source | Formulas often include animal proteins like chicken, chicken by-product meal, and pork meal. | Beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, and pork. |
| Grain Inclusion (Grain-Free vs. With Grain) | Offers both grain-inclusive and some grain-free options. Grain-inclusive formulas often contain rice, wheat, and corn. | Offers both grain-free (chicken and turkey recipes) and grain-inclusive options (beef and lamb recipes). Grain-inclusive recipes may contain rice. |
| Ingredient Quality and Sourcing | Emphasizes a nutrient-focused approach, prioritizing the nutritional composition of their food. Uses high-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers and has rigorous quality control checks. Maintains full traceability of ingredients. | Made with human-grade ingredients. Meats are sourced primarily from the USA, with lamb also coming from New Zealand and Australia. Recipes are formulated by veterinary nutritionists and meet AAFCO standards. |
| Veterinarian Recommendation | Often recommended by veterinarians due to commitment to scientific research, collaboration with veterinary professionals, and the availability of specialized veterinary diets. | Recipes are vet-formulated; made with the same principles that most veterinarians use to make recommendations to clients about how to determine a diet plan for their own pets. |
| Digestibility and Stool Quality | Many formulas are designed to support digestive health and promote optimal stool quality. They often contain a blend of prebiotics and fibers to support a balanced intestinal flora. | 90% of members report good stool quality. Some reviews mention the food has helped with digestive issues and diarrhea. |
| Coat Health Improvement | Some breed-specific formulas, like those for German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels, are designed to maintain healthy skin and coat. | Some users report a shinier and softer coat. |
| Allergen Information (Common Allergens) | Poultry, particularly chicken, is a common ingredient and can be a common allergen for some dogs. Also offers hypoallergenic formulas with limited ingredients for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. | Offers single-protein recipes. The service asks about potential food allergies to curate a specific plan for your dog. |
| Subscription Availability and Flexibility | Offers subscription services with automatic delivery. Subscriptions often include discounts and free delivery, and can be adjusted, paused, or canceled. | Customizable subscription service with easy cancellation and pausing of deliveries. |
| Customer Support and Satisfaction | Some customers have reported positive experiences with Royal Canin's customer service. Offers a Palatability Guarantee with a money-back guarantee if your pet refuses to eat the food. | Canine Care team available via email, chat, call, or text. |
| Price | Royal Canin is generally considered a premium brand, and its retail formulas typically cost more than mainstream brands. The veterinary diets can be even more expensive. | A week's worth of food ranges from $38.50 to $55, depending on the recipe. Ollie's fresh food is around $6 per pound. |
| Ratings | Not available | 90% of members report their pup having good-quality stool since starting Ollie. |