Royal Canin Veterinary Diet foods and VCA CareClub serve different purposes. Royal Canin provides specialized nutrition for pets with specific health conditions, while VCA CareClub offers wellness plans for preventative care. The choice between them depends on the individual needs of the pet and the owner's priorities.
| Attribute | Royal Canin Veterinary Diet foods | VCA CareClub |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Royal Canin Veterinary Diet foods | VCA CareClub |
| Prescription Requirement | Generally requires a prescription from a veterinarian, but some retailers may not require one. Consulting with a vet is important before feeding these diets. | Not available |
| Diet Type / Service Type | Hypoallergenic, Gastrointestinal, Urinary, Renal (Kidney Support), Weight Management, Anallergenic, Fibre Response, Diabetic, Mobility, Dermatological | Wellness plan (not a diet food) |
| Life Stage Suitability | Formulas tailored for puppy, adult, and senior pets | Junior Paws (up to 12 months), Adult Paws (7 months to 7 years), Senior Paws (7 years and older) |
| Specific Health Condition Targeted | Food allergies and intolerances, Digestive issues and sensitive stomachs, Urinary health and bladder stones, Kidney disease, Weight management, Skin sensitivities, Diabetes, Joint and mobility issues | Preventative care to maintain overall health and potentially prevent long-term illnesses; early disease detection and diagnostic testing |
| Main Protein Source | Hydrolyzed soy protein, Hydrolyzed poultry liver, Rabbit, Chicken by-product meal, Fish meal, Soy protein isolate (varies depending on the specific diet) | Not applicable (not a food item) |
| Available Sizes | Dry food: 1.5 lb to 26.4 lb bags; Wet food: 3 oz to 13.5 oz cans/pouches (varies depending on the specific product) | Not applicable (not a food item) |
| Guaranteed Analysis (Protein, Fat, Fiber) | Varies depending on the specific diet. Example: Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food - Protein: 21.0%, Fat content: 19.0%, Crude fiber: 1.1% | Not applicable |
| Ingredient Quality and Sourcing | Royal Canin claims to use high-quality ingredients and conduct extensive research. They test their food before and after cooking and conduct feeding trials. Some reviewers note the use of fillers like corn and potential inclusion of animal by-products. Ingredients are sourced based on quality and food safety standards. | Not applicable |
| Program Coverage (Preventive Care, Emergency) | VCA CareClub offers wellness plans covering preventative care services, including unlimited exams, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, and other services. Specific services vary depending on the plan (Junior, Adult, Senior). Optional add-ons like dental cleaning or spay/neuter may be available. | Wellness exams, vaccinations, microchipping, dental care, diagnostic lab work, unlimited exams (including sick and emergency). Some plans include spaying/neutering and dental cleaning. Does not cover grooming, bathing, nail trimming, or treatment for flea and tick-borne diseases. Not pet insurance; does not cover accidents and illnesses. |
| Monthly/Annual Cost | VCA CareClub plans start at around $50 per month and can increase to $100 or more per month with added coverage. Annual costs range from approximately $600 to over $2000, depending on the plan and add-ons. A one-time enrollment fee may apply. | Starts around $50 per month and can exceed $100 with add-ons. Varies depending on location, pet age, species, and plan tier. NYC: $70.99 - $94.99/month. Raleigh, NC: $46.99 - $87.99/month. Annual contracts typically required; early cancellation may incur penalties. |
| Network of Accepted Veterinary Hospitals | VCA CareClub plans are valid at over 1,000 VCA Animal Hospitals in the US and Canada. | Over 1,000 VCA locations in the US and Canada |
| Exclusions and Limitations | VCA CareClub is not pet insurance and does not cover accidents or illnesses. Exclusions may include grooming, bathing, nail trimming, and treatment for flea/tick-borne diseases. The plans may have a one year commitment. Some services may not be fully covered, and there may be limitations on certain benefits. | Not pet insurance; does not cover accidents or illnesses. May not cover pre-existing conditions; coverage can be limited based on veterinarian findings. Some services (grooming, anal gland expression) typically excluded. Annual contract required; penalty for early cancellation. Coverage limited to VCA Animal Hospitals. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |